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United States
Shoulder replacements in demand among the baby boomer population

Mis en ligne le 28/01/2008

The baby boomer population is driving the growth of once-obscure shoulder replacement surgeries at a record pace, with orthopedic device makers for market share by offering more and better technology.

To meet the rising demand, medical device companies are in a race to expand their product portfolios. Hip and knee replacements still far outnumber shoulder replacements, but there is a much greater awareness of the shoulder surgery now. "In the last five years, shoulder replacement surgeries have probably increased 25 to 33 percent", said Dr. Joseph D. Zuckerman, chairman of orthopedic surgery at New York University Medical Center and spokesman for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. "The development of arthritis is more common and more people now are seeking treatment for it." In Indiana, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Vivek Agrawal estimates the volume for shoulder replacements doubled at his practice from 2001 to present. That reflects the nationwide trend as well. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency that administers the program primarily to the elderly, said the number of allowed total shoulder replacements performed and paid for by the program rose 13 percent to 19,225 in 2006 from 16,960 in 2005. Over the years a number of hip and knee implant makers have widened their focus to shoulders. And more products are on the way. Patrick Treacy, vice president of marketing for Stryker Orthopaedics, estimates the overall shoulder device market is growing at about 10 percent a year. "Baby boomers are expecting much more out of their life and they're demanding more and not putting up with the pain, which has led to a greater awareness and therefore a greater adoption by physicians", said Treacy. The benefit to patients can be life-altering. Photographer Linda Hackett, 68, of New York barely had use of her arm due to osteoarthritis. In March, she underwent the surgery to repair her shoulder at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. "I go to the gym now. I do weights, curls and even pulldowns," Hackett said.

(Associated Press Newswires, 07/12/2007 : "More Baby Boomers getting new shoulders encourages orthopedic device makers into market")

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