The sports medicine market comprises a number of product segments, many of which span several different orthopedics specialties.This space is expected to experience strong growth going forward as companies develop innovative ways, including some lower-cost approaches, to treat the joint and soft-tissue injuries commonly suffered by athletes and other sports enthusiasts.

The latest medical device regulatory and reimbursement news from Elsevier Business Intelligence’s “The Gray Sheet.” This month we cover FDA’s proposed comprehensive postmarket surveillance strategy, as well as updates on proposed 510(k) reforms and device user fees.

With FDA’s decision to pull the indication for Avastin in breast cancer, CMS is now waiting and watching for residual use patterns.

Start-ups and investors are looking to address the large and growing gap between palliative treatment and major joint surgery for patients with cartilage damage in the knee, toes and hands - although the FDA is putting up more roadblocks than ever before. In this issue we profile Articulinx, Carticept Medical and Orthox.