One of the hottest topics at the 2007 AAOS was the the trend toward resurfacing rather than completely replacing joints damaged by arthritis and other causes. There are a variety of metallic, synthetic and biologic methods used in hip, knee, shoulder and extremity joint resurfacing, many designed for younger patients who wish to remain active and avoid total joint replacement.

Tissue engineering is one of the most promising technology opportunities in orthopedics. But for the companies that have pursued it, the biological process has become something of a waiting game.

Because of a conservative clinical culture and a skittish venture community, medical-device company creation has lagged in Europe. The reasons for the lack of device company creation are several: a physician community that is not only not entrepreneurial, but often averse to capitalizing on commercial opportunities; a venture capital community unfamiliar with devices; and a lack of

Despite the important role that French, German, and other European physicians play in developing and trialing new technology, and the equally important role that EU regulators play in offering a quick path to commercialization, the number of native European medical device companies is surprisingly small. There are hints that the bleak devicie picture might be brightening, however.