Here are 10 spine surgeons and specialists who have a focus on research and development in spinal biologics.

Here are 12 orthopedic and spine technology research and development projects.

Seven spine surgeons discuss their research and development plans for 2012.

Eminent Spine, a Georgetown, Texas-based medical device company, has recently completed and released the results of a study of its King Cobra Anterior Cervical Plate in which none of the 25 patients experience complications.

The CORE Institute, a Phoenix-based center for orthopedics, has launched a charitable organization dedicated to supporting orthopedic research and development, according to a news release from The CORE Institute.

Medtronic has opened an orthopedic research and development center in Beijing with its partner, Shandong Weigao Group, according to a China Daily report.

Here are eight research and development projects regarding orthopedic and spine devices.

Beijing, China-based orthopedic device company Bonovo Orthopedics has formed a new division dedicated to joint reconstruction, according to a company news release.

Q: Has access to financing/capital improved over recent months for ASC start-ups or are groups still struggling?
Kyle Goldammer: In our opinion, groups are still struggling with financing. Although financing is available, the down payment required for large projects has gone from 20 percent down to 25-40 percent down. The banks not only want personal guarantees (the bane of all physicians' existences), but they are also asking for joint and several guarantees. This can be a deal killer.  

This article summarizes several issues that are critical to establishing an ASC. The article focuses on business and planning issues and does not focus on legal and regulatory issues for ASCs. In addition, industry experts offer their advice on some of these areas.