Core77

The NYTimes has a good article entitled The Spine As Profit Center, outlining issues of both efficacy and incentive. Here's a juicy bit:

Within the medical device industry, it has been well chronicled how companies use consulting ties and other financial relationships to try to gain favor with the surgeons using their devices. But critics are especially troubled by the emerging trend in spinal devices, which so far has occurred largely under the radar.

Doctors' taking significant ownership stakes in spinal parts makers, critics say, provides an extra financial incentive for a doctor to recommend a surgery. It may be one of the most distinct examples yet of the way monetary considerations can play a role in the way doctors practice medicine.

Oh, and a single screw sells for approx. $1000--a ten-fold markup on what it actually costs to make it.