Socioeconomic Impact of COVID-19 on Spinal Instrumentation Companies in the Era of Decreased Elective Surgery

Since the onset of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global health crisis, there has been an unprecedented change to the field of spinal surgery. Comprehensive protocols and algorithms have been implemented globally to maximize available bed space, conserve personal protective equipment, and to minimize exposure. This has resulted in a sharp decline in elective spinal surgery and placed an undue burden on the spinal industry. As the landscape of elective surgery changes, this paper looks to analyze the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has and will have on spinal instrumentation companies, surgeons, and the spinal industry. Changes in government policies, patient care, financial markets, and distribution have all presented an unprecedented strain on spinal instrumentation companies. A narrative literature review was performed using published literature from PubMed. Due to the socioeconomic and financial nature of this review, data collection from financial references was also obtained and cited. With significant financial losses reported throughout the spinal industry and medical field, this paper discusses managing the COVID-19 pandemic and the future prospectus moving forward. As the pandemic continues to unfold, it remains difficult to predict the exact timing for broad resumption of elective medical procedures, and the extent to which the pandemic will affect the industry. Preparation aimed at facilitating efficient resource allocation and communication among surgeons, surgical instrumentation representatives and hospital leadership is essential as we transition forward and reestablish normalcy under the new constraints of COVID-19.