This research service summarizes the technology breakthroughs in spinal implants with respect to biomaterial technologies such as metals; polymers; ceramics; combination products and stem cells. There is also a focus on industry trends and novel biomaterial technology offerings that are enabling the advancement of new and improved spinal implants. There is intense competition within the biomaterial industry for spinal implants today and some of the emerging opportunities lie in the areas of minimally invasive surgery, surgical robotics, tissue engineering, surface modification technologies, nanotechnology and 3D printing.