Clinical operations note: globus-medical-what-i039ve-learned-about-their-products-people-and-strategy-2025-85

I remember my first encounter with a Globus Medical rep. It was 2018, and I was setting up a purchasing framework for a new surgical center. Someone handed me a catalog that looked like a phone book—spine implants, surgical instruments, imaging systems, even dental equipment. I assumed they were just another distributor, slapping their label on other people's stuff. Turns out I was wrong. After working with them for a few years—including a rather embarrassing $4,000 mistake on a surgical kit that I'll get into—I've got a pretty clear picture of what they actually do. Here are the questions I get asked most often.

Frequently Asked Questions About Globus Medical

1. What exactly does Globus Medical do? I see them mentioned everywhere from spine surgery to patient monitoring.

That's the thing that tripped me up initially too. Globus Medical isn't just a spine company anymore—though that's where they started and where they're still dominant. They design, develop, and manufacture commercial medical devices across a bunch of specialties. Their portfolio includes spinal implants and surgical instruments (that's the core), but they've branched out into:

• Medical imaging: CT, MRI, ultrasound, X-ray systems
• Patient monitoring: ECG, pulse oximeters
• Surgical navigation: Their big one is the ExcelsiusGPS robotic guidance system
• Dental equipment: Handpieces, imaging
• Rehabilitation aids and energy devices

The breadth was a surprise to me. I went in expecting a focused spine manufacturer and found a company trying to be a one-stop shop for surgical centers and hospitals. It's a specific strategy—and it has pros and cons.

2. The Globus Medical acquisition of Nevro in 2025—is that a big deal? What changed?

Yeah, that one made headlines. Globus Medical acquired Nevro, a company focused on spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain, in a deal that closed in early 2025. I've been tracking this since it was announced in 2024.

From my perspective, the acquisition fills a gap in their pain management portfolio. Globus had the hardware for surgery (implants, screws, rods) and the navigation (ExcelsiusGPS), but they were relatively weak on the neuromodulation side—exactly where Nevro excels. So now they can offer a surgeon a complete package: implant the hardware, navigate it with robotics, and manage post-op pain with Nevro's technology.

But here's the catch: Mergers like this always create integration headaches. I've heard from contacts at surgical centers that the sales teams from both companies are still figuring out coverage territories. It's a work in progress. Should be smoother by late 2025.

3. How many employees does Globus Medical have? Are they a huge company?

I had to double-check this one. According to their latest public filings (Q4 2024), they had around 3,500 employees. Maybe 3,600 if you include the recent Nevro hires. But don't quote me on the exact number—I'm pulling from memory.

For a medical device company, that's substantial but not gigantic. Compare that to, say, Medtronic (100,000+ employees) or Stryker (50,000+). Globus is more of a aggressive mid-tier player. They've grown fast—I think they had maybe 1,800 employees back in 2019. The Nevro acquisition alone added roughly 600 people.

What I've noticed: the culture seems more entrepreneurial than the big guys. Less bureaucracy, faster decisions. But that's just my impression from talking to a few of their folks.

4. What is their robotic surgery system, and how does it compare to others?

Their robot is the ExcelsiusGPS. It's a robotic navigation system used primarily for spine surgery—placing screws, guiding instruments, that kind of thing.

I've seen it in action once (at a demo, not a live surgery, thank goodness). The thing that stood out to me was the integration. It combines real-time imaging with robotic guidance, so the surgeon can plan the screw placement on a 3D model and then the robot helps execute that plan with high precision. The accuracy claims are impressive—sub-millimeter—but take that with a grain of salt. Real-world outcomes vary.

How does it compare? People always ask about Medtronic's Mazor X or Stryker's Mako. I'd say the ExcelsiusGPS is competitive on accuracy but arguably has better workflow. I've heard surgeons say the setup time is faster, which in a busy OR matters. That said, the capital cost is significant—we're talking half a million or more for the system. So it's not for every facility.

5. I keep hearing about 'autoclave machine' in relation to surgical instruments. What should I know about sterilization for Globus instruments?

That's an operational question, and honestly, it's where we've had our biggest headaches. Globus's surgical instruments—the trays, the drills, the reusable components—need to be sterilized properly. Their instructions for use specify standard steam autoclaving cycles (usually 134°C for 3-4 minutes, or 121°C for 15-20 minutes, depending on the instrument).

Here's the mistake I made: I assumed all their instruments could be processed the same way. Wrong. Some of their newer instruments, especially those with integrated sensors or batteries, have different requirements. I once approved a sterilization protocol based on an older instrument's specs—and it damaged $4,000 worth of drill attachments. That was a rough conversation with the surgeon.

My advice: check the specific instrument's IFU (Instructions for Use) every time. Don't rely on memory. And invest in a quality autoclave—the cheaper ones often have uneven temperature distribution, which can compromise sterilization even if the cycle seems right.

6. What is medical ultrasound? And does Globus Medical make ultrasound systems worth considering?

Okay, that's a foundational one. Medical ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal body structures. It's commonly used for abdominal exams, pregnancy monitoring, and guiding procedures like needle biopsies.

Does Globus make ultrasounds? Yes, they have an ultrasound line. But to be honest, I don't think that's their strongest area. Their core competency is in surgical hardware and navigation. Their ultrasound systems are decent for point-of-care applications—portable units for OR use—but if you're building a radiology department, you'd probably look at GE, Philips, or Siemens first.

Where Globus ultrasound makes sense: if you're already buying a bunch of their surgical equipment and want a bundled deal for the OR's diagnostic needs. The integration with their navigation systems is a plus. But as a standalone purchase? I'd shop around.

7. What's the bottom line on Globus Medical? Should my facility consider them as a primary vendor?

Depends on your needs. Here's my take after a few years of experience:

• If you're doing a lot of spine surgery and want the latest navigation technology: yes, they're a strong contender. The ExcelsiusGPS is genuinely innovative, and their implant range is broad.
• If you want a single vendor for multiple departments (surgery, imaging, dental): they're convenient, but don't sacrifice quality for convenience. Evaluate each product line individually.
• If you're cost-sensitive: Globus isn't the cheapest. And they're not the most expensive either. They're mid-to-premium. The total cost includes not just the implants but the instruments, the service contracts, and the training. Factor all that in.

I personally wouldn't make them my exclusive vendor—that puts too much risk on one supplier. But having them as a primary spine partner? That's worked well for several surgical centers I've worked with. Just keep your own checklists and call me if you need the sterilization protocols. I've got a few tips.