1.   Other class actions rejected recently in favor of individual trials include cases involving penile implants made by American Medical Systems Inc., orthopedic bone screws and medical catheters.

2.   Proponents also say that the cage offers a better chance of successful fusion than traditional bone screws, because bone can actually grow into the device.

3.   The ruling had a more serious impact on shares of Sofamor Danek Group Inc., which faces lawsuits about orthopedic bone screws.

4.   The plaintiffs alleged that they suffered permanent damage when orthopedic bone screws were inserted into their spines.

5.   Their lawsuits said Buckman won FDA approval under a pretext because it had been intended all along to market the bone screws for use in spinal surgery.

6.   Their lawsuits said Buckman won FDA approval under a pretext because it intended all along to market the bone screws for use in spinal surgery.

7.   Thousands of people who contend they were injured after the bone screws were implanted into their spines sued Buckman, alleging that it perpetrated a fraud against the FDA.