ID: 2011-042 A spinal implant that restores healthy motion to a degenerated spinal segment.
Principal Investigator: Anton Bowden
The device is unique in that it is capable of distracting and supporting an intervertebral disc, while supplying a tailorable force-deflection response based on individual patient need. The device leverages principles of compliant mechanism design that provides motion in a similar manner to that of the spine itself. Based on surgeon feedback, the device has been designed to fit within the space between adjacent pedicles on the spine and be approximately the same circumference as the pedicle screw heads used to fixate the device.
The device provides advantages in terms of biomechanics, tailorability, wear debris generation, and surgical approach. From a biomechanics perspective, the device restores natural quality of spinal motion and restores intervertebral disc height while supporting the existing spinal disc. Because the device was designed as a compliant mechanism, wear debris generation is minimized. Based on feedback from practicing surgeons, the device profile and positioning have been designed to integrate well with the anatomy of the patient. The surgical approach for implanting the pedicle-screw mounted device is familiar and generally well-liked by surgeons.
About the Market:
The device is used to dynamically support the unstable spinal segment. Targeted clinical indications include discectomy patients (350,000 procedures in the US in 2009) and spinal fusion patients (440,000 procedures in the US in 2009).
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