A novel expandable titanium vertebral body replacement (VBR) provides enhanced stability following a corpectomy procedure.

The NuVasive X-Core Mini Cervical Expandable VBR system is indicated for use in the cervical spine area (C3-C7 vertebral bodies) in skeletally mature patients in order to replace a diseased or damaged vertebral body caused by tumor, fracture, or osteomyelitis. In addition, the X-Core Mini can be used for reconstruction following a corpectomy performed as a means to achieve decompression of the spinal cord and neural tissues in cervical degenerative disorders.

The design of X-Core Mini includes the VBR core, two endcaps that are connected to the core, an in situ expansion screw system with an integrated locking mechanism. A large central channel allows for copious amount of bone graft material to be placed, and a large anterior window allows for further augmentation after insertion and expansion. Supplemental fixation of the system is required via the proprietary Archon-R plate, which is used to form a more rigid and sturdy construct.

Both the X-Core Mini and Archon-R plate are intended for use with autograft or allogenic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft, as an adjunct to the fusion procedure itself. Integrity of the spinal column can be restored even in the absence of fusion for limited time periods in patients with advanced cervical spine tumors in whom life expectancy is of insufficient duration to permit achievement of fusion, with bone graft used at the surgeon's discretion. The X-Core Mini VBR system and Archon-R plate are products of NuVasive (San Diego, CA, USA).

“This assembly of best-in-class cervical products into a cohesive procedural offering further reinforces NuVasive's commitment to providing single-source, integrated procedural solutions to our customers,” said Pat Miles, COO of NuVasive. “Combining X-Core Mini VBR and Archon Reconstruction plate provides another excellent example of defining the components necessary to properly address an unmet market need, as NuVasive remains focused on becoming number one in spine.”

“The X-Core Mini system allows the surgeon a choice of endcaps and core diameters, ensuring each construct is optimized to best address each patient's individual surgical needs,” said neurosurgeon Neill Wright, MD, of Barnes Jewish Hospital (St. Louis, MO, USA). “I have used X-Core Mini in degenerative, neoplastic, traumatic, and infectious cases. With so many options of size and endcap, in each case, from the more common single level to the rare five-level corpectomy, the X-Core Mini has fit perfectly and simply.”

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