Innovations in Spinal Fusion Surgery

New minimally invasive spinal surgery products have been launched that represent the next generation in spinal fusion.

All the products were developed by Blackstone Medical, Inc. (Springfield, MA, USA). The ProView minimal access portal (MAP) system utilizes a unique, three-blade independently controlled expandable retractor and an easy-handling percutaneous screw delivery system that is used in conjunction with a modular spinal fixation system, giving surgeons optimal visual access to the fusion bed while allowing for a smaller incision.

The newly designed Reliant anterior cervical plating system, incorporating the features of the 3o anterior cervical plating system, offers the added advantage of a simpler, more advanced top-locking plate, which eliminates intraoperative adjustments and provides greater surgical efficiency.

The Unity LX lumbar fixation plate, a new addition to the Unity lumbosacral fixation system, can be used independently or in tandem with the Unity 51 lumbosacral fixation plate, simplifying an anterior lumbosacral fusion approach.

An expanded array of interbody devices is now available with the introduction of the Pillar Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) partial vertebral-body replacement system, a system of modular, incrementally-sized implants offering optimal fit options for the variations in human anatomy.

These new spinal fusion products were launched at the annual meeting of the North American Spine Society (NASS) in September 2006, in Seattle (WA, USA). Blackstone was recently acquired by Orthofix (McKinney, TX , USA).

"The various advancements in each of these spinal fusion products are direct answers to surgeons' real world intraoperative concerns,” said Matthew Lyons, president of Blackstone. "Our alignment with our medical advisory board members is integral to every aspect of our product development. Working with them allows us, as it has since 1996, to offer surgeons the most complete and the most advanced solutions in spine.”



Related Links:
Blackstone Medical
Orthofix