Semirigid Spinal System Presents New Fusion Options

A new semirigid spinal system provides a solution for the aging population, many of which are likely to suffer from osteoporosis, vertebral compression fractures, stenosis and other spinal deformities.

The Alphatec Dynamo semirigid spinal system combines the Dynamo semirigid rod with the rigid stabilization of the company's Zodiac spinal fixation system, offering a new segmental solution for treating different stages of spinal degeneration at contiguous levels. The Dynamo provides surgeons with the ability to address varying degenerative indications and patient needs by matching the magnitude of stabilization needed for each of the multiple levels of spinal degeneration. The Dynamo system is a product of Alphatec Spine (Carlsbad, CA, USA) and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to provide stabilization and immobilization to the lumbar and sacral spine, as an adjunct to fusion.

"Dynamo is used in tandem with our Zodiac products and is designed to allow for controlled compression, distraction, flexion and extension of vertebrae adjacent to a fusion location, which should enable the patient to have an additional range of motion during the initial healing phase following fusion surgery,” said Kathe Liljestrand, vice president of marketing at Alphatec.

Spinal fusion surgery is most effective for those conditions involving only one vertebral segment. Most patients will not notice any limitation in motion after a one-level spine fusion. Only in rare cases should a three (or more) level fusion surgery for pain alone be considered, although it may be necessary in cases of scoliosis and lumbar deformity. However, spinal fusion of more than two segments is unlikely to provide pain relief because it removes too much of the normal motion in the lower back and places too much stress across the remaining joints.


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