Ceramic Spinal Implant Helps Stabilize the Spine

A novel vertebral body replacement (VBR) implant made of micro composite (MC) silicon nitride aids surgical correction and stabilization of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Valeo VBR ceramic spinal implant is intended to aid in the surgical correction and stabilization of the thoracolumbar spine (Ti to L5) to replace or restore height of a collapsed, damaged, diseased, or unstable vertebral body or portion thereof, restoring the biomechanical integrity of the anterior, middle, and posterior spinal column, even in the absence of fusion for a prolonged period. The device works by serving as a spacer to maintain proper vertebral body spacing and angulation following partial or total corpectomy procedures, and is always to be used with supplemental internal spinal fixation.


The ceramic spinal implant utilizes the unique material characteristics of silicon nitride (Si3N4) to increase fusion potential by providing a hydrophilic and bone-friendly surface structure that can enhance bone attachment. The micrometer-size surface topography and negative charge help promote osteogenesis, thus making it also suitable for use with a bone graft. In addition, the fine grain structure helps make the material fracture resistant, and semiradiolucent characteristic assist accurate placement and postoperative assessment. The Valeo VBR ceramic spinal implant is a product of Amedica (Salt Lake City, UT, USA).

“We are excited to offer surgeons yet another option for use of our silicon nitride technology. The availability of this product will result in ease of use for surgeons and potentially better outcomes for patients. This is just one of many future applications that we envision for this unique material,” said Eric Olsen, President and CEO of Amedica.

Spinal VBR devices are fixation orthosis systems that of consist various sizes and forms of vertebral plates that are placed among the vertebral bodies. The devices are used to apply force to a series of vertebrae to correct sway back, curvatures of the spine such as scoliosis, or other conditions.

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