Bone Composite for Vertebral Compression Fractures

A recent study involving 53 patients in Europe who were treated with a new synthetic cortical bone void filler for vertebral compression fractures has shown promising results, reports the developer. Another study, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is soon to begin in the United States. In the procedure, known as vertebroplasty, a synthetic biomaterial is injected percutaneously through the skin into the fractured vertebra to stabilize and restore load-bearing capability.

Called Cortoss, the composite has high-strength, is biocompatible and self-setting, and binds to bone. When administered directly to the affected area, by means of a prefilled disposable cartridge, Cortoss has the capacity to provide immediate weight-bearing support. In surgery, because its inherent radiopacity makes it very easy to see using standard imaging techniques, it is expected to increase the safety of a procedure, states Orthovita, Inc. (Malvern, PA, USA), which developed the composite. A US trial is also testing Cortoss for use in bone screw augmentation for patients with weak bone caused by osteoporosis.

"Cortoss possesses unique mechanical, biochemical, and delivery characteristics that could represent significant advances in care for a very large number of patients,” said Maarten Persenaire, M.D., vice president, medical affairs, at Orthovita.




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