Spinal fusion is a powerful tool used for a wide range of conditions including trauma, deformity, degeneration and tumors. One of the most feared complications of it is pseudarthrosis, a fusion failure. This usually takes place because of inadequate immobilization of the spine while the fusion is maturing. The current gold standard for spinal fusion is the use of pedicle screws, however in certain cases these cannot be used, so other effective methods of spine fixation are used.
The Aspen line of spinal instrumentation products from Lanx is unique in that it utilizes the spinous processes for fixation in single level spinal fusions. These devices can be used for less invasive surgery under certain circumstances. This technique gets a little difficult towards the lumbrosacral junction, however, and this is where their new product, the Aspen Flared 5-1 device, comes into play. It is uniquely shaped to allow fixation into this area.
More from the company:
The Aspen Flared 5-1 device builds on the clinical success of the Aspen Family to provide rigid posterior fixation at the L5-S1 level, which is involved in over 40 percent of lumbar fusion cases. The device features a unique angle on each ventral plate for improved anatomic fit at L5-S1 by conforming to the sacral anatomy. The flared angle also allows the implant to securely fixate at the laminar junction of any level for anterior placement and optimal bony engagement.
Press release: Lanx, Inc. Announces Launch of Aspen™ Flared 5-1 MIS Fusion System
Product page: Aspen Spinous Process Fixation System