Amedica, a spinal and orthopaedic implant and instrument company focused on silicon nitride (SiN) ceramic technologies, has been granted two US patents for its total disc replacement (TDR) technology that features the use of silicon nitride in the construction of the complete implant.
The US Patent Nos 7,758,646 B2 and 7,771,481 B2 cover the disc’s design and the use of the silicon nitride ceramic materials in its construction.
The TDR is designed to maintain a full range of natural motion following implantation while providing resistance to extreme rotation of the spine.
The TDR is used as a prosthetic replacement for one or more surgically removed discs and maintains intervertebral anatomy, designed to be implanted into the inter-vertebral space between adjacent spinal discs or vertebrae.
Amedica director, president and CEO Ben Shappley said that the exclusive use of silicon nitride technology in the development of the TDR furthers the benefits of silicon nitride to both surgeons and patients and reinforces the increasing importance of the technology in the growing spine and reconstructive implant orthopaedics market.
“Using silicon nitride technology in the construction of the entire implant is a major breakthrough for spinal devices. With the use of silicon nitride and its remarkable strength and wear characteristics, surgeons are able to avoid the problems and degenerative conditions associated with implant devices using older technologies,” Shappley said.