US-based Medtronic has introduced its CD Horizon Solera Spinal System Sagittal Adjusting Screw (SAS), which could be used in the surgical correction of complex spinal conditions.
The SAS system is the company’s fifth-generation spinal fusion system and is intended to treat a diverse set of spinal conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, fracture, dislocation, failed previous fusions, tumors and, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
The SAS consists of a fixed head which is made up of cobalt chrome that contain a sliding saddle.
The concept offers vertebral body control and can accomodate rod seating, which thereby enables surgeons to position the SAS in the natural kyphotic (outward) and lordotic (inward) curves of the spine.
Medtronic senior vice president Doug King said that the Sagittal Adjusting Screw is another key element in enhancing the capability of its CD Horizon Solera pedicle fixation system.
"It brings new innovation to the market and extends our industry-leading portfolio of spinal therapies," King added.
The risks, however, associated with this type of system include loosening, disassembly, bending, and/or breakage of components, fracture, microfracture, resorption, damage, or penetration of any spinal bone.
Hence, it is crucial to select the right size, shape, and design of the implant for its safer use. Besides, each surgical case may not always achieve successful results, the company cautioned.
The company also claimed that the safety and effectiveness of this device has not been established for use as part of a growing rod construct in pediatric cases, and is only meant to be used only when definitive fusion is being performed at all instrumented levels.