Orthofix launches AM lumbar interbody device in US
June 30, 2021
Global medical device company Orthofix Medical, Inc, Lewisville, Texas, USA, has announced the US launch of the FORZA™ Ti PLIF Spacer System, as well as the system’s first patient implant. Developed to enhance posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) procedures, the additively manufactured FORZA Ti Spacer with Nanovate™ technology is a titanium lumbar interbody device featuring an optimised design, porosity and surface that allows bone to grow into and through the spacer.
“Posterior lumbar interbody fusion involves inserting an interbody device between the vertebrae during a spinal fusion surgery to help relieve pressure on nerves and hold the vertebrae in place while fusion occurs,” stated Dr Joel Siegal, the neurosurgeon at St Vincent Charity Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, who performed the first implant procedure. “Being able to maximise bone ingrowth is critical to the success of the fusion process. The large opening for packing bone grafting materials and the 3D-printed titanium endplates of the FORZA Ti Spacer are well designed to aid in our goal of maximising bone ingrowth to aid fusion.”
The spacer is additively manufactured with macro, micro and nanoscale surface features. The Nanovate technology, with which the spacer is manufactured, is a process patented by Integran where plated nanocrystalline metals allow higher performance at reduced weights due to the utilisation of the fine-grain structure. The spacer’s varying porosity is reported to better enable bone ingrowth and allows better visualisation via fluoroscopy (a real-time imagining technique). It is also manufactured with an open graft window which allows the placement of bone-grafting material.
“The FORZA Ti PLIF Spacer System, featuring Orthofix’s unique Nanovate Technology, is one of several new 3D-printed titanium products we have launched recently and highlights our commitment to delivering innovative solutions to the market,” commented Kevin Kenny, Orthofix president of Global Spine.
The FORZA Ti PLIF Spacer System is now available in the US through a targeted commercial release.
