SAN JOSE, Calif. – (Business Wire) DFine, Inc., a developer of minimally invasive solutions for treating vertebral compression fractures, announced today that over 2,000 patients with over 3000 fractures have been treated globally with the RF Kyphoplasty procedure using the StabiliT® Vertebral Augmentation System.
“We are pleased to have reached this important milestone as we continue to build our distribution channel and expand commercialization efforts globally. It is particularly gratifying to hear the positive comments from spine specialists performing RF Kyphoplasty and most importantly the patients who have benefited from our products,” said Kevin Mosher, Chief Executive Officer of DFine Inc. “We believe DFine’s technology is truly unique, increasing the potential for improved safety and patient outcomes by providing physicians unparalleled control in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures.” With several pipeline products set for release later this year, DFine is poised to become the technology leader in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures increasing market presence and the availability of this minimally invasive treatment to spine specialists and patients around the world.
About Vertebral Compression Fractures:
There are approximately 750,000 vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) due to osteoporosis that occur in the US each year with only 1/3 being diagnosed by physicians.[1][2] Several studies have documented a decrease in mobility, patient quality of life and life expectancy due to osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures indicating it is a significant problem for elderly patients.[3][4][5] Economic studies have shown there are over 100,000 admissions due to VCFs in the US each year costing in excess of $500 Million/year in the United States alone.[6][7] As pain medication and bed rest can exacerbate the degree of bone loss and decrease patient mobility leading to other medical problems, the use of minimally invasive treatments like vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty have become increasingly common in the US and Europe to relieve pain and regain patient mobility.[1],[6]
About DFine
DFine, Inc., a privately held medical device company based in San Jose, Calif., is dedicated to advancing minimally invasive solutions for treating vertebral compression fractures and other spinal disorders to improve patient quality of life. DFine’s RF Kyphoplasty procedure with the StabiliT® Vertebral Augmentation System provides physicians greater control through site and size specific cavity creation and an ultra high viscosity cement to stabilize the fracture, relieving pain and improving patient quality of life. For more information, visit www.dfineinc.com.
References
1. Melton L, Thamer M, Ray N et al. Fractures attributable to osteoporosis: report from the National Osteoporosis Foundation. J Bone Miner Res 12:16-23 1997
2. Papaioannou A, Watts N et al. Diagnosis and Management of Vertebral Fractures in Elderly Adults. Am J Med 113:220-228 2002
3. Gold D. The Clinical Impact of Vertebral Fractures: Quality of Life in Women with Osteoporosis. Bone 18:1855-1895 1996
4. Kado D, Browner W et al. Vertebral Fractures and Mortality in Older Women. Arch Inter Med 159:1215-1220 1999
5. Cauley, J Thompson D et al. Risk of Mortality Following Clinical Fractures. Osteoporosis International 11:556-561 2000
6. Gehlbach S, Burge T, et al. Hospital care of osteoporosis-related vertebral body fractures. Osteoporosis International 14:53-60; 2003
7. Riggs B, Melton L. The Worldwide Problem of Osteoporosis: Insights Afforded by Epidemiology. Bone 17:505S-511S 1995
DFine Inc.
Ben Murdock, 408-321-9999 ext. 238
Director of Marketing
benm@dfineinc.com
