Alzenau, December 2, 2014. With the launch of POSEIDON® this year, SIGNUS (Alzenau) added one important option to the range of available vertebral body replacement implants: The development of an implant that – contrary to the previously conventional use of circular endplates – has rectangular superior and inferior endplates that minimize the risk of subsidence.
Distractible vertebral body replacements are routinely used to stabilize the spine. The use of these implants is indicated where the aim is to redirect the axial stress, at least in part, via the anterior column, and thus maintain the set position and prevent a loss of correction. Sintering and/or dislocation of the implants is repeatedly observed post-operatively. Due to the use of rectangular, convex endplates, which are supported by the cortical, more stable side of the vertebral body, no strain is put on the less stable core, thus preventing subsidence of the endplates into the soft, spongy centre of the bone. Even in the case of a defect in the vertebral body core, the resistance against subsidence and the rotational stability through the implant can be increased with the use of rectangular endplates in comparison with circular endplates.1 In addition, the retention teeth on the endplates ensure that the implant is securely anchored after distraction, thus minimizing the risk of dislocation. “Modularity was another key issue to us when designing POSEIDON®, so that an individually tailored solution can be found for each patient,” said SIGNUS Managing Director Uwe Siedler. Accordingly, POSEIDON® is offered in a broad array of heights and angles, with sample endplates provided for easy identification of the required size.
POSEIDON® in profile
POSEIDON® is used following complete or incomplete corpectomy after intervertebral body destruction, e.g. as a result of tumors, fractures or inflammation in the thoracic and lumbar spine. Given its modular design, the surgical approach can be decided by the surgeon. The endplates are mountable in increments of 45° and can be placed correctly using the appropriate setting tool. A total of 20 different endplate variations are possible, due to various heights and angles. As a further development step, endplates made of porous Structural Titanium (ST-LineTM) will be available in 2015.
For more information on POSEIDON® and the ST LineTM please visit:
www.signus.com.
Sources
1 Pekmezci M, McDonald E, Kennedy A, Dedini R, McClellan T, Ames C, Deviren V. Can a novel rectangular footplate provide higher resistance to subsidence than circular footplates? An ex vivo biomechanical study. Spine 2012;37(19):E1177-81.
SIGNUS company profile
SIGNUS Medizintechnik supports surgeons and medical professionals by providing innovative and safe solutions for the treatment of spinal disorders – to give patients the best possible mobility in their daily routines. Commitment creates trust: Our years of experience and comprehensive expertise give us a clear understanding of the needs of medical experts and patients. This enables us to quickly transform new requirements into reliable, premium quality products. This has been our goal as a family-run company since 1994.
