Medtronic has obtained the CE Mark and initiated the European launch of its Compact Cornerstone-SR Alliance cage, a new cervical system designed to treat cervical disc disease.
Compatible with existing spinal instrumentation, Compact Cornerstone-SR Alliance cage gives the surgeon a range of implant options for different patient anatomies.
The new product expands on the Cornerstone-SR technology and includes four new titanium fixation spikes, beveled edge and side chambers. At present, the implants are not available in the US.
The anatomical cervical cages’ hollow design allows for in situ packing with autograft or synthetic bone substitute.
Cervical cages are implants that areusually used in the treatment of cervical spine disease. If diseased, the spinal disc can shrink from its normal stature, putting pressure on nerves and causing pain in the neck and arms.
The Compact Cornerstone-SR Alliance implant helps stabilise spine and promote bone fusion following interbody fusion surgery. It was developed using knowledge gained from Medtronic’s acquisition of Advanced Medical Technologies in mid-2012.
Medtronic vice-president spinal and biologics Western Europe and Canada Steve Swinson said anterior cervical spine surgeries remain commonplace and innovation in the market was needed.
"With the addition of the Cornerstone-SR Alliance cage to our cervical Interbody platform, Medtronic continues to answer the surgeon and hospital needs of today," Swinson said.
The Compact Cornerstone-SR and Compact Cornerstone-SR Alliance implants are available in a variety of widths, heights and geometrics for adaptability to patient anatomy.
The company also cautioned on the occurrence of adverse effects when the device is used either with or without associated instrumentation.
Potential adverse events can include early or late loosening or movement of the devices, implant dislodgement, and breakage of the components or instruments.
According to GlobalData estimates, Spinal Fusion market in Europe was valued at $999m in 2012 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% to reach $1.37bn by 2019.
