RAYNHAM, MA – May 21, 2008 – DePuy Spine, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, today announced the launch of the EXPEDIUM™ PEEK Rod System, a load-sharing posterior instrumentation system designed to increase anterior column loading and support the interbody fusion process in the thoracolumbar spine.
EXPEDIUM PEEK Rods shift compressive axial forces from the posterior elements to the interbody fusion site, more closely reproducing the normal loading characteristics of the lumbar spine. The EXPEDIUM PEEK Rod System also decreases forces on the bone screw interfaces compared to more rigid metal rod constructs.
EXPEDIUM PEEK Rods are made of PEEK-OPTIMA®*, a biocompatible polymer of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), which provides a unique combination of strength and flexibility for load sharing spinal instrumentation applications. The material is infused with Barium Sulfate, a radiopaque compound that allows surgeons to use standard X-ray technologies to visualize both the PEEK rod implants and the fusion mass site without the imaging interference associated with Titanium or Stainless Steel rods.
EXPEDIUM PEEK Rods are available in standard 5.5mm and 6.35mm diameters and feature round geometry, which helps reduce construct profile compared to larger diameter, oval shaped PEEK rod implants. Additionally, EXPEDIUM PEEK rods are compatible with the EXPEDIUM 5.5, 6.35 and VIPER™2 Spine Systems supporting both open and minimally invasive (MIS) approaches. Surgeons now have the freedom to make intraoperative decisions regarding the use of either Titanium or PEEK Rods without having to utilize two separate instrumentation systems.
“The EXPEDIUM PEEK Rod System offers a unique combination of load sharing design, imaging compatibility, and system versatility to address important clinical needs associated with lumbar fusion surgery,” said Alexander R. Vaccaro, MD, PhD, Thomas Jefferson University.
“Next-generation spinal stabilization technologies like the EXPEDIUM PEEK Rod System will play an important role in spinal care and DePuy Spine is committed to bringing a wide range of innovative solutions to this area,” said Ian Burgess, World Wide Vice President of Research and Development for DePuy Spine Inc.
About DePuy Spine
DePuy Spine, a Johnson & Johnson company, has worked and partnered with leading clinicians, researchers, and thought leaders to develop products to treat spine disorders for over 20 years. Today, DePuy Spine stands in the forefront of the worldwide spine market, with a substantial sales organization in the U.S. and an expanding worldwide distribution network. The company is committed to advancing the knowledge of all health care professionals and their patients in addressing spinal pathologies.
*PEEK-OPTIMA® is a registered trademark of Invibio® Biomaterial Solutions
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