Zimmer Brightens Up Spine Portfolio

Zimmer Holdings Inc. has rolled out its V2F anterior fixation system, a new implant designed for the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures, tumors, disc degeneration and other pathologies of the anterior spine. The system is Zimmer’s first lateral plate system for the spinal trauma segment, and was granted 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December last year.

The V2F system consists of a range of plates and screws designed to closely match the varying anatomy of the thoracolumbar spine. Leveraging a proprietary technology developed by Zimmer’s trauma business, the system incorporates variable-to-fixed locking cap technology, which is meant to enable surgeons to place screws at variable angles and to lock screw trajectory to the plate rigidly, or semi-constrained. This flexibility to place screws with variability of up to 15 degrees in any direction allows surgeons to avoid critical anatomical structures and better fit the existing anatomical structure, the company claims.

“Tumor and trauma pathology of the spine can result in complex anatomical challenges for surgeons,” said Steve Healy, president of Zimmer Spine business. “By incorporating novel variable-to-fixed screw and cap technology, the Zimmer V2F anterior fixation system offers surgeons greater flexibility to address the unique anatomy of every patient through variable screw and plate placement and fixation.”

The V2F also features “all-through-one” instrumentation to guide efficient screw placement; and 6 mm and 7 mm dual-lead screws to provide enhanced insertion speed and bone screw fixation.

According to Yahoo Finance, Zimmer’s spinal products revenues—which account for approximately 5 percent of total revenues—have been languishing over the last few quarters. Zimmer’s attempt to expand its spinal portfolio will hopefully provide some cushion to its struggling sales.

Headquartered in Warsaw, Ind., Zimmer makes orthopedic reconstructive, spinal and trauma devices, dental implants, and related surgical products.