Zimmer Spine Implant Now Available in United States

The TM Ardis Interbody metal implant made by Zimmer Holdings was introduced in the Netherlands in May. Now, the device indicated for use with autogenous bone grafts in the lumbosacral region comes to the United States. The device is implanted at one or two connected levels in the lumbar region, and is used to treat degenerative disc disease up to grade 1 spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis at the involved levels. Spondylolisthesis the anterior displacement of a vertebra in the lower spine, and retrolisthesis is the posterior displacement of the same. Both conditions are not as severe as dislocation.

TM Ardis is available in three lengths, two widths and eight heights. It features an updated anatomical shape touted to allow for easier insertion into the disc space, according to the company.

The implant is constructed with Zimmer’s Trabecular metal technology, which imitates cancellous bone (also known as trabecular bone). The company claims the technology is elastic, supports boney in-growth between the implant and the bone and promotes biologic fixation. The implant also features a large surface area available for biologic fixation so that that the Trabecular metal material of the implant can more evenly distribute the load and decrease the risk of stress shielding.

Intended for use singly or in pairs with supplemental fixation, the Interbody system is implanted using a posterior or transforaminal (entry though the foramen, the opening at the side of the spine where a nerve roots exits) approach. Patients with previous non-fusion spinal surgery at an involved level may be treated with the device. Candidates for the implant must be skeletally mature and have had six months of non-operative treatment.

“This system, which incorporates Trabecular metal technology, is truly differentiated and we are confident it will offer clinical advantages in the treatment of degenerative disc disease,” said Zimmer Spine President Steve Healy at the product launch in Europe.

This month, he had this to say:

“Products like the TM Ardis System with Trabecular Metal Technology align with Zimmer’s strategy to develop innovative technologies that are designed to restore patient mobility, alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for patients around the world.”

Zimmer Spine is a division of Zimmer Holdings, which is based in Warsaw, Ind. The Spine facility is located in Minneapolis, Minn.