Zimmer Inks Deal with SpineCraft to Distribute APEX Spine System

Zimmer Spine Inc. is now distrbuting the Apex Spine System, a set of implants and instruments designed to correct a range of spinal deformities, as well as complex and degenerative spinal diseases. Under the terms of a long-term agreement with SpineCraft, based in Westmont, Ill., Zimmer Spine exclusively will sell the Apex system to healthcare organizations in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The Apex Spine System is a pedicle screw fixation system that provides immobilization and stabilization in the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine regions, in the surgical treatment of acute and chronic spinal instabilities and deformities. Designed for adult patients as an adjunct to spinal fusion, the APEX Spine System consists of longitudinal rods, pedicle screws, hooks, lateral connectors and cross connectors. With a comprehensive range of component sizes, the Apex system addresses a broad range of spinal pathologies with a low-profile design that allows surgeons to maximize bone graft, according to Zimmer. The system’s instruments are designed to shorten surgery time while enabling safer, more controlled correction of spinal deformities, according to a joint statement from Zimmer and SpineCraft.

“The Apex spine system represents a true union of intuitive design and engineering excellence,” said Steve Healy, president of Minneapolis, Minn.-based Zimmer Spine. “These innovative implants and instrumentation offer powerful correction capabilities with excellent intraoperative flexibility. This state-of-the-art pedicle fixation system represents a natural fit for Zimmer Spine’s expanding portfolio, enabling surgeons to meet the unique needs of their complex spine and deformity patients, as well as patients with degenerative pathologies.”

The system was designed by a team of spine surgeons practicing in the Chicago, Ill., area. SpineCraft received U.S. Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance to market the system in 2006 and, to date, it has been used in more than 3,500 clinical cases, according to SpineCraft.

Zimmer Spine is a division of Warsaw, Ind.-based Zimmer Holdings Inc. a maker of orthopedic reconstructive, spinal and trauma devices, dental implants, and related surgical products.

Privately held SpineCraft was founded in 2004 by a business team of spine experts and surgeons. The company develops and manufactures surgical implants and instrumentation for use in spinal surgery.