08.05.13
New research suggests using Lanx Inc.’s Aspen MIS (minimally invasive surgery) fusion system in conjunction with lumbar discectomy can help decrease the incidence of subsequent disc reherniation while providing a less invasive fusion procedure. The case series was published online ahead of print in Surgical Technology International.
“Recurrent lumbar disc herniation is not uncommon after discectomy, yet most surgeons are hesitant to perform a traditional instrumented fusion to supplement the procedure due to the associated risk of complications and lengthy recovery,” said Study author Jeffrey Oppenheim, M.D., chief of the neurosurgery section of Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, N.Y. “This review suggests fixation with the Aspen device may offer an ideal surgical method to help reduce the incidence of disc reherniation by promoting solid fusion with a minimally invasive surgical technique.”
The retrospective study, titled “Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation Treated with Interspinous Fusion and Instrumentation: A Case Series,” evaluated four patients treated with repeat micro lumbar discectomy (MLD) with Aspen device fixation for recurrent disc herniation and associated radiculopathy and instability. All had previously undergone at least one MLD without fusion. There were no intraoperative complications and patients remained in the hospital for an average of one day. At an average follow-up of 21 months, patients demonstrated functional improvement, with no clinical evidence of complications or reherniation.
“This is the first of several published studies on the clinical application of the Aspen device expected over the next 12 months, as spine surgeons across the country document and share their experiences with the system,” said Dan Gladney, CEO of Lanx. “The research supports the role of the technology in enabling less invasive fusion and offering new avenues to address persistent clinical challenges, such as disc reherniation, so surgeons can achieve the best possible short and long-term outcomes for patients.”
The Aspen system was developed as a less invasive alternative to pedicle screw fixation while providing comparable biomechanical stability. It is currently being used in a wide range of surgical applications for the treatment of degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal trauma or spinal tumor.
Lanx is a spine technology company headquartered in Broomfield, Colo.
“Recurrent lumbar disc herniation is not uncommon after discectomy, yet most surgeons are hesitant to perform a traditional instrumented fusion to supplement the procedure due to the associated risk of complications and lengthy recovery,” said Study author Jeffrey Oppenheim, M.D., chief of the neurosurgery section of Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, N.Y. “This review suggests fixation with the Aspen device may offer an ideal surgical method to help reduce the incidence of disc reherniation by promoting solid fusion with a minimally invasive surgical technique.”
The retrospective study, titled “Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation Treated with Interspinous Fusion and Instrumentation: A Case Series,” evaluated four patients treated with repeat micro lumbar discectomy (MLD) with Aspen device fixation for recurrent disc herniation and associated radiculopathy and instability. All had previously undergone at least one MLD without fusion. There were no intraoperative complications and patients remained in the hospital for an average of one day. At an average follow-up of 21 months, patients demonstrated functional improvement, with no clinical evidence of complications or reherniation.
“This is the first of several published studies on the clinical application of the Aspen device expected over the next 12 months, as spine surgeons across the country document and share their experiences with the system,” said Dan Gladney, CEO of Lanx. “The research supports the role of the technology in enabling less invasive fusion and offering new avenues to address persistent clinical challenges, such as disc reherniation, so surgeons can achieve the best possible short and long-term outcomes for patients.”
The Aspen system was developed as a less invasive alternative to pedicle screw fixation while providing comparable biomechanical stability. It is currently being used in a wide range of surgical applications for the treatment of degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal trauma or spinal tumor.
Lanx is a spine technology company headquartered in Broomfield, Colo.