Lanx, Inc. has launched the first anterior cervical fusion system to feature three low-profile plate options.
That’s the claim made in a March 4, 2013 statement from the company announcing the launch of its Alta Stand-Alone ACDF system for a less invasive approach to fusion.
The system is a stand-alone integrated plate and interbody system intended for the treatment of degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine. It includes modular zero-profile and low-profile plate options to support a range of patient anatomies for improved intraoperative flexibility. The zero-plate is designed for use with two lag screws, while the half-and full-plates accommodate three and four lag screws, respectively, for additional stability.
The company also noted the system features smooth, secure screw locking caps for patient comfort, and the PEEK interbody is available in multiple large footprints with increased graft volume. The system’s compact instrumentation and device size also enable reduced tissue retraction for a less invasive implantation. Alta is expected to be fully commercialized in the U.S. this fall.
Dan Gladney, the company’s CEO said the system “is the first to offer surgeons true versatility in the operating room through its modular plates and various screw angles, designed to meet the anatomic needs of each patient. Its addition to our cervical fusion portfolio supports our continued focus on reducing invasiveness, optimizing safety, and increasing overall efficiency in spine surgery.”
John Wanebo, M.D., neurosurgeon at Barrow Neurosurgical Associates in Phoenix, Arizona, said the system “is a novel modular cage-plate device for the cervical spine, with an evolved design to maximize ease of use for the surgeon. The full-plate option has been quite effective in trauma cases, while the half-plate applies well to the ends of the cervical spine. In my experience, the small footprint and low-profile of each plate option also reduce the amount of dissection necessary and help decrease the invasiveness of the procedure.”
Lanx is one of the largest privately held global spine companies with a full line of fusion devices; including its Timberline lateral fusion system and Aspen MIS fusion system.
