Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine, and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common spinal deformity in the pediatric population, with worldwide prevalence ranging from 0.47 percent to 12 percent. Surgical treatment of AIS traditionally involves three-dimensional correction with rods and fusion of the spine. A significant challenge associated with the surgical treatment of AIS is intraoperative rod flattening, which can hinder achieving and maintaining the desired corrected spinal contour and restored balance, enabling patients to move more efficiently throughout their day-to-day lives.
DePuy Synthes, a global leader in orthopedic and neurosurgery solutions, continues to set the standard in spinal surgery innovation with the introduction of the ALTALYNE™ Ultra Alignment System. This advanced technology is designed to tackle the challenges associated with complex spine cases, offering surgeons a superior option for addressing intraoperative rod flattening.
Rods with a higher bending yield strength are more resistant to intraoperative flattening, allowing them to maintain their customized contour and help surgeons achieve the desired spinal correction for their patients. The ALTALYNE™ Ultra Alignment System delivers greater bending yield strength in a lower profile through advanced material science that employs a specific cobalt-chromium alloy. While this alloy has been used previously in spinal wires, the ALTALYNE™ Ultra Alignment System is the first application of this metal in spinal rods.
One of the standout features of the ALTALYNE™ Ultra Alignment System is its remarkable strength. Traditional rods often face limitations in maintaining their structural integrity during surgery. However, the ALTALYNE™ Ultra Alignment System overcomes this issue by providing greater strength without compromising the rod profile. This is particularly important, as maintaining a low profile can reduce the risk of complications and improve patient outcomes.
The key to the ALTALYNE™ Ultra Alignment System’s superior performance lies in its use of an extremely innovative alloy. This advanced material enables the 5.5mm Altalyne Ultra rod to achieve an equivalent bending yield strength to that of a 6.35mm stainless steel (SS) rod. This means that surgeons can utilize a rod that offers the same strength as a larger, more cumbersome rod but with a significantly lower profile.
This unique mechanical characteristic provides an optimal balance of rod flattening resistance and low profile, which is crucial during complex spine surgeries. The ability to resist rod flattening while maintaining a sleek design enhances the precision and efficacy of surgical procedures. Moreover, the ALTALYNE™ Ultra rod’s stiffness is comparable to that of a similarly sized cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) rod, ensuring that it meets the rigorous demands of spine surgery without compromise.
The ALTALYNE™ Ultra Alignment System represents a significant advancement in spinal surgery technology, reflecting DePuy Synthes’ commitment to innovation and excellence. By addressing the common issue of intraoperative rod flattening with a high-strength, low-profile solution, DePuy Synthes is providing surgeons with the tools they need to achieve better patient outcomes in complex spine cases.
About DePuy Synthes
DePuy Synthes, The Orthopaedics Company of Johnson & Johnson, provides one of the most comprehensive orthopaedics portfolios in the world that helps heal and restore movement for the millions of patients we serve. DePuy Synthes solutions, in specialties including joint reconstruction, trauma, extremities, craniomaxillofacial, spinal surgery and sports medicine, in addition to the VELYS™ Digital Surgery portfolio, are designed to advance patient care while delivering clinical and economic value to health care systems worldwide.
Building on our proud product innovation and legacy of industry firsts, we are reimagining the orthopaedic landscape with new advancements in medical technologies and digital surgery across the entire continuum of care to Keep People Moving today and tomorrow. For more information, visit www.depuysynthes.com.