Interspinous fusion devices were developed to aid in the stabilization of the spine as alternatives to pedicle screw fixation in combination with interbody fusion.But are the interspinous Fusion devices a real alternative to pedicle screw fixation? There are two main concerns:
Primary fixation*: Since these devices attach to the spinous processes there is the risk of an structural weakness of the spinous process due to an occult fracture, osteoporosis or osteopenia.In addition, IFD is likely to lead to breakage of arch due to conduction of stress in the isthmus of the neural arch. Postoperative spinous process fractures have been reported in 1%–5.8% of patients in series based on routine biplanar radiographic evaluation.
Rigid Stability*: There is an authentic biomechanical fact that most of previous IFD devices provide relatively rigid stability in all the directions, other than in the lateral bending or axial rotation.”But surprising finding from recent research shows that similar favorable biomechanics to the pedicle screw system mercifully occurs in some novel IFD devices, which suggests that IFD could act as an alternative instrumentation promoting intersegmental fusion”.
*Zhu, Lei & Yin, Jianmei. (2016). Interspinous fusion device: A systematic review of clinical and biomechanical evidence. Advances in Mechanical Engineering. 8. 10.1177/1687814016680517.
According to Zhu, Lei & Yin, Jianmei, the new generation of Interspinous Fusion Devices could be an alternative to Fusion.
Which Are the Competitors?
Most of the important companies have already included in their portfolio an Interspinous Fusion Device. For example: Medtronic has the Spire system, Stryker has the Univise, Nuvasive has the Affix and Globus has recently launched the Aerial. Other companies, have given importance to these devices developing state-of-the-art products as for example:
- SpineFrontier™:They were the first company to design and develop an innovative solution focused on Interspinous Fusion as the Inspan Device launched in 2010.
- Aurora Spine:In 2014, they focused on Interspinous Fusion Technology by delivering innovative, first-class products like the ZIP spinal implants.Very Complete range of IFD devices. Great products!
- Lanx: This Company (later acquired by Zimmer) designed and launched the ASPEN Interspinous Fusion Device. This device became very popular several years ago.
- Life Spine: They also bet strongly for this technology launching the Aileron products. Recently they have incorporated the very innovative Aileron TRX Expandable.
- Southern Spine: The STABILINK® System was their most succesful product and where they focused on. It was Honored as Winner in the 2015 Medical Design Excellence Awards.
Which are the rest of competitors?
Please, learn more about the rest of interspinous fusion devices: https://thespinemarketgroup.com/category/interspinous/
How can you leave out the Spire system from Medtronic??? One of the longest running products in this space.
Thank you for your comment but the Spire system is included. Actually it is the first device mentioned :… “Most of the important companies have already included in their portfolio an Interspinous Fusion Device. For example: Medtronic has the Spire system,..
It is also included in our Interspinous section: https://thespinemarketgroup.com/category/interspinous/page/4/
I’m missing the coflex f+ from Paradigm Spine!
Thank you for your comment! We did not forget Coflex F. It is not mentioned in the article but it is included in our Interspinous section page 2:
https://thespinemarketgroup.com/category/interspinous/page/2/
Why not mention that most commercial insurance do not cover any of these devices, which can lead to payment and billing issues? The technology is great but the best patients (not Medicare: osteoporosis) do not have access to any of them. That’s the real story. They will never grow beyond sporadic use until they are covered.