CD HORIZON BalanC™ Rod

CD HORIZON BalanC™ Rod is a neutral stabilization rod with a unique combination of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and silicone materials and geometry.Medtronic, Inc. announced on March 21, 2012 at the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS) in Barcelona the CE (Conformité Européenne) Mark and the international launch of the CD HORIZON BalanC™ Spinal System. The launch expanded the options for physicians outside the United States in treating multi-level spinal surgeries requiring fusion at one or more levels and neutral stabilization (non fusion) at an adjacent level for common spine conditions such as spinal stenosis and early stage degenerative disc disease.

• CD Horizon BalanC.SGT-Medtronic.pdf

Benefits:

1.-While computational analysis and mechanical testing are not indicative of clinical outcomes, analysis using these standard methods showed the following:

• The CD HORIZON BalanC™ Rod resulted in lower stress caused by a spinal fusion to the discs adjacent to the fused segments compared to no intervention.
• The fusion portion of the rod distributes load more evenly to the anterior column compared with existing traditional, rigid metallic rods and screws.

2.-The non-fusion portion of the rod has a c-shaped section to help control the amount of motion at the adjacent segment while maintaining appropriate durability performance.

3.-Additionally, the CD HORIZON BalanC™ rod is radiolucent, meaning it does not show up on x-rays, which allows the surgeon to view the quality of the spinal fusion using x-ray or fluoroscopy during a follow-up visit.Potential risks associated with the use of the device include, but are not limited to: disassembly, bending and/or breakage of any or all of the components, and tissue or nerve damage caused by improper positioning and placement of implants or instruments.

4.-The CD HORIZON BalanC™ Spinal System is compatible with the CD HORIZON® LEGACY™ PEEK Rod Spinal System.

5.-The CD HORIZON BalanC™ rod is made of silicone and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) in its dynamic portion, while the fusion portion is entirely made of PEEK. The dynamic portion is designed to maintain motion, creating a transitional zone between the fused and mobile segments.

Features:

• Oval cross section
• Pre-cut / pre-bent rod options
• Titanium (Ti) end cap
• Tantalum markers for x-ray visualization

About Pedicle Screw/Rod–Based Dynamic Stabilization Devices

Dynamic stabilization is a surgical technique designed to allow for some movement of the spine, while maintaining enough stability to prevent too much movement. Pedicle-based dynamic devices were first designed to stabilize the abnormal segment and to unload degenerated discs and facet joints, while maintaining the same level of normal motion.By unloading the pressure on the degenerated disc and facets, pedicle-based dynamic devices have the potential to reduce pain associated with these anatomical structures. Furthermore, these devices can be used to prevent adjacent-segment disease, either by replacing the whole construct with dynamic rods or by “topping off” the rigid instrumented segment with pedicle-based dynamic devices, avoiding an abrupt change from a rigid construct to the more mobile adjacent segment. It has also been argued that using pedicle-based dynamic devices can promote better fusion because of micromovements across endplates, and can protect from implant failure because of better load sharing through the implant. Finally, these devices can be used to stabilize posterior iatrogenic destabilizing surgery, such as wide laminectomy and facetectomy.

About the Spinal Business at Medtronic

Medtronic’s spinal business, based in Memphis, Tenn., is the global leader in today’s spine market and is committed to advancing the treatment of spinal conditions. Medtronic’s spinal business collaborates with world-renowned surgeons, researchers and innovative partners to offer state-of-the-art products and technologies for orthopedic and spinal conditions. Medtronic is committed to developing affordable, minimally invasive procedures that provide lifestyle friendly surgical therapies.