One of the first introduced semi-rigid rods is the Isobar TTLsystem (Scient’x USA). This implant has been used in Europe for over ten years and was granted FDA clearance for use as an adjunct to spinal fusion in 1999.Composed of a titanium alloy rod with a dampener element made of stacked titanium alloy o-rings, the Isobar TTL allows a small amount of both axial and angular motion to the rigid rod Isobar® is a Ø5.5 Titanium rod available in various lengths and designed to promote stimulated & improved fusion.This dynamic device is compatibe with the Alphatec Zodiac, TTL-IN and Aladyn systems.
Features:
Controls motion:
- Restrict motion and provide micromotion
- Axial dampening effect
- Prevention of adjacent segment degeneration
Load repartition:
- Dampener provides load-sharing that respects bone/screw and screw/rod interface (prevent screw loosening and construct breackage)
- Dynamic compression rod allows the adjacent segment to adapt to biomechanical changes
- Dynamic compression rod allows a settlement of fusion to help maintaining the lordosis in the long-term
Benefits:
The SCIENT’X/ Alphatec dynamic semi-rigid pedicle screw system offers the following key benefits:
- Prevention of adjacent segment degeneration
- Reduction of implant breakage
- Improved quality of the interbody fusion
- Potential use as a non-fusion device
About Pedicle Screw/Rod–Based Dynamic Stabilization DevicesDynamic 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 Scient’x
Scient’x was a Guyancourt, France founded in 1988 and acquired by Alphatec in 2009.
About Alphatec Spine
Alphatec Spine, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alphatec Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATEC). Alphatec Spine is a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spine disorders, primarily focused on the aging spine. The Company’s mission is to combine world-class customer service with innovative, surgeon-driven design that will help improve the aging patient’s quality of life. The Company is poised to achieve its goal through new solutions for patients with osteoporosis, stenosis and other aging spine deformities, improved minimally invasive products and techniques and integrated biologics solutions. In addition to its US operations, the Company also markets its spine products in Europe. In Asia, the Company markets a broad line of spine and orthopedic products through its subsidiary, Alphatec Pacific, Inc. For more information, please visit www.alphatecspine.com.