(Business Wire 2013) Titan Spine, a medical device surface technology company focused on developing innovative spinal interbody fusion implants, today announced that a new study shows the unique combination of textures provided by the Company’s implant surface technology promotes superior production of angiogenic growth factors as compared with PEEK (poly-ether-ether-ketone) and smooth titanium alloy materials. The in-vitro research, currently available on The Spine Journal’s website and awaiting publication in an upcoming issue, demonstrated an approximate 100 percent increase in production of key angiogenic factors from osteoblast cells cultured on the Titan Spine surface versus PEEK.
The study, titled “Rough titanium alloys regulate osteoblast production of angiogenic factors,” compared the production of osteogenic (bone formation) and angiogenic (blood vessel formation) growth factors by human osteoblast cells cultured on PEEK, smooth titanium alloy, and Titan Spine’s roughened titanium alloy surface. The authors of the study, led by Barbara Boyan, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University, concluded that, “This experimental study demonstrates that the [Titan Spine surface] stimulates an angiogenic-osteogenic environment with factors important in bone formation and remodeling. This osteogenic environment may enhance bone formation, implant stability, and fusion.”
Paul Slosar, M.D., Medical Director of Titan Spine, said, “We are very encouraged about the results of this study. Successful bony fusion will only take place in an environment where bone growth and vascularization can occur. A growing fusion cannot sustain itself if it does not have adequate blood supply to provide nutrients and remove metabolic waste. Until now, research has been primarily focused on bone growth factors while angiogenic factors have been largely overlooked. This study provides evidence that the Titan Spine proprietary surface technology creates a far greater environment for angiogenesis when compared to PEEK, and serves as an adjunct to our previous research that showed similar advantages for bone growth factors. Our growing body of research continues to demonstrate that these unique implants stimulate a superior bone-forming response when compared to other common interbody device materials, and continues to position Titan Spine as the leader in surface technology.”
Dr. Boyan added, “Our research shows that changes in implant surface structures at the micron and submicron levels have a significant impact on the bone formation response that is created. It is not enough to simply create a roughened texture at the macro level, as this has little to no effect on the behavior of an individual bone-forming cell. It is the structure of the surface at the micron and submicron levels that hold the key. I am pleased to collaborate with Titan Spine as the company continues to optimize their current and future surface technologies to benefit the spinal fusion patient.”The study can be found here.
About Titan Spine
Titan Spine, LLC is a surface technology company focused on the design and manufacture of interbody fusion devices for the spine. The company is committed to advancing the science of surface engineering to enhance the treatment of various pathologies of the spine that require fusion. Titan Spine, located in Mequon, Wisconsin and Laichingen, Germany, markets a full line of Endoskeleton® interbody devices featuring its proprietary textured surface through its sales force and a network of independent distributors. To learn more, visit www.titanspine.com.
Upcoming Article in The Spine Journal Indicates Titan Spine Surface Technology Creates Enhanced Environment for Bone Growth
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