Spinal Elements, a spine technology company, today announced that spine surgeon Scott H. Kitchel, MD of Eugene, Oregon recently presented data on the company’s Ti-Bond® porous titanium coated polyetheretherketone (PEEK) interbody devices at the Spine Technology and Educational Group meeting held June 20-22 in Los Cabos, Mexico.
Spinal Element’s Ti-Bond coating consists of random, unconnected titanium pores, that are biomechanically adhered through a plasma vacuum spray process to the superior and inferior surfaces of its PEEK-OPTIMA® interbody implants. This results in an ideal bone-opposing surface while allowing for direct visualization of the fusion mass through the radiolucent PEEK material.
The data presented was the result of a study performed to compare bone response to the presence of an implant device. Implants manufactured from PEEK were compared to devices made from PEEK and coated with the company’s Ti-Bond coating. The samples were examined at a 4-week time point.
The testing showed that the devices coated with Ti-Bond had a shear strength approximately five times that of the PEEK devices. Additionally, histologic review showed that fibrous tissue had formed around the PEEK implant devices while the devices with Ti-Bond coating had bone forming in the porosity of the coating.
Device testing was performed by Professor William Walsh, Ph.D. at the University of New South Wales, Prince of Wales Clinical School in Sydney, Australia. Dr. Walsh commented on the testing, “It was very compelling to see the difference between the two specimen groups at such a short time period. The integration of bone into the Ti-Bond coating stands in sharp contrast to the barrier of tissue that formed around the PEEK device.”
Dr. Kitchel commented, “The potential clinical benefits of this technology are tremendous. Now we have a device that is participating in the fusion process where we did not previously have that option. The ability to get stable fixation in a spinal fusion earlier in the post-operative healing process may lead to improved long-term patient outcomes. That is something we will continue to monitor as we learn more about this technology.”
About Spinal Elements
Spinal Elements, headquartered in Carlsbad, CA, is a spine technology company for spine surgeons who demand innovative, extremely high quality surgical solutions. From the company’s early work which helped make PEEK commonplace throughout the spine industry to recent advancements in Ti-Bond® bioactive interbody implants and controlled delivery technology, Spinal Elements has built a reputation for being trustworthy, innovative and different. The company is focused on the development and marketing of progressive spinal treatment options and markets a complete portfolio of advanced spinal implant technologies. Additionally the company distributes Hero® Allograft, the net proceeds from which are donated to charities benefiting children with life-threatening medical conditions. For more information, please visit www.spinalelements.com.
