Aspen minimally invasive fusion system associated with improved patient outcomes

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Three posters presented at the AANS/CNS Joint Section Meeting (6–9 March 2013, Phoenix, USA) showed that the Aspen minimally invasive fusion system (Lanx) was associated with solid fusion with improved postoperative outcomes and minimal complications.

Dan Gladney, chief executive officer, Lanx, said, “The presented studies continue to validate the Aspen system as a truly minimally invasive fusion device, and demonstrate that its benefits extend beyond the procedure to positive postoperative outcomes. This research, coupled with the clinical experience of hundreds of surgeons throughout the world, speaks to the versatility and efficacy of the ASPEN device in meeting the needs of an aging and increasingly active population.”


The three posters that were presented were:


Multivariate analysis of predictors of length of stay and estimated blood loss as quantitative surrogates for the term “minimally invasive”

Presented by: John C Stevenson, Orthopedics Institute Gainesville, USA

  • The retrospective 192-patient study found that patients who underwent posterior fusion with the Aspen device alone experienced less blood loss, shorter length of stay and a reduced risk of perioperative complications than those who received supplemental screw fixation.

Clinical outcomes and fusion rates after spinous process fixation in an elderly cohort

Presented by: Amir Vokshoor, Institute of Neurosurgical Innovation, Marina del Rey, USA

  • Data on 86 patients, with a mean age of 67 years, treated with the Aspen system demonstrated fusion rates of 94% at six months follow-up, as well as a decreased VAS pain score (down 3.6 points) after three months that was sustained throughout the six to 12 month follow-up period.

Change in sagittal plane alignment following single-level decompression and posterolateral lumbar fusion with Aspen interspinous process fixation

Presented by: David Fusco,Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, USA

  • Prospective research assessed an initial seven patients treated with the posterior fusion Aspen system for degenerative joint disease. Early findings showed successful fusion had been achieved at three months follow-up, with no significant impact on regional or global sagittal alignment.

According to a company press release, the Aspen system is currently being used in a wide range of surgical applications including posterior lumbar fusions (PLF) and interbody fusions (PLIF, TLIF, ALIF and Lateral) for the treatment of degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal trauma or spinal tumour.