DePuy Synthes has announced the US launch of the Viper and Expedium fenestrated screw systems. When used in conjunction with the company’s Confidence high-viscosity spinal cement, the screws are intended to restore the integrity of the spinal column in patients with advanced stage spinal tumours.
The fenestrated screw systems are designed to provide stabilisation and palliative treatment for patients who may be suffering from spinal cord compression as a result of advanced-stage tumours. They are cannulated which—along with fenestrations above the screw tip—is designed to enable controlled delivery of cement into the vertebra to provide immediate screw fixation.
“The ability to inject cement via fenestrated screws is a true game-changer in the field of spinal oncology,” says Daniel Sciubba, director, Spine Tumor and Spine Deformity Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, USA. “The systems are reliable and easy-to-use and can seamlessly be incorporated into open and minimally invasive approaches. The cement working characteristics, delivery system and ability to use standard hardware and tools make the systems extremely efficient.”
The Viper and Expedium fenestrated screw systems can be used in open or percutaneous spinal fusion surgery. Viper fenestrated screws can be used with spinal cement in minimally invasive surgery (MIS).
The Viper screws are compatible with the instrumentation of the Viper and Expedium 5.5 Spine Systems, while the Expedium fenestrated screws are compatible with the instrumentation of the Expedium Verse spinal system.
