Depuy Spine Introduces New Vertigraft® VG2® TLIF Allograft - Unique Construction Facilitates Bone Growth, Streamlined Insertion Technique

Main Category: Bones / Orthopaedics
Also Included In: Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 23 May 2007 - 12:00 PDT

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DePuy Spine, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, today announced the launch of the VERTIGRAFT® VG2® TLIF Allograft, a new bone product designed to facilitate graft insertion and bone growth during transforaminal lumbar spinal fusion (TLIF) surgery.

Developed in partnership with LifeNet®, the VG2 TLIF ALLOGRAFT is the only machined allograft comprised of both cortical bone, which provides strength, and cancellous bone, which can promote osteoconductivity (bone growth).

The construct is bullet-shaped for straight-in insertion between vertebrae, and is specially designed for oblique (diagonal) placement across the disc space whether the discs are parallel or lordotic. This allows for a less invasive lumbar fusion technique, as compared to the PLIF technique, that may reduce the risk of muscle or nerve damage.

"The product should help spine surgeons improve the TLIF procedure," said Rich Toselli, MD, VP, Medical Affairs for DePuy Spine, Inc. "The VG2 TLIF Allograft is an implant for surgeons who prefer allograft and the insertion technique of an oblique TLIF approach."

The allograft is made up of two cortical bone planks (3mm each) surrounding a 3-mm plank of cancellous bone at the core. The cortical bone provides biomechanical strength, and holds the vertebral bodies in place while the porous, cancellous core facilitates bone growth. The construct has pyramidal teeth that are designed to prevent migration in the disc space. The VG2 TLIF Allograft's lordotic implants have offset angles that provide 5 degrees of lordosis when positioned 35 degrees to midline.

"The VG2 TLIF Allograft becomes part of a broad portfolio of products that offer spine surgeons solutions to complex procedures," said Ken Dieselman, Group Product Director for DePuy Spine, Inc.

About DePuy Spine

DePuy Spine, a Johnson & Johnson company, has worked and partnered with leading clinicians, researchers, and thought leaders to develop products to treat spine disorders for over 20 years. Today, DePuy Spine stands in the forefront of the worldwide spine market, with a substantial sales organization in the U.S. and an expanding worldwide distribution network. The company is committed to advancing the knowledge of all health care professionals and their patients in addressing spinal pathologies.

www.depuyspine.com