Spinal Kinetics Implants First M6(R)-L Artificial Lumbar Disc

Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Also Included In: Bones / Orthopedics
Article Date: 20 Feb 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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Spinal Kinetics, a leader and innovator in advanced generation artificial disc technology, today announced the successful implantation of the first patient with the company's M6-L artificial lumbar disc, and the commencement of the system's initial commercial launch in Europe. This first procedure was completed at Sana Clinic Sommerfeld in Sommerfeld, Germany by leading spine surgeon Karsten Ritter-Lang, M.D.

The M6-L artificial disc represents the company's second non-fusion, motion preservation product to treat degenerative diseases of the spine. The company launched its M6-C artificial cervical disc in Europe three years ago. To date, over 3,000 discs have been implanted. Like the M6-C, the M6-L lumbar disc is an advanced generation artificial disc developed to replace an intervertebral disc damaged by disc degeneration. It is the only replacement disc that replicates the anatomic structure of a natural lumbar disc by incorporating an artificial nucleus and annulus. Together, the nucleus and annulus are designed to provide the same motion characteristics of a natural disc.

The M6-L's compressible polymer nucleus is designed to simulate the function of the native nucleus, while the surrounding multi-layer high tensile strength fiber annulus is intended to facilitate a controlled range of motion in multiple directions. The M6 artificial disc is implanted with proprietary surgical instrumentation. This specialized system was designed with surgeon feedback and is intended for simple, safe, and reproducible M6 implantation.

"We are extremely pleased to reach this milestone in our company's history. We expect to have the same success with the M6-L lumbar platform as our highly successful M6-C artificial cervical disc technology," says Tom Afzal, Spinal Kinetics President and CEO. "The M6-L artificial lumbar disc represents our continued commitment as an organization to provide both physicians and patients alike the most innovative motion preservation technologies for treating degenerative diseases of the spine."

Artificial disc technology provides an alternative to spinal fusion in the treatment of degenerative disc disease. Preserving motion with an artificial disc provides an opportunity to restore biomechanical function at the treated level after disc removal, as well as the possibility to reduce subsequent degeneration of adjacent segments.

"The ability to replicate the motion characteristics of a natural disc with a prosthesis designed like the M6-L lumbar disc is a major advancement in technology that may benefit the long term outcomes of an artificial lumbar disc patient," states Dr. Ritter-Lang, "We were pleased with the simplicity of implantation with this platform and will now follow these patients to assess the clinical performance of this prosthesis."

Founded in 2003, Spinal Kinetics is a privately-held medical device company focused on partnering with spine surgeons to develop innovative and practical motion preservation systems for treating degenerative diseases of the spine. The company is located in Sunnyvale, California. For more information on the company and the M6 artificial discs visit http://www.spinalkinetics.com.

Spinal Kinetics

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