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June 29, 2017 OrthoSpineNews

SHELTON, Conn., June 29, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spine Wave, Inc. is committed to commercializing high-quality, innovative medical devices for the treatment of spinal disorders.  Since January 2015 the company has transformed its interbody fusion offering by launching the Leva® PX Expandable Interbody Device, the Leva® PF Interbody Device and the Velocity® Expandable Interbody Device for posterior and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions (PLIF & TLIF); the True Position® Pivoting Spacer System for TLIF procedures using steerable crescent-style devices; and the Velocity® L Expandable Interbody Device and the XLR® II Access System for lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) procedures.  Now, Spine Wave is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed its limited market release of the Leva® AF Interbody Device for anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) procedures and will fully launch the technology in September 2017 with the arrival of commercial-scale inventory quantities.

The launch of this unique new product marks Spine Wave’s entry into the large and growing ALIF implant market.  The Leva® AF Interbody Device features all-titanium construction, modular anterior plates and a selection of bone screws for integrated and standalone vertebral body fixation.  As with all Leva® brand products, the device also offers a large graft chamber that facilitates copious grafting with complete graft-to-endplate contact within the device.  The Leva® AF Interbody Device will also be complemented with a novel expandable option, the Leva®AX Interbody Device, which is currently in limited release.

“The Leva® AF Interbody Device is a very appealing new alternative for me in my practice,” said Matthew A. Hazzard, M.D., a neurological surgeon with The Longstreet Clinic, P.C. in metropolitan Atlanta.  “The device’s all titanium construction, very generous graft chambers, pre and post placement grafting capabilities and modular fixation components make it a unique and very versatile tool for my ALIF procedures, whether done with an anterior only or combined anterior and posterior approach.”

“As recently as two years ago, many surgeons and distributors associated Spine Wave exclusively with the StaXx® XD Expandable Device. With the introduction of the Leva® AF and AX Interbody Devices, Spine Wave now offers what is arguably the broadest range of novel and expandable interbody devices on the market,” said Mark LoGuidice, CEO of Spine Wave. “In addition to what is now a comprehensive lumbar portfolio, by the end of 2017 we expect to have launched two important new cervical technologies that will complete our transformation to a full line company and set the stage for a very exciting 2018.”

About Spine Wave
In addition to the products mentioned above, Spine Wave also offers the StaXx® XD and XD Ti Expandable Devices, the Sniper® Spine System complemented with Sniper® XT extended tab screws, the Annex® Adjacent Level System and the versatile and easy-to-use CapSure® PS3 Spine System for traditional open thoracolumbar fixation.  Spine Wave is a leader in expandable fusion technologies and is committed to continually delivering highly differentiated products to enable improved and less invasive solutions for spine surgeons and their patients.  The company is growing rapidly and continues to recruit sales managers and independent distributors to fuel growth.  For more information on Spine Wave and its products please visit www.spinewave.com.

Contact

Terry Brennan, Chief Financial Officer
tbrennan@spinewave.com
(203) 712-1810

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June 29, 2017 OrthoSpineNews

June 29, 2017

GAINESVILLE, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Exactech, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXAC), a developer and producer of bone and joint restoration products and biologic solutions for extremities, knee and hip, announced the introduction of ExactechGPS® TKA PLUS, a new software application that provides orthopaedic surgeons simplified, real-time intraoperative computer guidance during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The new application expands the ExactechGPS portfolio and complements the company’s new Truliant® Knee System which is also making its clinical debut this quarter.

Derek Amanatullah, MD, PhD, performed the first surgery using ExactechGPS TKA PLUS at Stanford University Medical Center. “I was delighted to experience how seamlessly the system integrated into my surgical workflow,” he reported. “ExactechGPS TKA PLUS allowed me to use simple guidance to achieve precision and accuracy in my cuts, which made the knee replacement case run smoothly. I believe this system is exactly what surgeons need to help them achieve more reproducible outcomes.”

ExactechGPS is a computer technology system for guided, personalized joint replacement surgery. The new TKA PLUS software application provides surgeons a simple tool to plan, guide and verify key steps of a knee replacement procedure and easily check the patient’s implant alignment. This new application expands the ExactechGPS knee software portfolio, which also includes comprehensive applications for both primary and revision knee surgery.

“The launch of TKA PLUS reiterates Exactech’s commitment to delivering a fully comprehensive knee system to the marketplace,” said Joseph Pizzurro, vice president of Knee Marketing at Exactech. “The Truliant system of new implants and instruments, combined with our ExactechGPS technology, offers orthopaedic surgeons versatility in managing total knee arthroplasty cases from primary through revision. We are encouraged by the positive responses we have received and look forward to continued momentum behind our new knee system.”

ExactechGPS has been used in more than 8,500 total knee cases in 12 countries across the globe. ExactechGPS TKA PLUS is available in pilot launch, with full availability expected in 2018.

About ExactechGPS

ExactechGPS combines surgeon expertise with an advanced computer system to perform the patient’s surgery with a goal of improved accuracy and precision. Personalized for a patient’s unique bone structure and anatomy, ExactechGPS is designed to allow surgeons to decide where to remove bone and place the implant in the optimal position. Exactech first introduced ExactechGPS to surgeons in the United States for total knee arthroplasty, and has since broadened its reach to the shoulder segment. The technology has steadily gained market acceptance and worldwide reach.

About Exactech

Based in Gainesville, Fla., Exactech develops and markets orthopaedic implant devices, related surgical instruments and biologic materials and services to hospitals and physicians. The company manufactures many of its orthopaedic devices at its Gainesville facility. Exactech’s orthopaedic products are used in the restoration of bones and joints that have deteriorated as a result of injury or diseases such as arthritis. Exactech markets its products in the United States, in addition to more than 30 markets in Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. Additional information about Exactech can be found at http://www.exac.com.

A current investment profile on Exactech (Nasdaq: EXAC) is available online at http://www.hawkassociates.com/profile/exac.cfm. To receive future releases in e-mail alerts, sign up at http://www.hawkassociates.com/about/alert.

This release contains various forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which represent the company’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events of the company’s financial performance. These forward-looking statements are further qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include the effect of competitive pricing, the company’s dependence on the ability of third party manufacturers to produce components on a basis which is cost-effective to the company, market acceptance of the company’s products and the effects of government regulation. Results actually achieved may differ materially from expected results included in these statements.

Contacts

Exactech
Investor contacts
Jody Phillips, 352-377-1140
Executive Vice President of Finance & Chief Financial Officer
or
Hawk Associates
Julie Marshall or Frank Hawkins, 305-451-1888
EXAC@hawkassociates.com
or
Exactech
Media contacts
Priscilla Bennett, 352-377-1140
Vice President, Corporate & Marketing Communication


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June 29, 2017 OrthoSpineNews

AKRON, Ohio, June 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Intellirod Spine, the spinal implant company developing disposable and implantable wireless RFID sensor technology for monitoring spinal rod strains, secured additional equity financing from new and existing investors led by the OhioHealth Innovation Development Fund and Queen City Angel First Fund V.  Funds will be used to reach key milestones toward the commercialization of the company’s sensor technologies and related lumbar fusion implants.

Intellirod Spine recently had the first human use of LOADPRO™ in an approved clinical study at Norton Leatherman Spine Center by Dr. Jeffrey Gum.  The company’s intraoperative LOADPRO™ sensor was used to record strains on spinal rods during a kyphotic deformity correction surgery.  Dr. Gum says, “We are very excited about the start of the clinical trial. Although the data was blinded to us intraoperatively, the post-hoc review shows promising results.  This exciting technology will provide valuable information that will help guide intraoperative decision making and potentially lead to non-invasive or non-ionizing information to help assess construct stability and fusion status.  We look forward to the progress of the study”.  This is meant to help surgeons quantify their tactile feel of the forces being applied during the deformity correction.   The company is pursuing a de novo 510(k) at the FDA and is simultaneously seeking a CE Mark for LOADPRO™.  According to Ric Navarro, Intellirod CEO, “This new information will not only help the surgeon but will help us with our FDA and CE Mark approvals”.  Two additional clinical sites include Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio and the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.  The company is also actively seeking a fourth site.

The company is announcing its entrance into the Digital Health space with new intellectual property paving the way toward in-home remote monitoring through its IntelliBrace™ project.  They anticipate being the first to offer autonomous data collection from their wireless implant, the ACCUVISTA™ rod strain sensor.  This will position the company to provide caregivers more information about the state of the implant and other measured parameters aimed at improving patient compliance and decreasing mobility related complications.  Dr. Chris Karas, a neurosurgeon at OhioHealth and inventor of the IntelliBrace™ concept, says, “Intellirod is focused on collecting the data surgeons need to achieve better outcomes for our patients.  This type of technology is currently lacking, but is absolutely necessary to get people back to work and back to life”.

The OhioHealth Innovation Development fund, which contributed to this project, supports physicians, nurses and associates working to bring their product ideas to life, while also giving them the opportunity to retain ownership of their intellectual property. “Dr. Karas, as an inventor of the IntelliBrace™, is a perfect example of how this OhioHealth fund can work. We are hoping this success story will encourage other brilliant, inventive minds at OhioHealth to dream big, and see those dreams turn into reality with funding help,” said Alan Nelson, OhioHealth Treasury Vice President.

Mr. Navarro stated the company is excited to make this evolution with its platform technology into the lower cost of care environment of the home to aid in the patient’s rehabilitation.  “Not only does IntelliBrace™ add new functional benefits but it will create cloud database opportunities for aggregating and interpreting data toward new norms in remote spine patient care”, says Mr. Navarro.

Intellirod has also signed a license agreement with the Cleveland Clinic to take its microelectronics and sensing know-how and technology into other parts of the spine with a therapeutic device with an integrated sensor.  The company is leveraging its platform of inductive powering and wireless communication into a therapeutic device to create a next generation “Smart” implant.  Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Michael Steinmetz, who is a paid member of Intellirod’s scientific advisory board, says, “The LOADPRO System will provide data for enhancing surgical techniques and reducing complications and costs.  By sensing the progress of fusion through a sensor-enabled device we commonly use in spine fusions, our goal is to improve post-operative care.”

About Intellirod Spine
Intellirod Spine™ (formerly OrthoData Inc.) based in Akron, Ohio was founded by renowned spine surgeon Rolando M. Puno, M.D. and professors from the University of Louisville. The company is developing a wireless microelectronic spinal rod strain sensor and inductive power platform. This innovative strain monitoring system will allow spine surgeons to objectively assess the strain on spinal rods intraoperatively and postoperatively. www.intellirodspine.com

About Queen City Angels
The Queen City Angels (QCA) is a group of more than 50 experienced accredited investors who provide funding, support and guidance to early-stage growth companies in the Cincinnati area and surrounding region. QCA members, which include former C-level executives and entrepreneurs, draw from their personal operating and management experience to evaluate opportunities and provide on-going mentoring to young businesses with exceptional growth potential. Since 2000, QCA members have directly invested approximately $50 million in nearly 80 portfolio companies. The total capital invested in these companies, including QCA members’ capital, syndication partners’ capital, follow-on venture capital funds and venture debt is in excess of $410,000,000. CB Insight recently ranked QCA second out of 370 national angel organizations. For additional information, visit www.qca.com

About OhioHealth
OhioHealth is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit, charitable, healthcare outreach of the United Methodist Church.

Based in Columbus, Ohio, OhioHealth has been recognized as one of the top five large health systems in America by Truven Health Analytics, an honor it has received six times. It is also recognized by FORTUNE Magazine as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” and has been for 10 years in a row, 2007-2016.

Serving its communities since 1891, it is a family of 28,000 associates, physicians and volunteers, and a network of 11 hospitals, 50+ ambulatory sites, hospice, home-health, medical equipment and other health services spanning a 47-county area.

OhioHealth hospitals include OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, OhioHealth Doctors Hospital, OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital, OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital, OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital, OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital, OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, OhioHealth Shelby Hospital and OhioHealth Rehabilitation Hospital.

For more information, please visit our website at www.ohiohealth.com.

Contact Information:
Jennifer Dietrich, Intellirod Spine
phone: 234-678-8965 / email: jdietrich@intellirodspine.com
www.intellirodspine.com


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June 29, 2017 OrthoSpineNews

LEESBURG, Va., June 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — K2M Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTWO) (the “Company” or “K2M”), a global leader of complex spine and minimally invasive solutions focused on achieving three-dimensional Total Body Balance, today announced that its CAPRI™ Small 3D Static Corpectomy Cage System has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). CAPRI Small 3D Static is a first-to-market, 3D-printed, FDA-cleared corpectomy cage, and the Company’s third product family to feature Lamellar 3D Titanium Technology™. This clearance marks a milestone for the Company, which provides 3D-printed solutions for MIS, degenerative, and now complex spine procedures. K2M was the first leading spine company to market a 3D-printed spinal implant and offers the most comprehensive portfolio of 3D-printed spinal devices.

CAPRI Small 3D Static provides a surgical solution for stabilizing the thoracolumbar spine (T1 to L5) in cases of vertebral body resections resulting from trauma or tumor. Its porous structure and rough surface architectures are designed to allow for bony integration throughout an implant. The system’s lordotic options help support the anterior spinal column with the goal of achieving sagittal balance.

“CAPRI Small 3D Static provides me with a corpectomy cage that incorporates the Lamellar 3D Titanium Technology to treat patients with complex pathologies,” said Michael Finn, MD, a neurosurgeon and assistant professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Colorado. “The incorporation of pores into the endplates increases the surface area for fusion and presents the potential for bone to grow into the corpectomy cage.”

K2M’s Lamellar 3D Titanium Technology uses an advanced 3D printing method to create structures that are impossible with traditional manufacturing techniques. Starting with a titanium powder, the CAPRI Small 3D Static corpectomy cages are grown through the selective application of a high-energy laser beam, incorporating complex internal geometries and rough surface architecture that pre-clinical data have associated with bone growth activity. Lamellar 3D Titanium Technology incorporates a porous structure along with rough surfaces to allow the potential for bony integration throughout the cage.

“K2M’s excellence in 3D-printing innovations allows us to aid surgeons in treating spinal pathologies across MIS, degenerative, and now complex spine segments,” said K2M’s President and CEO Eric Major. “Today, we are excited to introduce CAPRI Small 3D Static, a 3D-printed surgical solution for correcting complications from trauma or tumor in complex spine cases. This is our third product family—which already includes the CASCADIA™ 3D family of static interbodies and the MOJAVE™ PL 3D Expandable Interbody—to feature Lamellar 3D Titanium Technology.

“K2M is leading the way in 3D spinal solutions—as evidenced by our comprehensive Balance ACS™ platform and our market-leading 3D-printed portfolio—and our disruptive technologies provide surgeons with both diagnostic and therapeutic solutions to treat patients around the world,” added Major.

Balance ACS (or BACS™) is a comprehensive platform applying three-dimensional solutions across the entire clinical care continuum to help drive quality outcomes in spine patients. BACS provides surgical solutions focused on achieving balance of the spine by addressing each anatomical vertebral segment with a 360-degree approach of the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes, emphasizing Total Body Balance as an important component to critical success.

For more information about the CAPRI Small 3D Static Corpectomy Cage System featuring Lamellar 3D Titanium Technology, as well as all of K2M’s 3D-printed technologies, visit www.K2M.com. For more information about K2M’s Balance ACS platform, visit www.BACS.com.

About K2M

K2M Group Holdings, Inc. is a global leader of complex spine and minimally invasive solutions focused on achieving three-dimensional Total Body Balance. Since its inception, K2M has designed, developed, and commercialized innovative complex spine and minimally invasive spine technologies and techniques used by spine surgeons to treat some of the most complicated spinal pathologies. K2M has leveraged these core competencies into Balance ACS, a platform of products, services, and research to help surgeons achieve three-dimensional spinal balance across the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes, with the goal of supporting the full continuum of care to facilitate quality patient outcomes. The Balance ACS platform, in combination with the Company’s technologies, techniques, and leadership in the 3D-printing of spinal devices, enable K2M to compete favorably in the global spinal surgery market. For more information, visit www.K2M.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect current views with respect to, among other things, operations and financial performance.  Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts such as our statements about our expected financial results and guidance and our expectations for future business prospects.  In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “guidance,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “seeks,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words.  Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties including, among other things: our ability to achieve or sustain profitability in the future; our ability to demonstrate to spine surgeons the merits of our products; pricing pressures and our ability to compete effectively generally; collaboration and consolidation in hospital purchasing; in adequate coverage and reimbursement for our products from third-party payors; lack of long-term clinical data supporting the safety and efficacy of our products; dependence on a limited number of third-party suppliers; our ability to maintain and expand our network of direct sales employees, independent sales agencies and international distributors and their level of sales or distribution activity with respect to our products; proliferation of physician-owned distributorships in the industry; decline in the sale of certain key products; loss of key personnel; our ability to enhance our product offerings through research and development; our ability to manage expected growth; our ability to successfully acquire or invest in new or complementary businesses, products or technologies; our ability to educate surgeons on the safe and appropriate use of our products; costs associated with high levels of inventory; impairment of our goodwill and intangible assets; disruptions in our main facility or information technology systems;  our ability to ship a sufficient number of our products to meet demand; our ability to strengthen our brand; fluctuations in insurance cost and availability; our ability to comply with extensive governmental regulation within the United States and foreign jurisdictions; our ability  to maintain or obtain regulatory approvals and clearances within the United States and foreign jurisdictions; voluntary corrective actions by us or our distribution or other business partners or agency enforcement actions; recalls or serious safety issues with our products; enforcement actions by regulatory agencies for improper marketing or promotion; misuse or off-label use of our products; delays or failures in clinical trials and results of clinical trials; legal restrictions on our procurement, use, processing, manufacturing or distribution of allograft bone tissue; negative publicity concerning methods of tissue recovery and screening of donor tissue; costs and liabilities relating to environmental laws and regulations;  our failure or the failure of our agents to comply with fraud and abuse laws; U.S. legislative or Food and Drug Administration regulatory reforms; adverse effects of medical device tax provisions; potential tax changes in jurisdictions in which we conduct business; our ability to generate significant sales; potential fluctuations in sales volumes and our results of operations over the course of the year; uncertainty in future capital needs and availability of capital to meet our needs; our level of indebtedness and the availability of borrowings under our credit facility; restrictive covenants and the impact of other provisions in the indenture governing our convertible  senior notes and our credit facility;  continuing worldwide economic instability; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights; patent litigation and product liability lawsuits; damages relating to trade secrets or non-competition or non-solicitation agreements; risks associated with operating internationally; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; our ability to comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar laws; increased costs and additional regulations and requirements as a result of being a public company; our ability to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; our lack of current plans to pay cash dividends; our ability to take advantage of certain reduced disclosure requirements and exemptions as a result of being an emerging growth company; potential dilution by the future issuances of additional common stock in connection with our incentive plans, acquisitions or otherwise; anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents and our ability to issue preferred stock without shareholder approval; potential limits on our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.  Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements.  These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this release and our filings with the SEC.

We operate in a very competitive and challenging environment.  New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this release.  We cannot assure you that the results, events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur, and actual results, events or circumstances could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.  We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Unless specifically stated otherwise, our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, investments or other strategic transactions we may make.

Media Contact:

Zeno Group on behalf of K2M Group Holdings, Inc.
Christian Emering, 212-299-8985
Christian.Emering@ZenoGroup.com 

Investor Contact:

Westwicke Partners on behalf of K2M Group Holdings, Inc.
Mike Piccinino, CFA, 443-213-0500
K2M@westwicke.com

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June 28, 2017 OrthoSpineNews

Paxeon Reconstruction, a manufacturer of best-in-class orthopedic products including derivative and emerging products, announces that Dr. Christian Christensen has completed a retrospective study that included 579 patients during a one-and-a-half-year period with at least three months follow-up on each patient.

Postoperative peri-prosthetic fractures are a common complication of direct anterior total hip arthroplasty. These femoral fractures generally require complex femoral revision. Dr. Christensen of Lexington, Kentucky has compared surgical outcomes of the anterior approach with two different implants. His results suggest that femoral implant design affects peri-prosthetic fracture rate following direct anterior total hip arthroplasty. These results were recently presented at the 9th Annual Emily Berend Adult Reconstruction Symposium at Duke University in Durham, NC in March 2016.

From February 2015 through June 2016, Dr. Christensen performed a total of 381 direct anterior total hip replacements using the flat tapered wedged femoral implant. In June of 2016, Dr. Christensen began utilizing the Origin by Paxeon Reconstruction. Origin is a dual taper, hydroxyapatite coated implant that was used in a total of 198 consecutive, anterior hips.

Each patient was monitored for three months after surgery to identify the frequency of peri-prosthetic femur fractures in each group. In the first cohort, 5 out of 381 patients (1.3%) sustained femur fractures at an average of 19.6 days after surgery. All five of these patients had a Vancouver type B2 fracture and required femoral revision. However, in the second cohort, when using the Origin, no patients sustained femoral fractures. These results suggest that using the Origin stem when doing the anterior approach will result in a lower postoperative fracture rate.

The Origin by Paxeon Reconstruction showed a reduced fracture rate than a plasma sprayed, flat-taper, wedged design. Dr. Christensen’s group continues to accumulate data and plans to submit the findings to the Journal of Arthroplasty this fall when the data reaches a clinically significant value.

Kyle Sineath, President of Paxeon Reconstruction said: “We are thankful to Dr. Christensen for bringing to light the fact that our implants can reduce or eliminate postoperative peri-prosthetic fractures as a complication of direct anterior total hip arthroplasty.”

______

About Paxeon Reconstruction

Paxeon Reconstruction builds best-in-class orthopaedic products, including derivative and emerging products. We collaborate with hospitals, health systems and physicians to create alignment and utilization of value-based solutions combined with efficiency models for today’s changing healthcare environment. Paxeon Reconstruction offer the world’s most comprehensive portfolio of orthopaedic products and services for joint reconstruction. Paxeon Reconstruction has a celebrated clinical history, and has evolved to meet the needs of the changing orthopaedics marketplace. The history that weaves the fabric of the Paxeon Reconstruction is one that is rich with innovation and demonstrates sustained leadership in an ever-changing landscape of patient and professional needs.


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June 28, 2017 OrthoSpineNews

WARSAW, Ind., June 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX: ZBH), a global leader in musculoskeletal healthcare, today introduced its X-ray-based Patient Specific Instrument, X-PSI Knee System, which is the world’s first CE Marked surgical planning system that allows for patient specific implant positioning solely utilizing X-ray technology. X-PSI Knee System, for use with Zimmer Biomet’s flagship total knee brands, allows surgeons to use X-ray images to generate three-dimensional anatomic models. Zimmer Biomet’s Patient Specific Instruments Planner is then used to view the patient’s anatomy and develop a 3D customized surgical plan. That plan is used to manufacture patient-specific guides and bone models intended to improve implant fit and placement accuracy. This new generation of Zimmer Biomet Patient Specific Instruments can now leverage standard of care preoperative X-ray imaging instead of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computerized Tomography (CT) scans.

“The use of innovative preoperative planning to enable patient-specific customization has the potential to become the gold standard in joint replacement care; however, its widespread clinical utility has been limited by its reliance on MRI and CT imaging, which are less accessible and not typically used for preoperative evaluation,” said Dan Williamson, Zimmer Biomet’s Group President, Joint Reconstruction. “Conversely, virtually every candidate for joint replacement surgery undergoes X-ray imaging, so we are thrilled to debut the first CE Marked, X-ray-based Patient Specific Instrument System, and extend the benefits of customized surgical planning to joint replacement patients across the European Union. This new offering was conceptualized and developed in collaboration with Dr. Mohamed Mahfouz, Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Tennessee, who pioneered the original concept.”

X-PSI Knee System, the company’s fourth patient specific guide offering in its Personalized Solutions franchise, will be initially launched in five countries across the European Union.

“The growing use of MRI and CT-based planning software to customize implant placement has meaningfully improved patient outcomes in joint replacement surgery1-5,” said Raju S. Ghate, M.D., lead investigator of the X-PSI Knee System Investigational Device Exemption study, and a practicing orthopaedic surgeon at NorthShore University HealthSystem in Evanston, Ill. “Our study6 found that X-PSI Knee System, which uses X-ray imaging with Zimmer Biomet’s Patient Specific Instruments Planner, yields comparably high implant placement accuracy as MRI and CT-based systems, while significantly improving accessibility and clinical utility to a broader patient population.”

About Zimmer Biomet

Founded in 1927 and headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, Zimmer Biomet is a global leader in musculoskeletal healthcare. We design, manufacture and market orthopaedic reconstructive products; sports medicine, biologics, extremities and trauma products; office based technologies; spine, craniomaxillofacial and thoracic products; dental implants; and related surgical products.

We collaborate with healthcare professionals around the globe to advance the pace of innovation. Our products and solutions help treat patients suffering from disorders of, or injuries to, bones, joints or supporting soft tissues. Together with healthcare professionals, we help millions of people live better lives.

We have operations in more than 25 countries around the world and sell products in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit www.zimmerbiomet.com or follow Zimmer Biomet on Twitter at www.twitter.com/zimmerbiomet.

References

  1. Kassab, S., Pietrzak, W. Intraoperative Benefits of Signature Personalized Patient Care in Total Knee Arthroplasty. White Paper. 2012.
  2. Lombardi, A., Berend, K., Adams, J. Patient-Specific Approach in Total Knee Arthroplasty. Orthopedics, 31(9), 927-930. 2008. doi:10.3928/01477447-20080901-21
  3. Schotanus, M., Boonen, B., Kort, N. Patient specific guides for total knee arthroplasty are ready for primetime; World J Orthop 2016 January 18; 7(1): 61-68 ISSN 2218-5836
  4. Silva, A., Sampaio, R., Pinto, E. Patient-specific instrumentation improves tibial component rotation in TKA. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 22(3), 636-642. 2013. doi:10.1007/s00167-013-2639-0
  5. Ng, V., et al. Comparison of custom to standard TKA instrumentation with computed tomography. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2013. DOI 10.100/s00167-01302632-7
  6. Data on File at Zimmer Biomet. Protocol No. CSU2015-12K.

Disclaimer

X-Patient Specific Instrument, X-PSI Knee System, is not available in the U.S.

For complete prescription information, please contact Zimmer Biomet. Check for country product clearances and reference product specific instructions for use.  Not for distribution in France.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning Zimmer Biomet’s expectations, plans, prospects, and product and service offerings, including new product launches and potential clinical successes.  Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially.  For a list and description of some of such risks and uncertainties, see Zimmer Biomet’s periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in Zimmer Biomet’s filings with the SEC.  Zimmer Biomet disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be set forth in its periodic reports.  Accordingly, such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made.  Readers of this news release are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, since, while management believes the assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate.  This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this news release.

ZBH-Corp

SOURCE Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.zimmerbiomet.com


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June 28, 2017 OrthoSpineNews

Alevio, LLC (http://www.aleviospine.com), a fast-growing provider of new spinal technologies, is pleased to announce the 500th case using the SiCure Sacroiliac Joint Fusion System.

SiCure is a second-generation comprehensive sacroiliac joint fusion system with uniquely designed titanium screws. SiCure can be implanted in either a lateral or posterior approach, and is indicated for skeletally mature patients needing sacroiliac joint fusion for conditions including sacroiliac joint disruption and degenerative sacroiliitis.

“SiCure has achieved higher and faster levels of implantation than we thought possible,” says Joe Robbins, CEO and Founder of Alevio. “The relative ease of the procedure and versatile placement options has really captured the attention of the surgeons that have been introduced to our technology. We have implanted over 1500 devices in less than 2 years with no reported complications, revisions, or infections, and predict continued rapid growth for the remainder of 2017 and beyond with our current offering and upcoming new pipeline of treatments to support patients with SI joint dysfunction.”

It is estimated that 20-25% of low back patients also have involvement of the sacroiliac joint. Previous fusion at L5/S1 creates a high incidence of subsequent SI joint degeneration and pain, particularly in childbearing women. SiCure features a patented dual-lead helical thread design that allows harvesting and repacking of the patient’s own bone back into the screw as it advances.     This unique feature saves both valuable O.R. time, and additional biologic material costs. SiCure is the only comprehensive sacroiliac system on the market today that provides a self-harvesting option to treat patients from two different anatomical approaches.

“The SI joint is really the forgotten joint of the spine with only 10-15% of surgeons actively evaluating and treating it, yet it is a common source of pain for many patients. Today there is a simple algorithm for surgical treatment that can be performed outpatient with minimally invasive techniques”, says Dr. Adam Lewis, Neurosurgeon at the Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic in Jackson, Mississippi. “The self-harvesting aspect of SiCure is truly distinctive as it combines the best of several SI fusion products and procedures into one. This technology is really paving the way for a more effective and efficient way to treat SI joint pain”

To expand the use of SiCure, Alevio plans to launch two new anatomical approaches at the North American Spine Society meeting later this year. In addition to SiCure, Alevio also provides the Re-Live™ multi-point structural allograft system for SI fixation, giving surgeons a second material option.

About Alevio:
Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Alevio is a fast-growing, privately held spinal device manufacturer dedicated to the treatment of SI joint dysfunction. Alevio’s mission is to pioneer advanced spine surgery solutions that simplify and streamline treatment options for surgeons and patients, thereby moving life forward. For more information, please visit http://www.aleviospine.com


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June 28, 2017 OrthoSpineNews

ATLANTA, GA–(Marketwired – Jun 27, 2017) – Medovex Corp. (NASDAQ: MDVX) (“Medovex” or the “Company”), a developer of medical technology products, today announced that it has scheduled its first human cases for its DenerveX™ System in the EU to commence during mid-July, followed by other cases throughout the balance of the month and in August. Dr. Martin Deeg, an Orthopedic Surgeon from Stuttgart, Germany will be the first surgeon to utilize the new device.

The Company previously announced that it had received its first three commercial orders for its DenerveX System on the heels of receiving CE Mark approval for the system allowing it to be marketed in Europe. The first commercial orders of the DenerveX System included both the DenerveX Kit containing the DenerveX Device and the DenerveX Pro-40 Generators for Germany, UK and Italy.

Manny Sablowski, Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing, stated, “We are pleased to be building atop recent momentum having established near term dates for the first human cases in the EU. The first human cases follow the recent receipt of stocking orders from our distributors EDGE Medical of Manchester England, TCB Ortho Division of Germany, and AlfaMed of Porto San Giorgio, Italy.”

Sablowski continued, “In recent weeks, we also received additional positive feedback holding a successful DenerveX training session with our Italian distributor. I have high hopes that all our other distributors are equally excited like the AlfaMed team. Their twelve sales representatives are all specialists in the Spinal field and clearly understand Facet Joint Syndrome.”

Facet Joint Syndrome (FJS), also known as spinal osteoarthritis, spinal arthritis, or facet joint osteoarthritis, is a significant health and economic problem affecting millions each year in the United States, the EU, and rest of the world. Current treatment options are generally temporary and there is no proven long-lasting option for FJS.

The DenerveX System is differentiated from radiofrequency ablation technologies by denervating and removing capsular tissue from the Facet Joint in one single procedure. Treatment results from the combined effect of a deburring or polishing action and RF ablation treatment on the Facet Joint. Using this new technique, the slowly rotating burr removes the targeted facet joint synovial membrane and joint surface while the heat ablation destroys tissue and denudes any residual nervous and synovial membrane overlying the joint, removing the end point sensory tissue of the joint.

Published studies indicate that lower back pain is the fifth most common reason for U.S. doctor office visits, the most common cause for activity limitations in persons under the age of 45, and a driver of physician opioid prescribing patterns. Additionally, research indicates that total health care expenditure for LBP in the U.S. exceeds $100 billion dollars annually. The DenerveX System was specifically designed to address long term lower back pain management seeking to alleviate, and/or mitigate pain, in addition to potentially reducing dependence on pharmaceutical based remedies.

The DenerveX System consists of the DenerveX Device Kit, containing a single use medical device and the DenerveX Pro-40 Power Generator. The DenerveX system is not yet FDA cleared.

About Medovex

Medovex was formed to acquire and develop a diversified portfolio of potentially ground breaking medical technology products. Criteria for selection include those products with potential for significant improvement in the quality of patient care combined with cost effectiveness. The Company’s first pipeline product, the DenerveX device, is intended to provide long lasting relief from pain associated with facet joint syndrome at significantly less cost than currently available options. To learn more about Medovex Corp., visit www.medovex.com

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), not limited to Risk Factors relating to its patent business contained therein. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONTACT INFORMATION


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June 28, 2017 OrthoSpineNews

June 27, 2017

INDIANAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–OrthoIndy and Active Implants, a company that develops orthopedic implant solutions, today announced that the first meniscus replacement procedures have been performed in Indiana. Dr. Jack Farr, orthopedic surgeon at OrthoIndy, was the first to perform the procedure on Greenwood resident Jason Scott. OrthoIndy is the only center in the state – and just one of 10 sites nationwide – participating in the VENUS (Verification of the Effectiveness of the NUsurface® System) clinical trial, which is enrolling patients with persistent knee pain after loss of meniscus cartilage to assess the safety and effectiveness of the investigational NUsurface Meniscus Implant compared to non-surgical standard of care.

The meniscus is a tissue pad between the thigh and shin bones. Once it is damaged, the meniscus has a very limited ability to heal. Over 1 million partial meniscectomies (to remove the torn portion of the meniscus) are performed in the U.S. every year, more than the total number of hip and knee replacement surgeries combined. However, many patients still experience persistent knee pain following meniscus partial excision surgery.

Scott suffered a knee injury resulting in a meniscus tear while playing high school basketball 18 years ago. This injury led the 36-year-old to undergo two partial meniscectomy surgeries on his left knee, which allowed him initially to get back to playing basketball and softball. However, the knee pain flared up over the past few years to where Scott began to experience consistent knee pain during any activity, including participating in sports, playing with his kids and simply sitting in the car for too long.

“We don’t have many surgical options for patients like Jason,” Dr. Farr said. “He is too young for knee replacement surgery and was not interested in the time it takes to recover from tibial realignment or meniscal transplant surgery. We hope NUsurface not only alleviates his pain and gets him back to his normal activities, but possibly helps him delay or avoid knee replacement surgery.”

Dr. Farr implanted the device in May 2016 through a small incision in Scott’s knee. Following a full six-week physical therapy regimen,Scott was able to gain full range of motion as well as resume daily activities. It has been one year since he received the implant and Scott’s knee continues to be stable. He has been able to play basketball again, go to concerts and sporting events, and take family vacations without worrying about knee pain.

“I feel fortunate that at the young age of 36, I’m able to receive a meniscus implant instead of living with persistent pain that could lead to an unwanted knee replacement later in life,” Scott said. “As a father of two young girls, I need to be as mobile and active as my kids are – the NUsurface implant has helped to alleviate my knee pain so I can play sports with my kids, travel with my family and get back to my athletic lifestyle.”

The NUsurface Meniscus Implant is inserted into the knee joint through a small incision and patients typically can go home on the same day of the operation. After surgery, they undergo a six-week rehabilitation program. NUsurface has been used in Europe since 2008 and Israel since 2011.

About the Clinical Trial

As part of the process to gain regulatory approval in the U.S., the VENUS (Verification of the Effectiveness of the NUsurface® System) study will enroll approximately 130 patients at orthopedic centers in the U.S., Europe and Israel. Sites in the U.S. include Indiana (Indianapolis), Massachusetts (Boston), New York (Albany, Rochester and New York), North Carolina (Durham), Ohio (Columbus), Tennessee (Memphis) and Virginia (Richmond). Participants who meet study requirements and agree to enter the trial are randomized to receive either the NUsurface device or non-surgical treatment, which is the current standard of care for patients with persistent knee pain following meniscus surgery. To be eligible for the study, participants must be between the ages of 30 and 75 and have pain after medial meniscus surgery that was performed at least six months ago. To learn more about the VENUS study, please call (844) 680-8951 or visit www.meniscus-trial.com.

About the NUsurface® Meniscus Implant

In the U.S., the NUsurface® Meniscus Implant, from Active Implants LLC, is an investigational treatment for patients with persistent knee pain following medial meniscus surgery. The NUsurface Meniscus Implant is made from medical grade plastic and, as a result of its unique materials, composite structure and design, does not require fixation to bone or soft tissue. The NUsurface device mimics the function of the natural meniscus and redistributes loads transmitted across the knee joint. It is inserted into the knee joint through a small incision, and patients typically can go home soon after the operation. After surgery, patients undergo a six-week rehabilitation program. The NUsurface device has been used clinically in Europe since 2008 and Israel since 2011.

About OrthoIndy and the OrthoIndy Hospital

Founded over 50 years ago, OrthoIndy is one of the most highly respected orthopedic practices in the Midwest. With over 70 physicians providing care to central Indiana residents from more than 10 convenient locations, OrthoIndy provides leading-edge bone, joint, spine and muscle care. OrthoIndy physicians also provide care to the Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, Indianapolis Indians and Dance Kaleidoscope, as well as local colleges and high schools.

Owned and operated by OrthoIndy physicians, OrthoIndy Hospital is central Indiana’s first specialty hospital with a direct focus on bone, joint, spine and muscle care and the most technologically advanced facility available for orthopedics in the Midwest. As a physician-owned hospital model, OrthoIndy Hospital’s top priorities are patient safety, satisfaction and outcomes.

Quality patient care serves as the foundation for the physician-owned and operated hospital, which is evident in the ratings received from Press Ganey Associates, Inc. From 2013 to 2016 OrthoIndy Hospital was named a Guardian of Excellence Award winner for consistently achieving the 95th percentile of performance in patient satisfaction. From 2009 to 2012, OrthoIndy Hospital was named the Summit Award Winner for sustaining the highest level of customer satisfaction for three or more consecutive years.

For more information on OrthoIndy, please call (317) 802-2000 or visit http://orthoindy.com/.

About Active Implants

Active Implants, LLC develops orthopedic implant solutions that complement the natural biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system, allowing patients to maintain or return to an active lifestyle. Active Implants is privately held with headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. European offices are in The Netherlands, with R&D facilities in Israel. For more information, visit www.activeimplants.com.

CAUTION Investigational device. Limited by United States law to investigational use.

Contacts

Merryman Communications
Joni Ramirez, 323-532-0746
joni@merrymancommunications.com


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June 27, 2017 OrthoSpineNews

June 27, 2017

CASTEL SAN PIETRO, Switzerland–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Hirslanden Clinique La Colline, an internationally renowned clinic in Geneva and part of the first Swiss private clinic group Hirslanden, has optimized instrument management and implant stock for its total knee replacement (TKR) procedures by introducing Medacta’s Efficiency KneePack as the new standard in its practice. This advanced solution has helped Clinique La Colline to improve its supply chain and TKR procedure workflow, reducing the resources needed to manage procedures and enabling an even stronger focus on surgeons’ needs and patients’ well being.

“I was already using Medacta’s MyKnee Patient-Specific cutting blocks, which have helped me achieve higher dependability with greater ease and comfort of use in every case,” said Dr. med. Jean-Philippe Corsat.

“The Single Use Instruments, delivered brand new and unworn every time, have been a great addition,” added Dr. med. Marc Saudan. “I didn’t have to change my technique at all; after a few cases, I was completely used to them.”

Delivered sterile and ready for use, the Efficiency KneePack is the ultimate solution to implant Medacta’s GMK® Primary or GMK®Sphere in a TKR procedure. The Efficiency KneePack includes femur and tibia implants, MyKnee® Patient-Matched cutting blocks and GMK® Efficiency single use instruments.

“Thanks to Medacta’s Efficiency KneePack, we have drastically streamlined our logistic workflow,” said André Joyeusaz, a Hirslanden Clinique La Colline logistics department representative. “Instrumentation sets and implants are delivered just a few days before surgery, limiting the stock here at the surgical unit. Everything we need is packaged together, minimizing any source of error and helping us more swiftly to manage the logistics. This is very important on busy days. Any problem related to lost or worn out instruments has been eliminated, including paperwork.”

“The first thing that I noticed was that these instruments are much lighter than the metal ones,” said Veronique Guerraz, a perioperative nurse at the clinic. “They are also very intuitive to assemble and require less thought process to set them up. I can quickly find the instruments needed at each surgical step thanks to their different colors and the organized layout. The packaged sets arrive already sterile and organized, so we do not have to check them before surgery; we can just open the blisters and start using the instruments.”

In order to facilitate the best possible outcomes, Medacta utilizes pre-operative computer-based surgical planning software to deliver exactly what is needed for the surgical procedure, including the Efficiency Instruments and implants. This minimizes inventory constraints and provides the necessary inventory to complete the specific surgical procedure.

“It is Medacta’s mission to address surgeon and hospital needs with advanced technologies that encourage patient wellbeing and healthcare system sustainability,” said Francesco Siccardi, Executive Vice President of Medacta International. “The Efficiency KneePack embodies this as it addresses pain points at every level. We believe it will become the gold standard for clinics and ambulatory surgical centers looking to optimize their resources.”

Clinique La Colline is the first center to use Medacta’s Efficiency KneePack, and other centers are now following suit.

About Medacta® International

Medacta® International is a world leading manufacturer of orthopedic implants, neurosurgical systems, and instrumentation. Medacta’s revolutionary approach and responsible innovation have resulted in standard of care breakthroughs in hip replacement with the AMIS®system and total knee replacement with MyKnee® patient matched technology. Over the last 10 years, Medacta has grown dramatically by taking a holistic approach and placing value on all aspects of the care experience from design to training to sustainability. Medacta is headquartered in Castel San Pietro, Switzerland, and operates in over 30 countries.

To learn more about Medacta International, please visit: https://www.medacta.com.

Contacts

for Medacta International
Jill Bongiorni, 516-729-2250
Jill@torchcomllc.com