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June 29, 2017 OrthoSpineNews

RAYNHAM, Mass., June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Today DePuy Synthes* announces the U.S. launch of the VIPER® and EXPEDIUM® Fenestrated Screw Systems. When used in conjunction with CONFIDENCETM High Viscosity Spinal Cement, the screws are intended to restore the integrity of the spinal column in patients with advanced stage spinal tumors. The fenestrated screw systems provide stabilization and palliative treatment for patients who may be suffering from spinal cord compression as a result of advanced stage tumors.

Surgical treatment for patients with advanced stage spinal disease can be challenging with traditional pedicle screw systems, but using fenestrated screws with spinal cement can provide immediate screw fixation while stabilizing the spine. The VIPER and EXPEDIUM Fenestrated Screws are designed with a hollow shaft, or cannulation. This design along with fenestrations above the screw tip enable controlled delivery of CONFIDENCE High Viscosity Spinal 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,” said Daniel Sciubba**, M.D., Director, Spine Tumor and Spine Deformity Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital. “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 may be used in open or percutaneous spinal fusion surgery. The use of VIPER Fenestrated Screws combined with spinal cement can be used in minimally invasive surgery (MIS), a type of surgery that is associated with a reduction in operating room time, blood loss and lower infection rates. The VIPER Fenestrated Screws are compatible with the instrumentation of the VIPER and EXPEDIUM 5.5 Spine Systems, and the EXPEDIUM Fenestrated Screws are compatible with the instrumentation of the EXPEDIUM VERSE® Spinal System. Both fenestrated screw systems are now available nationwide.

Indications for Use

When used in conjunction with CONFIDENCETM High Viscosity Spinal Cement, the VIPER® and EXPEDIUM® Fenestrated Screw Systems are intended to restore the integrity of the spinal column even in the absence of fusion for a limited time period in patients with advanced stage tumors involving the thoracic and lumbar spine in whom life expectancy is of insufficient duration to permit achievement of fusion. The VIPER® and EXPEDIUM® Fenestrated Screw Systems augmented with the CONFIDENCETM High Viscosity Spinal Cement are for use at spinal levels where the structural integrity of the spine is not severely compromised.

About DePuy Synthes Companies
DePuy Synthes Companies, part of the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies***, provides one of the most comprehensive orthopaedics portfolios in the world. DePuy Synthes Companies solutions, in specialties including joint reconstruction, trauma, craniomaxillofacial, spinal surgery and sports medicine, are designed to advance patient care while delivering clinical and economic value to health care systems worldwide. For more information, visit www.depuysynthes.com.

*DePuy Synthes represents the products and services of DePuy Synthes, Inc. and its affiliates. Medos International SARL is the legal manufacturer of the VIPER® and EXPEDIUM® Fenestrated Screw Systems.
**Consultant to DePuy Synthes Spine
***The Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies comprise the surgery, orthopaedics, and cardiovascular businesses within Johnson & Johnson’s Medical Devices segment.

©DePuy Synthes 2017. All rights reserved.
DSUS/SPN/0617/1615(1)

 

SOURCE DePuy Synthes

Related Links

http://www.depuysynthes.com


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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

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

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 27, 2017 OrthoSpineNews

RAYNHAM, Mass. – June 27, 2017 – DePuy Synthes Products, Inc., part of the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies*, announced today that it has acquired Innovative Surgical Solutions, LLC, doing business as Sentio, LLC, a privately-held company based in Wixom, Michigan that markets innovative nerve localization technology for spine surgery. This acquisition underscores the DePuy Synthes and Johnson & Johnson Medical Device Companies strategy of investing in faster growing segments with technologies that are designed to help improve patient outcomes and bring value to our customers. Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Nerve localization is important during many spine procedures, including one minimally invasive approach called lateral surgery, where temporary and permanent neurologic complications are reported in 9.4 percent and 2.5 percent of patients, respectively.[1] These complications include pain or weakness in the hip or leg due to stretching or bruising of nerves near the surgical field, and are seen despite the use of currently available nerve localization systems.1

Most technologies on the market today rely on multiple needle electrodes in the patient’s arms or legs to locate motor nerves in the cervical and lumbar spine, and generate signals that can be problematic due to anesthesia effects, electrical interference or interpretation challenges. These systems typically require a neuromonitoring specialist to interpret the signals and guide the surgeon.

Sentio’s platform provides real-time feedback directly to the surgeon on nerve location using adhesive smart-sensors that are applied to the skin. The system can be set up by operating room personnel, does not require a neuromonitoring specialist, and has a minimal footprint in the operating room. In an animal model, Sentio’s technology detected nerve location faster than one competitive system and at lower levels of stimulation[2].

“With Sentio’s nerve localization technology, DePuy Synthes will strengthen its spine portfolio in decompression procedures as well as lateral surgery, and build a platform for future innovation in minimally invasive surgery,” said Ciro Römer, Company Group Chairman, DePuy Synthes. “The surgeon-driven approach will also help us reach more customers operating in an ambulatory surgery setting. This acquisition underscores our commitment to investing in differentiated technologies that help us reach more customers and patients around the world.”

DePuy Synthes has the second largest spine business in the world with a broad portfolio of spinal care solutions, including treatments for aging spine, less invasive surgery, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, care delivery innovation and enabling technologies. The company intends to leverage its broad network to expand the availability of Sentio’s technology to DePuy Synthes customers globally.

About DePuy Synthes Companies
DePuy Synthes Companies, part of the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies, provides one of the most comprehensive orthopaedics portfolios in the world. DePuy Synthes Companies solutions, in specialties including joint reconstruction, trauma, craniomaxillofacial, spinal surgery and sports medicine, are designed to advance patient care while delivering clinical and economic value to health care systems worldwide. For more information, visit www.depuysynthes.com.

###

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 related to the acquisition of Sentio. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of DePuy Synthes Products, Inc., the DePuy Synthes Companies and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges related to integrating Sentio’s products and technologies and ensuring their continued performance and market growth; the potential that the expected benefits and opportunities related to the transaction may not be realized or may take longer to realize than expected; challenges inherent in product development, including the uncertainty of clinical outcomes and commercial success; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; the ability of DePuy Synthes to successfully execute strategic plans; challenges to patents manufacturing difficulties and delays; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; global health care reforms and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2017, including under “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” its most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including under the caption “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” and the company’s subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. The DePuy Synthes Companies and Johnson & Johnson do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.
* The Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies comprise the surgery, orthopaedics, and cardiovascular businesses within Johnson & Johnson’s Medical Devices segment.
©DePuy Synthes 2017. All rights reserved.

[1] Joseph, J et al. Comparison of complication rates of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and lateral lumbar interbody fusion: a systematic review of the literature. Neurosurg Focus 39 (4):E4, 2015.
[2] Anderson et al (2010) An analysis of agreement between MMG vs. EMG systems for identification of nerve location during spinal procedures. NASS/Spine J.
CONTACT:
Christie Corbett
Communications
(857) 636-0211

Jason Valmore
Investor Relations
(732) 524-3709


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June 27, 2017 OrthoSpineNews

June 27, 2017

ST. PAUL, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Spineology, Inc. the innovator in anatomy-conserving surgery™, is excited to announce FDA clearance of the Rampart One Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion System.

Rampart One is designed to minimize the exposure and vascular retraction requirements associated with traditional anterior spinal fusion procedures. The system includes both standard and oblique interbody device footprints each with integrated fixation screws.

“Minimizing exposure and retraction are cornerstone elements of all Spineology anatomy conserving designs. We are very excited about this approval and look forward to entering the anterior market in the near future,” said John Booth CEO of Spineology.

“Variable angle instrumentation and integrated guides are colinear with the access, providing the surgeon the ability to keep the incision to a minimum,” said Dr. Jeremy Shore of Boston, Massachusetts.

“For instances where there is limited to no vessel mobility, the Rampart One Oblique footprint is an excellent option,” adds Dr. Clifford Tribus of Madison, Wisconsin.

Rampart One is manufactured from Invibio® PEEK-OPTIMA® HA Enhanced material. This provides an improved osteoconductive surface for bone on-growth while preserving the traditional benefits of PEEK-OPTIMA Natural including a modulus similar to bone, reduced stress shielding and artifact-free imaging.

About Spineology Inc.

Spineology Inc. provides innovative, anatomy-conserving spinal technologies for surgeons and their patients. Spineology surgical techniques conserve spinal bone, ligament and muscle tissue. Spineology is committed to increasing procedural efficiency, reducing surgical morbidity and accelerating patient recovery. Learn more at spineology.com.

Contacts

Spineology Inc.
John Booth, 651-256-8511
jbooth@spineology.com
or
Risdall
Dave Folkens, 651-286-6713
dave@risdall.com


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June 27, 2017 OrthoSpineNews

ChoiceSpine™, a privately-held spinal device manufacturer based in Knoxville, TN, launched its new biologics portfolio at its National Sales Meeting last week in Nashville, TN.

“We are extremely excited about the launch of our Biologics Portfolio. We wanted to come out of the gate strong so we are proud to have an offering that includes various allograft and synthetic bone graft options in addition to a full amnion offering,” commented Christy Cote, Vice President of Biologics and ChoiceSpine’s Tissue Bank Director. “We believe the addition of a biologics platform to our already strong product portfolio is an important strategic milestone.”

The Biologics product portfolio is marketed under two brands named after the Stratotanker™ plane that refuels military aircraft inflight. STRATOFUSE™ was designed to fuel fusion in spine and orthopedic surgical procedures. The STRATOFUSE brand will promote demineralized bone allograft putties and sponges, synthetic bone graft substitute putties and strips, structural allograft and allograft bone extenders. The STRATOGEN™ line will focus on a full amnion offering.

“STRATOFUSE and STRATOGEN exemplify our dedication to developing and distributing spinal products that are innovative and surgeon-focused,” said Rick Henson and Marty Altshuler, co-founders of ChoiceSpine. “We look forward to continuing to serve our surgeon customers with innovative products that deliver excellent clinical outcomes.”

Fueling their philanthropic passion, ChoiceSpine has pledged a portion of all biologics proceeds to be donated to the Smoky Mountain Service Dogs charitable organization. This non-profit organization is dedicated to helping wounded veterans. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for veterans with disabilities by providing custom-trained, mobility-assistance service dogs.

About ChoiceSpine

ChoiceSpine is a privately-held spinal device company located in Knoxville, TN. The Company prides itself on providing excellent products and exceptional service to meet the needs of their customers. ChoiceSpine offers a breadth of innovative and surgeon-focused systems that are designed to be safe, efficient and easy-to-use. By working closely with physicians and maintaining a service-focused distribution, ChoiceSpine will continue to bring technically-superior spinal products to market.

Contact
KC Gilbert
Vice President Marketing & Professional Education
865-246-3333
kgilbert(at)choicespine.com
choicespine.com


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June 23, 2017 OrthoSpineNews

TEL AVIV, Israel, June 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Carevature Medical Ltd., developer of advanced orthopedic surgery solutions, announced today the first cervical decompression cases using its proprietary Dreal™ system in the US. The procedures were performed by Dr. John Peloza of the Center for Spine Care, Dallas, TX.

Dr. Peloza, a world-renowned orthopedic surgeon specializing in advanced minimally invasive spine technologies, has been using the Dreal™ system continuously since late 2016. Dr. Peloza has successfully performed over 40 lumbar procedures at the Baylor Scott and White Medical Center, Frisco, TX, before employing the Dreal™ system in cervical spinal decompression for the first time in the US.  The cervical cases included posterior decompressions, in which Dr. Peloza was able to perform a bilateral C4-5 foraminotomy through a small laminotomy opening; and ACDF and corpectomy procedures, where he was able to safely remove osteophytes from the posterior part of the vertebral bodies of the levels treated.

Using the Dreal™ system enabled Dr. Peloza to effectively decompress the spinal nerves with minimal damage to surrounding tissue, while maintaining a high safety profile.

“I was introduced to Dreal™ long before the system’s US approval, and was eager to start using it with my patients”, says Dr. Peloza. “The Dreal™ system fits with my philosophy: preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, making these procedures shorter and safer – and most importantly, improving patient recovery. This system is intuitive, it’s easy to use, and it has become an integral tool that I’ve been using in a growing number of spinal decompressions”.

“These cases demonstrate the huge commercial potential of the Dreal™ system”, says Robert (Bob) W. Cook, a seasoned spine industry executive, recently appointed as Carevture’s VP Marketing and Sales. “while innovative tools have been introduced for lumbar decompression, no other solution brings Dreal™’s ability to effectively decompress the entire spine, with minimum trauma and maximum safety”.

About Carevature

Carevature Medical Ltd., a privately-held medical device company headquartered in Rehovot, Israel, is dedicated to developing advanced orthopedic surgery solutions.

Carevature is presently focused on its flagship line of products for spinal indications, Dreal™, the first and only curved device powerful enough to efficiently cut bone, and small enough for use in all sections of the spine.

Over 450 patients worldwide have been treated with the Dreal™ in clinical and commercial cases, with outstanding safety and recovery results.

Find out more: http://www.carevature.com

Media contact person:
Robert W. Cook, Vice President, Marketing & Sales
M: 260-417-1643
E: bob@carevature.com

 

SOURCE Carevature Medical Ltd.


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June 22, 2017 OrthoSpineNews

LEESBURG, Va., June 22, 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 MOJAVE™ PL 3D Expandable Interbody System has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). MOJAVE PL 3D is a first-to-market, FDA-cleared, 3D-printed expandable posterior-lumbar (PL) interbody system that features K2M’s Lamellar 3D Titanium Technology™. K2M was the first leading spine company to market a 3D-printed titanium interbody device and offers the most comprehensive portfolio of 3D-printed spinal devices.

The MOJAVE PL 3D Expandable Interbody System is a fusion device designed to allow for independent control of the anterior and posterior height in the lumbar spine, a new capability not available with any other product in the market today. Featuring infinite adjustment within the expansion range, the implant may be locked at any desired height and lordosis to aid in the restoration of sagittal balance.

“The ability to provide independent control of both the anterior and posterior height separately is desirable for the restoration of sagittal balance compared to existing devices that can’t independently adjust both anterior and posterior height,” said Steven Ludwig, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon and professor of orthopedics at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.

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 MOJAVE PL 3D endplates 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 endplates.

“We are proud to be the global leader in 3D printing of spinal applications. We have developed internal 3D expertise that is allowing us to accelerate the rate of spinal innovation. As the first-ever, FDA-cleared, 3D-printed expandable interbody technology, MOJAVE PL 3D exemplifies our leadership in this space and provides surgeons the ability to expand the implant in-situ. This is our second family of products featuring Lamellar 3D Titanium Technology and builds upon the incredibly successful CASCADIA™ 3D family of static 3D-printed interbody cages,” said K2M President and CEO Eric Major. “Our continued innovation in 3D solutions and our focus on 3D spinal balance, demonstrated by the recent launch of our Balance ACS™ platform, solidifies our position as a market leader and innovator in the industry. We look forward to continuing to introduce new three-dimensional solutions to surgeons who treat patients with spinal disorders.”

Balance ACS (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 solutions focused on achieving balance of the spine by addressing each anatomical vertebral segment with a 360-degree approach to the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes, emphasizing Total Body Balance as an important component of surgical success.

For more information about the MOJAVE PL 3D Expandable Interbody System and Lamellar 3D Titanium Technology, 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