PLAINSBORO, N.J., May 5, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq:IART) announced today the launch the Coral(TM) Extended Tab Spinal Screw series, a range of polyaxial pedicle screws designed to be used with the Coral(TM) Spinal System. The Coral(TM) Extended Tab Spinal Screw series will be available in solid, fenestrated and cannulated styles, and they provide an exciting addition to the Coral Spinal System currently marketed in the United States.
Coral(TM) Extended Tab Spinal Screws are designed for applications where the extent of the vertebral misalignment would not allow a standard sized tab pedicle screw to properly engage with the rod component of the system without using additional instrumentation. Extending the tabs makes this new series of pedicle screw particularly useful for the correction of spinal deformities, such as spondylolisthesis and scoliosis.
Spondylolisthesis refers to the misalignment of one or more vertebrae in relation to each other and may be present at birth or develop over time. Spondylolisthesis is more common among athletes who participate in sports that involve repetitive spinal hyperextension, such as diving, weight lifting, wrestling and gymnastics. In procedures to correct spinal spondylolisthesis, one or more Coral(TM) Extended Tab Spinal Screws may be placed in the slipped vertebra, using the extended tabs to pull the vertebra into proper alignment.
Scoliosis is predominantly a lateral deformity of the spine, often combined with rotational misalignment of the vertebrae. Three to five in every 1,000 children develop spinal scoliosis considered severe enough to require surgical intervention. For scoliosis correction procedures due to the spinal curve, it may be challenging for a surgeon to seat the rod properly into the screw head. The Extended Tab Screw enables a surgeon to seat the rod into the screw head, commonly referred to as "reducing the rod," without using additional rod persuasion instrumentation.
"We are pleased to deliver innovative spinal solutions, led by a seasoned management team that has over 75 years of combined experience in the medical device industry," said Randy Theken, President of Integra Spine.
The Coral(TM) Extended Tab Spinal Screw Series is distributed through the Integra Spine independent distributor network. Integra Spine is a leading provider of fusion implants and orthobiologics used in spinal surgery and is actively developing motion preservation devices. Visit www.integraspine.com for more information.
Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation, a world leader in regenerative medicine, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients through the development, manufacturing, and marketing of clinically relevant, innovative, and cost-effective surgical implants and medical instruments. Integra's products, used primarily in neurosurgery, orthopedics and general surgery, are used to treat millions of patients every year. The company's headquarters are in Plainsboro, New Jersey, and it has research and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. For more information visit www.integra-ls.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the future use of the Coral(TM) Extended Tab Spinal Screw Series and the Coral(TM) Spinal System. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from predicted or expected results. Among other things, the willingness of physicians to use these products may affect the prospects for their use in clinical procedures. In addition, the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors identified under the heading "Risk Factors" included in section IA of Integra's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and information contained in subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could affect actual results.
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