BROOMFIELD, Colo., July 31, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lanx, Inc., a privately held global spine company focused on developing and commercializing innovative devices for fusion surgery, today announced that new published research suggests using the ASPEN® MIS Fusion System in conjunction with lumbar discectomy can help decrease the incidence of subsequent disc reherniation, while providing a less invasive fusion procedure. The case series was published online ahead of print in Surgical Technology International.
Study author Jeffrey Oppenheim, MD, Chief of the Section of Neurosurgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, New York, said, "Recurrent lumbar disc herniation is not uncommon after discectomy, yet most surgeons are hesitant to perform a traditional instrumented fusion to supplement the procedure due to the associated risk of complications and lengthy recovery. This review suggests fixation with the ASPEN device may offer an ideal surgical method to help reduce the incidence of disc reherniation by promoting solid fusion with a minimally invasive surgical technique."
The retrospective study, titled "Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation Treated with Interspinous Fusion and Instrumentation: A Case Series," evaluated four patients treated with repeat micro lumbar discectomy (MLD) with ASPEN device fixation for recurrent disc herniation and associated radiculopathy and instability. All had previously undergone at least one MLD without fusion. There were no intraoperative complications and patients remained in the hospital for an average of one day. At a mean follow-up of 21 months, patients demonstrated functional improvement, with no clinical evidence of complications or reherniation.
Dan Gladney, Chief Executive Officer, Lanx, said, "This is the first of several published studies on the clinical application of the ASPEN device expected over the next 12 months, as spine surgeons across the country document and share their experiences with the system. The research supports the role of the technology in enabling less invasive fusion and offering new avenues to address persistent clinical challenges, such as disc reherniation, so surgeons can achieve the best possible short and long-term outcomes for patients."
The ASPEN system was developed as a less invasive alternative to pedicle screw fixation while providing comparable biomechanical stability. It is currently being used in a wide range of surgical applications for the treatment of degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal trauma or spinal tumor.
For more information on Lanx and its leading minimally invasive fusion portfolio, visit www.lanx.com.
About Lanx, Inc.
Lanx is one of the largest privately held global spine companies, focused on providing surgeons with innovative solutions to improve the quality of spine care. The Company develops and markets a full line of fusion devices, with a leading platform of minimally invasive technologies including its TIMBERLINE™ Lateral Fusion System and ASPEN® MIS Fusion System. Lanx is headquartered in Broomfield, CO, and distributes its products throughout the world via a network of direct sales representatives and exclusive distributor partners. For more information on Lanx and its spinal surgery offerings, visit www.lanx.com and www.minimallyinvasivespinefusion.com.