Medtronic receives expanded indications for reconstruction system

Medtronic recently announced it has received clearance from the FDA for expanded indications of its Vertex Reconstruction System.

The new clearance for the Vertex family of products allows for lateral mass and pedicle screws to be used as a form of fixation to treat various pathologies occurring in the posterior cervical spine, according to a company press release.

The system comprises implants and instruments that can be used to surgically treat patients with a variety of conditions that can contribute to spinal instability, including degenerative disease, fracture, tumors and/or deformity. With the system, surgeons can place titanium rods, screws, hooks and/or other connecting components in the appropriate anatomical structures to provide internal stabilization to the posterior cervical spine while the fusion of vertebrae occurs, according to the release.

The system is intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments as an adjunct to fusion for the following acute and chronic instabilities of the craniocervical junction, the cervical spine (C1 to C7) and the thoracic spine from T1-T3.

Reference: www.medtronic.com.