The first procedure using LinkSPINE's FacetLINK MINI was performed in the United States.
Here are five key notes:
1. Dhruv Pateder, MD, performed the first procedure in the United States at HCA Reston (Va.) Hospital Center. The patient was discharged the day after surgery.
2. The implant is manufactured from titanium and designed for placement in bilateral decompression through bilateral laminectomies. It is anchored with trans-articular pedicle screws that cross the facets, pin the joints and terminate at the base of the pedicle.
3. The Facet-link Stabilization Platform is intended to stabilize the spine as an aid to fusion through facet joint immobilization. The system is used with bone graft at single or multiple levels from L3 to S1.
4. The system is designed to treat patients with spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease or degeneration of the facets with instability.
5. The FacetLINK MINI fits within the midline decompression exposure, so no additional dissection is required. Surgeons need just two screws to complete a one-level construct.
6. There have been 80 cases with the procedure performed in the past 30 months in the European Union.
"Using a minimally invasive technique, FacetLINK MINI allows rigid posterior spinal column fixation with only two cross-linked lag screws instead of traditional, open pedicle screw and rod construct where four screws are needed," said Dr. Pateder.