Transverse Connector Stabilizes Non-Cervical Spine Surgery

A new transverse connector provides improved construct stability and rigid fixation to posterior pedicle screw surgery by interconnecting vertical rods.

The Connect-L transverse connector is small, low profile, stabilizing bar intended for use with the proprietary F1 MPS Modular Pedicle Screw System, which provides immobilization and stabilization of posterior thoraco-lumbar-sacral spine surgeries. With pre-assembled or modular screws, straight or curved rods, and titanium or cobalt-chrome rods, it allows the surgeon intra-operative flexibility for bone grafting and screw placement. The screw thread is specifically engineered to combine the option for standard or cortical screw placement.

The Connect-L transverse connector for the system includes both fixed and variable sizes, with the variable option offering six degrees of freedom, thus allowing additional maneuverability for complex spinal stabilization procedures. The Connect-L transverse connector and F1 MPS Modular Pedicle Screw System are products of DeGen Medical (Florence, SC, USA), and have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“The modularity of the F1 MPS system makes it easier to visualize structures, allows for less muscle damage and better preparation of fusion bed for faster recovery,” said Daniel Williams, MD, of First Health Moore Regional Hospital (Pinehurst, NC, USA), who performed the first two-level posterior lumbar fusion surgery with the system. “Being a modular system it's designed with simplicity of instrumentation for the surgeon and the techs, and, that’s what makes DeGen Medical F1 MPS unique.”

Pedicle screw systems provide a means of gripping a spinal segment, acting as firm anchor points that can then be connected with a rod. The screws are placed at two or three consecutive spine segments and then a short rod is used to connect the screws; this construct prevents motion at the segments that are being fused. After the bone graft grows, the screws and rods are no longer needed for stability and may be safely removed with a subsequent back surgery. However, most surgeons do not recommend removal unless the pedicle screws cause discomfort for the patient.

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