Abstract
DePuy Spine, Inc. has this week announced the launch of the EXPEDIUM® Neuromuscular System, a new modular system of pre-contoured rods and proximal connectors, open and closed iliac screw designs and wires, designed to help surgeons address spinal and pelvic deformity in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis. The company has not announced plans to introduce the system in Europe at this time.
About Neuromuscular Scoliosis Surgery
“The modularity of the EXPEDIUM Neuromuscular System allows for easy fixation to the pelvis without the need for intra-operative modification of implants or complex rod bending.”
According to the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS), incidence of neuromuscular scoliosis ranges from 25 percent in people with cerebral palsy to 90 percent in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Surgery is performed in these patients to prevent further curve progression, improve sitting balance and tolerance, reduce pain and improve quality of life.
Clinician comments
“Surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis is very challenging in that most cases require correction of a coronal, sagittal and axial deformity, including pelvic obliquity. This deformity can occur in patients with little or no muscle tone or in those with severe muscle tone and spasticity due to diseases like muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy,” said Randal R. Betz, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon from Philadelphia and design consultant to DePuy. “The EXPEDIUM Neuromuscular System was designed with these patients in mind.”
“The modularity of the EXPEDIUM Neuromuscular System allows for easy fixation to the pelvis without the need for intra-operative modification of implants or complex rod bending. It also allows for the cantilever correction of severe pelvic obliquity and spinal deformity that was previously corrected with the unit rod,” said Kirk Dabney, MD, orthopedic surgeon and associate director of the Cerebral Palsy Program at the Alfred I. duPont Institute in Wilmington, Delaware and consultant to DePuy.
Company comments
“We heard from surgeons that treating neuromuscular scoliosis is a challenging part of their practice and that they needed a system designed specifically for this type of patient,” said Namal Nawana, Worldwide President, DePuy Spine. “The EXPEDIUM Neuromuscular System is that system. It provides a procedural solution that simplifies the correction procedure and optimizes the time in the operating room.”
The EXPEDIUM Neuromuscular System is the latest addition to the ever expanding EXPEDIUM portfolio of products for complex spine procedures. The portfolio features a variety of instruments and implants designed to enhance speed, security and simplicity in treating a wide range of spinal deformities.
About DePuy Spine
DePuy Spine, Inc. has worked with leading clinicians, researchers, and thought leaders to develop products to treat spine disorders for over 20 years. It is part of the DePuy Family of Companies within Johnson & Johnson, and has a rich heritage of pioneering a broad range of products and solutions across the continuum of orthopaedic and neurological care. These companies are unified under one vision – Never Stop Moving® – to express their commitment to bring meaningful innovation, shared knowledge and quality care to patients throughout the world.
Source: DePuy Spine Inc
published: December 8, 2011 in: DePuy, Launches / Withdrawals, Spine