AUDUBON, Pa., April 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Globus Medical, Inc., the largest privately-held spinal implant manufacturer in the world, announced today what it believes to be the first ever implantation of a total disc replacement device utilizing a minimally invasive transforaminal approach. This marks the second such "world's first" surgery in less than a month by this leader in spine technology. Three patients were recently implanted with the devices by Drs. Luiz Pimenta, Paul McAfee, and Dilip Sengupta in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
"The Globus technology represents a significant advancement in the application of total disc replacement (TDR) technology," commented Dr. Paul McAfee, MD, Chief of Spinal Surgery at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Towson, Md. "The Globus transforaminal TDR was performed through a three-inch Wiltse incision, minimizing the need for muscle dissection and retraction. The patients were able to stand up on the day of their surgery, and were discharged from the hospital by the following day. Full recovery is expected in three to six weeks."
"The Globus transforaminal TDR device employs a unique unitary metal-on- metal articulation device that reproduces the physiologic range of motion of a healthy spine," said Dr. Neel Anand, MD, Director, Orthopedic Spine Surgery, The Institute for Spinal Disorders, Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Ca. "The two components are interlocked in a manner that is similar to a joint with surrounding ligaments, which prevents disarticulation of the bearing surface. It is a low friction arthroplasty similar to the most advantageous peripheral total joint replacement technology."
"This device enables surgeons to restore disc height, decompress nerve roots, and utilize MIS approaches that do not require an access surgeon," commented Bill Rhoda, Group Engineering Manager, Globus Medical, Inc. "The Globus transforaminal TDR has the potential to become the gold standard for lumbar disc arthroplasty."
"The transforaminal TDR is another example of the innovative technology that Globus Medical will introduce in 2007," said David Paul, CEO, Globus Medical, Inc. "The product development engine we have built is hitting on all cylinders right now, producing a fantastic array of innovation across fusion, MIS, motion preservation and biomaterials."
About Globus Medical, Inc.
Globus Medical, Inc. is the largest privately-held spinal implant manufacturer in the world, with more than $100 million in annualized revenue. Based in Audubon, Pa., the company was founded in 2003 by an experienced team of spine professionals with a shared vision to create products that enable spine surgeons to employ both fusion and motion preservation solutions to promote healing in patients with spinal disorders. Globus Medical has a full portfolio of spinal fusion products, burgeoning initiatives in biomaterials development and minimally invasive approaches, and is among the world leaders in the development of motion sparing technology. Additional information can be accessed at http://www.globusmedical.com .
Globus Medical, Inc.