SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Amedica/US Spine, a spine and reconstructive implant and instrument manufacturer focused on unique silicon nitride (SiN) technologies, implanted its first silicon nitride total hip implant this week in the international marketplace. A patient at the George Provincial Hospital in Western Cape South Africa received the implant that uses an Infinia silicon nitride ceramic femoral head as part of the total implant.
In 2010 Amedica/US Spine partnered with Orthopaedic Synergy, Inc. (OSI), a holding company for OMNIlife science™ and Enztec Limited, both global designers, manufacturers and distributors of leading edge reconstructive surgery implants and instrumentation. The companies entered into a joint agreement venture to develop and market total hip and knee replacement implants utilizing Amedica’s industry changing silicon nitride platform technology.
“The achievement of this milestone is a significant event for Amedica/US Spine, Orthopaedic Synergy and the orthopaedic joint replacement market in general,” said Ben Shappley, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of Amedica/US Spine. “Silicon nitride articulating reconstructive components represent the new standard for no wear, exceptionally strong, biologically kind and anti-bacterial implant material.”
This first implantation of an Infinia silicon nitride ceramic femoral head in a hip replacement is the result of several months of successful product development cooperation between OMNIlife science and Amedica.
“We are very excited to be Amedica’s partner in applying their silicon nitride ceramic technology to joint replacement products,” said Nik Nikolaev, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Orthopaedic Synergy, Inc. “We remain convinced that this new material will significantly improve clinical outcomes and implant longevity for patients who require joint replacement.”
Amedica/US Spine also markets a full line of spine products, including a family of biologics built around human amniotic stem cells, deformity and degeneration pedicle screw systems featuring the recently developed triple-lead thread pedicle screw, unique facet technologies and silicon nitride interbody spacers.
For more information about Amedica/US Spine, visit www.amedicacorp.com.
About Orthopaedic Synergy:
Orthopaedic Synergy, a joint initiative of Enztec Limited and OMNIlife science, will provide Australian and New Zealand surgeons with direct access to industry-leading surgical technology.
About Enztec Limited:
Based in Christchurch, New Zealand, Enztec is a designer and manufacturer of surgical devices for the orthopaedic industry. Its products include custom implants for tumor and trauma surgeries and instrumentation based around hip and knee replacements that are sold throughout the world by the largest orthopaedic companies.
Enztec was formed in 1993 and has 36 staff. It is privately held. In 2008 Enztec won “Deal of the Year” in the Canterbury Export Awards and was ranked the 27th fastest growing company in New Zealand on the annual Deloitte/Unlimited Fast 50 list.
About OMNIlife science:
Formed in 1998, OMNIlife science is a boutique medical devices company specializing in orthopaedic implants for hips and knees. It is headquartered in Raynham, Massachusetts, USA. OMNIlife science is jointly owned by New Zealand and U.S. investors. Auckland investor Birnie Capital Partners is the majority shareholder.
About Amedica/US Spine:
Amedica/US Spine is ISO 13485 certified and its products are FDA cleared and CE and ANVISA approved. The company is an emerging spine and orthopaedic implant and device manufacturing and distribution concern with advanced surgical applications including silicon nitride ceramic technologies. The company’s platform technologies represent a new standard for implants and biologics based on superior performance, safety and efficacy.
