Vertebral Compression Fracture Market Heats Up with New Technologies
Executive Summary
Vertebral compression fracture repair is one of the fastest growing segments of the spinal market. New developments in VCF repair promise continued growth, but a shakeup of competitive dynamics is probably also in the future.
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SpineAlign Medical Inc.
Patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures now have another alternative to vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. The SpineAlign system from SpineAlign Medical Inc. uses a combination of cement and a permanent implant to elevate the vertebral endplates in parallel. In addition, the expandable metal device is composed of nitinol threaded at the end, so that a pedicle screw can be attached and locked into the system for a sturdy construct.
DFine Inc.
Spine specialists who perform vertebral augmentation procedures using bone cement can encounter leakage of the cement once it is injected into the fractured vertebral body. But a new technique using radiofrequency energy to activate proprietary bone cement so that it becomes highly viscous during delivery allows for more precise placement of the cement into the affected area. The StabiliT vertebral augmentation system from DFine is a minimally invasive solution for treating vertebral compression fractures. It is designed to provide physicians with the peace of mind that the cement will remain exactly where it is injected, thus optimizing patients' postoperative outcomes. Furthermore, the product may provide height elevation of the collapsed vertebrae.