NuVasive Expands its Advanced Materials Science Portfolio

NuVasive Inc. has launched Modulus TLIF-A, a porous titanium spine implant engineered for the transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedure. This offering completes the company’s Advanced Materials Science (AMS) portfolio for all major posterior interbody fusion techniques used in TLIF, the most commonly performed procedure in the spine industry. 
 
The availability of Modulus TLIF-A further extends NuVasive’s technology offerings in the spinal deformity market given its differentiated ability to provide anterior column support, increase segmental lordosis and maximize capability to restore sagittal alignment. This solution increases the company’s footprint in the U.S. interbody device market, which is estimated to be more than $1.2 billion, and extends its entire AMS portfolio to a global patient audience with significant market share in anteriorly placed TLIF implants.¹ Furthermore, the system is designed to work seamlessly with the company’s MAS TLIF and MAS Midline access systems allowing customization options to specific surgical techniques.
 
“The Modulus TLIF-A system is the perfect synergy between optimized material properties and deliverability,” said Jeffrey L. Gum, M.D., orthopedic surgeon at the Norton Leatherman Spine Center. “The lattice design allows for improved imaging characteristics, a prime environment to promote fusion and an ideal modulus of elasticity. Additionally, the system optimizes surgical workflow by utilizing a single instrument for implant insertion and articulation.”
 
Modulus TLIF-A is an anteriorly placed implant featuring a porous titanium surface technology that is designed to promote bone in-growth and bone on-growth. Animal studies also demonstrated stronger osseointegration than solid implants with smooth or rough surfaces.^2-5 This optimized lattice structure enables enhanced imaging for visualization of spinal fusion compared to solid titanium interbody implants. 
 
“This complete portfolio offering for the thoracolumbar posterior procedures space is yet another example of NuVasive’s commitment to deliver differentiated technology that supports better patient outcomes,” said Matt Link, president of NuVasive. “NuVasive’s implants are designed to combine the inherent benefits of porosity with the advantageous material properties of PEEK and titanium to create implants intelligently designed for fusion, which we believe out performs traditional and competitive implants in the market.” 
 
In June, the company announced the launch of Modulus TLIF-O, integrating the Modulus technology with an implant designed with a lordosis cut in the oblique plane to maximize sagittal correction without introducing the undesired coronal deformity commonly seen with standard oblique implant offerings. With the availability of Modulus TLIF-A, the company plans to launch its comprehensive Advanced Materials Science TLIF portfolio in the global market later this year. 
 
NuVasive Inc. is focused on transforming spine surgery and beyond with minimally disruptive, procedurally integrated solutions designed to deliver reproducible and clinically-proven surgical outcomes. The company’s portfolio includes access instruments, implantable hardware, biologics, software systems for surgical planning, navigation and imaging solutions, magnetically adjustable implant systems for spine and orthopedics, and intraoperative monitoring service offerings. With more than $1 billion in revenues, NuVasive has approximately 2,600 employees and operates in more than 50 countries serving surgeons, hospitals and patients.

References
¹ U.S. Market Report Suite for Spinal implants and VCF 2017-2023, iData Research Inc.
² Cheng A, Cohen DJ, Kahn A, et al. Laser sintered porous Ti-6Al-4V implants stimulate vertical bone growth. Ann Biomed Eng 2017;45(8):2025-35. 
³ Guyer RD, Abitbol JJ, Ohnmeiss DD, et al. Evaluating osseointegration into a deeply porous titanium scaffold: A biomechanical comparison with PEEK and allograft. Spine2016;41(19):E1146-50. 
⁴ Svehla M, Morberg P, Zicat B, et al. Morphometric and mechanical evaluation of titanium implant integration: comparison of five surface structures. J Biomed Mater Res2000;51(1):15-22. 
⁵ Torstrick FB, Safranski DL, Burkus JK, et al. Getting PEEK to stick to bone: The development of porous PEEK for interbody devices. Tech Orthop 2017;32(3):9.