NuVasive Launches Sagittal Plane Imbalance Solution in U.S.

NuVasive, Inc. has launched its ALIF ACR in the U.S.

The Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion -Anterior Column Realignment (ALIF ACR) focuses on correcting the sagittal plane imbalance that results from advanced degeneration. The December 17, 2013 company announcement stated that the product offers surgeons a “familiar ALIF technique to increase alignment where 80% of sagittal balance exists; between L4 and S1.” The device is designed to achieve the same correction capabilities as traditional techniques, while providing the benefits associated with less invasive anterior approaches.

A “Significant” Advancement

Chris Shaffrey, M.D. said, “The ability to restore natural lumbar lordosis of 50 to 60 degrees through a two-level ALIF ACR procedure without requiring a posterior osteotomy represents a significant advancement in spinal deformity correction.”

According to the company, typical ALIF implants only offer 8 to 15 degrees of lordosis, which presents a challenge when attempting to restore natural lumbar lordosis. The implants developed for the ALIF ACR procedure offer a 20-degree and 30-degree hyperlordotic footprints and may improve sagittal balance restoration capabilities.

“Influenced by the initial success of XLIF ACR, ALIF ACR provides a procedurally integrated solution to restore the natural anterior column while increasing foraminal height in the lower levels of the lumbar spine, ” said Pat Miles, President of Global Products and Services. “Our efforts to address sagittal imbalance with unique techniques demonstrate NuVasive’s continued commitment to changing spine surgery with innovation.”

Sagittal Imbalance Treatment

Traditional sagittal plane deformity correction techniques are often associated with significant morbidity, prolonged operative times, neurological complications, and blood loss. The company believes the ALIF ACR procedure is an alternative method of treating sagittal imbalance from the anterior column, and may provide the same correction capability with decreased complications and morbidity. “The surgical goal of an ALIF is to restore and maintain natural disc space and posterior foraminal height, indirectly decompress the neural elements, and introduce or restore proper sagittal and coronal alignment of the spinal column, ” continued the company statement.