Biedermann Motech, with more than 100 years of experience supplying innovative implants and instruments for orthopedic surgeons, recently released the initial clinical data on its iMAS360 mini-open, microsurgical 360 fusion procedure for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).
New Clinical Data for Biedermann’s iMAS360
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The iMAS360 was developed by Orlando neurosurgeon Dr. Robert Masson and uses advanced implants and technology to save muscle while still performing anterior and posterior fusion, decompression and restoration of lordosis all through a small incision.
The proprietary technologies include the MOSS 100 Modular Pedicle Screw System, the TELIX K Steerable Interbody System and the DELTA XS Screw Shank Based Retractor System. Find out more about the full procedure at www.iMAS360.com.
The study, “Evaluation of the safety and feasibility of a new interpedicular microinvasive surgical technique (iMAS) for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF),” was published in the November 2019 issue of the European Spine Journal and presented at the Annual Meeting of the German Spine Society in Munich, Germany.
In this initial study, the iMAS360 was performed on 48 patients to assess its safety and feasibility. The researchers found that it was comparable to minimally invasive TLIF techniques currently available. Benefits include the ability to place the implant before decompression of neural structures, the fact that K-wires and screw extensions are not needed, and that there is a quick recovery for patients.
Neurosurgeon PD Dr. Ali Reza Fathi from Aarau, Switzerland said, “We know that additional longer term data and bigger patient groups are needed to be able to fully appreciate this new procedural solution, but this initial data is promising.”
Markku Biedermann, Chairman of Biedermann Motech, Inc., also added, “We have seen that there is a natural progression in every surgical specialty from open surgery to less invasive solutions, provided that they can deliver comparable and ideally superior outcomes and we believe that this study is an important milestone in the scientific evaluation of the iMAS360 procedure when compared to traditional open and MIS TLIF procedures.”
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This is a fascinating development. In my practice we've seen similar outcomes with the revised protocol. The key differentiator seems to be patient selection criteria. Has anyone else noticed the correlation with BMI thresholds?
Great point. I'd push back slightly on the conclusion, the sample size in the cited study is too small to draw population-level inferences. That said, the directional signal is compelling and worth a larger RCT.
We implemented a similar approach last year. Early results are promising but we're still gathering 12-month follow-up data. Happy to share our protocol if anyone is interested.
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