Luna XD and Orbit Systems Relaunch

Spinal Elements, Inc. has officially relaunched and engaged in the first clinical use of its Luna^® XD multi-expandable lumbar interbody fusion device and the Orbit^® articulating discectomy system.

Richard G. Fessler, M.D., Ph.D. of Rush University Medical Group in Chicago was the surgeon performing this procedure, a minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Spinal Elements acquired the Luna XD and Orbit in December 2020.

“I am very pleased to be using both Orbit and Luna XD in my MIS [minimally invasive surgery] TLIF procedures again,” stated Dr. Fessler. “Orbit is a best-in-class system that allows me to provide a safe and more thorough discectomy while Luna XD’s multi-expandable profile and footprint provides a large area for bone grafting and controlled restoration of disc height and lordosis, contributing to the consistency and positive clinical outcomes of my TLIF procedures. I look forward to sharing these results in an upcoming peer-reviewed publication.”

System Details

The Orbit system features articulating and rotating discectomy instrumentation that uses a minimal, posterior incision and/or MIS tubular approach to, according to the company, “achieve efficient disruption and removal of disc tissue while preparing the endplates for fusion. The novel articulating rotary design allows the instrumentation’s working end to evacuate the full area of the disc necessary for implantation of the Luna XD circular device.”

“The Luna XD allows an ALIF-sized [anterior lumbar interbody fusion], circular implant to be surgically delivered to the intervertebral space through a posterior, minimally-invasive access point. Once inserted, the Luna XD implant first expands horizontally to cover the disc footprint, creating a stable foundation. Then the implant expands vertically up to 16mm to restore disc height. Furthermore, the device includes up to 12° of lordosis to aid in the restoration of sagittal alignment.”

Driving Fusion

Jason Blain, CEO of Spinal Elements, told OTW, “Luna XD and Orbit are each individually unique technologies. The Orbit discectomy system allows the surgeon to reach the contralateral corner of the disc space from the natural approach angle of a TLIF procedure. It is difficult, if not impossible, to reach that area for discectomy with conventional straight instrumentation. Luna XD allows for the placement of an ALIF-sized interbody device from a posterior TLIF approach. The load distribution of a bigger interbody device helps with anterior column support and the size of the aperture within Luna XD provides significant volume for graft material. Fusion is a biologic process requiring proper discectomy and ample biologic material (bone graft) to insure long-term success. Orbit and Luna XD each help meet the goals necessary for successful fusion.”