J&J's DePuy Synthes launches surgical fixation system for patients with frailer head and neck bones

Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy Synthes division has launched a new fixation system to expand treatment options for patients with frail bones in the neck and upper back. 

The Symphony surgical system of instruments and implants is designed to help align and stabilize the thoracic, cervical and occipital bones during posterior cervical fusion procedures for complex spine disorders. 

Though contraindicated for patients with osteoporosis and cautioned for use in osteopenia, the system aims to address the potential causes of screw failures seen in those with suboptimal bone quality, using new hardware and threading, the company said.

Additionally, the device is able to cross the cervical-to-thoracic junction located at the base of the neck, while reducing the typical number of instrument trays needed during a procedure from six to two, according to DePuy. This, plus the option of pre-packed sterile implants, may help ease the costs of processing and sterilization.

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"This launch represents an incredible global opportunity to bring a differentiated solution to surgeons looking for reduced complexity, streamlined procedures and more flexibility in treatment options for their patients," Nadav Tomer, worldwide president of DePuy’s spine business, said in a statement.

Symphony also combines aspects of DePuy’s low-profile Synapse and Mountaineer systems for the head and neck, and is compatible with components from those systems. Additional rods and connectors are available to link the implant with DePuy’s Expedium and Viper spine systems.