Background
Patients treated surgically for lower back problems (e.g., degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis) are usually offered with one of two stabilizing solutions: Fusion, which prevents motion of the affected spinal segment, or dynamic stabilization which preserves motion of the affected segment . Pedicle screws are used to attach these implants to the spinal column.
The orthopedic community is constantly seeking less invasive surgical techniques to treat patients while increasing the success of the surgical procedure.
Pedicle Screws: Needs and Challeneges
Loosening of pedicle screws is a concern in elderly patients because of the higher incidence of osteoporosis.
Posterior dynamic stabilization solutions expose patients to a greater risk of screw loosening because of the constant motion
Spine surgeons continually seek less invasive surgical solutions.
A less invasive posterir aproach, enableing 360°
fusion can substantially reduse surgical risk and porcedure time. In addition failure of the attachment —
between the implanted instrumentation and the bone due to excessive motion, pseudoarthrosis or osteoporosis —
is another ?major concern in both fusion and dynamic stabilization. As a result, patients must often undergo additional painful revision surgeries.
Scorpion Curved Nail System
The scorpion Interlocking Curved Nail System is an anchoring implant consisting of —
curved, semi-threaded, canulated nails,
each with a polyaxial head;
interlocking cable; and
rods
The surgical porcedure employs non-linear drilling techniques to create two curved ”tunnels”
, intersecting at the center of the vertebra.
The drilling aparatus ensures safe and ?precise drilling within the vertebrae.
A steel cable is then threaded through the drilled tunnels. The curved cannulated nails are inserted into the bone over the cable. The cable is tightened,? connecting and locking the nails at their tips, enhancing and stabilizing the anchor. Stabilizing posterior instrumentation, either rods (fusion) or a dynamic system are connected to the (top-loaded) polyaxial heads.
Advantages
The advantages of the Scorpion concept and anchoring platform ??
Reduces the probability of implants loosening
Better anchoring (for osteoporotic bones and dynamic implants)
