APiFix® - Scoliosis Correction System
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❓Delicate implant for Delicate curves! #NeoArmory:
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis or AIS (to keep the word count low), can sometimes be a difficult conversation to have. Either brace for 16 hours a day or surgery to fuse the spine is not something that you want to discuss with kids and teenagers.
That’s where APiFix® comes in. This is a non-fusing, expandable and motion preserving option aimed at achieving correction. The system consists of self-adjusting rods which can only expand, allowing motion on the operated segments. The system acts as an internal brace and avoids permanent fusion. Implanted on the concave side via posterior approach.
A Study suggests that, at 2+ years follow up, there is 46% major curve correction with 82% patients having Cobb angle below 3 0degrees. Two polyaxial joint with ceramic coating gives it a good wear resistance lasting 10 million cycles at 700N. It also preserves 100% axial rotation, 82% lateral bending.
Sounds interesting? Now for the caveats. This was FDA approved Humanitarian use Device meaning, you don’t have to know the efficacy to market the device. This study (Level IV) shows 50% patients requiring revision and all of them showing metallosis. The study was terminated due to high complication rate. Now read the title again. The pun was always intended.
The Procedure video is here for you to check out.
