DSM, a global leader in biomedical materials, announced that its Dyneema Purity® ultra-highmolecular- weight-polyethylene fiber was selected for use in SpineWorks, LLC’s novel Universal Screw Persuader (USP) System. The patent pending USP is a Class 1 disposable system that is designed to facilitate easier rod reduction to a pedicle screw construct.
The USP System utilizes Dyneema Purity® fiber in the cable used to encircle and anchor to the bottom of a pedicle screw. The lasso is then attached to a proprietarily designed reduction instrument that reduces the rod to the screws. After the reduction process, the lasso is cut and removed from the surgical site for disposal. The strength, low profile and fatigue-resistant properties found in Dyneema Purity® fiber work in conjunction with the reduction clamp for optimal controlled motion during rod reduction.
SpineWorks believes the USP System will be compatible with almost all pedicle screw systems currently marketed for complex (i.e. Scoliosis, coronal and sagital incongruities) and/or simple constructs (i.e. degenerative and trauma). SpineWorks, LLC will present the USP System at the 2011 North American Spine Society (NASS) meeting.
"We chose Dyneema Purity® fiber due to its prolonged track record of use in the medical industry and proven strength, abrasion resistance and biocompatibility," said Doug Neary, president, SpineWorks, LLC.
"DSM is proud to see Dyneema Purity® fiber contributing to the performance of SpineWorks LLC’s USP," said William Fuller, director of business development, DSM Biomedical. "We are delighted to see an increase in the adoption of our super high strength medical grade fiber technology in spinal and other medical applications."
This announcement precedes the start of NASS, where SpineWorks LLC will be exhibiting at booth 2141 from 2 until 5 November 2011, in Chicago, Illinois.