Spinal Simplicity uses hydroxyapatite coating in new implants

Spinal Simplicity, a producer of medical devices used in complex surgeries, has announced the next generation of their Minuteman G3 fusion device.

The Minuteman G3 is an interspinous-interlaminar fusion device for temporary fixation of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine, which then allows bony fusion to occur. Spinal Simplicity touts this next device as unique because of the FDA approved hydroxyapatite (HA) coating, which is found naturally in teeth and bones.

"HA has been used in orthopedic procedures for the last 30 years because of its successful track record," said Todd Moseley, CEO and co-founder of Spinal Simplicity.

HA is a step forward using coating on medical devices, though they are not in widespread use because of the need for sterile packed implants. This implant, with its unique coating, can be used in major orthopedic surgeries, according to Spinal Simplicity.

"For companies to try to accomplish what we're doing retrospectively; they'd have to seek new clearances from the FDA," said Jonathan Hess, vice president of business development. "By switching to sterile pack processing, they'd have to start over with new inventory, requiring excessive time and money. With Spinal Simplicity integrating a sterile packed implant since its inception, we are able to offer a better solution to our customer surgeons and their patients."