COOKEVILLE – Cookeville Regional Medical Center is now using a new medical device created with an advanced additive manufacturing technology, also known as 3D printing, as part of its lumbar spinal fusion treatment options for patients with degenerative disc disease and other spinal conditions.
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, an estimated 75–85 percent of all Americans will experience some form of back pain during their lifetime. The Tritanium PL Cage provides a new option for the thousands of Americans who suffer from debilitating low back pain due to degenerative disc disease and other conditions and it is now available for patients at Cookeville Regional.
“With patients who have lumbar or cervical fusion procedures, a spinal implant, or ‘cage,’ along with a bone graft, is inserted into the disc space. The Tritanium cage helps restore and maintain normal spacing between the vertebrae to stabilize the spine, along with supplemental fixation, while the bone grows together, fusing that section of the spine,” said Dr. Leonardo Rodriguez-Cruz, neurosurgeon at CRMC. “The outcomes for our patients will be better, and we are always searching for ways to continue providing high-quality patient care right here close to home.”
Advances in 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, pioneered by Stryker have led to the development of Tritanium, a novel, highly porous titanium material designed for bone in-growth and biological fixation. Tritanium’s porous structure is specifically engineered based on studies that have sought to understand which geometry and pore size would provide a favorable environment for cells to attach and multiply within the structure, in comparison to traditional titanium that is used.
“This brings revolutionary technology to our operating room,” said Dr. Cruz.
The Tritanium PL Cage received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in November 2015 for use in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease, as well as Grade I spondylolisthesis and degenerative scoliosis. Degenerative disc disease is defined as back pain originating in the disc with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies.
For more information, call CRMC’s physician referral line at (931) 783-2571.