Alphatec Holdings, Inc. (ATEC) Subsidiary Launches BridgePoint Spinous Process Fixation System

Alphatec Holdings, parent company of Alphatec Spine, has announced the launch of its latest minimally invasive surgery (MIS) device, the BridgePoint Spinous Process Fixation System.

This system is designed to allow spinal surgeons to immobilize and stabilize spinal segments without using pedicle screw and rod constructs. The BridgePoint System is intended as an adjunct to fusion of the thoracic and lumbar spine to treat disorders that result from degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, tumor, and trauma. The MIS device has the capability of helping patients suffering with chronic back pain to regain their active lifestyles.

Designed to be implanted through a relatively small posterior incision of around 5 centimeters in length, BridgePoint is intended to result in less muscle and tissue injury and less blood loss than occurs with implantation of traditional pedicle screw and rod systems through a non-MIS approach. MIS procedures are also generally shorter time-wise, conserving valuable surgeon and hospital time and resulting in faster patient recovery times and fewer complications.

The design of the BridgePoint System incorporates telescoping plates that enable surgeons to compress or distract the spinous processes before immobilizing the spinal segment. The large contact area of the device supplies a strong anchor point to each spinous process, facilitating compression, or distraction and optimal stability during the fusion process. The BridgePoint System can be used as an adjunct to interbody fusion or posterior fusion with decompression treatment. The large bone graft window enables surgeons to pack additional bone graft between the spinous processes.

The first BridgePoint implantation case took place in August 2012 at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center in Cheyenne, Wyo., and was conducted by board certified neurological surgeon Dr. Steven Beer. BridgePoint provided a way for Dr. Beer to less invasively treat a patient with degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis. The system allowed him to more efficiently fixate the spine and also made the surgery safer and faster.

It is anticipated that the market for spinous process fixation devices will reach $206 million by 2016, growing at a compound rate of more than 24 percent from 2008.

Alphatec Spine specializes in designing, developing, manufacturing, and marketing products for the surgical treatment of spine disorders, primarily focused on the aging spine. The company aims to combine world-class customer service with pioneering, surgeon-driven products that help improve the aging patient’s quality of life. Alphatec Spine is positioned to achieve this goal through new solutions for patients with osteoporosis, stenosis, and other aging spine deformities, as well as through offering improved minimally invasive products and techniques and integrated biologics solutions. In addition to operations in the United States, the company markets its products in 50 international markets.

For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.alphatecspine.com

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