Procedure Description
Spinal fusion is performed in the treatment of severe back pain or a neurological deficit that has not responded to conservative treatment. The symptoms are caused by compression on a nerve or nerve root, commonly as a result of: damaged discs (discogenic pain or degenerative disc disease), abnormal slippage and motion of the vertebra (spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis), or other degenerative spinal conditions.
The Unity device is intended as a treatment option for pain and functional disorders specific to the lumbar vertebral column. The aim of the device is to provide support between two vertebral bodies and initial immobilization of these bodies whilst simultaneously providing space for bone graft so that a fusion of the two vertebral bodies will in time be attained.
Product Description
The Unity system consists of a PEEK cage, with two bilateral titanium-alloy imaging markers, and two lateral titanium-alloy bone anchoring screws (one for each vertebra). The device also incorporates two large bone graft windows to accommodate bone graft or synthetic bone inserts.
The Unity is anatomically-shaped to fit the lumbar disc space optimally, with three lateral lengths and multiple heights to restore disc height. Surface serrations prevent the device from being displaced between the vertebrae. The device is also provided with a lordotic angle for treatment of lordosis. Large bone graft windows accommodate bone graft or synthetic bone inserts, improving the osseointegration with the endplates. The Unity can be placed using a minimally invasive lateral procedure. The bone-anchoring screws incorporate dual-start thread for quicker insertion, as well as locking thread that, while allowing for easier explantation if required, interferes with the screw holes to prevent screw back-out.