Because spinal disorders often occur in multiple levels of the spine and can range from the neck (cervical spine) to the upper middle back (thoracic spine), there was a great need for a flexible fixation system that would offer physicians multiple options while treating these difficult cases. The VERTEX™ Reconstruction System utilizes various attachment mechanisms, which allow the physician the freedom to choose what "instrumentation" will be best for the specific patient they are operating on. Mechanically and conceptually this system is somewhat like several other systems, which have been used successfully for years: CD HORIZON® Multi-Axial Screws, Low Profile CROSSLINK® Plates and the number one used cervical plate the ATLANTIS™ System.

By developing "modular elements" Medtronic Sofamor Danek created a system that allows the surgeon to tailor each construct to the individual patient's requirements. This "customization" means a greater emphasis can be placed on the individual patient's needs because the physician does not have to focus on making the patient's anatomy fit the construct.

Features
In order to provide today's spine surgeon with the tools needed to address instability of the cervico-thoracic junction, Medtronic Sofamor Danek introduces the VERTEX™ Reconstruction System. The junction between the cervical and thoracic spines is a complex anatomic structure and stabilization of this junction is difficult because it is the site of transition between a flexible cervical spine and a rigid thoracic spine.

The unique complexities of the cervico-thoracic junction, combined with the frequent occurrence of spinal instability at this site (traumatic injuries to the cervico-thoracic junction have been reported to occur in as many as 9% of all cervical spine injuries), necessitate a specially designed fixation system in order to optimize clinical outcomes.

The VERTEX™ System has been designed as a comprehensive modular implant system, utilizing multiple fixation options while minimizing the profile of the hardware in order to accommodate changes in flexibility and anatomy at this site. To achieve these goals, the VERTEX™ Reconstruction System utilizes multi-axial screws for the thoracic region, lateral offset connectors, hooks, and CROSSLINK® Connectors. The modular nature of this implant system allows the surgeon to tailor each construct to individual patient requirements.

Design Specifics
The VERTEX™ System utilizes a clinically proven cancellous bone screw design with a reverse angle on the backside of the thread to enhance bone purchase and pull-out resistance. This screw is well known to surgeons as part of the fixation system of the ATLANTIS™ Anterior Cervical Plate System. In the VERTEX™ System, a multi-axial rod to screw connector permits 3 dimensional freedom of screw placement and trajectory which maximizes bony purchase and minimizes the amount of rod contouring necessary to reduce the spine to the rod.