CD HORIZON® Legacy™ Spinal System

Many types of severe or progressive spinal deformities can be safely treated with surgery. Such surgery often relies on implanted instrumentation (e.g., rods, hooks, screws, cages) to help correct the curvature of the spine and stabilize the spine. The medical device industry has sought the assistance of Dr. Lenke to help design implant systems for spinal surgery. These modern implantable surgical systems can help correct spinal deformities, facilitate spinal fusion, and stabilize and strengthen the spine. The CD HORIZON® LEGACY™ Spinal System was designed by Dr. Lenke and colleagues in partnership with Medtronic Sofamor Danek, a world leader in the manufacture of spinal surgery systems.

What is the CD HORIZON® LEGACY™ Spinal System?

The Legacy System is a complete and comprehensive system of a variety of implantable devices, including rods, hooks, screws, and other instrumentation. The benefit of the Legacy System is that all components are designed to work with each other so that a spine surgeon can precisely select the implants needed and be confident they will work together. With the Legacy System, a surgeon can develop implants that can safely and effectively treat many different spine conditions in patients of any age and all sizes.

Why would the Legacy System be used?

Dr. Lenke frequently uses the Legacy System for anterior and posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation to correct curves in patients with various spinal deformities, such as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The variety of tools in the Legacy System allows for a comprehensive three-dimensional (3D) correction of the spinal deformity.

How does the Legacy System work?

Surgical correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis involves implanting screws into the spine that serve as anchors for strong but malleable rods. The rods can immobilize portions of the deformed spine and can be bent to re-shape the spine to a more normal curve. These implants also promote correct alignment of the spine so that fusion (joining two or more vertebrae) can take place when needed. Special cages (hollow devices with perforated walls) can be inserted between vertebrae, along with bone growth substances to promote the fusion. Such techniques available using the Legacy System can also be used to treat many other spinal conditions, including kyphosis, spondylolisthesis, spinal fractures, and flatback syndrome.

 

An anterior spinal fusion using the Legacy System

An anterior spinal fusion using the Legacy System.

Posterior spinal fusion using the Legacy System

A posterior spinal fusion using the Legacy System. Pre-operative (left) and post-operative (right).

Pre-operative (left) and post-operative (right)

Pre-operative (left) and post-operative (right).