PathFinder® Pedicle Screw System
PathFinder is an industry leading MIS pedicle screw system.
| PathFinder is an intuitive, minimally invasive pedicle screw system that was designed with both the patient and surgeon in mind. This versatile system uses a modified Wiltse technique that combines the familiarity of an open procedure with the benefits of a minimally invasive approach. This simple and familiar technique is designed to minimize the learning curve typically associated with MIS surgery. PathFinder can be used to complete multi-level constructs and offers reduction, compression and distraction capabilities. PathFinder boasts a long history of clinical success. Its advanced instrumentation and proven approach make it one of the leading MIS pedicle screw systems on the market. As compared to an open procedure, an MIS procedure may result in reduced surgical pain and a shorter hospital stay. A PathFinder procedure only requires two small incisions. |
|
PathFinder Features
-
Traditional top-down rod placement through a familiar
muscle-splitting-and-sparing Wiltse approach
-
Good reduction, compression and distraction capabilities
-
Ability to complete multi-level constructs with optimal efficiency
-
New implants and instruments, including 4.5mm screws, awl taps for
one-step tapping, improved reduction knobs for a controlled, bilateral
reduction up to 20mm and a unique revision tool to simplify the removal
process if necessary
-
Unique extender sleeves that enable strong connection to the screw, and
guide rod placement directly into tulip head
Indications
When intended for pedicle screw fixation from L1-S1, the PathFinder is intended to be used with 5.5mm rods to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in skeletally mature patients as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of the following acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine: degenerative disc disease (defined as discogenic back pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies), degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment, fracture, dislocation, deformities or curvatures (i.e. scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or lordosis), tumor, and failed previous fusion.
When intended as a pedicle screw system placed between L3 and S1, the indications for PathFinder, used with 5.5mm rods, include Grade 3 or Grade 4 spondylolisthesis, when utilizing autologous bone graft, when affixed to the posterior lumbosacral spine, and is intended to be removed after solid fusion is established.
After solid fusion occurs, these devices serve no functional purpose and
should be removed. In most cases, removal is indicated because the implants
are not intended to transfer or support forces developed during normal
activities. Any decision to remove the device must be made by the physician
and the patient, taking into consideration the patient’s general medical
condition and the potential risk to the patient of a second surgical
procedure.
Contraindications
-
Disease conditions which have been shown to be safely and predictably
managed without the use of internal fixation devices are relative
contraindications to the use of these devices.
-
Active systemic infection or infection localized to the site of the
proposed implantation are contraindications to implantation.
-
Severe osteoporosis is a relative contraindication because it may prevent
adequate fixation of spinal anchors and thus preclude the use of this or
any other posterior spinal instrumentation system.
-
Any entity or condition that totally precludes the possibility of fusion,
i.e. cancer, kidney dialysis or osteopenia, is a relative contraindication.
- Other relative contraindications include obesity, pregnancy, certain degenerative disease, and foreign body sensitivity. In addition, the patient’s occupation or activity level or mental capacity may be relative contraindications to this surgery. Specifically, some patients may, because of their occupation or lifestyle, or because of conditions such as mental illness, alcoholism or drug abuse, place undue stresses on the implant.
