NGage™ Surgical Mesh System: Sure-Footed Stabilization for the Thoraco-Lumbar Spine (T1-L5)

NGage™ Surgical Mesh System implanted.
Notice the device takes the place of the middle vertebral body.
Blackstone™ Medical Inc. © Used with permission.

The system includes a hollow cylindrical tube called a "lobe" and end rings both made from titanium. The walls of the tube are perforated with evenly spaced diamond-shaped openings. The openings and hollow core allow grafting material to be placed inside the device to help achieve solid fusion. This system may be used with Blackstone Medical's Spinal Fixation System.

The surgeon trims the lobe to the correct length.
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End rings feature spikes on the exterior sides that help
prevent movement of the device. The standard ring stabilizes the construct.
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After the lobe is packed and filled with grafting
material, the end rings are placed onto each end.
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A photograph of the lobe construct as it is implanted in sawbone.
Blackstone™ Medical Inc. © Used with permission.

(Above) Post-operative x-ray shows the
NGage™ Surgical Mesh device implanted in the patient's spine.
Supplemental 'internal fixation' is also used (e.g. rods, screws).
X-Ray Courtesy Kevin Booth, MD, San Francisco, CA
Blackstone™ Medical Inc. © Used with permission.

This article is an excerpt from Dr. Stewart G. Eidelson's book, Advanced Technologies to Treat Neck and Back Pain, A Patient's Guide (March 2005).