The latest Maude Report from the FDA says Nuvasive has added a new notice to the plastic spacers (Coroent XL) they are inserting into people without using Fixation (rods/screws/plates) to hold them together:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfMAUDE/detail.cfm?mdrfoi__id=2939263
"""""""""""""Labeling review notes the following: "potential risks identified with the use of this device system, which may require additional surgery, include: device component fracture. Loads on the device produced by load bearing and by the patient's activity level will dictate the longevity of the implant. " "these devices can break when subjected to the increased load associated with delayed union or non-union. Internal fixation appliances are load-sharing devices that hold bony structures in alignment until healing occurs. If healing is delayed, or does not occur, the implant may eventually loosen, bend, or break. Loads on the device produced by load bearing and by the patient's activity level will dictate the longevity of the implant. " failure of the patient to comply with post-operative care and sustaining an impact from a fall, likely caused or contributed to the spinous process breakage and the need for revision surgery. """""""""""""""""""
Nuvasive just admitted their plastic spine spacer is not capable of load bearing.....they should have been using FIXATION and securing peoples vertebrae together.
Shame on the FDA for not forcing Nuvasive to use Fixation with the Coroent XL plastic spine spacer....it AINT an artificial disk....should have never been used without some means to "fixate" the 2 vertebrae together.