Advanced Expertise and Vertical Integration Vital for Manufacturing Spine Implants

by Viant Medical on Nov 11, 2021

Motion preservation is an intuitive alternative to spinal arthrodesis. It allows the patient to maintain more normal spinal motion to prevent adverse events common with spinal fusion, such as adjacent-level degenerative disc disease.

A recent report valued the worldwide motion preservation device market at US $611.6 million in 2018, with a projected expansion at a CAGR of 9.6% through 2027.[1] The leading share of the global motion preservation market in 2018 was total disc replacement devices. The growth in the global geriatric population and an increase in spine disorders are projected to drive growth in this segment.

Fabricating artificial discs is very different from manufacturing traditional spinal implants like rods, plates or screws. The fabrication process is highly complex, requiring advanced materials and coating expertise, precise manufacturing capabilities and exceptional quality control.

Viant’s Orthopedic Implant and Coatings Center of Excellence in Chaumont, France, has more than 10 years of motion preservation implant experience, with more than 170,000 spinal artificial discs manufactured. Let’s examine how this facility’s capabilities meet the stringent requirements that spinal disc implants demand.

Requirement	Solution
Full range of motion of the implant	High-precision machining and automated processes ensure tight tolerances and a high level of repeatability Coordinated measuring machine (CMM) conducts >50-point inspection of critical implant dimensions Camera inspection system assesses geometrical conformity to ensure full range of motion
Robust and reliable performance over time	High level of mechanical and manual polishing expertise to deliver mirror-like surface polishing, which maintains motion in multiple planes and reduces friction and risk of premature deterioration
Optimal osseointegration	Fully automated plasma spray torch process for single or double coating layer (titanium and hydroxyapatite), with ultraprecise specifications for thickness, roughness and porosity to create optimal conditions for osseointegration
Ease of use for surgeons	High level of tolerance control to ensure proper fit and assembly for ease of insertion and optimal device performance
Implant grade cleanliness & longevity	Validated ultrasonic cleaning process to eliminate residual particles and ISO 8 cleanroom final inspection and packaging Management of stringent sterilization tolerances to ensure effectiveness without degradation of mixed-material components

In addition to specialized experience, vertical integration is another quality orthopedic companies should look for in a design and manufacturing service provider. Working with a single-source partner can help:

Reduce time to market
Simplify supply chain
Reduce manufacturing lead-time
Eliminate unnecessary costs
Provide greater control over processes & quality
Mitigate risk

Viant’s Chaumont facility is highly vertically integrated, with full capabilities to handle projects from start to finish. Its engineering team has a deep understanding of orthopedic applications, years of technical expertise and a strong customer focus to support each project. The facility was recently expanded to increase capacity and provide room for growth.

As the worldwide spine market grows, orthopedic companies should seek out contract manufacturers that have full capabilities to make these complex implants and the vertically integrated resources to deliver them on time.

Frank Page is Vice President, Technical Solutions at Viant.

For more information about Viant’s motion preservation implant capabilities at its Orthopedic Implant and Coatings Center of Excellence in Chaumont, France, download this capability brief or take a virtual video tour.

About Viant
Viant partners with orthopedic OEMs to provide design and manufacturing services for orthopedic implants, instruments, and delivery systems. In addition, Viant’s Orthoplastics group is the global leader in UHMWPE components. For more information, visit viantmedical.com or email [email protected].

References
1. Motion Preservation Devices Market: Total disc replacement devices segment to account for leading share. BioSpace website. Updated April 29, 2021. Accessed October 22, 2021.