Applied Spine Technologies: Two Stabilimax surgeries performed in South Africa

Dec 8 2009

Applied Spine Technologies (www.appliedspine.com) announced today the first two Stabilimax surgeries performed outside of the United States. The surgeries were performed in Johannesburg, South Africa, by Ajay Maharaj, MD, at Sunninghill Hospital. The Stabilimax Dynamic Spine System is currently part of an IDE multi-center, randomized, controlled clinical trial in the U.S.

Commenting on the procedure, Dr. Maharaj stated, "Our first Stabilimax implantations went exceedingly well. We are pleased to be the first facility outside of the United States to take part in utilizing this exciting new technology. Stabilimax offers an intriguing alternative to spinal fusion; the opportunity to stabilize the spine without eliminating motion for patients with spinal stenosis or herniated nucleus pulposus, in particular, is an area of great interest to me.”

Craig Corrance, Chief Executive Officer of Applied Spine adds, “We are very pleased to be partnering with Dr. Maharaj, as well as his colleagues Dr. Louis Nel and Dr Jack Eksteen, in broadening the company’s experience with our Stabilimax System. South Africa offers Applied Spine the opportunity to collect valuable clinical data; but we are also most excited with the chance to commercialize Stabilimax in South Africa, utilizing our CE Mark, for the growing number of surgeons interested in providing their patients with pedicle screw based motion preservation.”