First implantation of Amedica/US Spine's Infinia silicon nitride ceramic femoral head performed in hip replacement

Feb 18 2011

Amedica/US Spine, a spine and reconstructive implant and instrument manufacturer focused on unique silicon nitride (SiN) technologies, implanted its first silicon nitride total hip implant this week in the international marketplace. A patient at the George Provincial Hospital in Western Cape South Africa received the implant that uses an Infinia silicon nitride ceramic femoral head as part of the total implant.

In 2010 Amedica/US Spine partnered with Orthopaedic Synergy, Inc. (OSI), a holding company for OMNIlife science™ and Enztec Limited, both global designers, manufacturers and distributors of leading edge reconstructive surgery implants and instrumentation. The companies entered into a joint agreement venture to develop and market total hip and knee replacement implants utilizing Amedica's industry changing silicon nitride platform technology.

"The achievement of this milestone is a significant event for Amedica/US Spine, Orthopaedic Synergy and the orthopaedic joint replacement market in general," said Ben Shappley, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of Amedica/US Spine.  "Silicon nitride articulating reconstructive components represent the new standard for no wear, exceptionally strong, biologically kind and anti-bacterial implant material."

This first implantation of an Infinia silicon nitride ceramic femoral head in a hip replacement is the result of several months of successful product development cooperation between OMNIlife science and Amedica.

"We are very excited to be Amedica's partner in applying their silicon nitride ceramic technology to joint replacement products," said Nik Nikolaev, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Orthopaedic Synergy, Inc. "We remain convinced that this new material will significantly improve clinical outcomes and implant longevity for patients who require joint replacement."

Amedica/US Spine also markets a full line of spine products, including a family of biologics built around human amniotic stem cells, deformity and degeneration pedicle screw systems featuring the recently developed triple-lead thread pedicle screw, unique facet technologies and silicon nitride interbody spacers.