Innovative technology developed by specialists at Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute has resulted in a novel implant design for better spinal stabilization. Robert Hirschl, MD, president of Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute, oversaw the development of several new medical device implants capable of spurring bone growth and improving patient outcomes. The devices received FDA recognition of nanotechnology and approval in September 2023.
Utilizing additive manufacturing, the new implants are 3D printed in titanium with design elements that offer more softness and flexibility than traditional hardware with its porous geometric structure. The implants also feature a unique proprietary surface modulation for better bone adhesion and growth.
“Our team focused on creating an implant that would participate in the fusion healing process rather than just being an inert object holding space,” says Dr. Hirschl, who is also chief of neurosurgery at Orlando Health and chairman of neurosurgery at Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center.
“Changing the surface architecture on a nanoscale stimulates bone growth by encouraging bone cells to participate in the fusion process, attaching and propagating along the implant,” says Dr. Hirschl. “While the technology is now available internationally with thousands of devices successfully implanted, these devices were developed in Orlando and Orlando Health was one of the first medical facilities to have this technology available.
Research and development are currently underway at the institute to enhance bone-stimulating implant technology by including an antimicrobial component. Preliminary studies are showing positive results with a significant decrease in growth amount and attachment of staph aureus and E. coli to the implant designs under development.
“Post-operative spinal infection is a potential complication of any spine surgery,” says Dr. Hirschl. “The next step is to make the implants infection resistant. We are working on antimicrobial surface modulation to prevent bacteria propagation as the next generation of implant technology.
“If we can flesh out the antimicrobial surface technology, that will be a big milestone for spinal and other implants,” says Dr. Hirschl.
Orlando Health is dedicated to revolutionizing patient care with outcomes advanced by specialists skilled in the most leading-edge technologies and involved in advanced clinical research and training. Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute has10 practice locations across the region where more than 45 physicians and 20 advanced practice providers in 15 subspecialties perform over 2,000 neurosurgeries annually. It is the only program in Central Florida to receive certification from The Joint Commission as both a Designated Spine Center of Excellence and an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center.
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