Clinical Need

Occipital-Cervical-Thoracic (OCT) Systems have been developed to provide posterior correction and stabilization of spinal segments as an adjunct to fusion from the occiput to the thoracic spine. The current generation of OCT systems address the clinical needs for open posterior approach for numerous pathologies to include degenerative conditions, trauma, tumors, deformities, and infections.

Fixation

By optimizing and improving instruments and implants for posterior cervical fusion (PCF) following FATE principle (fixation, alignment, targeting, and extension), Compartment 2 addresses surgical and technical concerns in an aging population with sub-optimal bone quality as well as in patients who may require stronger constructs meeting the indications for spinal fusion [1–3]. There are also an increasing number of patients requiring extensions from prior posterior instrumented fusions. Screw fixation failure is another frequently reported issue (up to 5.2%) in PCF, and patients with sub-optimal bone quality may be at a greater risk [3, 4]. More robust fixation of lateral mass screws (C3-C7) is now provided with MULTIPOINT SECURE (Fig 1).

A significant potential complication associated with lateral mass screws is loss of fixation. Market research reveals that 95% of surgeons have observed a lateral-mass screw pullout or screw loosening [5]. The supplemental use of MULTIPOINT SECURE adds additional points of fixation, as the load can be shared across additional points of fixation via a locking plate. Reinforcing a lateral mass screw with MULTIPOINT SECURE with additional screws, increases the resistance to screw pullout by an average of 48.2% compared with standalone lateral mass screws [5].

Alignment

Improvements in cervical alignment after deformity correction are correlated with improvement in HRQoL [6]. Market research indicates limited surgeon satisfaction in the ability to achieve alignment targets with the current instrumentation systems [5].

A single 4.0 mm SYMPHONY OCT System rod achieves bio-mechanical equivalence to a 3.5–5.5 mm construct in range-of-motion testing. Utilizing a single system for long cervico-thoracic constructs may reduce procedure complexity and facilitate alignment correction.

The SYMPHONY OCT System offers 3.5 mm and 4.0 mm CoCr rods, both demonstrated to be stiffer and stronger than titanium equivalents [5]. Stronger and stiffer constructs may support surgeons in achieving regional cervical alignment targets.

Besides the Reduction Towers and the Kerrison Reducer, cannulated Reduction Screws are now offered in the system with Compartment 2 (Fig 2). Reduction screws and Reduction Towers were designed to simplify rod capture in complex deformity surgeries and allow for a more harmonious spinal force distribution and prevention of screw pullout [5].

Targeting and Navigation

Extension and Revision

Posterior cervical fusion revisions may involve the removal, replacement, and extension of existing constructs that can undeniably drive-up revision cost and time. Extending rather than replacing existing constructs may help to save revision-related costs. Market research has shown limited surgeon satisfaction with the ability to extend constructs, and roughly 56% of surgeons state that they currently have difficulty inserting connectors [5].

The SYMPHONY OCT System offers comprehensive rod and connector options that were designed to match patient anatomy and accept multiple rod sizes (3.5– 6.35 mm) providing the ability to connect to existing systems.

Compartment 2 now has been supplemented with Advanced Connectors designed to accept multiple rod sizes, accommodate multiple systems, and reduce procedure complexity. Currently it also offers Offset Rods (Fig 4).

The SYMPHONY OCT System instruments have been enhanced with ergonomic instruments which facilitate the new features of Polyscrew, percutaneous and interconnecting implants (MULTIPOINT SECURE, Reduction Connector, Top-Loading Rod Connector and Hooks) (Fig 5).

For more information and insight on the instruments and other features check the Surgical Technique Guide (SYMPHONY OCT System).

Conclusion

Compartment 2 of the SYMPHONY OCT System is an AO TC approved extension of Compartment 1, resulting in a state-of-the-art posterior cervical instrumentation system with features that address surgical needs and promote improved patient outcomes.

Clinical case using MULTIPOINT SECURE provided by Richard Bransford, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.

Case 1

A 73-year-old man with a history of renal cell carcinoma presented with progressive bilateral upper extremity paresthesia/numbness, left upper extremity weakness, and upper back pain with a newly identified T1 pathological fracture (Fig 6).

The patient was taken to the operating room and underwent:
· Anterior T1 corpectomy and decompression of tumor and compressive material.
· Surgical reconstruction with DePuy Synthes SYNMESH cage and restoration of height. Given manubrium and angle of access, an anterior plate was not applied.
· C5-T3 posterior instrumentation with the DePuy Synthes SYMPHONY OCT System. Given the patient’s suboptimal bone quality, C5 and C6 lateral mass screws were reinforced with two MULTIPOINT SECURE screws placed bilaterally for an additional eight screws (Fig 7). 

The patient had immediate relief of the radicular symptoms postoperatively. Three months postoperatively (Fig 8), he had no neck pain and was anxious to return to daily exercise at the gym. He had maintained resolution of his radiculopathy and was satisfied with the outcome.