Aurora Spine has launched its DEXA-L anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) device, and the product was implanted in recent initial surgeries.

DEXA-L is part of the company’s DEXA technology platform, which is a series of products touted as the world’s first bone density matched implants. The standalone device for ALIF procedures is the first “bone-mimicking” structural spinal implant and helps doctors match the implant to the patient’s bone density and quality.

Dr. Daniel Barba of San Diego, Calif. was the first surgeon to use the DEXA-L stand alone ALIF system in the U.S.

“Each of my patients are unique. I build a tailored surgical plan for every patient,” Dr. Barba told the press. “Now I can use a Stand-Alone ALIF cage tailored specifically to their needs. This novel technology allows me to match the modulus of the cage to the bone density of each of my patients. This has enabled me to expand my indications for lumbar fusion within patients that would normally not be a good candidate due to their poor bone quality. We don’t accept one size fits all in today’s society, we as spine surgeons shouldn’t either.”

“We are excited to introduce another procedural solution that accommodates not only standard spine patients but the most challenging patients who are also in need of care,” said Ron Eckels, U.S. director of Spine with Aurora. “Patient specific options for spine surgery have been advancing over the last several years but not matching a patient’s bone density was a glaring need for a significant number of patients. The CDC estimates that almost half of the U.S. population over 50 years of age have low bone mass. This equates to millions of patients that need an implant that matches their bone density when having spine surgery. The DEXA-L Stand Alone ALIF System now allows surgeons the opportunity to treat patients who have osteopenia or osteoporosis, as well as those who have normal bone density but still need surgery. The days of not matching an implant modulus to the patient are behind us.”

In July, the company reported the first surgeries using its Aero lumbar fusion system.