Aesculap Implant Systems introduces S4 Element Pedicle Screw System

Aesculap Implant Systems, LLC is pleased to announce the launch of the S^4® Element™ Pedicle Screw System.

“Launching S4 Element will allow our surgeons the flexibility to decide based on individual patient needs whether to use Aesculap's original S4 tabbed pedicle screw or S4 Element's tabless pedicle screw.”

The S⁴ Element Pedicle Screw System was made available to a select group of surgeons since May of last year as part of the company's Market Preference Evaluation, and a full launch of the system is planned for the second quarter of 2010, at which time the system will be released to surgeons throughout the United States. It is estimated that over 450,000 thoracolumbar fusions are performed in the U.S. annually to treat spinal disorders. The surgeons predominantly rely on an open approach to decompress the site and utilize spinal instrumentation like S⁴ Element to stabilize until spinal fusion occurs.

"S⁴ Element provides surgeons with a unique and innovative solution for screw delivery while maintaining ideal bone screw properties in an anatomically friendly size offering," said Dr. Steven Beer of Cheyenne Regional Medical Center located in Cheyenne, Wyoming - one of the designers for the system.

Some of S⁴ Element's unique features include an industry leading Ultra Low Profile screw head for minimal impingement of anatomical structures and innovative placement instruments, like the speed multiplier handle, which facilitates tapping and screw placement at a 3.5 times faster rate without altering bone screw thread properties.

"We're very pleased that the S⁴ Element system allows us to offer our surgeons and sales network a tabless screw body option which expands our existing pedicle screw portfolio," said Chuck DiNardo, President of Aesculap Implant Systems. "Launching S⁴ Element will allow our surgeons the flexibility to decide based on individual patient needs whether to use Aesculap's original S⁴ tabbed pedicle screw or S⁴ Element's tabless pedicle screw."

The S⁴ Element System will be sold through the Aesculap Implant Systems direct and indirect sales network.