A novel anterior cervical fusion system offers increased screw angulation, longer screw placement, and minimized dissection of the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL).

The Divergence anterior cervical fusion system is intended for the temporary stabilization of the spine during one-level anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) procedures in patients with cervical disc disease at one level from the C2-C3 disc to the C7-T1 disc. Indications include patients with degenerative disc disease, as defined by neck pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc, confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies; trauma (including fractures); tumors; deformity (defined as kyphosis, lordosis, or scoliosis); pseudoarthrosis; and failed previous fusions.

The system represents a new approach to ACDF, in which the plate and interbody cage are inserted simultaneously, using a common set of instrumentation and one surgical technique. System plates are offered in relatively short lengths of 15.5–20.5 mm. In addition, the system incorporates laterally-divergent and hyper-angulated screw insertion techniques, which require less retraction compared to traditional medially-convergent screw insertion techniques. The Divergence anterior cervical fusion system is a product of Medtronic (Minneapolis, MN, USA).

“The introduction of the Divergence anterior cervical fusion system demonstrates Medtronic's commitment to improving how spinal fusions are performed around the world,” said Doug King, president of the spinal business and senior vice president at Medtronic. “Physicians and patients will benefit from having access to these low-profile implants and an insertion technique that makes the ACDF procedure more efficient for the surgeon and less invasive for the patient.”

ACDF involves surgical decompression through the removal of a cervical disc herniation (discectomy) through an anterior approach for, concomitant with fusion surgery in order to stabilize the cervical segment. The combination relieves spinal cord or nerve root pressure and alleviates corresponding pain, weakness, numbness and tingling. The major postoperative problem with ACDF surgery is difficulty swallowing for 2–5 days due to retraction of the esophagus during the surgery.

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