Innovative product configuration gives surgeons an ergonomic advantage.

Creature collaborated with Southern Spine and our engineering partner, Enginuity Works, to design the instrumentation for the Stabilink® MIS Spinal Fixation System. The implants are used in spinal fusion procedures in patients with degenerative disc disease or traumas.

Whereas competitive tools require 4 tools and an assistant to do secondary compression of the implant onto the spinous processes, this 2-part tool allows a single surgeon to precisely locate each half of the spinal implant between the spinous processes, away from neural elements, with or without removing the interspinous ligaments. After implant positioning, the 2 halves link together and become a plier-like instrument that the surgeon compresses to finalize implantation.

By eliminating the need for bulky secondary compressor tools, the patient requires a smaller incision size and experiences reduced blood loss. Surgeons have praised increased visibility to the surgical site and the ease of use of the system. This has shortened the OR time required for the procedure, and increased the adoption rate of the new system. The Stabilink® System won a Silver 2015 Medical Design Excellence Award.