Spinal device specialist NuVasive recently received section 501(k) FDA clearance for its X-Core Mini Cervical Expandable VBR System, a titanium vertebral-body replacement device used in the cervical spine to replace vertebral bodies damaged by tumors, fractures, or osteomyelitis.

According to NuVasive’s FDA filing, the X-Core Mini system can also be used for reconstruction following a corpectomy or to restore the integrity of the spinal column without resorting to spinal fusion in patients that have short life expectancies due to advanced-stage tumors involving the cervical spine. The X-Core Mini system is available in a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate differences in individual patients’ physical characteristics and pathology.

NuVasive states that the X-Core Mini must be used with supplemental fixation that has previously been cleared by the FDA for use in the cervical spine, which includes NuVasive’s new Archon Reconstruction Corpectomy plate. This plate is designed to increase rigidity and to resist screw pullout.

In a company news release NuVasive’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Pat Miles, stated:

The assembly of best-in-class cervical products into a cohesive procedural offering further reinforces NuVasive’s commitment to providing single-source, integrated procedural solutions to our customers. Combining X-Core Mini VBR and Archon Reconstruction plate provides another excellent example of defining the components necessary to properly address an unmet market need as NuVasive remains focused on becoming number one in spine.

According to Fierce Medical Devices, NuVasive became the third-largest competitor in the spinal device market last year. NuVasive maintains an active patent portfolio to help protect its market share: the USPTO Assignment Database lists NuVasive as the Assignee of 325 patents and patent applications dating from 1999 to the present.