Cortical Concepts: Implant fixation in the osteoporotic spine
Instability of the spine may require surgery that fuses adjacent vertebrae by fixating the spine with screws and rods. However, in patients with osteoporosis, poor quality bone can cause the screws to pull out. This is a catastrophic failure that necessitates complicated and costly revision surgeries. Furthermore, many people that would benefit from a spinal fusion are unable to undergo the operation because surgeons are unable to fixate instrumentation in osteoporotic bone.
Cortical Concepts has developed a novel orthopedic implant for use in spinal surgery, completed the design of three rounds of prototypes, and demonstrated preliminary efficacy in cadaveric testing. Cortical Concepts is seeking funding to commercialize this technology.
Sponsor
- A. Jay Khanna, MD, Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, JHU School of Medicine
Graduate Student Team Members
- Evan Luxon
- Nicolas Martinez
- Jason Hsu
- Christopher Komanski
Additional Information
- 2010 Wharton Business Plan Competition - Michelson Grand Prize
- 2010 Cornell University Venture Challenge - 1st Place
- 2010 University of Cincinnati Spirit of Competition - 2nd Place
- 2010 University of Manitoba Stewart Clark Venture Challenge - Tradeshow Award Recipient
- 2010 University of Oregon New Venture Championship - Tradeshow Award Recipient
- 2010 NCIIA E-Team Grant Recipient
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