Revolutionary new Stabilization System perfectly aligns three vertebrae
Douglas, GA (July 2016) – Patients facing surgery for spondylolisthesis, a spinal condition in which a vertebra slides forward over the bone below, now have a new option for effective treatment. Thanks to the innovative work of Hewatt McGraw (Mac) Sims, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Coffee Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in Douglas, GA, and Amendia, an Atlanta-based leading provider of innovative medical devices used during spinal surgical procedures, the Syzygy™ Stabilization System is not only available to patients at CRMC but will soon be available world-wide.
“My goal is to keep up with technology so we can offer our patients the most updated, proven care,” said Dr. Sims. “Syzygy will enable surgeons to achieve the proper mechanical alignment of the spine with less blood loss, less soft tissue cuts and less operative pain.”
The name Syzygy reflects the perfect alignment of three vertebral bodies. In astronomy, “syzygy” is the alignment of three celestial objects such as the sun, earth and moon or a planet.
A screw and rod system, Syzygy aligns an unstable spine that is pinching nerve roots. By inserting the screw in one of the bones, the surgeon can pull the bone back into its proper position. Syzygy is different than any other product or technique currently available.
“Because of the expertise and forward-thinking of physicians like Dr. Sims, patients here can benefit from the technologies of tomorrow today,” said Vicki Lewis, CEO of CRMC. “It’s innovations like Syzygy that help bring ‘big city’ health care close to home for area residents and patients at CRMC.”
In partnership with Amendia, Dr. Sims has been working to perfect the system for seven years. In June 2016, this patented invention completed development and, now with FDA approval, will be released for use in the international spinal surgery market later this year.
“Over the past seven years, I have been developing this unique technique for spondylolisthesis reduction for lumbar fusions,” said Dr. Sims. “Syzygy is designed to help surgeons consistently and accurately reduce the chance of a slip after spine surgery.”
Spondylolisthesis most often occurs in the lower or “lumbar” spine. If the spinal cord or nerve roots are squeezed, patients can experience back pain and numbness or weakness in one or both legs. In rare, more serious cases, it can also impact bladder or bowel control.
If you have been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis or are experiencing similar back pain or leg numbness/weakness, talk with your doctor and discuss a referral to Dr. Sims’ orthopedic practice for further evaluation.
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About Coffee Regional Medical Center
Coffee Regional Medical Center is an 88-bed (all private rooms) hospital in Douglas, Georgia. They are the regional health center with quality rankings in the top 20% of the state. Proud to have the first Pharmaceutical Robot in the area, they are intent on reducing hospital human error to 0%. With a full range of clinical services, CRMC is opening a cardiac catheterization facility, now offers spinal surgery, offers a walk-in clinic as an alternative to the ER, is equipped with nuclear and digital diagnostic equipment, and has a full service emergency department should you need emergent care. To learn more, visit coffeeregional.org.
About AMENDIA
Headquartered in a state of the art manufacturing facility in Marietta, Georgia, Amendia is a leading provider of innovative medical devices used during spinal surgical procedures. Founded in 2008, Amendia’s Mission is to exceed surgeon and patient expectations by creating balanced solutions with disruptive technologies for medical devices paired with biologics and instrumentation. Amendia’s vertically integrated strategy focuses on improving surgical outcomes and the lives of patients with spinal disorders.