TFAS Total Facet Arthroplasty System: What are the Benefits?

TFAS
I’ve seen spots on the local news for the TFAS (Total Facet Arthroplasty) surgical system. What are the benefits to the patient with this technique as opposed to current treatments for spinal stenosis? Is this system on the market yet?
Answer

The Total Facet Arthroplasty System (TFAS™) is an alternative to spinal fusion for patients with spinal stenosis. It is a non-fusion technique, in which the native facets are removed and replaced with a synthetic implant.

The TFAS implant allows for movement about the facets, which is one benefit over fusion. Additionally, it doesn’t require bone harvesting from the patient.

Because the surgery involves removal of the entire diseased facets (and lamina if necessary), it may allow for more significant decompression and better improvement in neurological symptoms.

TFAS is manufactured by Archus Orthopedics (http://www.archusorthopedics.com), and it is still undergoing clinical investigation in the U.S. and is currently recruiting for a Phase III trial. As such, it does not yet have FDA approval. Currently, it is being studied in patients with moderate to severe stenosis.

Filed Under Spinal Motion Preservation, Spinal Stenosis, What's New 

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