The Legacy™ Spinal Surgery System

What is it?
In patients with severe scoliosis, or with progressive curves that do not respond to non-operative treatment, surgery is often necessary. Dr. Lenke has been a sought-after industry leader in developing specially designed implant systems for spinal surgery. These modern surgical systems help to correct spinal deformities, facilitate spinal fusion, and stabilize and strengthen the spine. One such system is the CD Horizon® Legacy™ system. This system was designed and developed by Dr. Lenke, along with several other U.S. and international senior spinal surgeons, in partnership with Medtronic Sofamor Danek, a leading spinal technology company. The Legacy™ System has developed into a comprehensive system that includes a variety of rods, hooks, screws, and instruments that can treat many different spine conditions in any age or size patient.

How does it work?
Dr. Lenke frequently uses the Legacy™ system for posterior and anterior spinal fusion and instrumentation to correct curves in patients with various spinal deformities such as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. This surgery involves implanting screws into the spine that serve as anchors for strong but malleable rods. The rods can immobilize portions of the deformed spine and can be bent to re-shape the spine to a more normal curve. These implants also promote correct alignment of the spine so that fusion (the joining of two or more vertebrae) can take place when needed. Special cages (hollow devices with perforated walls) can also be inserted between vertebrae, along with bone growth substances, to promote the fusion. The variety of tools in the Legacy™ system allows for a comprehensive 3-dimensional correction of the spinal deformity. This system can also be used to treat many other spinal conditions, including kyphosis, spondylolisthesis, spinal fractures, and flat back syndrome, among others.

This is an example of an anterior spinal fusion using the Legacy™ system

This is an example of a posterior spinal fusion using the Legacy™ system.

Why is it better?
The Legacy™ system is one of the newest and best instrumentation systems for treating scoliosis and other spinal conditions. Surgeons like this system because it is easy to use and includes a variety of tools for correct insertion, placement, and curve correction. The wide variety of instrument sizes ensures that the implants can be matched more precisely to each patient’s anatomy. This makes it ideal for treating children as well as adults. The variety of implant options allows the surgeon to tailor treatment to each patient. The implants are made of modern substances, such as titanium and stainless steel, which are strong enough to hold the curve correction over many years, but lightweight enough not to interfere with other anatomy or to be visible under the patient’s skin.

The Legacy™ system is a vast improvement over previous instrumentation systems. Modern fusion and instrumentation techniques allow patients to be released from the hospital more quickly and to return to work and normal activities sooner. In addition, patients are less likely to need further surgery later in life.

The Legacy™ system designed by Dr. Lenke is now used worldwide by other surgeons. Dr. Lenke continues to place high value on developing and using state-of-the-art technology to benefit his patients. He devotes a great deal of time to research, evaluation, and further technological development, and he is frequently called upon to teach and demonstrate his technology and techniques to his peers.