Spinal Kinetics

About Spinal Kinetics

Spinal Kinetics, established in 2003 by Tom Afzal, operates as a privately-held medical device company with a sharp focus on motion preservation technologies for the spine. The company targets the market for treating degenerative diseases of the spine, collaborating closely with spine surgeons to bring its products to market. Its business model centers on the development, manufacturing, and sale of these advanced medical devices to healthcare providers and institutions. In May 2018, the medical technology company Orthofix Medical Inc. acquired Spinal Kinetics, a transaction valued at up to $105 million, integrating the M6 disc into its broader portfolio of spine solutions. This acquisition marked a significant milestone, providing Spinal Kinetics with the resources and distribution network of a larger, publicly-traded entity.

The company's flagship product is the M6 Artificial Disc, available for both cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) applications. The M6 disc is designed to replicate the natural biomechanics of a healthy intervertebral disc, setting it apart from traditional spinal fusion procedures that immobilize the spinal segment. Its distinctive feature is the incorporation of an artificial nucleus made of polycarbonate urethane and a woven polyethylene fiber annulus, which together mimic the shock-absorbing and movement-enabling qualities of a natural disc. This construction allows for a controlled range of motion in all six degrees, including translation and rotation, aiming to provide patients with a more natural spinal movement post-surgery and potentially reducing the risk of adjacent segment disease.