Northside Hospital is now offering a next-generation spinal fusion implant for patients suffering from chronic back pain. Dr. Matthew Hazzard, neurosurgeon at Northside Hospital Gwinnett, performed the first procedure using the device within the Northside system on July 25.
Why it matters:
The new device — OptiMesh Align™ from Spineology® — is designed to help patients recover faster, experience less pain after surgery and achieve better long-term results.
Unlike traditional spinal fusion techniques that require larger incisions and longer recovery times, OptiMesh Align is a personalized, minimally invasive solution. It expands inside the body to match a patient’s anatomy, helping to restore spinal alignment and stability with less surgical trauma.
The implant uses Conform and Expand™ mesh technology to create a customized shape — up to 20 degrees of correction — giving surgeons more precision in aligning the spine. Its biologics-based expansion method also reduces stress on the spine compared to older mechanical implant designs.
What they’re saying:
“Spineology’s OptiMesh Align represents a significant advancement in spinal fusion technology through its patient-specific design and minimally invasive approach,” said Dr. Hazzard.
“I particularly like the graft containment, dispersion of force across a broad surface area, and the ability to customize the fill to fit the needs of each individual segment.”
Dr. Hazzard added that the device’s small insertion profile minimizes tissue disruption and supports faster recovery compared to traditional spinal fusion procedures.
By the numbers:
According to Spineology clinical trial data:
- 92% of patients reported “excellent” or “good” satisfaction at six months
- 91.7% maintained satisfaction at 24 months
- 67% reduction in back pain at three months
- 99% fusion success rate at 24 months
What’s next:
Northside Hospital continues to invest in advanced, patient-centered spine care technologies that improve outcomes and recovery.
Learn more about neurosurgery at Northside.
