FacetFuse® is an FDA-cleared, next-generation minimally invasive screw fixation system designed for the lumbar and sacral spine (L1–S1). Created to prioritize tissue preservation and surgical efficiency, FacetFuse offers surgeons a streamlined option for fusing the spine in cases of instability, trauma, or degenerative disease.

Unique Features and Advantages

• Reduced Hardware: FacetFuse uses only two screws per affected vertebral level, replacing the traditional four pedicle screws, rods, and locking caps—resulting in less hardware, minimal disruption of soft tissues, and shorter operating room times.

• Muscle and Tissue Preservation: The procedure requires just a single, small midline incision. This approach keeps stabilizing spinal muscles intact, reducing post-op pain and speeding recovery.

• Versatility: FacetFuse is compatible with open, percutaneous minimally invasive surgery (MIS), and Less Exposure Surgery (LES) techniques, supporting a wide range of surgical approaches.

• Low-Profile Design: Its low-profile screw head helps minimize postoperative soft tissue irritation or discomfort.

• Direct Compression and Immediate Stability: As a lag screw system, FacetFuse compresses the facet joint and disc space directly, creating immediate biomechanical stability, no additional locking mechanism is needed.

• Biomechanical Validation: Independent testing has shown FacetFuse provides strength and stability on par with traditional pedicle screw systems, with significantly less anatomical disruption.

• Anatomic Preservation: By sparing adjacent tissue compared to pedicle screws and integrating easily with interspinous fixation devices, FacetFuse preserves normal spinal biomechanics.

Indications for Use

FacetFuse is FDA-cleared for:

• Trauma (fractures/dislocations)

• Spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis

• Pseudarthrosis and failed previous fusions/new instability or deformity

• Degenerative diseases including:

• Degenerative disc disease (DDD)

• Degenerative facet disease with instability/pain and >4mm radiographic vertebral movement[official PDF]

Surgical Workflow Highlights

• Percutaneous, sub-1-inch incision

• Jamshidi needle placement, guidewire, dilation, and screw delivery under fluoroscopy (AP/lateral views)

• Direct lag screw placement for robust fixation with minimal blood loss

FacetFuse sets a new standard for minimally invasive spinal fusion by combining less hardware, clinically proven biomechanical strength, surgeon-friendly workflow, and substantial patient benefits. Thousands of successful cases and supporting clinical data position FacetFuse as a leading solution for efficient, less traumatic, and highly effective spinal fusion.

Watch FacetFuse procedure animation