Goshen News, Goshen, IN

Breaking News

Business

November 5, 2009

FDA panel rejects Zimmer spine implant

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — Federal health advisers on Wednesday rejected an implant from Zimmer Holdings saying it’s unclear how effective or safe the device would be for treating a painful spinal condition.

The Food and Drug Administration’s panel of outside experts voted 5-1 that Zimmer’s titanium Dynesys implant should not be approved to restabilize the spine.

The FDA is not required to follow the group’s recommendation, though it often does.

The group of spinal surgeons said Zimmer studies have not clearly shown which patients would benefit from the implant.

“There were conflicting results without adequate explanation,” said Dr. John Kirkpatrick of the University of Florida College of Medicine. “I don’t think they’ve put adequate thought into why they found what they did.”

The group also had concerns about wear and tear on the device over time.

“I think the panel generally believes this is reasonably safe, however the long-term safety remains to be seen,” said panel chair Dr. John Kelly of the University of Pennsylvania.

Warsaw, Ind.-based Zimmer Holdings Inc. has asked the FDA to approve its implant to re-stabilize the spine when vertebrae have slipped loose, causing leg pain and muscle weakness.

Text Only
Business
Parade
Magazine

Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
AP Video
US Airways: Diverted Flight Has 'Landed Safely' A Few Odd Business Sparks but Europe Gloomy Revived Focus on Regulation After JPMorgan Loss Gerard Butler: the Good, the Bad and the Cannes At Least 25 Dead in India Train Collision Raw Video: Private Rocket Blasts Off Boy to Rescuers: 'Do You Have a Plan?' Doctors and Devotees Debate Barefoot Running Blacks Seek to Find Their Own Missing Houston Museum Unveils $85 Million Dinosaur Hall Chicago Police: 90 Arrested in NATO Protests Ex-Rutgers Student Gets 30 Days in Webcam Case Obama Sees Inspiration in Joplin Graduates Raw Video: Man Saved After Niagara Falls Plunge NATO: Afghan Exit 'Irreversible' Catholic Groups Sue Over Contraception Mandate 4 Arrested After Man's Beating at Dodger Stadium Investors Slap Facebook 11 Percent Lower Raw Video: Dramatic 270-Foot Waterfall Rescue Fingers Do the Fighting at Wrestling Tourney
Poll

What are your big plans for Memorial Day Weekend?

Visit the cemetery or attend a ceremony to honor fallen military veterans
Attend or watch on TV the Indianapolis 500
Travel to visit, or host, family or friends
To do as little as possible
     View Results