Paradigm Spine

Paradigm Spine, LLC, established in 2004, carved a niche in the medical device sector by concentrating on spinal implant solutions. The company was co-founded by Hallett Mathews, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with an MBA from Duke University, who also served as the CEO. His dual expertise in medicine and business guided the company's focus on developing and commercializing advanced spinal technologies. A significant milestone in the company's trajectory was the acquisition by RTI Surgical in March 2019 for a total consideration of up to $300 million, a deal comprising $150 million in cash and stock at closing, with potential future milestone payments. This acquisition marked the culmination of Paradigm Spine's journey as an independent entity and integrated its product line into a larger portfolio.

The company's business model revolved around the development, manufacturing, and sale of spinal implants to hospitals and surgical centers, targeting spine surgeons as its primary clients. Its market was the competitive spinal care industry, where it distinguished itself by championing non-fusion technologies. The core of Paradigm Spine's offering was the coflex® Interlaminar Stabilization® device. This product is a posterior lumbar motion preservation solution designed as an alternative to spinal fusion for patients suffering from moderate to severe lumbar spinal stenosis. The coflex® device is a single-piece titanium implant that provides stability to the spine while preserving a more natural range of motion, offering a less invasive option compared to traditional fusion surgery which immobilizes a segment of the spine. Its key benefit lies in providing pain relief and improved function for patients, backed by clinical data demonstrating long-term positive outcomes. Following its acquisition, the coflex® brand and associated technologies continue to be part of the broader RTI Surgical product family.

Keywords: spinal implants, non-fusion, coflex, lumbar spinal stenosis, medical device, motion preservation, spine surgery, orthopedic, RTI Surgical, Hallett Mathews