Tifton surgeon Dr. Mac Sims invents medical device

TIFTON — Tifton orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Mac Sims has invented a device meant to allow him and his fellow specialists from around the world the ability to treat a common spine condition more effectively and with less invasive surgery.

The Syzygy Stabilization System is used in the surgical treatment of spondylolisthesis, a defect that causes part of the backbone to slip to one side of the body, usually occurring in the lower or lumbar region of the spine.

A board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon who practices with Optim Orthopedics and performs surgeries at Tift Regional Medical Center, Sims said he has long been interested in finding a way to achieve more effective mechanical alignment of the spine.

“I seek to continually improve performance and drive clinically-proven care,” said Sims. “I have been developing this concept, device and system for seven years. The goal for patients is reduced post-operative pain, a quicker recovery period and better outcomes.”

Working in partnership with Amendia, the screw-and-rod system was patented and received Food and Drug Administration approval earlier this year for release in the spinal surgery market. A formal launch is scheduled for later this month at the annual North American Spine Society conference in Boston.

“In astronomy, syzygy is the alignment of three celestial objects such as the sun, earth and moon or a planet,” said Sims. “This name was selected because it reflects the ability of surgeons to align three vertebral components of the spine.”

Spondylolisthesis makes vertebrae bone compress nerve roots, Sims explained, resulting in back pain, numbness or weakness in one or both legs. In rare, more serious cases, it can also impact bladder or bowel control.

The Syzygy System pulls the bone back into its proper position unlike any other procedure or product, Sims said.

A Tifton native, Sims earned his medical degree from the Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon. He followed with a residency at the Medical College of Georgia and completed a fellowship at the Spine Education and Research Institute in Denver.

Sims is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and is a member of the TRMC medical staff. Optim Orthopedics is located at 1622 Madison Ave. in Tifton.

For more information, call (229) 387-8061.