Clinical descriptionDIPLOMAT® is a posterior instrumentation system (screw–rod) developed by SIGNUS for the stabilization and fusion of the thoracic and lumbar spine (TH2–S2). Conceived as "one system for all indications", it covers both simple and complex procedures, without the need to change systems when moving from a percutaneous or minimally invasive technique to an open one.
The defining feature is the tulip that is interchangeable in situ: the pedicle screw is a modular, two-piece implant in which the tulip (standard, reduction, or percutaneous) is selected according to the indication and can be mounted or replaced intraoperatively. The patented locking mechanism (Elastolok®) ensures a firm screw–tulip connection, verified in laboratory testing (tulip disengagement, rod push-out per ASTM F1798).
The screws have a self-tapping double thread, with a large pitch (4.5 mm) for rapid insertion, a cylindrical shank, and are cannulated (1.9 mm, for a 1.8 mm guidewire) and fenestrated, allowing optional cement augmentation from Ø 5.5 mm upward, through anatomically adapted perforations. The low-profile tulip (height 14.9 mm, Ø 12.5 mm) reduces tissue trauma and protrusion. The surgeon can choose titanium or cobalt-chromium rods, depending on the desired stiffness. For deformity correction, the system is extended with LSZ infralaminar hooks, in a hybrid screw–hook technique.
