Announcement of an Exempt Purchase

Howmedica Osteonics Corporation (Stryker Subsidiary) offers complex spine implants and ancillaries for spinal fusion which is used by surgeons to treat some of the most difficult and challenging spinal pathologies, such as deformity (primarily scoliosis), trauma (fracture or dislocation); and tumors. In spinal fusion for scoliosis, rods, hooks, wires, or screws are attached to the curved part of the backbone and the spine is straightened. Small pieces of bone are then put over the spine. The bone pieces will grow together with the spinal bone, fusing it into the proper position. Spinal fusion is major surgery that usually takes several hours to complete. The Howmedica Osteonics spinal system added benefits include less disruption, less surgical time, and less recovery time, as well as availability of implants to fit the patient's anatomy, making the surgery less complicated and much safer for the patient. The Howmedica technology allows surgeons to use spinal implants uniquely fitted to a patient?s anatomy, improving the effectiveness and safety of spinal surgery. Neurological surgeons are averaging about 1,225 cases per year. Each spinal implant system can range from $3,500.00 to $46,000.00 per case, based on the anatomy of the patient and surgical complexity of the case.

This purchase is exempt from the usual selection processes of the Procurement Code because the procurement expenditure is for medical supplies or medical services necessary for the delivery of care and treatment at medical, dental, or veterinary teaching facilities utilized by SIU or U of I (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b-5)) Howmedica has to do with direct patient treatment and care. Without access to these specific supplies. The Hospital would not be able to offer patient care that in tern would drive patients elsewhere and a result in a loss of revenue to the Hospital.