SpineMatrix loses CEO to a Utah company; looks for another leader

COPLEY TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Ben Shappley, president and chief executive since 2006 of SpineMatrix Inc., developer of a device that diagnoses the source of lower back pain in a unique way, has gone to work for Amedica Corp. in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Shappley, a 25-year veteran of the orthopedic and spinal implant industries, joined Amedica (pdf) as president and CEO on Aug. 1. Amedica is an emerging orthopedic implant company that is using its silicon nitride ceramic technology to develop spine and joint implants.

SpineMatrix, an early stage company that has been selling its scanning technology for about a year, is searching for a new chief executive, said Tom Hitchcock, the company’s marketing director. “The SpineMatrix board is actively involved in operations and supporting the current management team through the company’s next stage of development and continued growth,” Hitchcock said in an emailed response to a reporter’s questions.

SpineMatrix System

“Ben accepted an opportunity more closely aligned to his experience and expertise,” Hitchcock said. “We appreciate his contributions to the early development of our organization and wish him well.”

The SpineMatrix System maps the physiology of the muscles and nerves in the lower back through an array of electrodes placed on the back. Often, the colorful images produced by the scanner tell technologists whether a patient needs back surgery or physical therapy. The scans offer an alternative to current diagnostic tools, such as X-ray, MRI or CT images, which are expensive to produce and often don’t completely diagnose the problem.

Shappley has walked the line between technologist and business executive at several companies that include Theken Spine in Akron, Ohio, now owned by Integra LifeSciences Holding Corp. in Plainsboro, N.J. Listed as an inventor on seven patents for orthopedic implants, Shappley has a bachelor of science degree in business management.

At SpineMatrix, Shappley led the company through the completion of its clinical trial and regulatory clearance processes. He helped the company get some insurance reimbursement codes so health care providers who used its device could get paid for their services. And in 2007, he helped SpineMatrix land $8 million in its second round of financing.

“We are steadily gaining acceptance from a clinical perspective and are working to achieve that same level of support on the reimbursement front,” said SpineMatrix’s Hitchcock. “There are currently 15 employees with plans to expand locally in support of increased sales.”

At Amedica, Shappley will lead operations and commercialization efforts, freeing Vice Chairman Ashok Khandkar to focus on developing and expanding the company’s ceramic technology, Khandkar said in a written statement.