Smith & Nephew’s Endoscopy Division today announced the launch of its bioabsorbable BIOSURE™ HA Interference Screw line for use in Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) reconstruction in the knee joint. The BIOSURE HA Interference Screw and driver system incorporates many of the most popular features of Smith & Nephew’s existing interference screws. It is tapered for easy insertion and threaded to provide exceptional fixation. Surgeons who frequently reconstruct torn cruciate ligaments listen for a distinctive turning sound when inserting interference screws. “This sound tells them the screw has adequate purchase to hold the graft in place,” said Dr. Walter Lowe, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with Baylor College of Medicine. “The BIOSURE HA screw inserts securely, and delivers the sound and feel that leave me confident that the graft will adhere properly. “Surgeons may elect to use the BIOSURE HA Interference Screw in any number of ways during reconstruction. For example, the screw can be used to secure the tibial (shin) or femoral (thigh) end of an ACL graft. “The smallest size is ideal for use in the small bone tunnels used in anatomic ACL or PCL repair, and the larger sizes are often needed if the reconstruction needs to be revised, because of re-injury,” Dr. Lowe said.
Developers designed the BIOSURE HA screw from PLA-HA, a bioabsorbable combination of poly-L-lactic acid (PLA) combined with Hydroxyapatite (HA), a chemical that is found naturally in human bone. This material remains intact until the graft has adhered to the bone, and then interacts with fluids in the body until it gradually resorbs. “By carefully listening to our customers, we were able to leverage the technology and design features that have provided positive patient outcomes and design a comprehensive line of devices that enable surgeons to help get their patients moving again,” said Peter Weissman, director of Knee Repair for Smith & Nephew Endoscopy’s Sports Medicine Strategic Business Unit.
Source: smith-nephew.com
published: October 2, 2008 in: Companies, Healthcare, Knee, Orthopaedics, Smith & Nephew, Specialty