Acumed’s newly launched Total Wrist Fusion Plating System fuses the carpal bones together to treat post-traumatic arthritis, its design goal being to reduce the risk of soft tissue irritation associated with traditional wrist fusion plates.
Background
The primary indication for the system is treatment of post-traumatic arthritis of the joints of the wrist. Other indications include: Rheumatoid wrist deformities requiring restoration, Complex carpal instability, Post-septic arthritis of the wrist, Severe unremitting wrist pain related to motion, Brachial plexus nerve palsies, Tumor resection, and Spastic deformities.
Acumed says its Total Wrist Fusion Plating System is the only system currently on the market to offer plates specifically designed to be placed on both the second and third metacarpals.
Provided in two sizes, the plates come as left-right specific and neutral, to accommodate varying patient anatomies. All plates have a 15° dorsal bend, established as a balance between anatomic resting position, hand function, and grip strength.
The system includes Hexalobe MultiScrews and the SaveLock Compression Sleeve. The Hexalobe MultiScrews act as nonlocking screws when inserted into the unthreaded slots and locking screws when inserted into threaded holes. The SaveLock Compression Sleeve engages with the screw head, reducing the plate to the bone by preventing the screw from locking into the plate until the SaveLock Compression Sleeve is disengaged.
Physician comments
“Traditional wrist fusion plates are placed on the long metacarpal with the screws placed posteriorly through the plate, potentially leaving rough edges which could cause extensor tendon irritation” says William B. Geissler, M.D., Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, the system’s design surgeon. A functional assessment of traditional fusion plates, as published in the Journal of Hand Surgery supports this observation, stating that “sixty-five percent of patients required [traditional] plate removal for discomfort or interference with the extensor tendons.”1 Dr. Geissler went on to say, “I wanted to work with the engineers at Acumed to design a system of wrist fusion plates that were smooth dorsally where the distal screws came in from the sides with the option to place on either the index or long metacarpal to minimize soft tissue irritation.”
Company comments
“We pride ourselves on being a comprehensive solution provider for the Hand and Wrist” says Rich Rice, Vice President of Extremities, Trauma, and Biologics, “Surgeons have come to trust Acumed to deliver products that are designed to better fit the patient’s anatomy and offer a more straightforward surgical technique.”
Source: Acumed, Inc., PR Newswire
published: June 16, 2014 in: Launches / Withdrawals, Trauma