Advances in Fixation Technology

We here at SurgicalFixation.com were excited and enthused when we came across the recent October publication of Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (www.theclinics.com). The issue is dedicated to “Advances in Fixation Technology for the Foot and Ankle”. This collection of articles proves exciting for us as it demonstrates that there is value in our work of aggregating fixation information.This publication also validates the importance of staying informed about what’s available for use in surgery, as this knowledge will continue to drive the evolution of foot and ankle technology and ultimately the nature of foot and ankle surgery. Clearly put, as fixation technology continues to evolve, there is a direct impact on surgical techniques and surgical standards. This directly impacts you as a surgeon and ultimately the patient.

One of the more noticeable advancements in surgical fixation technology in recent times is the evolution of the locking plate. Most surgeons by now are familiar with the “apple video” that demonstrates the effective pullout strength comparison between non-locking and locking screws. This technology has rapidly evolved as the standard in fracture fixation and is becoming increasingly more common in elective surgery. One article in the October edition of The Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Locking Plate Technology and Its Use in Foot and Ankle Surgery, reviews this innovation and its impact on foot and ankle surgery.

At SurgicalFixation, we echo consulting editor Thomas Zgonis when he says that advances in fixation technology for the foot and ankle are simply evident by the seemingly endless stream of new products within the field. We couldn’t agree more, and this is the premise for developing www.FootandAnkleFixation.com. New products will continue to shape the future of foot and ankle surgery and our authoritative resources will continue to strive to broadcast the most up to date surgical fixation information, thus keeping surgeons maximally informed and prepared.

Stabilization with HyProCure Implant

Arthroereisis implants for subtalar joint instability have become a fast and reliable procedure for foot and ankle surgeons. Dr. Michael Graham, DPM of the Graham International Implant Institute has released a paper this month (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 101(5): 390-399, 2011) on his findings with the implant in a 5 limb cadaveric study. In measuring the forces distributed across the posterior and anterior facets of the subtalar joint, Dr. Graham concluded that placement of the implant in a hyperpronated foot prevents excessive talar subluxation and assists in proper distribution of the axial loads on the subtalar facet joints. More information on the HyProCure implant can be found here. All availble Subtalar Joint Implants / Arthroereisis can be seen here, at www.FootandAnkleFixation.com

As it is our goal to preserve the unbiased nature of the content on FootandAnkleFixation.com, it is important to acknowledge that Dr. Graham has a financial association with the HyProCure Implant.

New Orthfix Product: Centro Nail

Orthofix is now marketing their latest foot and ankle product, the Centro Nail. This Intramedullary Nail is ideal for Pantalar / Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis in Charcot breakdown and severe degeneration of the rearfoot.

Currently the Orthofix website has not been updated with content for the Centro Nail and once it is live we will have images and a link available; currently you can check out the specs on the Centro Nail product page on FootandAnkleFixation.com. After seeing this implant up-close, the IM Nail offers surgeons two noticeable advantages. First, the arm to the targeting guide can rotate 360 degrees around the nail, eliminating the need to reposition the nail base. Second, there are adjustable guide holes in the arm of the targeting guide that enables surgeons the ability to place screws without coming into contact with nail. Both of these additions should help to expedite intra-operative techniques.

All current Orthofix foot and ankle products are viewable here.

Total Ankle Replacement Review

Podiatry Today has a good review on Ankle Replacement surgery and the Total Ankle Replacements (TAR) that are available for use in the United States. They break down each implant and give thier experiences with the implants that they have used. Take a look at this article by Drs. Robert W. Mendicino, DPM, FACFAS, Alan R. Catanzariti, DPM, FACFAS, and Kyle S. Peterson, DPM out of the Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh

For futher information on the Total Ankle Replacments / Ankle Joint Implants that are currently available, FootandAnkleFixation.com has all of the information organized for you. Check it our here.