New Lapidus Plate

And here's the newest edition to the Hallux Abducto Valgus: Lapidus Arthrodesis section of FootandAnkleFixation.com: The Orthofix Contours Lapidus Plating System (LPS). Orthofix announced the release of this long awaited Lapidus plate last week during the AAOS meeting. New information about the plate will be updated on our site as soon as it's available. Here are comments about the release of the Contours Lapidus Plate and the Centronail Ankle Compression Nailing System by the CEO of Orthofix:

Orthofix's President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Vaters stated, "The introduction of these two novel technologies highlights the Company's commitment to the attractive U.S. foot and ankle market. While Orthofix has a strong presence in external fixation, the bolstering of its internal fixation offering along with its regenerative solutions creates an attractive and differentiated value proposition for both orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists."

Not sure what to use for your next bunion procedure, check out the following links:

HALLUX ABDUCTO VALGUS: DISTAL OSTEOTOMY

HALLUX ABDUCTO VALGUS: LAPIDUS ARTHRODESIS

HALLUX ABDUCTO VALGUS: OPENING BASE WEDGE

HALLUX ABDUCTO VALGUS: PROXIMAL OSTEOTOMY

The IoFix Experiment

Yesterday I finally had an opportunity to give the Extremity Medial IoFix implant a try. The patient had a history of osteoporotic bone (as noted in her previous hallux abducto valgus correction) therefore, I sought out a new implant that could help manage the frailness of the bone. And as expected, I was not disappointed.

As with most new implants and instrumentation, putting the first post and screw in took a few extra minutes. However, with this device, the learning curve was quick and the second construct was inserted in a noticeably faster application. One caveat that I can pass along is that I accidentally overdrilled past the laser-etched mark (on the drill) prior to inserting the second post. The over drill is very sharp and in this case when combined with soft bone caused the post to fit loosely within the bone. Although this error on my part was negated with the final screw purchase, pre-drilling for the post prior to screw insertion should not be overlooked.

Overall, the construct was very solid and I was impressed by the way it essentially neutralized the porosity of the patient's poor bone quality. A few of the tips that are demonstrated in this technique video were utilized during the case and really helped me with screw placement. This prevented contact between the two interfragmental screws. The next time that you are preparing for an arthrodesis procedure, consider looking into the Extremity Medical IoFix Implant. If you are concerned about wall breakout or osteoporotic bone, using this implant is a no-brainer.

All Extremity Medical products are viewable here at www.FootandAnkleFixation.com

The Unbiased Authority: There are no conflicts of interest or financial association/assistance between FootandAnkleFixation.com and Extremity Medical

MMI Anchorage Cross Plates for MPJ and Lapidus Arthrodesis

MMI has posted online their new Anchorage Cross Plating System for 1st MPJ arthrodesis and Lapidus arthrodesis. These plates are the first of their kind that incorporate the ability to place a lag compressive screw through the plate when performing an arthrodesis. As one high executive put it, "these plates are a game changer in the field of foot and ankle surgery."

I don't know about you, but I'm eager try out these new plates to see if they work as good as they look. It will be nice to have a guided compressive screw without the constant problem of interfering with crossing screws that are placed through the plate, as is the case with the current plating options.

You can read more about these new plates as well as other products offered by MMI at the following links:
Anchorage MTP CP Plate, Anchorage Lapidus CP Plate, All MMI Products.

44 Cases of Arthrex Mini TightRope for Metatarsus Primus Varus

Stephen Kayiaros, MD, Brad D. Blankenhorn, MD, Jordan Dehaven, DPM, Hans Van Lancker, BA, Peter Sardells, DPM, James T. Pascalides, DPM, Christopher W. DiGiovanni, MD

Foot & Anke Specialist: April 13, 2011 Online Before Print

A new journal article released online before print is now up at Foot and Ankle Specialist involving the treatment of Hallux Abducto Valgus with metatarsus primus varus and the use of the Arthrex Mini TightRope. This study looks back at 44 surgical cases (36 patients) who were treated with the alternative fixation and their overall results. 

Radiographic angles including the hallux valgus angle, the first intermetatarsal angle and the distal metatarsal articular angle all improved. Additionally, the average AOFAS midfoot outcome socres improved from 45.44 to 84.72. Only one patient encountered a reoccurrence of the hallux valgus deformity. The group concluded that correcting metatarsus primus varus in association with hallux valgus deformity using the Arthrex Mini TightRope should be considered a treatment option along with proximal first metatarsal osteotomy or Lapidus arthrodesis.

Check out more information on the Arthrex Mini TightRope as well as additional products by Arthrex here. 

View all of your options for Hallux Abducto Valgus: Proximal Osteotomy and Hallux Abducto Valgus: Lapidus Arthrodesis here.