Orthofix Announces Centronail Ankle Compression Nail

Orthofix has announced the full US launch of it's new Centronail Ankle Compression Nailing System for the distal tibia. The intramedullary nail is logged in the FootandAnkleFixation.com database for rearfoot fusions including a Pantalar / Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis. This new system offers a two-piece targeting assembly for screw placement flexibility as well as dynamization along the tibiotalar and subtalar joint surfaces.

Interested in finding out more about what Orthofix has to offer, click here.

Medshape Cleared for IM Ankle Nail

Medshape Solutions have announced on their website that they have received FDA 510(k) clearance for their DynaNail Intramedullary Fusion Nail. According to the announcement,  

“The DynaNail’s unique, patented design utilizes shape memory alloy technology to actively adapt to changes, such as local bone resorption, in the arthrodesis (fusion) site. By adapting to such changes, the DynaNail may better maintain close apposition of the bones and compression across the fusion zone during the healing process.

The DynaNail device, intended for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis procedures, incorporates an innovative shape memory internal element that is simply stretched during the insertion procedure. Once the nail is fixed in place with screws, the shape memory alloy element maintains the target fusion bones in close apposition and under sustained compression for longer time periods than static, non-adaptive intramedullary devices. Surgeons implant the DynaNail using a surgical technique similar to that of traditional ankle fusion nails, thereby dramatically reducing the learning curve required for the new technology.”

This will be the first intramedullary fusion nail on the market that is designed utilizing memory shape alloy technology for use in the Pantalar / Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis. This will be Medshape Solutions second foot and ankle medical device; they currently carry the Morhpix Bone Anchor.

New Ascension Ankle Fusion Plate

Ascension Orthopedics has posted on their website the latest in thier line of foot and ankle fixation products: The Construct Ankle Fusion Plating System. The plate uses either 4.5mm or 6.5mm locking screws and is designed for both Ankle Joint Arthrodesis as well as Pantalar / Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis.

The system has both an anterior and lateral plate, with the lateral plate also having an attachable guide to assist with inserting an interfragmental screw. Read more about the new Ascension Construct Ankle Fusion Plate here.

Alternative Approaches with Internal Fixation

Now up on the Journal of Foot And Ankle Surgery website are two new articles that are currently available online only. Both articles, by Lawrence A. DiDomenico, demonstrate new fixation options for rearfoot procedures including calcaneal displacement osteotomies and pantalar / tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. You can start to read about these new appraoches below and the links will take you to where you can purchase the full articel if desired.

 

The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery: Online Only July 8th, 2011

Double Calcaneal Osteotomy Using Single, Dual-Function Screw Fixation Technique  

Authors:  Lawrence A. DiDomenico, DPM; A. Anthony Haro III, DPM; Davina J. Cross, DPM 

Historically, a variety of fixation techniques for calcaneal osteotomies have been used. The prevention of postoperative sequelae, including delayed or nonunion of the osteotomy sites and minimization of soft tissue damage, is always a primary consideration for foot and ankle surgeons. The present report describes a fixation technique for a double calcaneal osteotomy that entails use of a single screw that functions as both a positional tool, as well as a compressive fixation device. This technique provides compressive and positional qualities and decreases the amount of soft tissue disruption to the surgical site.

Posterior Approach Using Anterior Ankle Arthrodesis Locking Plate for Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis

Authors:  Lawrence A. DiDomenico, DPM; Paul Sann, DPM

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis is a successful treatment for patients with severe pain and functional disability in the ankle and subtalar joint. Patients with post-traumatic ankle and subtalar joint arthritis, and/or Charcot deformity, often present with compromised skin and soft tissue structures. In the present report, we describe a technique using an anterior ankle arthrodesis locking plate placed posteriorly to obtain hindfoot and ankle fusion. This technique, which uses the well vascularized, thick, posterior soft tissue envelope, provides very good exposure of the articular surfaces for resection and tibiotalocalcaneal fusion. The technique provides a valuable option for patients with compromised skin and soft tissue structures over aspects of the ankle that make other approaches risky and complicated.