It's Official: Integra & Ascension Merger

As previously reported on FootandAnkleFixation.com, Integra LifeSciences and Ascension Orthopedics entered into an agreement to merge under the Integra Brand on September 12, 2011. Now it's Official.

Per their website, Integra has announced that the merger is complete and the Ascension line of foot and ankle products are currently being integrated in with their product line. In addition to the plating and screw systems, this acquisition will bolster Integra’s foot and ankle product line to include pryocarbon technology, specifically with the PryoSphere TMT implant for Lisfranc Joint Arthrodesis.

As this merger continues to evolve, FootandAnkleFixation.com will continue to bring you the latest news and information involving their foot and ankle product lines. Stay tuned for more information.

Integra LifeSciences to Acquire Ascension Orthopedics

Integra LifeSciences has announced that they have reached an agreement to acquire Ascension Orthopedics for $65 million in cash. The deal annoucned this morning on the Integra homepage.

 

"Ascension is an ideal strategic fit for Integra, as it reinforces our commitment to and presence in the fast-growing extremities space," said Stuart Essig, Integra's Chief Executive Officer. 

Check out all of the Integra LifeSciences foot and ankle products here and all of the Ascension Orthopedic products here.

New Ascension Products Online

We have uploaded 5 new Ascension Orthopedic Products into our database, as these were just launched. Included in their new product line are modifications on their MPJ Fusion Plate, Opening Wedge Plate, and their Mini Calc Plate. Additionally, they have introduced a new 2 & 3 hole plate as well as a 10-hole plate to their Tarsalis Line. 

Take a look at the new plates:

Ascension Orthopedics MPJ Fusion Plate (Long)

Ascension Orthopedics Opening Wedge Plate (Modified)

Ascension Orthopedics Mini Calc-Long Plate

Ascension Orthopedics 2 & 3 Hole Plate

Ascension Orthopedics Long Straight Plate

All Ascension Orthopedics Products

Circular External Fixation Course

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons is holding a two and a half day program on the ins and outs of circular fixators. The event will take place in Scottsdale, AZ at the FireSky Resort over the 28-30th of Ocotber. 

The fee for ACFAS Members and residents is $895, non-members is $1095. The course is worth 22 CME hours and you can register here.

Fixation Network: Tiger Cannulated Screw

We have uploaded a new video to The Fixation Network. The Trilliant Surgical "Tiger" Cannulated titanium screws come in 2.0, 2.4, 3.0, and 4.0mm diameters. These screws have demonstrated excellent bone purchase and are nice option for forefoot procedures such as in Hallux Abducto Valgus: Distal Osteotomy procedures. 


The new video demonstrates how to insert the 3.0mm cannulated screw. The sequence is very straightforward and the screw can be a solid addition to any surgeon's repertoire of implants to choose from.


The Fixation Network is brought to by Foot & Ankle Fixation.com

Hammertoe Challenges & Foot Innovate

Footinnovate.com and presenter Dr. Robert Anderson, MD will be hosting an online training session Hammertoe Challenges next Wednesday, August 31, 2011. With Wright Medical Technology participating with the session, I can only imagine that the discussion will involve their new hammertoe implant, the Pro-Toe VO.  

The Pro-Toe VO was released to the market earlier this year and is one of the latest options on the market that enables foot and ankle surgeons and patients the option of burring the implant internally as an alternative to the traditional external K-wire. The above link will lead you to more information about the Pro-Toe implant, while you can see all current Hammertoe implant options here. 

Limb Deformity Course Sept. 1st - 4th

The 21st Annual Baltimore Limb Deformity Course will be held this upcoming September 1st - 4th and includes the Pre-Course on Ponseti Clubfoot techniques as well as the Post-Course on Advanced Training with the Taylor Spatial Frame. The courses will cover multiple topics including application of internal & external fixation such as monolateral / circular external fixation and fixator-assisted plating and nailing.

Surgeons can still register for the course here.