Newly-minted Orthofix International N.V. President and CEO Brad Mason got to announce his first new product launch on March 20, 2013.
Orthofix’s Plating System Addresses Vascularity Damage
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The Contours PHP (Proximal Humeral Plate) is being released through the company’s international distribution network. The plating system, for the treatment of the proximal humeral fractures, consists of anatomically contoured left and right plates with a low head profile and is designed to decrease the risk of impingement, while providing minimal invasiveness of metal content in the humeral head.
“Since avascular necrosis is initiated by the fracture pattern, that almost unavoidably damages the delicate blood supply of the humeral head, Contours PHP has been designed to decrease the invasiveness in terms of metallic content in the humeral head and reduce further damages to its vascularity, ” stated in the company press release.
Mason said the launch of the system highlights the company’s commitment to the trauma market. “With this internal fixation device, Orthofix now has a complete hardware offering, including a nail, plate, and external fixation system, for the repair of proximal humeral fractures.”
According to the company, the device “provides enhanced stability through triangular configuration of the proximal screws, consisting of a Main Locking Screw and angulated Fine Threaded Screws.” The system requires fewer and smaller diameter screws to be inserted in the humeral head, thereby reducing the amount of bone stock required to be removed and thus decreasing the risk of further vascularity damage. “Contours PHP can be easily applied as well as removed, ” continued the statement. The product launch is currently being rolled out in certain markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The company says an additional benefit is that the system allows for easy application due to simple instrumentation and a straightforward operative technique. Many instruments are quick coupling for a very fast and handy usage with the power drill or the soft touch handle.
To see an animation of the device at work, click here.
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This is a fascinating development. In my practice we've seen similar outcomes with the revised protocol. The key differentiator seems to be patient selection criteria. Has anyone else noticed the correlation with BMI thresholds?
Great point. I'd push back slightly on the conclusion, the sample size in the cited study is too small to draw population-level inferences. That said, the directional signal is compelling and worth a larger RCT.
We implemented a similar approach last year. Early results are promising but we're still gathering 12-month follow-up data. Happy to share our protocol if anyone is interested.
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