DePuy Synthes Trauma has a new system to fix hand fractures.
DePuy Synthes Launches Hand Fracture System
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The company launched the Variable Angle Locking Hand System on July 19, 2016.
The company says the system, which utilizes a proprietary technology, is a “comprehensive and versatile system of anatomically contoured and low-profile plates” to treat hand fractures and correct deformities. It includes 40 basic and specialty plates to accommodate a variety of hand fractures and hand sizes.
The Variable Angle Locking Hand System
The system, according to the company, is the first to feature 1.3 mm locking screws for hand plating and also includes 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm variable angle locking plates. The thin plates feature anatomic contours and smooth surfaces designed to reduce soft tissue irritation as the tendons glide over the implants. In addition, the screw heads are designed to be recessed once locked into the plates, which also reduces the potential for soft tissue irritation. The plates are available in both stainless steel and titanium, and intended for lateral and direct dorsal application.
A comprehensive set of instrumentation includes reduction forceps to aid in reducing lag screw application; plate holding forceps to hold the plate intraoperatively; and self-retaining screwdrivers to reduce procedural complexity. All instrumentation and modules are color coded to assist operating room personnel in clear identification.
In an email statement, the company told OTW that the system expands the range of treatment options available from DePuy Synthes, offering 40 different basic and specialty plates to treat both simple and complex cases covering lateral and dorsal application. “The system’s proprietary Variable Angle Locking technology enables surgeons to adjust the screw’s insertion angle to match the patient’s anatomy and fracture pattern. As the screws are tightened to the plate, they lock into place and stabilize the fracture.”
Thomas Fischer, M.D., a member of the AO Foundation Technical Commission (AOTK) Hand Expert Group for Trauma, played an integral role in in the development of the system. He said, “The construct of the system provides a number of clinical solutions that I believe will make a difference in how we treat patients. I’m particularly impressed with the strong union between the plates and screws, as well as the miniaturized 1.3 millimeter locking plate which will be an important option in the treatment of smaller stature patients or those with difficult fractures around a joint in the hand.”
The system is currently being rolled out around the world. The product is AOTK approved, and the AO Foundation has included it as part of its educational program.
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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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