A new, minimally invasive joint-sparing correction technique for moderate to severe bunions has just been introduced to podiatric surgeons by In2Bones Global, Inc. The new system is brand named CoLink Vallux Active Bunion.
Advanced Bunion Osteotomy System Launched
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According to the In2Bones folks, the Active Bunion implant and guided translational osteotomy technique is simpler, faster and doesn’t violate the joint. Nor does it require a first tarsometatarsal joint fusion.
The implant is basically a zero-prominence CoLink Vallux plate and comes with the choice of non-locking and variable angle locking screws for enhanced angular stability and a full instrument set.
With this new procedure, the company says surgeons will be able to correct joint alignment in multiple dimensions without any restriction of the joint space and avoiding fusion of the joint at midfoot.
Patients who undergo the procedure will end up with a total range of motion preservation and superior cosmesis through a smaller incision of 1-2 cm compared with the 5-7 cm incision required for Chevron osteotomy.
There is also, according to the company, less internal scarring, postoperative stiffness, pain and risk for wound complications. Here is In2Bone’s full press announcement.
“Patients prefer the smallest possible incision, and they do not want a fused joint unless absolutely necessary,” says Jon Simon, executive vice president of commercial at In2Bones. “The CoLink Vallux Active Bunion fulfills both of these patient demands.”
According to In2Bone, the Active Bunion procedure can be completed in about 20 minutes, much shorter than the typical 40 to 60 minutes needed for other approaches. Recovery can also be shorter with less physical therapy required. Many patients can return to weight-bearing activity sooner. Further, the company notes, this new approach works for over 90% of bunion cases and is quicker and easier to implement compared to other established hallux valgus procedures including lapidus, percutaneous screw fixation, and IM blade plates.
In2Bones, which is a headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, is an international designer, manufacturer, and distributor of medical devices for the treatment of disorders and injuries of the upper and lower extremities.
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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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