DePuy Synthes Trauma Launches Radial Head Prosthesis in the U.S.

Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy Synthes Trauma division launched a new Radial Head Prosthesis System for primary and revision joint replacement of the radial head to restore joint function.

“This system is a comprehensive solution for the radial head replacement that permits the surgeon to choose whether a long or short stem is best for the proximal radius,” said Harry Hoyen, M.D., Department of Orthopedic Surgery, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio. “With the system, a novel surface etching permits on-growth and stability, the head element can be placed onto either stem and is designed to take into account the PRUJ and radiocapitellar articulation for each respective size. There also is a side-loading option for intraoperative assembly.”

The modularity of the system – 24 heads and 10 stems allowing for 240 possible implant combinations – enables surgeons to restore the appropriate height, which may aid in elbow stability, according to the company. The side-loading capability facilitates in-situ insertion and assembly, which may allow for a smaller incision than a top-loading device, while the stem texture ensures a uniform press fit in the radial canal. The system also provides an integrated connection screw to facilitate assembly, along with simple instrumentation.

West Chester, Pa.-based DePuy Synthes Trauma makes fixation products, including screws, plates, nails and other implants, are used to treat fractures, deformities, and tumors related to the shoulder, hand, arms, legs, hip, pelvis, condyles and feet.