Acumed Adds to Hand and Wrist Product Portfolio

Hillsborough, Ore.-based Acumed LLC has released a new addition to its hand and wrist product portfolio: the Total Wrist Fusion Plating System. The system offers plates specifically designed to be placed on both the second and third metacarpals.

“Traditional wrist fusion plates are placed on the long metacarpal with the screws placed posteriorly through the plate, potentially leaving rough edges which could cause extensor tendon irritation” said William B. Geissler, M.D., professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, the system’s design surgeon.

A functional assessment of traditional fusion plates, as published in the Journal of Hand Surgery supports this observation, stating that “sixty-five percent of patients required [traditional] plate removal for discomfort or interference with the extensor tendons.”

“I wanted to work with the engineers at Acumed to design a system of wrist fusion plates that were smooth dorsally where the distal screws came in from the sides with the option to place on either the index or long metacarpal to minimize soft tissue irritation,” Geissler added.

Provided in two sizes, the plates come as left-right specific and neutral to accommodate varying patient anatomies. All plates have a 15° dorsal bend, established as a balance between anatomic resting position, hand function, and grip strength.

The system also includes Hexalobe Multiscrews and the Savelock Compression Sleeve. The Hexalobe Multiscrews act as nonlocking screws when inserted into the unthreaded slots and locking screws when inserted into threaded holes. The Savelock Compression Sleeve engages with the screw head, reducing the plate to the bone by preventing the screw from locking into the plate until the Savelock Compression Sleeve is disengaged.

In addition to post-traumatic arthritis of the joints of the wrist, other indications for the Total Wrist Fusion Plating System include: rheumatoid wrist deformities requiring restoration, complex carpal instability, post-septic arthritis of the wrist, severe unremitting wrist pain related to motion, srachial plexus nerve palsies, tumor resection, and spastic deformities.