“PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

PONTiS Orthopaedics introduce a multifilament stainless steel cable-crimp implant system

While K-wires have long been used as the traditional ‘gold standard’ for such bone-bone approximation procedures, the medical literature recognises use of k-wires risks pin migration, pin-tract and skin-level infections, recurrent deformity and revision surgery [1,2].

One recent study [3] found that 27 per cent of hammertoe patients corrected with k-wires remained symptomatic after recovery and the revision surgery rate was over 5 per cent. These problems were cut by over two-thirds when a more advanced implant was used. However, more complex devices such as intramedullary implants can be technically challenging, time consuming, quite costly and extremely problematic if removal is required.

A new multifilament stainless steel cable-crimp implant system from PONTiS Orthopaedics has recently shown utility for bone-bone approximation procedures, such as hammertoe correction. Foot and ankle surgeons feel the system provides firm and immediate compression, with a simple single-loop technique. Patient satisfaction is high, as no pin or other device extends out of the toe.

Compared to intramedullary implants, the new system is simpler and faster, in addition to being lower in cost. The PONTiS system is easily removed, if necessary.

References

1. Kramer WC, Parman M, Marks RM. Hammertoe correction with k-wire fixation. Foot Ankle Int. 2015;36(5):494-502.
2. Klammer G, and others. Early complications and recurrence rates after Kirschner wire transfixion in lesser toe surgery: a prospective randomized study. Foot Ankle Int. 2012;33(2):105-112.
3. Richman SH, Siqueira MB, McCullough KA, Berkowitz MJ. Correction of Hammertoe Deformity With Novel Intramedullary PIP Fusion Device Versus K-Wire Fixation. Foot Ankle Int. 2017;38(2):174-180.”