A Closer Look At A New Option In Compressive Bone Fixation

Are you looking for an alternate bone fixation option that reduces complication risk, reduces OR time and is easy to apply?

   Podiatric surgeons looking for a gentle and continuous compressive bone fixation system may have an answer in Speed™, a comprehensive series of shape memory bone fixation staple implants that work in combination with single-use instruments, according to the manufacturer BioMedical Enterprises (BME).

   BioMedical Enterprises says the disposable design of the system prevents the loss of instruments before and after surgery. Todd Stewart, DPM, FACFAS, notes the unique qualities of the Speed system, particularly its low contour design and overall strength, set it apart from other fixation devices he has used in the past.

   “The thing that I was really impressed with when I first started using it was how gentle the actual insertion of the staple was compared to staple guns or heavy mallet contact needed to have the staple purchase the bone,” explains Dr. Stewart. “The single use implant kit is easy, atraumatic and very precise in its application.”

   Michael A. Rivera, DPM, FACFAS, agrees. He notes the ease of application with the Speed staples minimizes the amount of soft tissue dissection. Dr. Rivera says there is improved healing potential with less periosteal dissection. This in turn reduces the risks of tissue necrosis, wound dehiscence, edema and infection, according to Dr. Rivera.

   “The Speed staple offers excellent compression with rigid static fixation,” notes Dr. Rivera. “The staple offers constant continuous compressive forces that optimize bone apposition, thus reducing the risk of nonunion.”

   When it comes to the Akin osteotomy, Dr. Stewart initially used cerclage wire for fixation, moved on to K-wire fixation and then tried screw fixation. He says the Speed system has greatly improved on this time-tested procedure.

   “The use of the Speed staple in our practice with the Akin osteotomy has really improved our results as well as patient satisfaction after the bunionectomy,” claims Dr. Stewart.

   BioMedical Enterprises says the Speed staple should reduce surgery time and facilitate a faster and more efficient surgical procedure. Dr. Rivera agrees and cites the simplicity of the technique.

   “The Speed staple offers a simple technique of attaining rigid, stable internal fixation, thus allowing shorter tourniquet time and overall surgical time,” maintains Dr. Rivera.

   Dr. Stewart notes that surgeons should additionally consider biocompatibility, corrosion resistance and cost effectiveness when trying to decide which fixation device is best.

   “The surgeon must pick a product which gives our osteotomy, fusion site or fracture its best chance to heal,” explains Dr. Stewart. “When you add its overall strength, easy application, sterile packaging and Nitinol compressive technology, the Speed staple has some great advantages.”

   In addition to finding the Speed system beneficial with Akin osteotomies, Dr. Rivera says it works “extremely well” with calcaneal Dwyer osteotomies, closing first metatarsal base osteotomies and open Cotton procedures with grafts. Dr. Stewart adds that the Speed system also has “great value” with non-comminuted fractures and arthrodesis procedures.