Three-Part Limb Salvage System Offers Solutions For Complex Cases

Surgeons can use a new product portfolio that allows them to combine three complementary product platforms together or as individual platforms to provide advanced limb salvage solutions.

The Salvation^® Limb Salvage product portfolio from Wright Medical includes a fusion bolt and beam system, plates and screws, and an external fixation system. The Salvation product line is the only plate, screw and external fixation system that the FDA has specifically approved for Charcot reconstruction, according to Ryan McMillen, DPM, FACFAS.

Christopher Hyer, DPM, FACFAS, is impressed with the beam and bolt platform, and the external fixation system. He says these products were clearly designed and tested with Charcot reconstruction in mind.

“The beam and bolt system offers both solid and cannulated options in multiple diameters and lengths to accommodate the varied anatomy of Charcot reconstruction, and the external fixation system comes preassembled and offers the versatility of fine wire in static or dynamic applications,” notes Dr. Hyer, the Fellowship Director and an attending physician at the Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Center in Westerville, Ohio.

The fusion bolts and beams are designed to support advanced midfoot reconstruction, according to Wright Medical. Dr. McMillen notes that the titanium bolts, beams and plates are stronger than stainless steel in the lab, and this strength is critically important in complex reconstructive surgeries. He notes one should use the fusion bolts and beams system in conjunction with supplementary fixation such as external fixation, beams, plates or contact casting until bony fusion occurs.   

The company says the Salvation product line features two different medial column plate styles that provide clinicians with more options to match each patient’s anatomy. Both plate options are specifically contoured to fit the medial column and provide superior strength, according to Wright Medical. The company notes that the 4- and 5.5-mm locking and non-locking screws provide better fixation in poor quality bone because of their osteopenic thread profile.

The final component of the Salvation product portfolio is the external fixation system, which is designed to address fractures, nonunions and complex foot and ankle deformities including Charcot neuroarthropathy, according to the company. Relying on proven techniques with tensioned thin wires, half-pins and rings, Wright Medical says the Salvation External Fixation system also offers a slotted ring design and a Wire Guide that facilitate quick, easy attachment of frame components and precise placement of the wire on the ring.

“Both the plating and external fixation options are very dynamic and certainly differ from any other devices in the market. These options provide for a stronger internal fixation construct and provide a multitude of plate and screw fixation options that can increase healing rates and improve outcomes,” says Dr. McMillen, a member of the faculty of the Western Pennsylvania Hospital Foot and Ankle Residency Program in Pittsburgh.

Dr. Hyer explains that part of the appeal of the external fixation system is that the combination of several unique features simplifies the application process, making it easier on the surgeon to perform the application alone if there is no one available to assist.

Designed with a focus on strength, versatility and successful surgical outcomes in complex cases, Wright Medical notes the Salvation Limb Salvage product portfolio is uniquely suited for the treatment of difficult limb salvage cases.

“The Salvation products are essentially a ‘full service line’ in the sense that they provide both internal and external fixation for challenging cases,” concludes Dr. McMillen.

Ms. Harvey is a freelance writer who lives in Warminster, PA.