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DePuy Mitek Launches Repair/Anchor Systems
DePuy Mitek launched two new products at the recently completed American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) 2010 Annual Meeting.
The products are the Omnispan Meniscal Repair System for all-inside repairs of meniscus tears and Versalok PEEK, a nonmetallic, self-punching rotator cuff anchor that is 100% radiolucent and knotless.
Omnispan Meniscal Repair System
The meniscal repair system, according to a company announcement, features a low-profile needle pre-loaded with two PEEK backstops and proprietary Orthocord suture for enhanced strength. Testing, according to the company, has shown that the system provides superior strength compared to leading all-inside devices.
The Omnispan System includes a disposable applier and needles available in three angle options for repair in horizontal, vertical or oblique configurations. With the active deployment provided by the applier, surgeons can release backstops with accuracy. Rather than plunging to the back of the meniscus to deploy, this system barely penetrates the back of the meniscus, minimizing needle exposure.
Versalok Rotator Cuff Anchor
A company announcement says the new Versalok anchor eliminates the need to pre-awl a pilot hole (except in very hard bone), will not interfere with MRI scans and allows sutures to be affixed more quickly because knot-tying is not required. The knotless anchors are designed for maximum pull-out strength compared to other knotless PEEK anchors on the market.
The Versalok system includes the anchor and a #2 Orthocord suture. A reusable deployment gun allows for appropriate tensioning of the suture and is compatible with both Versalok and Versalok PEEK knotless anchors. The system is indicated for use in shoulder, knee and elbow procedures.
“I’ve used Versalok PEEK in several cases and feel very confident using it for rotator cuff repairs, even in patients with softer bone quality,” said Scott A. Sigman, M.D., one of the first users in the country and the team physician for the U.S. Ski Jump Team, team physician for UMASS Lowell and Chief of Orthopedics at Lowell General Hospital in Lowell, MA. “These anchors are versatile and provide secure fixation with procedural efficiency.”