Ultrasonic Technology Augments Soft Tissue Fixation

A new bioresorbable implant utilizes ultrasonic energy to liquefy and flow into cancellous bone to provide stable soft tissue to bone fixation.

The Stryker (Kalamazoo, MI, USA) SonicAnchor is a bioresorbable implant made of poly-L-DL-lactic acid (PLDLLA), which is placed into a hole drilled into the cancellous bone. Once high frequency, low amplitude ultrasonic energy is applied to liquefy the tip of the implant, PLDLLA flows into the bone cavities. Following cessation of the ultrasound pulse, the material re-solidifies and hardens, providing stable three-dimensional (3D) anchoring within five seconds.

The SonicAnchor is intended for suture or tissue fixation in foot, ankle, knee, hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder open procedures. Examples include Achilles tendon repair, lateral and medial stabilization, hallux valgus reconstruction, midfoot reconstruction, metatarsal ligament repair, and digital tendon transfer. Even with its small, 2.5 mm diameter footprint, the SonicAnchor demonstrates significant enhancement in dynamic load stability, lower risk of breakage during insertion, and high pull out strength and reliability.

“Stryker is helping drive innovation in the industry with SonicAnchor and its unique fixation technology,” said orthopedic surgeon Adam Schiff, MD, of Loyola University Medical Center (Maywood, IL, USA), who has performed several procedures using the product. “Every time I place one, I am truly impressed by the strength and performance of this small implant.”

“SonicAnchor is transforming the soft tissue experience, and we are excited Stryker is leading the way in providing this innovative solution to orthopedic surgeons,” said Tom Popeck, vice president and general manager of Stryker's Foot and Ankle business unit. “SonicFusion technology is unlike any other on the market.”

Polylactide is biodegradable thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources, such as cornstarch, tapioca roots, or sugarcane. It can be processed by extrusion, 3D printing, injection molding, film and sheet casting, and spinning, providing access to a wide range of products. Since it degrades into innocuous lactic acid, it is often used in surgery in the form of anchors, screws, plates, pins, rods, and as a mesh. Depending on the exact type used, it breaks down inside the body within 6 months to 2 years.

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