Magnetic Technology Corrects Limb Length Discrepancies

An intramedullary nail system use magnetic interaction to treat lower limb length discrepancies, often the result of acute or chronic fractures.

The Ellipse Precice 2 Trauma Nail System is composed of a medullary nail that contains an enclosed rare earth magnet, a telescoping lead assembly and locking screws, an internal planetary gearing system, surgical instruments, and an external remote controller (ERC). The nail system, which is supplied pre-distracted to allow for compression fracture reduction techniques, is available in various diameters, lengths, and screw-hole configurations to accommodate a variety of patient anatomies; the locking screws are also available in a variety of diameters and lengths.


To perform bone distraction, the medullary nail is inserted into the intramedullary canal of the femur and/or the tibia and secured with the locking screws. The telescoping assembly can then be adjusted noninvasively via the Ellipse ERC. The controlled, customized distraction allows for a precision lengthening phase with the ability to shorten the device if necessary. Using the ERC, The implant can be lengthened in the clinic or by the patient at home, according to the physician's direction. The Ellipse Precice 2 Trauma Nail System is a product of Ellipse Technologies (Irvine, CA, USA).

“The introduction of the Precice 2 system complements the early success of the Precice device with improved efficiency in the operating room and the larger range of patients with limb length inequality who can now be treated,” said Ed Roschak, president and CEO of Ellipse. “We continue to work every day to apply our platform technology to address unmet needs in orthopedics and spine.”

Surgical distraction osteogenesis limb lengthening methods use various constructs, which can be divided into three main groups: external, internal (intraosseal), and combined (mixed) methods. All methods generally include bone dissection, gradual bone part separation at an average speed of 1 mm a day, and the regeneration of bone stretched to the new length, which is totally ossified only after distraction is terminated. A sparing environment for muscles and joints is necessary during stretching and regeneration.

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