Tibial Fixation System Aids ACL

A new tibial fixation system has been successfully used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, the single largest sports-related orthopedic joint injury.

The TriTis tibial fixation system, manufactured by Scandius BioMedical (Littleton, MA, USA), was developed to address the problem of fixation strength in the tibia where bone quality is softer and stronger fixation is needed to hold a soft tissue graft in place. The design provides strength in three ways: a cleat for tissue compression in the tunnel, an off-axis fixation screw to anchor the device, and a fixation washer to capture graft limbs preventing graft slippage. The system has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

When used in conjunction with the Stratis ST femoral fixation, the company claims it is able to provide orthopedic surgeons with a complete solution for reconstruction of the ACL. The combination of the two systems provides a stronger, stiffer construct. The locking mechanisms of both devices complement each other, providing rigid, reliable fixation in soft tissue ACL.

Current tibial fixation products often force surgeons to make a choice between intra-tunnel compression to achieve aperture fixation or cortical fixation to achieve strength. We believe that TriTis will offer both, providing surgeons with the optimal clinical outcome they desire, said Mark A. Johanson, founder, president, and chief executive officer of Scandius.

ACL reconstruction is surgery to replace the anterior cruciate ligament in the center of the knee with a new ligament. The damaged ligament is removed, and bone tunnels are made to place the new ligament in the knee at the site of the old ACL. If the patient's own tissue is to be used for the new ligament, a larger, open incision will be made to take the tissue. The new ligament is then fixed to the bone, using screws or other devices to hold the ligament in place.



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