Compression Plating System Stabilizes MPJ Joint

A new metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) implant system combines the stability of an anatomic plate with active compression.

The CrossRoads Extremity Systems (CrossRoads; Memphis, TN, USA) DynaForce Active Stabilization MPJ implant system is comprised of a range of active compression plates with 0, 5, and 10 degree dorsiflexion options and 18mm top-loading nickel titanium (Nitinol) compression clips. Once the plate is in position, the compression clip is delivered through the plate flush to the bone using only an inserter, with no tamping required. The clips are delivered completely sterile, and can be reloaded and repositioned intraoperatively.


The MPJ implant system comes with sterile-packed stainless steel instrumentation, with the inserters pre-loaded with implants for each surgery. Cup and cone reamers are also available upon request, and come paired in sterile packs for each size, ranging from 14mm to 24mm in two mm increments. K-wires are required when using reamers.

“CrossRoads provides a comprehensive active stabilization system that is easy to use. After more than 30 cases, I have found that the instrumentation is the most ergonomic on the market, making drilling and deployment of the compression clip and plate quick and simple,” said Scott Shawen, MD, of OrthoCarolina (Charlotte, NC, USA). “My midfoot fusion times have been cut in half. Additionally, my patients have earlier initiation of weight bearing.”

Bone plating is a method of fracture fixation in which one or more metal plates are applied across the fracture and anchored, usually by screws, into the fragments; the broken bones must first be surgically reset into their proper position. The method does have some drawbacks; after initially placing the plate on the break or fracture the bones are compressed together and held under some slight pressure, which helps to speed up the healing process of the bone. Unfortunately, the tension provided by the steel plate is lost after several days and the break or fracture is no longer under compression, slowing the healing process.

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