Paragon 28 Conducts Total Ankle Replacement Using Laser Tech

Paragon 28 Inc. has introduced the FasTrac Distal Tibia Alignment System to the total ankle joint replacement market. The System features proprietary laser technology that is designed to provide a precise visual reference point during component alignment, a critical step in establishing optimal implant placement during TAR procedures.

“In addition to expediting and visually enhancing alignment, the System streamlines the surgical technique by eliminating the need to insert an additional pin into the tibial tubercle or conducting CT scans that may be necessary for other total ankle alignment techniques,” said Jason Nowak, M.D., who performed the first surgery with the technology last week in Redding, Calif.  
 
Abnormal alignment of an implant construct is reported to be a major cause of implant loosening¹ and decreased postoperative function.² The FasTrac Distal Tibia Alignment System addresses the importance of implant orientation by utilizing the first and only laser alignment verification technology to ultimately guide the surgeon to the desired position.
 
FasTrac is the third alignment system offered for the APEX 3D Total Ankle, complementing MAVEN PSI and the Traditional Alignment Guide. The FasTrac alignment construct consists of a Varus/Valgus Kickstand Alignment Guide paired with the Distal Control Body of the APEX 3D Total Ankle Replacement System’s Traditional Alignment Guide.
 
Paragon 28, Inc. exclusively serves the foot and ankle surgical community and is dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes by advancing the science and research behind innovative technologies. The addition of the FasTrac Distal Tibia Alignment System with Laser Technology bolsters Paragon 28’s Precision Ankle Solutions product offering, which includes the MAVEN PSI System, APEX 3D Total Ankle Replacement System, Gorilla Ankle Fracture Plating System, Silverback Ankle Fusion Plating System, and Phantom TTC Fusion Nail Systems. With this comprehensive portfolio, Paragon 28 provides its customers innovative ankle solutions for trauma, arthritis, and limb salvage.
 
References
¹ Oswald MH, Jakob RP, Schneider E, Hoogewoud H: Radiological analysis of normal axial alignment of femur and tibia in view of total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 8:419 426, 1999
² Rhoads DD, Noble PC, Reuben JD, Mahoney OM, Tullos HS: The effect of femoral component position on patellar tracking after total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop 260:43 51, 1990.