Wright Debuts New Devices to Fix Ankle Fractures

Wright Medical Group Inc. is launching two new products to treat ankle fractures.

The Ortholoc 3Di Ankle Fracture System and the Quickdraw Knotless Soft Tissue Fixation System are hitting the U.S. market first, though both products also will eventually be sold in certain foreign countries as well.

“We are pleased to launch the Ortholoc 3Di Ankle Fracture System, which further expands our foot and ankle product portfolio and provides surgeons with a solution to treat a wide range of ankle fractures,” Wright President and CEO Robert Palmisano said in a news release announcing the products. “The launch of the Quickdraw Knotless Soft Tissue Fixation System through our distribution agreement with ArthroCare Corporation will establish a strong foundation for Wright Medical in the growing soft tissue fixation market.”

The Ortholoc 3Di system is a comprehensive single-tray ankle fracture solution designed to address various types and classifications of ankle fractures, according to Wright. Employing a polyaxial locking technology, the Ortholoc system features multiple anatomically-contoured plates and instruments that enable surgeons to match the appropriate implant construct with the patient and fracture type, thereby reducing logistical complications in the operating room.

Ankle fractures are one of the most common foot injuries; about170,000 such fractures are treated surgically each year, according to Wright.

Based on ArthroCare’s Opus knotless suturing technology, the Quickdraw Soft Tissue Fixation System provides surgeons with options when reattaching soft tissues in the foot and ankle. More than 250,000 of these procedures occur each year in the United States.

The Quickdraw system is composed of the Belay and Mini-Belay Knotless suture anchors, Rappel-Line Surgical suture and instruments that are designed to simplify suture management and placement. When combined, these components can quickly and securely fix ruptured or reattach tendons within the foot and ankle, including the challenging repair and reconstruction procedures of the Achilles tendon, Wright executives claim.