Arthrex Celebrates 10th Anniversary of InternalBrace Technique

Arthrex is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its InternalBrace ligament augmentation system.
 
The technique was first developed to support lateral ankle instability repair during the healing phase after surgery. The procedure restores strength and stability to a chronically sprained ankle.
 
The company describes surgical repair with InternalBrace ligament augmentation as similar to how a seatbelt acts in a car. It supports a primary repair and secures ligaments to the bone during the healing phase.
 
The procedure augments the primary surgical repair, the company said, using special anchors for additional fixation points the hold the ligament to the ankle bone as the patient heals. The ligament is compressed to the bone using FiberTape suture, which is made of collagen-coated ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), a strong, stress-resistant material.
 
The InternalBrace system is now used for advanced treatment for many common sports injuries and tears, including the repair and reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), Achilles tendon, anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), deep and superficial deltoid ligaments, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), and medial and thumb ulnar collateral ligaments (UCL).
 
Since its 2013 release, InternalBrace has been updated to include collagen-coated FiberTape suture, a talar offset guide for consistent, proper talar anchor placement, upgraded SwiveLock anchor drivers, and a fully cannulated bone preparation system.
 
“This pioneering surgical technique, developed in collaboration with leading surgeons around the world and supported by more than 213 peer-reviewed studies, has become the gold standard in the treatment of soft-tissue and musculoskeletal injuries,” said Arthrex president and founder Reinhold Schmieding. “We are proud to recognize the impact it has made over the past decade in ‘Helping Surgeons Treat Their Patients Better.’”