SBi introduces 10-minute new surgical technique DVD for hand surgeons

Small Bone Innovations, Inc. (SBi), a leading, privately-held orthopedics company focused exclusively on technologies and treatments for the small bones & joints, is making available to hand surgeons a new 10-minute new surgical technique DVD showing an innovative volar approach to insertion of its SR™ PIP (Proximal Interphalangeal) implant.

“We are delighted with Dr. Wolfe’s presentation of this complex surgery. SBi is dedicated to surgeon education and the effective use of the 10-minute surgical technique DVD serves as an important complement to our surgeon education program.”

The implant is indicated for patients with painful post-traumatic arthritis or osteoarthritis who post-operatively may place their hands under loading situations that preclude alternative implants. It may also be used for revisions of a failed prosthesis. The form conserving implant is designed to alleviate pain while replicating the anatomic joint surfaces, preserving bone, sparing soft tissue damage and minimizing disruption to the collateral ligament origins and insertions.

The motion preserving kinematic behavior of the implant closely mimics that of a normal joint when the soft tissue is well preserved. The implant consists of an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and titanium distal component, and a cobalt chrome alloy proximal stem designed to permit bone in-growth. SBi estimates that approximately 8,000 PIP joint replacements (silicone and metal implants) were sold in U.S. in 2009.

The implant is available in five sizes and has been marketed in the U.S. since 1998 under an FDA Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE). It also has received a European Union CE Mark. The SR™ PIP is approved for use with or without cement. The procedure demonstrated in the DVD includes the use of cement.

The DVD features Scott W. Wolfe, MD, Chief of the Hand Service and Director of the Hand Surgical Fellowship teaching program at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), New York.

Commenting on the project, Dr .Wolfe said: “Although a dorsal approach in this procedure has been the norm, in carefully selected patients the volar approach lowers the risk of scarring and adhesions of the extensor tendon. The volar approach simplifies splint wear and results in fewer therapy visits. We have demonstrated very favorable medium-term results in a small cohort of recreational golfers who have undergone this procedure in lieu of a joint fusion procedure for their debilitating arthritis. The implant has been effective in reducing pain while preserving function and allowing them to return to golf,” he added.

Dr. Wolfe joined HSS from Yale University, where he directed the Hand and Upper Extremity section for ten years. Dr. Wolfe specializes in the treatment of wrist fractures and injuries, as well as complex nerve and brachial plexus reconstruction. He has authored over 100 publications relating to hand and upper extremity surgery. Dr. Wolfe is an Attending Orthopedic Surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery and Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the Weill Cornell Medical College.

In demonstrating Dr. Wolfe’s volar approach to the implantation, the DVD emphasizes the minimization of disruption to the collateral ligament origins and insertions.

Anthony G. Viscogliosi, Chairman & CEO of SBi, said: “We are delighted with Dr. Wolfe’s presentation of this complex surgery. SBi is dedicated to surgeon education and the effective use of the 10-minute surgical technique DVD serves as an important complement to our surgeon education program.

“The company is committed to developing and supporting innovation by working with key opinion leaders to offer pain alleviating, tissue sparing, function performing, motion preserving and form conserving solutions such as the SR™ PIP for small bone and joint anatomies. SBi offers the leading small bone and joint product portfolio serving the full range of clinical needs of surgeons and their patients for disease states from early stage to late stage requiring non-fusion to fusion solutions focused on specific indications of arthroplasty and trauma joint reconstruction.”