MedShape, Atlanta, has announced the full market release of the DynaNail Mini fusion system for medial column fusion to address Charcot Foot and other severe midfoot conditions. Featuring MedShape’s patented superelastic nickel titanium (Nitinol) technology, the DynaNail Mini is the first internal fixation device designed specifically for medial column fusion that offers maintained active compression post-surgery to promote bone healing and joint stability.
Midfoot reconstruction represents a significant clinical challenge for orthopaedic surgeons, particularly in Charcot neuropathic patients given the compromised bone healing-capacity and poor bone quality inherent to the condition. Internal beaming devices are often used in surgery to fixate the corrected deformity and promote fusion. However, current beaming devices lose compression post-surgery and have a high propensity to break or migrate resulting in high reported nonunion, complication rates, and in some instances amputation.
In contrast, the DynaNail Mini with its internal Nitinol Element can maintain up to 6 mm of post-operative compression in response to bone resorption or settling. Nitinol has shown to be advantageous in applications where dynamic compression is required to actively promote bone healing of a fusion site. The increased elasticity of the Nitinol Element also enables better load-sharing to the bone, thereby reducing any stress risers in the device that can increase the risk of implant failure post-surgery.
