IntraFuse granted patent for intramedullary fracture fixation system

IntraFuse announced the United States Patent and Trademark office has granted it a key patent for its FlexThread intramedullary fracture fixation system.

According to a press release, the patent covers the combination of an intramedullary rod with cross fixation on one end and a flexible bone screw on the other end. The technology allows for percutaneous fracture fixation of long bones of the extremities, specifically for curved bones or when an off-axis approach to the intramedullary canal is required in the surgical technique. When the implant is inserted into the bone, the rigid rod supports the fracture and the flexible screw bends to thread into the intramedullary canal. Proper bone alignment and length can be maintained during the healing period, with the internal screw fixation on one side of the fracture and the cross screw fixation through the rod on the other side of the fracture.

FlexThread has received FDA 510(k) clearance for fibula and clavicle indications and plans to add additional indications that include fractures of the fifth metatarsal bone, or a Jones fracture.

Reference:

http://surgicalfrontiers.com/intrafuse/