by Introduction to Ankle Fusion Nail Industry
Ankle fusion is a surgical procedure that fuses the ankle bones together, eliminating movement in the ankle joint. It is typically used as a treatment option for end-stage ankle arthritis when the arthritis pain is severe and not manageable through other treatments like medications, bracing, or ankle replacement surgery. By fusing the ankle joint, it eliminates pain caused by bone-on-bone contact in the ankle.
Types of Ankle Fusion Nail Industry
There are a few different surgical techniques used for Ankle Fusion Nail, with the goal being to fuse the tibia (shinbone) to the talus (ankle bone) together. Traditionally, ankle fusion has been performed using internal or external fixation plates and screws placed on the outside of the ankle bones. More recently, intramedullary nail systems have been developed for ankle fusion.
Internal Fixation Plating
With plating techniques, the surgeon will expose the ankle joint through an incision on the inside or outside of the ankle. The cartilage surfaces are then removed from the tibia and talus bones. Small plates and screws are then contoured and placed on the outer surface of the ankle bones to fuse them together. Post-operative casting or bracing is required to keep the ankle stationary as the fusion heals over several months.
External Fixation
External fixation involves placing pins or screws into the tibia and talus bones which are then connected together on the outside of the ankle with an adjustable metal frame. This allows the surgeon to adjust the compression across the fusion site which may aid healing. However, there is a higher risk of pin site infections compared to internal fixation methods.
Intramedullary Nail Systems
More recently, intramedullary (IM) nail systems have been developed for ankle fusion surgeries. Like a tibial or femur nail used for fracture treatments, these ankle fusion nails are placed inside the medullary canal of the tibia and talus bones during surgery. Once in place, they provide stable internal fixation and fusion of the ankle joint. Some key advantages of IM nail systems include less soft tissue dissection, ability to weight bear immediately post-op, and avoidance of external fixation risks.
The Global Ankle Fusion Nail
One such innovative IM ankle fusion nail is the Global Ankle Fusion Nail (GAFN) developed by a leading orthopedic device company. Made of titanium alloy, the GAFN provides a strong and stable internal construct for ankle fusion procedures. It features angular stability teeth along its length which help achieve both compression and rotation stability of the fusion site during the critical healing phase.
Surgical Technique
A small incision is made on the inside of the ankle or lower leg during surgery. Using a drill guide, holes are created in the medullary canals of the tibia and talus bones in preparation for nail insertion. The GAFN implant is assembled with reduction instruments and inserted antegrade through the tibia. Once in optimal position spanning the ankle joint, compression is applied across the fusion site. Under fluoroscopic imaging, screws are placed proximal and distal to the nail to provide additional stability.
Post-Operative Protocol
Compared to plate fixation methods, the unique advantages of the GAFN system allow for immediate full weight bearing in a controlled ankle motion (CAM) walker boot post-operatively. This accelerates the rehab process by avoiding casting or non-weight bearing restrictions. Periodic x-rays are taken at follow up visits to monitor fusion healing. Typically by 3-6 months after surgery, radiographic signs of fusion are evident and the patient can transition to a regular shoe.
Clinical Outcomes
Published clinical studies on the GAFN system have demonstrated fusion rates of over 90% at 1 year follow up. Patients report significant improvements in ankle pain and function scores post-operatively. The ability to weight bear right away also leads to high patient satisfaction rates. Compared to other fusion techniques,studies found the GAFN group had shorter operative times with less soft tissue dissection, reduced blood loss, and no cases of hardware failure or need for hardware removal.
As the field of ankle arthrodesis continues to evolve, IM nail fixation offers distinct benefits over traditional plate fixation methods. Devices like the Global Ankle Fusion Nail provides a strong and stable option for ankle fusion that allows for immediate full weight bearing. Clinical results with the GAFN system demonstrate high fusion rates with fewer post-operative restrictions compared to other fusion techniques. For active patients with end-stage ankle arthritis, it represents an innovative treatment solution.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Author Bio:
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)
