IntraFuse Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance for FlexThread™ Fibula Pin System

LOGAN, Utah, November 1, 2017 – IntraFuse, a start-up medical device company focused on advanced surgical devices for improving outcomes for orthopaedic extremity procedures, announces that it has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its FlexThread™ Fibula Pin System.

The IntraFuse FlexThread™ Fibula Pin System provides percutaneous fixation of distal fibula fractures, primarily Danis-Weber B type fractures, or trans-syndesmotic fractures.  The simple and elegant design is easy to insert and cost competitive with today’s standard-of-care internal fixation hardware. Incorporating IntraFuse’s proprietary FlexThread™ technology, the distal end of the implant is a flexible, intramedullary screw and the proximal end is a rigid, high-strength intramedullary rod.  Upon insertion of the implant into the fibula, the rigid rod portion of the implant spans and supports the fracture and the flexible screw portion bends as needed to thread into the intramedullary canal.  With internal screw fixation on one side of the fracture and cross screw fixation through the rod on the other side of the fracture, proper bone alignment and length can be maintained during the healing period. Additionally, the FlexThread™ Fibula Pin is compatible with either screw or flexible fixation of the syndesmosis joint as needed.

To accommodate the anatomic size range of fibulas, the FlexThread™ Fibula Pin is available in three different screw diameters, each with two length options.  Using routine intramedullary and screw fixation techniques, bone preparation is a simple, three step sequence:  place guide wire, ream, tap.   Optional fracture site compression is achieved concurrent with insertion of the implant, and delivery of cross fixation screws is facilitated by a guide that connects directly to the implant inserter.

The FlexThread™ Fibula Pin provides anatomic, intramedullary fixation that may have potential clinical advantages over fibula plating systems, including: reduced risk of hardware related pain, reduced rate of hardware removal, less risk of wound complications, infection and other morbidities due to a less invasive procedure, and less disruption of the periosteum which facilitates faster healing.

“Intramedullary fixation is the standard-of-care today for most fractures of the large, long bones of the body due to superior clinical outcomes versus plating systems, yet plating systems are still the standard-of-care for the smaller, long bones of the extremities,” states Wade Fallin, CEO of IntraFuse.  Fallin continues, “FlexThread™ is a platform technology that can address the unique requirements for intramedullary fixation of small bone fractures where off-axis entry into the bone canal is required, or where the bone is curved.  Now cleared for both clavicle and fibula fractures, the FlexThread™ technology is in further development for additional indications.”

IntraFuse is a development stage medical device company incubated and operated by Surgical Frontiers.  Inquiries regarding distribution and commercialization partnerships are welcome.

About Surgical Frontiers

Surgical Frontiers funds, launches and operates start-up companies to develop advanced surgical technologies that are ready for clinical use.   Focused primarily on musculoskeletal injuries and pathologies, the company collaborates with surgeons, industry, universities, and investors to bring advanced surgical technologies to the market that improve healthcare.