US-based orthopaedic implant devices provider Exactech has announced the completion of the first ankle replacement surgeries using its new Vantage Ankle 3D and 3D+ tibial implants.
Exactech said its Vantage Ankle 3D and 3D+ tibial implants provide surgeons with tibial stem heights from 10 to 30mm, with additional benefits of 3D printing.
The additive manufacturing process enables a surface that resembles the trabecular nature of the cancellous bone.
In addition to the 3D-printed surface, the implants also feature spiked pegs and a tall sharp central cage, with growing diameters, to support initial fixation.
The first ankle procedure was performed last week by James Lachman at St. Luke’s University Health Network in Easton, Pennsylvania.
Lachman said: “It is exciting to be the first to implant Exactech’s latest ankle products and provide my patients with their differentiating benefits.
“The Vantage Ankle 3D+ prosthesis particularly stands out with its ability to address a greater variety of cases with simplified instrumentation.”
Exactech said that the latest product additions follow a series of recent regulatory approvals and product launches in the foot and ankle market.
Earlier this year, the company introduced Activit-E, a new advanced vitamin E polyethylene insert and is preparing to launch ExactechGPS Ankle, the world’s first ankle navigation system.
In addition, Exactech, in collaboration with 3D Systems, has rolled out additional patient-specific cutting guides that are compatible with the new implants.
Exactech design team surgeon Mark Easley said: “Jim Lachman and I are pleased how the new tibial components and instrumentation seamlessly melded with the existing talar component options.
“The additive manufacturing, and the press-fit pegs and augmented central cage afford satisfying initial tibial component stability.
“Particularly exciting is how the intuitive instrumentation allows for reliable and reproducible insertion of a stemmed tibial component through a routine anterior ankle surgical approach.”
