US-based medical device technology firm Exactech has announced the successful completion of the first surgery using its new Alteon Short Tapered Wedge Hip Stem.
The operation was conducted by Dr Mark Schinsky at The American Hip Institute & Orthopedic Specialists in Chicago. This new stem is designed to preserve distal bone, providing both axial and rotational stability while consistently achieving the desired leg length and offset.
Schinsky said: “Patients presenting with advanced hip arthritis expect their surgery to relieve pain, but patients also demand a high-functioning hip replacement that permits a return to daily activities.
“The rationale of this design provides all the same benefits of the standard Tapered Wedge, with shorter lengths to reduce potential canal impingement and increase the ease of placement through minimally invasive exposures. This addition is a tremendous advantage offered by Exactech.”
Compared to earlier wedge stem models, the new Alteon Tapered Wedge Stems expand at a reduced rate both laterally and distally, particularly in smaller sizes, said Exactech.
Additionally, the Short Tapered Wedge is up to 25% shorter than standard models. Currently undergoing a limited launch across selected sites in the US, Exactech plans for a full market release by the end of 2025.
Exactech chief marketing officer and large joints senior vice president Adam Hayden said: “The introduction of the Alteon Short Tapered Wedge stem will add yet another solution to our comprehensive Alteon portfolio, which includes the Alteon Tapered Wedge, HA, Highly Polished Stem, and Acetabular Cup with XLE Highly Crosslinked Vitamin E liners.
“Our hip portfolio aims to Improve the Proven by incorporating differentiated improvements to time-tested designs in an efficient, ASC-friendly solution that utilises just two and a half instrument trays.
Recently, Exactech launched an updated version of its Shoulder Planning App. This next-generation tool introduces advanced features aimed at enhancing surgical precision and streamlining the planning process for shoulder replacement surgeries.
The app allows surgeons to tailor shoulder component placements and select appropriate implants based on patient-specific anatomy.
Powered by Active Intelligence, new features include tools for precise osteophyte removal from both the scapula and humerus, comprehensive pre-operative planning reports, and automated measurements of subluxation and beta angles.
The app is also said to offer an upgraded user interface for faster and more efficient surgical planning.
