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“If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.”
– Albert Einstein
A headless cannulated compression screw that allows independent control of both leading and trailing threads in order to precisely compress scaphoid fracture fragments. The screw is inserted across the fracture fragments as one unit then the trailing head is disengaged, and the by continuing to advance the leading threads, fracture compression and stability is obtained.
The screw is inserted as a single unit.
The trailing portion of the screw (blue) is disengaged from the driver but the leading threads (gold) continue to advance as the driver is turned thus compressing the fragments.
A clinical example of use of the TwinFix screw to treat a scaphoid waist fracture
Role: Consulting Surgeon
Equipment: Volar Variable Angle Locking Plate – Stryker Corporation
Role: Consulting Surgeon
Equipment: Fragment Specific Distal Radius and Ulna Fixation – Stryker Corporation
A clinical example showing the use of both the volar plate and fragment specific radial column fixation for an exceedingly complex distal radius fracture.
Role: Developing Surgeon
Equipment: CoverLoc Volar Plate – Deo Volente Orthopedics → Tornier Corp. → Wright Medical
CAD 3D modeling focusing on plate size and contour as well as screw position for maximum capture of the most common fracture patterns. The design emphasizes low profile positioning (even distally at the “water-shed line”) which allows capture of distal fragments common in fragility fractures, and fixed angle non-locking screws which simultaneously allow for stable fixation and lag screw function.
A clinical example of a displaced, angulated, multi-fragmented, and comminuted intra-articular (arrow) distal radius fracture.
Anatomic reduction of the fracture and its component parts utilizing the fixed angle stainless steel CoverLoc plate.
Role: Developing Surgeon
Equipment: Dorsal IM (Intra-medullary) Plate – Deo Volente Orthopedics → Tornier Corp.
Design sequence and evolution
Cadaver testing during the design phase
Final CAD model with fixed angle screws that can also perform a “lag” function. The combination of the dorsal plate and intramedullary stem emphasized buttress fixation and stability.
A clinical example of a displaced and angulated primarily extra-articular distal radius fracture with significant dorsal comminution (arrow).
The fracture is reduced using the concept of buttress fixation and fragment stability through combined lag screw and fixed angle techniques, approaches especially valuable in highly osteoporotic bone. The limited exposure for this procedure allowed a rapid return to function.
Role: Lead Consulting Surgeon
Equipment: Intrafocal (Intra-medullary) Pin Plate – Deo Volente Orthopedics → Tornier Corp.
This design focused on limited exposure and buttress fixation with intrafocal placement.
This elderly patient sustained a very distal intra-articular distal radius fracture with displacement, angulation and comminution highly characteristic of a fragility fracture.
Limited dorsal and radial incisions were made, the stem was placed through the fracture site and the plate used to buttress the reduced fracture in place. Screws were used for added stability. The limited nature of the procedure meant very little operative time for this patient with multiple severe medical problems.
The patient was lost to follow-up for 3 month all the awhile without any external support (cast/splint). These Xrays revealed anatomic reduction and healed fractures. Her motion was virtually full.