This visual case study of a 66-year-old woman with subtalar arthrodesis — a severe hindfoot deformity — presented by Doctor Gary Schmidt, demonstrates the step-by-step process for the suggested surgical repair technique using Acutrak Plus Compression Screws.
The Acumed Acutrak Headless Compression Screw System has changed the way surgeons gain fixation and maintain compression.
The innovative design of the screws includes a patented taper, variable thread pitch, and fully threaded length to provide strong compression and holding power for fractures, osteotomies, and fusions.
These self-tapping screws feature robust guide wires and hex drivers that are designed for optimum screw placement.
Acutrak Standard
The Acumed Acutrak Standard incorporates a variable thread pitch into its fully-threaded, tapered design, making it ideal for the compression and fixation of the small to medium bones of the hand and foot—where a 3.5 mm – 4.0 mm headed screw or an equivalent-sized headless screw would otherwise be required.
Indications for Acutrak Standard include: scaphoid fractures and nonunions, carpal fusions, radial styloid fractures, MCP fusions, capitellum fractures, bunionectomies: proximal and distal, tarsal fractures, 5th metatarsal fractures, midfoot fusions, OCD repair, and osteotomies. The Acutrak Standard screws are available in lengths up to 30 mm and are inserted with a 2.0 mm hex driver over a .045″ guide wire.
Acutrak Mini
The Acumed Acutrak Mini incorporates the same design principles as other members of the Acutrak family of screws, with a smaller diameter and shorter lengths. The Acutrak Mini is ideal for the fixation of small bones—such as scaphoids, radial heads, and bones of the foot – where a traditional 2.7 mm – 3.0 mm headed screw or equivalent-sized headless screw would otherwise be required.
Indications for the Acutrak Mini include: scaphoid fractures, phalangeal fractures, carpal fusions, MCP fusions, radial head fractures, chevron, Akin and Weil osteotomies and OCD repair. Acutrak Mini screws are available in lengths up to 26 mm and are inserted with a 1.5 mm hex driver over a .035″ guide wire.
Acutrak 4/5
The Acumed Acutrak 4/5 provides a method of fixation for medium to large bones, where a 6.5 mm headed screw or equivalent-sized headless screw would otherwise be required. The Acutrak 4/5’s taper may help minimize patient discomfort and is a smart choice for Jones fractures and nonunions.
Indications include: talus fractures, malleolar fractures, midfoot fusions, MTP fusions, and greater tuberosity fractures. The Acutrak 4/5 screws are available in lengths from 25 mm to 50 mm and are inserted with a 2.5 mm hex driver over a .054″ guide wire.
Acutrak 6/7
The Acumed Acutrak 6/7 – which is designed to minimize hardware loosening and breakage – offers a method for fixation of large bones in the upper and lower extremities, where a traditional 7 mm – 7.3 mm headed screw or equivalent-sized headless screw would otherwise be required.
Indications for the Acutrak 6/7 include: hindfoot arthrodesis, ankle arthrodesis, triple arthrodesis, calcaneal osteotomies, greater tuberosity fractures, tibial plateau fractures, femoral condyle fractures, and subtalar fusions. Acutrak 6/7 screws are available in lengths from 40 mm to 120 mm and are inserted with a 4.0 mm hex driver over a .094″ guide wire.
Acutrak Fusion
Acumed Acutrak Fusion Screws are headless compression screws specifically designed for interphalangeal joint arthrodesis in the hand and the foot. Unlike K-wires,
Acutrak Fusion Screws are implanted below the surface of the bone and create compression across the joint.
The small diameter of the screw was designed to allow it to be used with minimal nail bed disruption from an IP fusion.
AcuTwist
The Acumed AcuTwist, part of the Acutrak family of headless compression screws, provides compression fixation for use in fusions, osteotomies, and small periarticular fractures. Its patented design includes variable thread pitch, a tapered profile, and a fully-threaded length to assist with maintaining compression during cyclic loading. The AcuTwist can be used in applications that benefit from interfragmentary compression.
The AcuTwist is very versatile and has been successfully applied in multiple indications, such as chevron and proximal crescentic osteotomies, radial and ulnar styloid fractures, radial head fractures, periarticular fractures, and fixation of cortical fracture fragments. The AcuTwist screws are available in sizes from 10 mm – 30 mm in 2 mm increments.
Acutrak Plus
The Acumed Acutrak Plus is designed for fixation of medium to large bones, where a 6.5 mm traditional headed screw or equivalent sized headless screw would otherwise be required. With its headless profile, excellent compression, and holding power, the Acutrak Plus can be an ideal means of fixation for fractures, arthrodesis, and osteotomies in the upper and lower extremities.
Indications for the Acutrak Plus include: hindfoot arthrodesis, ankle arthrodesis, calcaneal osteotomies, greater tuberosity fractures, tibial plateau fractures, and femoral condyle fractures. Acutrak Plus screws are available in lengths from 35 mm to 80 mm and are inserted with a 3.0 mm hex driver over a .062″ guide wire.
Hammertoe Fusion System
The Acumed Hammertoe Fusion System is an indication-specific set that is intended to provide intramedullary fixation and compression of the joint with the intent to avoid leaving prominent hardware. The headless design allows the screw to be implanted below the surface of the bone with the intent to avoid the distal interphalangeal joint, leaving only the proximal interphalangeal joint fused.
Indications for the Hammertoe Fusion System include: arthodesis of the PIP and DIP joints of the toes and fingers, rigid PIPJ contractures and deformities, rigid hammertoe surgery, revision hammertoe surgery, and severe claw deformities.
