Acumed, a medical device company, has announced the introduction of new Polarus 3 solution for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures.

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Polarus 3 solution provides both plate and nail options in one comprehensive system for the surgical repair of proximal humerus fractures. The Polarus 3 solution, a single system with multiple implants, allows for greater intraoperative flexibility.

The system features a posterior plate for capturing posterior greater tuberosity fragments as well as a standard plate for less complex fractures. Nail options include both a proximal and distal nail depending on fracture patterns.

Acumed claims that the new device offers multiple options to surgeons to address patient fracture needs. In addition, instrumentation for positioning and fracture reduction is shared, so no matter which implant the surgeon chooses – plate or nail – the single instrumentation set may be used for either implant.

Polarus 3 offers the same 4.3mm low-profile hexalobe screw in a variety of lengths for use in both the plates and the nails. These screws use a single 2.8mm drill size and driver to enhance the simplicity of using this system.

Hexalobe screw is intended to reduce inventory and mitigate confusion between screw families. Use of the single 2.8mm drill and driver additionally creates a more straightforward approach by removing the need for multiple sizes and diameters.

Polarus 3 solution incorporates nail improvements including a straighter design than the original Polarus nail. The nail improvements allow creating a more medial entry point that may reduce rotator cuff disruption.

In addition, the nail has a PEEK insert creating locking screw friction and more distal hole offerings for more fixation points.

Compared to previous generation proximal humeral plate, the new plates sit lower so as not to impinge on the acromion (shoulder). The device features three dedicated calcar support screws that are intended to prevent the humerus from collapsing medially as well as more screw options in the humeral head.

Acumed extremities, trauma, and biologics – business development vice president Rich Rice noted that the company wanted to simplify the instrumentation and offer a comprehensive system to meet the combined needs of domestic and international surgeons.

"In general, US surgeons predominantly use plates and international surgeons tend to use intramedullary nails, but we believe the market is moving back towards a mix of implants to accommodate various fracture patterns.

"Since only one of these implants would be used in any given surgery, the Acumed Polarus 3 advantage is that a surgeon can make the decision without needing any other systems in the operating room," Rice added.


Image: Acumed introduces new Polarus 3 solution to treat proximal humerus fractures. Photo: Courtesy of PRNewswire/Acumed