WEST CHESTER, Pa., Oct. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- DePuy Synthes* is launching the MAXFRAME™ Multi-Axial Correction System, an external circular fixation device used to gradually correct bone or soft tissue deformities in the arm, leg, foot or ankle. The MAXFRAME System's unique 3D planning software helps improve accuracy of the deformity correction plan, which may reduce overall treatment time while potentially improving procedural efficiency and reducing costs. The device represents DePuy Synthes' commitment to improving patient satisfaction, procedure efficiency and clinical outcomes in deformity correction.

Limb deformities can be congenital, developmental or acquired as the result of fracture, infection, arthritis or tumor. Left uncorrected, these deformities may lead to amputation and could have a potential cost burden of $500,000i per patient to the healthcare system. External circular fixation products currently on the market require precise X-rays and manual measurements by surgeons, and any inaccuracies can prolong treatment. Patients suffering from limb deformities may require an average of 37 outpatient visits over 12 months,ii iii and one in three patients will experience a residual deformity.iv

Unlike other computer-assisted external circular fixation systems, the MAXFRAME System's 3D planning software creates accurate patient treatment plans using advanced algorithms, which eliminates the need for manual measurements and requires fewer inputs than any other system on the market. This can potentially lead to a reduction in the number of patient X-rays required, thus reducing procedural complexity, radiation exposure for both the patient and surgeon, and overall costs, while reducing treatment time for the patient.
Patients undergoing treatment with the MAXFRAME System are responsible for adjusting the struts on the device as per their custom treatment plan. These adjustments have been made easier with the system's newly introduced ASSURE-STRUT™ Technology, wherein each time the patient adjusts the device, there is an audible click as the strut correctly locks into place.

"The MAXFRAME System incorporates three clinically important advantages that help provide great accuracy of correction for the patient and streamline the surgical phase of care," said Dr. J. Spence Reid, MD, Professor and Chief of Trauma Division, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation. "The software eliminates significant sources of error inherent in earlier methods by removing the need to determine reference ring mounting parameters, as well as the requirement of ring orthogonality. The system also allows maximum flexibility in the location of strut attachment points on the ring which makes frame application easier, particularly in complex cases, and the ASSURE-STRUT™ Technology allows the patient to confidently make strut adjustments."

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