The Arthrex Trochlea Guide System is used to perform the sulcus deepening trochleoplasty procedure, indicated for chronic patellar instability. It offers a unique technique to perform the anatomic trochlea recreation surgery reproducibly, quickly and safely.

The Arthrex Trochlea Guide System enhances reproducible cartilage preparation with the 3 mm and 5 mm Offset Aiming Guides, along with solid bone modelation with the dedicated 2.9 mm Burr. The Trochlea Guide System in conjunction with the PushLock^® or SwiveLock^® suture anchors is used to fix the chondral layer atraumatically to the new anatomically shaped trochlea with absorbable Vicryl^®* sutures. 

There are two ways of performing a Trochleoplasty with the Arthrex Trochlea Guide System:

• Chondral flap-release, promoted by Dr. Schöttle (Germany)
• Bony osteotomy in order to deepen the trochlea groove, promoted by Dr. Dejour (France)

The surgical technique guide as well as surgical videos will be available at www.arthrex.com soon.

*Trademark is registered by Johnson & Johnson.

Arthrex is honored to announce Great Place to Work® and Fortune have recognized the company as one of the 100 Best Workplaces For Millennials in the country. Millennials are considered the generation that is currently in the 18 to early 30s age range.

The 100 Best Workplaces for Millennials is part of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work® and Fortune based entirely on employee surveys from published Great Place to Work® Reviews.

It’s estimated that in just 10 years, millennials will make up 75 percent of the workforce. To compete for top talent and ensure their long-term success, businesses must prepare to appeal to and engage this unique generation of employees. Arthrex is proud to support educative programs with schools and organizations in the community that provide our young minds and future workforce with positive experiences to learn and grow. As part of this commitment, we also offer an internship and co-op program during the summer to give students the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience and enhance their professional development. An internship is a temporary position with an emphasis on on-the-job training rather than merely employment, and a co-op is a type of internship program that enables college students to receive career training with pay as they work with professionals in their major fields of study.   

Kristin Bartlett, Digital Communications Associate, transitioned to a full-time employee last year, following a year-long internship with the Communications team in the Marketing Department. "Sometimes I still think of how lucky I am to have been an intern here at Arthrex," said Kristin. "This experience has provided me with the ability to learn new skills, meet wonderful mentors and friends, and build the foundation for my future." 

Hayley Wonka, Associate Employee Relations Specialist, also transitioned to full-time employment last summer after a six-month internship with Human Resources. Her story is unique in that she was studying biology at Ave Maria University. "Even though my background was in biology, HR truly struck my interest during this internship experience," Hayley said. "I gained valuable training from my supervisor and other team members within the company and received positive feedback about pursuing a career in HR. I believe that hard work and an open mind to try new things will lead to amazing opportunities, and I am truly thankful to be part of such a great company."   

Arthrex considers this honor to be exceptionally notable because it realizes just how closely the well-being of our employees relates to the company's long-term success in Helping Surgeons Treat Their Patients Better™.

“Companies focused on solid growth understand that it’s critical for senior leaders to have an in-depth understanding of all their employees’ experiences, regardless of their age, role in the organization, or any other demographic profile,” says Michael Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work® United States. “Great workplaces are constantly monitoring and analyzing their employees’ workplace experiences and then taking action to improve them. Ranking on this list is a great indicator that these companies’ efforts to create great workplaces are resonating with millennials.”

As Arthrex continues to grow and expand, the internship and co-op program is a great way to evaluate prospective employees for future positions. To read Arthrex's full Great Place to Work® Review, click here. 

Arthrex was pleased to welcome Youth Leadership Collier to Arthrex Manufacturing East on Thursday, June 18 and Leadership Bonita to the Naples campus on Friday, June 19.
 
Youth Leadership Collier is part of The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce’s family of leadership programs. It’s a week-long intensive program that empowers students to become effective leaders, showcases Collier County and encourages students to consider coming back to this community to begin their careers and families. Arthroplasty Engineering Manager Scott Sherman and Human Resources Director Mike Boose presented to the students followed by a tour of Arthrex Manufacturing East.
 
The Leadership Bonita Program provides professionals with leadership training and an introduction to how the interconnected engine of our community runs. Participants receive behind the scenes looks at the region's media outlets, public services, healthcare system and economic development initiatives, among other things. Scott presented to Leadership Bonita as well, followed by a tour of the Medical Education Center, the Research Lab and Arthrex Manufacturing North.
 

Source: naplesnews.com; June 17, 2015

The Synergy C-Mount 90° Coupler is redesigned for use in Urology and Cystoscopy. The new ergonomic, lightweight design features a locking mechanism to maintain a stable image on the surgical display. The right angle C- mount coupler attaches to all Arthrex® Synergy^HD3™ and Synergy^UHD4™ C-Mount cameras. 

Features and Benefits:

• Pendulum design with locking mechanism maintains proper orientation of the surgical image.
• Eye-Cup attachment helps connect any Arthrex Eye-Cup “quick connect” endoscope.
• Focus knob with easy adjustment using thumb.
• Tighten endoscope with grasping mechanism similar to Synergy camera heads.
• Fits all C-Mount Synergy camera heads.

The Univers™ Apex Subscapularis Repair Suture Kit is used to repair the subscapularis tendon after implantation of the Univers Apex Total Shoulder Arthroplasty System. The kit provides the suture essentials and disposable instrumentation in a convenient sterile package, helping to minimize preparation time and to simplify the Apex Surgical technique.

The Univers Apex Subscapularis Repair Suture Kit contains the following components:

• #2 FiberWire^® Blue Suture with Tapered Needles 
• #2 TigerWire^® Suture with Tapered Needles 
• Revers Cutting Needles with Nitinol Loops 
• Micro SutureLasso™, Straight 
• 0 mm Drill Bit 
• Univers™ Apex Subscapularis Repair Surgical Technique

Dr. Michael Coughlin has noted that in his two year prospective study he is seeing good long term results and high patient satisfaction following direct plantar plate repairs. 

Surgical repair of plantar plate tears using CPR Viper™

Plantar plate tears of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints are common, and painful conditions that can lead to substantial deformities of the involved digits. Early on conservative treatment may relieve discomfort, but with the passage of time, these conditions tend to worsen with the development of angular deformities of the toes, and in time, development of a fixed hammertoe.

The CPR Viper™ is a unique concept that allows exposure of the plantar plate through a dorsal approach without the use of a Weil metatarsal osteotomy. While typically a plantar plate repair necessitates the combined shortening of the involved lesser metatarsal with the plantar plate repair, there are situations where shortening is not necessary. Often an involved 3rd or 4th MTP joint does not require shortening, and in revision cases where an osteotomy has previously been performed, an osteotomy may not be indicated or desired. 

When the conditions do indicate shortening, such as a long second metatarsal, a Weil osteotomy may be performed in conjunction with the use of the Mini Scorpion™. 

Step 1: The involved MTP joint is approached through a dorsal longitudinal incision and deepened in the interval between the two extensor tendons. The collateral ligaments are taken down from their phalangeal attachment, and a McGlamry elevator is used to release the proximal plantar plate attachments from the metatarsal metaphysis.

Step 2: Vertical Kirschner wires are placed in the base of the proximal phalanx and the metatarsal head, and the Arthrex small joint retractor is used to distract the joint. (Typically a 4-5 mm interval is achieved). The plantar plate tear is visualized, and if incomplete, is taken down, completing the tear transversely. (This allows for easier passing of the sutures).

Step 3: The Arthrex® CPR Viper is then used to pass two sets of horizontal FiberWire© sutures securing the distal plantar plate. These sutures are then passed through two oblique drill holes in the base of the proximal phalanx.

Step 4: With the toe held in 20° of plantar flexion, the sutures are tied over the bony bridge. The skin is closed in a routine fashion. (Jastifer and Coughlin* report passing of these sutures without Weil osteotomy in a cadaveric study with 100% success.)

The views expressed in this post reflect the experience and opinions of the presenting surgeon and do not necessarily reflect those of Arthrex Inc.

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) on Sanibel Island, FL recently submitted an interesting product donation request to Arthrex Vet Systems (AVS) for assistance in aiding in the recovery of an injured sea turtle under their care. While AVS typically helps veterinary surgeons treat their patients of the four-legged kind better, the team jumped at the chance to help this unique patient, named Honey, a 111-pound female sea turtle that washed ashore on Captiva Island, FL.

The veterinary team at CROW determined Honey was hit by a boat and sustained injuries to her shell and spine. With the guidance of AVS team members, Honey's wound was dressed with JumpStart and she will continue to receive Orthobiolgics treatments to help speed up her recovery time.

Arthrex's photographer and videographer visited CROW last week to shoot "before" shots of Honey and will be documenting her recovery along the way, with updates from the AVS team and CROW vets. Stay tuned for more news on Honey's road to recovery!

The GmbH Department of Research has been established in collaboration with a team of Arthrex scientists, engineers, and others from varying teams such as facilities, finance, and marketing within the new Arthrex GmbH Munich headquarters.

"The purpose is to provide timely scientific evidence of innovative technologies and novel approaches to surgical treatments, that will help surgeons treat their patients better,” shared Arthrex President and Founder Reinhold Schmieding.

Stefan Krupp, Managing Director of Arthrex GmbH, added “surgeons from the Eastern Hemisphere now have the opportunity to engage in high-impact research within Arthrex. Arthrex has invested in technology and staff to further our commitment as the number one innovative orthopaedic company in the world. Vision is good – Execution is better.”

The Department of Research has been developed to provide the latest scientific technologies to EMEA. Coen Wijdicks, Arthrex Director of Research, shared that “the research laboratories were built in record time and include advanced technologies such as two Instron ElectroPuls E10k dynamic and static testing machines. These versatile machines are identical to those that reside within the research laboratories in Naples, FL and therefore, positions Arthrex toward global research excellence."

Additional technologies include a Stratasys 3D Printer that provides a conduit for collaborative design and rapid prototyping in various materials. A GOM optical measuring system completes the testing portfolio and provides advanced 3D displacement and deformation. Additional technologies will be acquired as requirements and opportunities arise.

Additionally, culture via design has been supported by Daniel Schmieding, Director of Strategic Development. Daniel states that “through simple design changes we have been able to implement a culture of research excellence. Specifically, we have included in the research café an area for current white papers, and built a research library to facilitate collaborative communication with our visiting surgeons.” These subtle, yet significant additions are what make Arthrex.

The new Arthrex® PIP Dart for proximal interphalangeal Joint (PIPJ) fusions offers the surgeon the advantage of exact sizing PIPJ implants every time, without leaving material across the DIPJ. The PIP Dart is made out of PEEK material which is strong, radiolucent and can be easily cut or drilled through. This unique implant gives the surgeon the ability to fuse the PIP joint without leaving metal or bioabsorbable material in the toe.The unique barbs help hold compression while the ridges prevent rotation.

The PIP Darts are offered in both 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm diameters with the option of a straight or bent implant. The convenient all-in-one implant system includes the PIP Dart along with all the necessary instrumentation to perform the procedure. This added convenience simplifies stocking and allows physicians to focus on the task at hand.

Product and Technique Highlights:

• Simple all-inside technique

• Reverse angled barbs - maintain fixation & compression on both sides of the fusion site

• PEEK Material - strong & radiolucent, easily trimmed and revised as needed

• Multiple Diameter Options - 2.5 and 3.0 mm diameters, straight & ten degree bends available for anatomic fusion

Q: It has been about a year since your last blog entry, what is the update with regard to ACL Preservation?

A: There are a number of interesting things that have occurred since we last spoke in this forum. First of all, my patients continue to grow in numbers and in successful outcomes. I have performed 38 arthroscopic ACL Primary Preservations for isolated ACL injured patients to date, and probably closer to 50 if you include those patients with ACL avulsions in the multiple ligament injured knee (MLIK) setting. I continue to run at right around the 90% clinical success mark. The failures, except for one of the early patients who failed at around 3 months, occurred after repeat trauma at more than a year postoperatively playing soccer and rugby.

Secondly, I have modified the technique slightly after considering the basic science research of four separate papers that showed that adding a suture construct connecting the femur to the tibia in parallel with the repair improves the early biomechanics (1-4), potentially protecting the early repair. This is essentially the InternalBrace® concept that has been gaining popularity throughout the body since Dr. Mackay introduced it several years ago for the knee MCL. I have used this technique, in various forms, in over half of my ACL Primary Preservation patients.

Finally, I presented the two- to six-year (avg. 3.5 years) clinical results of my first 11 patients as an ePoster (5) at the April 2015 Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) conference that was held in Los Angeles. In addition, I presented the findings of a bench study comparing my suture anchor primary repair to a conventional transosseous button repair in a simulated active motion cadaveric model as an ePoster (6) at the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) meeting in Lyon, France in June. I also anticipate publishing a series of papers later this year in a high impact factor, peer-reviewed journal; one as a systematic review of ACL repair literature over the last decade and the other as a clinical paper detailing my experience with my first 11 arthroscopic ACL Primary Preservation patients. Hopefully, this will catapult arthroscopic ACL Primary Preservation into the mainstream ACL discussion.

Q: What has the response been to your latest research and presentations?

A: Since Arthrex released my 2014 Faculty Forum presentation on ACL Primary Preservation, and the subsequent surgical technique video, I have been contacted multiple times by other surgeons who are intrigued by the idea or have tried a few themselves with good results. Arthrex’s global reach certainly ignited a buzz regarding this topic. However, let’s not forget that the worldwide ACL surgeon community effectively gave up on this concept over 30 years ago. In reality, aside from long-term follow-ups of the original open ACL repair cohorts, there hasn’t been a single publication regarding new techniques for ACL Primary Preservation or ACL Primary Preservation outcomes in human beings in over 30 years. Thus, I am excited about the recent ePosters and the forthcoming publications.

Q: Do you think this will become a mainstream technique for ACL patients?

A: It is unrealistic for me to argue that my early to mid-term results on less than 50 patients will change the mainstream thinking regarding ACL surgery. However, that was never my goal. My goal, first of all, was to do what I felt was right for my patients in my hands. Next, my goal was to share my concept and my experiences in order to start a discussion that, in time, might possibly change our collective approach as groupthink kicks in. It is hard for me to imagine that surgeons will not adopt such a minimally morbid procedure for select patients seeing that no bridges are burned if the repair fails. This cannot be said for modern day ACL reconstruction that has far from perfect results. Admittedly, my numbers are rather low thus far, and there are several things at play here. First of all, I have been very meticulous in my indications by trying to limit the application of the procedure to only those with the perfect Type 1 proximal avulsion type tears. These tears may only represent 5-25% of the tears depending on the practice mix that the surgeon sees. Furthermore, my practice is rather broad in focus, and not limited to only ligamentous injuries of the knee. 

Q: Even though only a small percentage of patients seem to meet the indications for ACL Primary Preservation in your practice, has your experience thus far changed the way that you approach all patients with ACL injuries?

A: Absolutely. First of all, the great majority of my ACL Preservation patients have recovered quickly, and with good outcomes, that I wish that more of my patients met the criteria for repair. I recently saw a patient, my 37^th repair, back at one-month post-op who illustrates this point well. He detailed that he had full range of motion within one week, and that since one-week post-op, he had been commuting an hour and 15 minutes each way to work via train with a lot of standing and walking. He explained that he didn’t have any significant swelling or discomfort after the first week despite these long hours on his feet. Interestingly, he had undergone an autograft BTB on the other leg eight years earlier so he had his own internal control. Needless to say, thus far, he is a believer.

Seeing my patients doing so well after Primary ACL Preservation, I became more frustrated when I encountered ACL remnant tissue that wasn’t quite long enough to reach the wall. You see, once you get in the habit of saving the ligament if possible, then resecting significant portions of ligament remnant doesn’t seem like the right thing to do. It seems that I am not alone in this sentiment as numerous authors, mostly from Europe and Asia, have published on remnant preserving or sparing ACL reconstruction. After seeing Dr. van der Merwe’s presentation on “Biologic ACL Reconstruction,” at ArthroLondon in 2012, I realized that augmenting the ligament remnant with a hamstrings graft had significant theoretical biologic benefit. However, to avoid cyclops lesions that tend to be common when augmenting the remnant, I developed a technique to combine my ACL Primary Preservation technique with his Biologic Augmentation. Arthrex released the surgical technique video last year that describes what I call ACL Preservation with Central Augmentation.

In my clinical practice, I have adopted an ACL Preservation approach. Essentially, I attempt “Preservation,” or “Preservation and Augment,” in as many torn ACLs as I can so as to customize the surgical approach to the injury pattern. Since I have adopted this approach in September 2012, I have evolved to the current day where I am able to save all or most of the ligament in nearly 50% of patients.

References:

1. Fleming BC, Carey JL, Spindler KP, Murray MM. Can suture repair of ACL transection restore normal anteroposterior laxity of the knee? An ex-vivo study. J Orthop Res. 2008;26(11):1500-1505. doi: 10.1002/jor.20690.

2. Murray MM, Magarian E, Zurakowski D, Fleming BC. Bone-to-bone fixation enhances functional healing of the porcine anterior cruciate ligament using a collagen-platelet composite [Published online ahead of print June 11, 2010]. Arthroscopy. 2010;26(9 Suppl):S49-S57. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2009.12.017. 

3. Fisher MB, Jung HJ, McMahon PJ, Woo SL. Evaluation of bone tunnel placement for suture augmentation of an injured anterior cruciate ligament: effects on joint stability in a goat model. J Orthop Res. 2010;28(10):1373-1379. doi: 10.1002/jor.21141.

4. Fisher MB, Jung HJ, McMahon PJ, Woo SL. Suture augmentation following ACL injury to restore the function of the ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus in the goat stifle joint [ published online ahead of print April 6, 2011]. J Biomech. 2011;44(8):1530-1535. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2011.02.141.

5. DiFelice GS, Villegas C. ACL preservation: early results of a novel arthroscopic technique of suture anchor primary ACL repair. Presented at: AANA 2015 Annual Conference; April 23-25, 2015; Los Angeles, CA.http://aana2015annualmeeting.conferencespot.org/58991-aana-1.2025180/t004-1.2025585/f012a-1.2025586/e081-1.2025634/e081-1.2025637. Accessed July 14, 2015.

6.DiFelice GS, DeLong JM, Villegas C. Suture Anchor vs. drill tunnel primary ACL repair: an in vitro comparison of gap formation. Presented at: ISAKOS 2015 Annual Conference; June 7-9, 2015; Lyon, France. http://www.isakos.com/assets/meetings/2015congress/ePosters/1249_Difelice.pdf. Accessed July 14, 2015.

The views expressed in this post reflect the experience and opinions of the presenting surgeon and do not necessarily reflect those of Arthrex Inc. This technique may not be applicable to all patients.

Post-traumatic arthritis following a Lisfranc complex injury is a common occurrence. Although the injury itself predisposes to this complication, popular fixation modes using transarticular screw stabilization result in iatrogenic damage to the joint and results in another possible mechanism of post-traumatic DJD. This complication often results in the need for tarsal metatarsal joint fusion as the definitive treatment.

This case involved a 32-year-old male status post motocross injury. Three years earlier he was treated with an ORIF of his Lisfranc injury using transarticular screws. Patient has continued to have pain. Radiographs suggested, and CT scan confirmed post traumatic degenerative changes.

Treatment consisted of hardware removal and fusion of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd TMT articulations. Fusion preparation consisted of meticulous joint preparation along with the addition of StimuBlast® DBM mixed with bone marrow concentrate with the Arthrex Angel® system. Fixation was obtained using three Arthrex® Double Compression Plates with the addition of an LPS 4.0 partially threaded Cannulated screw.

The Arthrex® Double Compression Plate system is a revolutionary fixation construct that allows maximal surgical compression across fusion sites. The hallmark of this design is the improved compression achieved using the double compression mechanism. Initial compression is achieved using standard compression hole principles. Additional secondary compression is achieved through the bridge “arms” of the plate construct. This double compression mechanism allows the surgeon maximal compression potential with direct visual and tactile controlled feedback.

The low profile design allows decreased risk of irritation in areas with little soft tissue coverage such as the dorsum of the foot. Once the locking screw is placed flush to the bone, the nonlocking screw will provide not only initial compression, but will mold the plate flush over the osseous bed.

The fixation system’s simplicity, ease-of-use and multiple plate configurations allow these plates to be used for talonavicular, calcaneocuboid, transverse tarsometatarsal, forefoot, and hindfoot arthrodesis sites.

The improved overall compression achieved with the double compression mechanism allows for the maximal potential for bone-to-bone opposition, which is known to be the most critical factor in overall construct stability. Clinically, this can translate to improved fusion rates for simple and complex arthrodesis throughout the foot and ankle.

The views expressed in this post reflect the experience and opinions of the presenting surgeon and do not necessarily reflect those of Arthrex Inc.

Summer camp has come a long way since days spent doing arts and crafts and learning how to build a fire. Over the past few weeks, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), with support from Arthrex, held a summer camp program called Coding Academy for elementary and middle-school aged children. The program, organized by a team of FGCU staff, professors, Arthrex’s CRM Director Dennis O'Keefe and Web Development Supervisor Danny Beard, taught its "campers" various skills to engage their young minds in how today's computer technology is developed.

Danny was asked to be speak on the history of computers and even introduced the kids to Scratch, a programming language and online community where children can program and share interactive media. 

"I really enjoyed being able to spend time with the kids, and watching them get really engaged in programming,” shared Danny. “I was impressed with how many concepts the students were able to grasp."

In addition to Coding Academy, Danny also recently presented to another group of FGCU campers called "Mathletes", a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) focused program for middle school students interested in investigating higher-level concepts in mathematics and learning skills beneficial to STEM-related careers, such as problem-solving abilities, strengthening communication skills and developing collaboration and leadership skills.

“I was impressed with how bright and engaged all the students were,” said Danny. “It’s great to be able to give back to the community by sharing something you truly enjoy.”

The organizing team of the 2015 Coding Academy sent the following note of appreciation to Arthrex and looks forward to inviting Arthrex employees and their children back to take part next summer as well:

"The organizing team of the 2015 Coding Academy sincerely thanks Arthrex for collaborating on this great community initiative with Florida Gulf Coast University. Our sincere thanks goes to Dennis O'Keefe and Danny Beard, who played a great role in making the very first Coding Academy a success!"

Hundreds of surgeons from around the world took part in the inaugural BreakThrough with Chris Adams, MD webcast on August 18, a novel web program that brought leading surgeons together to present and discuss how the most medically significant technology innovations are changing the way they treat their patients in orthopaedic surgery.

The first broadcast of BreakThrough included host and Arthrex Medical Education Director Chris Adams, MD, as well as guests Stephen Burkhart, MD, and Alan Hirahara, MD, who shared their experiences and discussed the benefits of the Superior Capsular Reconstruction (SCR) technique for patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears of the shoulder. SCR represents a new arthroscopic reconstruction technique option that has quickly become an exciting new alternative to more invasive procedures like reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

You can view an on-demand version of this broadcast on our website or a complete playlist, including this broadcast, at our BreakThrough YouTube channel.

Each summer, a number of our employees serve as ambassadors for Arthrex by hosting high school students for a one-day job shadowing experiences. These students, who represent our future workforce, are provided the opportunity to visit Arthrex, learn more about various career fields and the opportunities that await them right here in this community.

Recently, Arthroplasty Engineering Manager Scott Sherman and Manufacturing Suture Engineer Maya Alfonso volunteered their time to host a bright Youth Leadership Collier participant named Rachael Lyberg. She shared the following about her experience:  

"I had the amazing opportunity to attend the Arthrex Biomedical Engineering shadow program. Throughout the morning, I had the privilege to shadow very knowledgeable employees from the manufacturing facility and the Arthroplasty Departments. The Arthrex Corporation is world renowned for its mission statement: Helping surgeons treat their patients better. As I toured the various facilities, the veracity in the mission statement was clear. Thank you so much for this opportunity; I really enjoyed the experience and all the new information I acquired.”

The Leadership Collier Foundation’s mission is to build a broad-based network of community leaders who enhance their leadership abilities and skills through continuing education, shared perspectives and community involvement in order to enable them to work toward solutions in the public interest. The foundation accomplishes this through its Leadership Collier, Youth Leadership Collier and Growing Associates in Naples (GAIN) programs. Scott Sherman is a 2014 Leadership Collier graduate and Maya is a recent 2015 GAIN graduate.

Amanda Beights, vice president of the Leadership Collier Foundation shared, “Incredible! This experience could not have been more perfect, in my opinion: a Leadership Collier, GAIN, and Youth Leadership Collier graduate all working together for a brighter future! We are so thankful Scott and Maya!

On Saturday, August 1, 2015, Arthrex teamed up with Friends of Foster Children for a special Back to School Fair at the Golden Gate Community Center in Naples, FL, to help local foster children receive school supplies and other necessities for the new school year. More than 250 children received free backpacks, school uniforms, sneakers, books, haircuts, vision tests and dental checks so they could be back-to-school ready. In addition to monetary support, Arthrex employees volunteered their time at this successful and worthwhile event once again this year.

Friends of Foster Children Forever of Southwest Florida is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping foster children and their caretakers with social, educational and financial support.

Gulf Coast Business Observer magazine released its annual list of the top 500 companies in a nine-county area from Tampa to Naples, and Arthrex has proudly been ranked #17! Click here to see the list's top 20 companies.    

As a proud local cause sponsor of the American Heart Association's Collier County Heart Walk, Team Arthrex is hard at work fundraising to meet its $15,000 goal by hosting employee events, holding t-shirt sales and drawings to raise awareness and interest in the walk taking place Saturday, November 7, 2015 in Cambier Park in downtown Naples. 

This year's Team Arthrex theme is “Making People Better is Why." Arthrex has supported the Southwest Florida Chapter of the American Heart Association for more than a decade by sponsoring and participating in the Collier County and Lee County Heart Walks, National Wear Red Day, the Southwest Florida Heart Ball, the Go Red For Women Luncheon and funding a teaching garden at Village Oaks Elementary in Immokalee, FL.   

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fundraising events have been taking place at all Arthrex locations leading up to the walk at Cambier Park on Saturday, October 17, 2015. Team Arthrex participated in Painting with a Purpose, Bowl for a Cure, and held the team's annual softball game in support of the fight to end breast cancer. 

Click here to join Making Strides Against Breast Cancer sponsor Arthrex's Power of Pink team. 

by John W. Xerogeanes, MD 

We all know that meniscal repair is a very important procedure to perform effectively, and we’re all also keenly aware of this procedure’s challenges. While we have many options in our arsenal, the options for tears of the posterior third of the menisci remain less than optimal. This is especially true for tears of the meniscal root as well as fenestrated tears of the posterior third of the menisci.  The Knee Scorpion provides an answer for these tears. It is easy to use, extremely reliable, reusable and cost effective.

The Knee Scorpion™ passes and retrieves sutures just like the Scorpions for the rotator cuff and labrum, therefore those that have used Scorpions before will already be familiar with using the device. It works with standard 2-0 FiberWire® suture as well as 0 FiberWire™. The device’s curvature and low profile allows the surgeon to easily get under the condyles and access the posterior third of the meniscus.  Because of its small diameter, I often make auxiliary poke holes to obtain the perfect angle to the meniscus when needed. 

I use it to place sutures through avulsed meniscal roots as well as to place circumferential sutures around complex longitudinal tears of the posterior third of the lateral meniscus.  It also works well to reinforce all-inside Meniscal Cinch™ repairs when needed.

It is an ideal device to keep in my meniscal repair tray, and because of its versatility, I can use it with or without other meniscal tear devices.