New implant to help kids

In a world first, the OrthoPediatrics Wrist Fusion Plate has been launched onto the market. This implant will help children with severe wrist deformities and their carers to perform daily tasks.

Prof David Little, Paediatric Orthopaedic surgeon at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, devised the concept, which was developed with his engineering colleagues in the EPIC 3D printing lab in the Hospital’s research arm, The Kids Research Institute.  OrthoPediatrics Corp, based in the USA, came on board to collaborate on the design of the system, making sure it was compatible with their current devices.

“Positioning of the hand is important for all of us, and in children with severe contractures this is not possible. Daily tasks such as getting dressed can be difficult and painful for these children and surgery can help, ‘said Prof Little. “These are the first plates designed specifically for children, rather than generic fusion plates designed for adult use.’”

The Wrist Fusion System features plates in two implant lengths and can be used for moderate and severe contractures combined with bony excision and fusion. The stainless steel plates are low-profile, to minimize plate prominence and reduce soft-tissue irritation.

 “We are excited to bring a new offering to the pediatric orthopedic market, said David Bailey, OrthoPediatrics’ Executive Vice President. “The Wrist Fusion plate was developed in collaboration with our partners at Sydney Children’s Hospital NETWORK, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we created together.  It’s great to work with a team whose commitment to helping kids mirrors our own!”

 OrthoPediatrics is the only orthopaedic company focused exclusively on providing a comprehensive product offering to the paediatric orthopaedic market to improve the lives of children with orthopedic conditions.

 The Children’s Hospital at Westmead is the highly respected, largest paediatric centre in NSW, providing excellent care for children from NSW, Australia and across the Pacific Rim. It forms part of the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. Research is one of the key ways in which the Hospital provides the highest standard of care and treatment to sick children and their families. The Kids Research Institute at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead undertakes cutting edge research into childhood diseases, resulting in significant advances in treatments.

Media Enquiries: Leonie Leonard, Public Relations Manager, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead

Ph: 02 9845 3583 E-mail: Leonie.Leonard@health.nsw.gov.au