UniX® Metaphyseal Hinge Fixator
The Metaphyseal Hinge Fixator is a unilateral external fixator specially designed for the gradual and acute correction of frontal plane, varus and valgus metaphyseal deformities of the proximal tibia. The fixator allows up to 20° of varus and 10° of valgus correction and can align the hinge at the center of the deformity.
The Metaphyseal Hinge Fixator is one of the lowest-profile external fixators on the market. The anatomical design, 9 mm thickness, and unique half-pin locking mechanism allow for greater patient comfort during the recovery period. The Metaphyseal Hinge Fixator is based on the idea and a patent of Prof. Rainer Baumgart, MD (trauma surgeon and mechanical engineer).
Product Descriptions
The Metaphyseal Hinge Fixator is a one-way device that is available in 3 different sizes (small, medium, large) and is specially designed for the common treatment of tibia head deformities in the frontal, varus, and valgus planes. The device is fixed with 4 conical 6mm half pins. All components are made of titanium, resulting in a lightweight, more comfortable fixation and easier maintenance than a ring fixator.
With the Metaphyseal Hinge Fixator, gradual correction takes place, and bone formation will occur by callus distraction, as is used for bone lengthening.
The Metaphyseal Hinge Fixator is positioned in an anatomical location of thin soft tissue coverage of the bone where little soft tissue movement occurs during walking and knee motion.
Static fixation with a plate used to secure a proximal tibial osteotomy may not address the reaction of the ligaments in an appropriate way. Acute corrections frequently result in undercorrection or overcorrection after full load bearing, because the ligaments may react more or less as expected even if the amount of the correction was planned accurately.
In cases of corrections from valgus to varus, the peroneal nerve may be stretched, resulting in drop foot. Performing a correction gradually with the Metaphyseal Hinge Fixator may avoid this problem. In addition, the amount of correction can be adjusted under load.
By using the Metaphyseal Hinge Fixator in case of open wedge osteotomies, bone grafting from the iliac crest may be avoided.
Technique
UniPlasty® is the name for Response Ortho's joint-preserving realignment technique that uses the UniX Metaphyseal Hinge Fixator to achieve precise, gradual correction without leaving any permanent implants in the body.
The UniPlasty® method combines the advantages of the hinge fixator design with a dynamic, soft-tissue-respecting strategy that helps patients preserve their native joint and resume daily activities with minimal surgical trauma.
Learn more at www.UniPlasty.com