Despite all the tales of international recession, Arthrex continues to grow. The UK subsidiary, Arthrex Limited, has just moved to larger premises, on a brand new development north of Sheffield.
The new office is over 10,000 square feet, substantially larger than their previous UK base.
“The first floor contains an excellent meeting and training facility. We plan to expand our current education programme” says Mark Taylor the UK product and training manager.
There will be a lecture facility where visitors can learn about the latest techniques and innovations from Arthrex. This will combine with a dry lab where surgeons and operating theatre staff will be able to gain a “hands on” experience with implants and instruments.
A programme of training courses is planned for 2010 to include:
Theatre team training
Building on our established Theatre staff courses we will run courses in Sheffield and at venues around the UK. Theatre staff will learn about the theory and background to the current techniques in soft tissue injury and repair. Then they will adjourn to the lab area where a number or workstations will allow them to familiarise themselves with all the latest instrumentation.
Consultant and SPR workshops
For small to medium sized groups, bespoke training for Consultant Orthopaedic surgeons and their team of SPR's. Liaise with Mark Taylor, the UK training and product manager, to put together a programme customised to the techniques used in your hospital. Arthrex can facilitate training and workshop requirements or provide an off the shelf content for visitors.
Dry lab surgical skills courses
Arthrex will run a programme of bi-monthly surgical skills courses utilising models and simulators. There will be an open programme of one day workshops. Programmes and registration forms will be available soon. To register your interest, please contact training@Arthrex.co.uk. We have some excellent models for gaining experience of technique and instrumentation and can ensure a worthwhile experience for all who attend. Planned courses will include:
- Shoulder - Stabilisation and SLAP repairs, Rotator Cuff repairs, Biceps tenodesis, A/C joint stabilisation. Where possible the workshop will include arthroscopic and open techniques.
- Knee - ACL reconstruction including the latest Retro-Construction techniques which can be combined to perform an “All Inside” ACL'r. PCL reconstruction, Osteochondral grafting and repair and meniscus repair options.
- Foot and Ankle - Arthroscopic techniques and skills. Forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot procedures to include osteotomy, tendon transfer and ligament repair techniques. Syndesmosis repair with the TightRope device.
- European labs and courses - Arthrex has secured a site for a new purpose built surgical skills lab in Munich. Completion will be in 2010. Surgeons will be able to attend wet lab based courses for knee, shoulder, hip and small joint surgery in Germany, Holland and Austria. Visit www.Arthrex.com to download details of the available courses.
Arthrex continues to grow with ongoing product innovation and launch
2009 has seen many new products and innovations, with 2010 looking to continue this process. Arthrex has an enviable reputation for product innovation and design and this continues with a few of the highlights outlined below.
Biologics
The Arthrex ACP system for preparing platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a user friendly and cost effective system for use in the operating theatre or clinic environment. PRP is typically ready for use less than 10 minutes after blood draw. Much of this is thanks to a simple but innovative double syringe system which can be used in a sterile or aseptic method.
ACL reconstruction
A complete range of Bio-Composite fixation devices is offered. The interference screws provide strong initial fixation with the benefit of an osteoconductive material, Biphasic Calcium Phosphate.
Retro-Drilling and the FlipCutter
Freedom of tunnel placement without the limitations of transtibial or medial portal drilling. The FlipCutter allows the surgeon to place a guide pin from outside-in and then to drill a tunnel or socket from inside-out. The FlipCutter is supported by a complete new ACL drill guide system with “tip” or “footprint” guide positioning.
Shoulder
The Arthrex range of suture anchors continues to grow with the addition of Bio-composite versions of many of it's most successful designs. Arthrex now offers anchors in a choice of 4 materials; Titanium, Bio-degradeable, PEEK and Bio-composite. Innovation continues with the SwiveLock anchor, now available as a vented version. This will allow BMA to flow through the anchor to the repair site which may help to provide superior tendon to bone healing.
Other innovations include the PassPort arthroscopy cannula. It's low profile design and flexibility allows improved visibility and manoeuverability. Available in 6mm, 8mm and 10mm internal diameters and lengths ranging from 20mm to 50mm.
Arthrex Imaging and Resection - There have been substantial developments with the launch of new Camera and visualisation systems, V300 and V600 small and large bone power tools. October will see the launch of the DualWave inflow and outflow controlled arthroscopy pump. This pump offers independent control of inflow and outflow settings with presets for knee, shoulder, hip and small joint arthroscopy. An innovative interface will allow the pump to work in conjunction with any shaver system.
To hear more about these and any other of our products please contact your local Arthrex representative, visit www.Arthrex.com or e-mail info@Arthrex.co.uk.
Arthrex' UK headquarters' contact numbers are:
Phone: 0114 232 9180Fax: 0114 257 8929
