Ossiofiber Metal-Free Surgical Hardware

Metal-Free holistic foot and ankle surgery is now a reality

University Foot and Ankle Institute is on the cutting edge of foot and ankle surgery with our use of the revolutionary non-metal fixation option for foot and ankle surgery.

Metal surgical hardware is used in virtually every orthopedic correction surgery. A major patient concern about metal being left in the body is related to pain from the metal hardware itself or from the metal prominence on top of or going through the bone. Additionally, patients sometimes report discomfort from the metal during cold weather exposure, making winter sports, let alone just walking the dog in the snow, a lot less enjoyable.

For some patients, the metal hardware is not tolerated and may need to be removed. Research has shown that up to 15% of people require the hardware to be removed within the first year after surgery.¹ Unfortunately, this means more surgery, more downtime, more lost wages, and additional costs. 

With the use of Ossiofiber in our bunion surgeries, all of these concerns are a thing of the past.

How does Ossiofiber work?

Ossiofiber is a material that the human body does not “see” as a foreign substance. Ossiofiber’s materials are naturally found in the body, which is why it doesn’t have a negative reaction to it. The Ossiofiber fixation “screw” is actually placed into the bone and does not protrude in any way like most metal screws do. Patients no longer need to worry about screws sticking out from the bone and the discomfort it can cause.

Ossiofiber material begins at a strength approximately three times that of human bone. Then, over the next two years, something amazing happens. The foreign Ossiofiber material actually disappears and is completely replaced with new bone naturally created by the body.

Because the Ossiofiber integrates completely into the bone, the need to remove metal surgical hardware is also a thing of the past, as is leaving metal in the body. This can cause a reaction or irritation and trigger a second surgery to have the metal removed.

Ossiofiber has also helped us reduce our patient’s recovery time because the material becomes more and more “sticky,” making the fixation even stronger than metal hardware, adding extra strength and support to the bunion cut. This allows for a faster recovery and quicker return to regular shoes.

“Amazing” is the best word our patients use to describe it. 

University Foot and Ankle Institute is the national leader in metal-free minimally invasive bunion surgery

Ossiofiber is a revolutionary foot and ankle surgery and is currently used for certain procedures, including bunion surgery. In the coming year, Ossiofiber surgical fixation devices will be available for virtually all types of foot and ankle surgery.

Why choose University Foot and Ankle Institute for state-of-the-art foot and ankle care?

If you’re experiencing foot pain or any other foot problems, we’re here to help. Our nationally recognized foot and ankle doctors offer the most advanced foot care and the highest success rates in the nation. We are leaders in the research and treatment of all foot and ankle conditions.

For more information or to schedule a consultation in the greater Los Angeles area, please call (877) 736-6001 or make an appointment now.

Sources

1. Peterson K, McAlister J, Hyer C, Thompson J. Symptomatic Hardware Removal After First Tarsometatarsal Arthrodesis. The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery 55; 1: 55-59 (2016)