The new Acumed Polarus 3 Solution incorporates both plate and nail implants into a single system for the surgical repair of proximal humerus fractures. Unlike multiple repair systems for plates or nails, the Acumed Polarus 3 Solution is a single system with multiple implants allowing for greater intraoperative flexibility.

Polarus 3 Solution offers two plate options – Standard and Posterior, as well as two intramedullary nail options – Proximal and Distal, offering the surgeon multiple options to address patient fracture needs.

Additionally, instrumentation for positioning and fracture reduction is shared, so no matter which implant the surgeon chooses – plate or nail – the single instrumentation set may be used for either implant.

Polarus 3 Solution utilizes a single 4.3 mm low-profile hexalobe screw for both the plate and nail, which is intended to minimize inventory and mitigate confusion between screw families. The use of a single 2.8 mm drill and driver additionally creates a more straightforward approach by removing the need for multiple sizes and diameters.

Nail improvements include a straighter design than the original Polarus Nail, creating a more medial entry point, which may minimize rotator cuff disruption. The nail also has a PEEK insert creating locking screw friction and more distal hole offerings for more fixation points.

The new plates sit lower than the previous generation Proximal Humeral Plate so as not to impinge on the acromion (shoulder). Additionally, there are three dedicated calcar support screws intended to prevent the humerus from collapsing medially as well as more screw options in the humeral head.

Why the change

“We wanted to simplify the instrumentation and offer a comprehensive system to meet the combined needs of domestic and international surgeons,” says Rich Rice, Acumed Vice President of Extremities, Trauma, and Biologics – Business Development. “In general, US surgeons predominantly use plates and international surgeons tend to use intramedullary nails, but we believe the market is moving back towards a mix of implants to accommodate various fracture patterns.”

“Since only one of these implants would be used in any given surgery, the Acumed Polarus 3 advantage is that a surgeon can make the decision without needing any other systems in the operating room.”

Other benefits

The Polarus 3 Proximal Humerus Plates are designed to fit an array of patient anatomies and are left and right specific in order to capture the anatomy of the greater tuberosity.

###

About Acumed

Acumed is a global leader in developing innovative orthopaedic and medical solutions to improve patient care. Acumed has more than two decades of experience in the orthopaedic industry, staying true to the Acumed mission of aiding the afflicted through the ingenuity of our minds, the labor of our hands and the compassion of our hearts. Founded in 1988, Acumed is headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon, with offices and a distribution network throughout the world.

Availability

These materials contain information about products that may or may not be available in any particular country or may be available under different trademarks in different countries. The products may be approved or cleared by governmental regulatory organizations for sale or use with different indications or restrictions in different countries. Products may not be approved for use in all countries. Nothing contained on these materials should be construed as a promotion or solicitation for any product or for the use of any product in a particular way which is not authorized under the laws and regulations of the country where the reader is located. Specific questions physicians may have about the availability and use of the products described on these materials should be directed to their particular local sales representative. Specific questions patients may have about the use of the products described in these materials or the appropriateness for their own conditions should be directed to their own physician.