700506Novel Advanced SCI Instrumentation for CMC JointClosedGRD Proof of MarketInnovate UKThe joint at the base of the thumb is referred to as the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. CMC joint wears & develop arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, causing loss of movement, stiffness, pain, & ultimately surgery is required. Surgical options are: 1) Trapeziectomy - removal of arthritic bone 2) Arthrodesis - fusion of the bone 3) Total joint replacement (TJR) 4) Metacarpal osteotomy - bone fragments cut/modified 5) Early stem cell technology 6) Denervation - small nerves divided, to relieve pain. Most operations for CMC joint OA have lengthy recovery after surgery & impaired pinch strength. Cartiva Inc. developed a Synthetic Cartilage Implant (SCI); a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogel that mimics natural cartilage. SCI is currently used as an effective surgical option for OA, treating defects in the foot 1st/2nd Metatarsal Phalangeal Joint (MTPJ) providing fast recovery, being less invasive than Total Joint Replacement (TJR) & used as intermediate treatment to postpone or possibly eradicate TJR. Studies have shown that grip & pinch strength are significantly improved & nearly full range of motion returns when using SCI for CMC joint OA. The Cartiva™ SCI could treat early stage lesions in the CMC joint & provide additional years of joint health & active lifestyle, potentially eradicating TJR & revisional surgery. The MTPJ SCI, does not match the saddle joint configuration of the CMC joint, therefore, Cartiva Inc. propose to develop a saddle shaped SCI to match the biomechanics of the CMC joint. MTPJ SCI instrumentation would not be compatible with a saddle shaped SCI. B-UK propose to research the CMC joint market to see if extending the companies technology into this market would be a good return of investment with hopes to ultimately develop single use instrumentation that delivers 1) Ease of handling 2) implant loading, control & orientation during delivery 3) implantation mechanism 4) Single use