Novel Advanced SCI Instrumentation for CMC Joint

The 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