Stryker today announced the launch of Citrefix, a suture anchor system for foot and ankle surgical procedures. The new system uses Citregen, a bioresorbable material designed to mimic the chemistry and structure of native bone.
“Our customers will now benefit from the expanded use of one of the most innovative bioresorbable materials available for use in foot and ankle procedures,” said Michael Rankin, vice president, marketing and medical education for Stryker’s Foot & Ankle business. “Citrefix’s unique suture anchor system is the next step in our expanding Citregen portfolio.”
Citrefix is a disposable suture anchor system that features a resorbable biomimetic anchor body. It is made with Citregen, an elastomeric material made from a citrate polymer specially designed to mimic bone chemistry for controlled resorption without chronic inflammation. These unique chemical and mechanical properties are designed to help grafted tissue heal and healthy bone to grow when used in orthopaedic surgical applications. The sterile-packed set includes a cartridge with preloaded implant and eyelet, a drill bit, a drill guide and pre-assembled inserter.
“By leveraging Citregen’s unique material properties, Citrefix introduces design features that greatly increase its pull-out strength compared to other suture anchors,” said Wayne Berberian, M.D., orthopedic surgeon at the Ankle & Foot Institute in Maywood, N. J. “At the same time, the Citregen material benefits patients’ recovery since it is more easily accepted by the body, so they heal without suffering from the chronic inflammation that may occur with other bioresorbable suture anchors.”
After the successful launch of Citrelock last year, Citrefix is the second product in Stryker’s expanding portfolio using the material, with additional products expected in 2023. Citregen was awarded the 2022 Technology Innovation and Development Award by the Society for Biomaterials earlier this year.
