Opportunities
External Fixator Device
The Technology
Dupuytren’s disease is a condition where bands of scar tissue under the skin cause the fingers to curl in towards the palm so they cannot be straightened. There is no cure for the disease but most patients gain significant functional improvements after correctional surgery.
The more the finger is curled towards the palm, the greater the risk of damage to the nerves and blood vessels during surgery.
The University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Manchester have developed an external fixator that straightens out the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint in a finger mechanically over a period of 2–3 weeks prior to surgery. This makes the surgery easier to perform by giving the surgeon access to the joint.
The Advantages
- Allows continual stretching of the finger to occur
- Allows the patient to move his finger whilst the device is in place
The Potential Market
In England, 12,590 operations were carried out on Dupuytren’s hands in 2005/06 (Hospital Episode Statistics data).
It has been estimated that there could be 300,000 fixation cases worldwide per year. The device may also be suitable for use with other conditions where temporary finger straightening is required (e.g. post-trauma and for certain fractures).
The Opportunities
We are seeking a commercial partner experienced in the development, manufacture and sale of orthopaedic devices. A licence arrangement or a collaborative development project, are both possibilities.
The Contact
For more information about this or other technologies available for commercialisation through TrusTECH, contact:
Dr Joanne Thomas
Senior Technology Manager
TrusTECH, Innovation Unit
1st Floor, Postgraduate Centre
Manchester Royal Infirmary
Manchester
M13 9WL
T: 0161 276 6965