About Ortheon Medical
Company Name
Tendon Technology, Ltd. DBA Ortheon Medical
Business
Developers of a new technology called the Teno Fix® system, the next generation of tendon repair technology.
Founded
1997
Founders
Ken Hughes; Lawrence Lubbers, M.D.; Tom Ward; Warren Williamson IV; Richard Coleman, M.D.
President
Industry Segment
Medical device/surgical equipment and devices/soft tissue repair
Target Market
Mechanical, repeatable tendon repair of the upper and lower extremity to include hand, shoulder, foot and ankle.
Technology
The Teno Fix® device consists of a novel anchor system and a braided stainless steel suture. To repair a torn tendon, a surgeon inserts a small anchoring coil into each end of the severed tendon, turning the anchor to gather collagen fibers. This anchoring process harnesses the intrinsic strength of the tendon. A suture is then inserted through the anchor on one side, passed through the other side and the severed tendon ends are reattached.
FDA Clearance
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted clearance for U.S. Sales of Teno Fix® on May 15, 2003.
CE Mark
The E.C. certificate was granted May 22, 2002.
Market Need
Following digital tendon surgery, the surgeon must immobilize and cast the digit to prevent the suture from physically tearing through the repaired tendon. The surgeon must balance this with the commencement of motion therapy, which has been shown to promote healing and reduce scarring. A method of repair that is easy to perform, does not cause bunching or gapping of tissue, does not compromise vascularity, and is strong enough to allow for immediate active motion therapy as needed.
