NHS Scotland looks to commercialise screw for use in osteoporotic bone

Seeking partners

The National Health Service technology transfer company Scottish Health Innovations Ltd (SHIL) is looking for partners to take forward the commercialisation of an orthopaedic screw fixing device and applicator designed for use in osteoporotic bone. The device can be used on fragile bone and to rescue so called “threaded bone”‚ caused by overtightening of orthopaedic screws. SHIL says the device is small, easy to use and cheaper than current technologies.

The treatment of fractures often requires the use of intramedullary nails or onlay devices such as plates – but their use is not advised near joints or prosthesis. The alternative onlay devices require the use of surgical screws, which if over tightened – a common problem in osteoporotic bone – can lead to suboptimal attachment and to problems in healing.

Currently available technologies for use in osteoporotic bone and for rescuing bone damaged by overtightening are limited and far from ideal. SHIL claims its technology solves this problem. The device is 2.5 to 3.2 times more resistant to being forced out of bone.

An international patent application protects the technology, and SHIL is looking for anufacturing, marketing and distribution partners.