Bone cap to prevent medullary canal leakage and provide a secure prosthetic docking site.

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the abnormal growth of bone in soft tissue that can result from bone-related trauma such as fractures, dislocations, or amputations. HO can cause significant pain, skin breakdown, and limit the effectiveness of prosthetic devices and occurs in up to 90% of traumatic amputations (up to 65% in combat-related injuries). Effective treatment options for HO are limited and often require surgical removal of the extraskeletal bone.

University of Utah researchers have developed a bone cap that can prevent cells from leaking out of the medullary canal and contributing to HO. This device’s unique design utilizes internal fixation for a secure attachment that can also be used as a dock for prosthetic devices. Design enhancements include coatings that can improve osseointegration or that are used with compromised bone (i.e. osteoporosis). Different surfaces can be applied at the end of the cap to allow various antimicrobial attachments and inserts.

Proof of Concept

• 'Cap’ prevents the leakage of cells from the medullary canal that can contribute to HO.
• Design allows for local delivery of antibiotics or other therapeutics (e.g. anti-inflammatories).
• Device includes a permanent component to reduce the need for revision surgery and an interchangeable component to meet the specific and changing needs of each patient.

Available upon request.

Jason Young
(801) 587-0519
jason.r.young@utah.edu