When Ortho Rhode Island surgeon Dr. Anthony DeLuise met an older patient with a fragility fracture of her upper extremity, he turned to an innovative approach tailored to her unique needs.
A fragility fracture is a low-energy fracture, such as a fall from a standing position, that occurs when a patient’s bones have weakened due to osteoporosis or osteopenia, common conditions as we age. It can have a serious impact on an individual’s health and independence, often resulting in long-term disability and chronic pain.
Traditional methods to repair this patient’s fracture, such as using a plate and screws, weren’t viable, since her bones had weakened due to aging, making it more difficult for them to secure the screws. And while an intermedullary (IM) nail – a rod that is inserted into the bone to help stabilize and heal – might be used, it required cutting a significant hole in the patient’s rotator cuff.
That’s where the IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System came in. Developed in Rhode Island, IlluminOss is an innovative technology that allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgery using an implant that conforms to the unique geometry of each patient’s bone. With this system, Dr. DeLuise was able to achieve more solid fixation of the patient’s fracture, while utilizing a smaller entry portal into the bone and violating less tissue in the rotator cuff.
By embracing this state-of-the-art technique, Dr. DeLuise delivered orthopedic care that prioritized the patient’s considerations. At first follow-up, the patient felt great and hadn’t used any post-operative pain medications, likely because of the minimal dissection during the surgery. Her overall recovery will be faster than a traditional surgery.
This innovative approach exemplifies Ortho Rhode Island’s role in pioneering leading-edge, patient-centered care that both accommodates the patient’s needs and produces better outcomes. Read about Dr. DeLuise, and visit our Shoulder Specialty Page to learn more.
