The Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR) system recently received FDA approval. Wilmington, Delaware-based Enovis said it’s the first and only mobile-bearing ankle system with e+ Polyethylene in the U.S. The implant’s new, vitamin E-blended e+ Polyethylene insert offers improved durability, stability and longevity, according to a news release.
e+ Polyethylene contains the free radical-neutralizing antioxidant vitamin E. This helps resist oxidation and maintain consistent wear rates and stable mechanical properties over time. According to Enovis, other highly crosslinked polyethylenes need remelting during manufacturing to neutralize free radicals. That process can reduce the polyethylene’s mechanical strength by up to 12%, the company said.
Enovis combines the STAR Ankle with its recently released STAR patient-specific instrumentation (PSI). It marks the company’s efforts in continuous improvement toward enhancing patient satisfaction and outcomes. The company said that integrating the e+ Polyethylene in STAR Ankle continues to enhance the success of the implant.
“With e+ Polyethylene, we uphold our commitment to the advancement of our total ankle portfolio, merging full oxidative resistance with the time-tested design of the STAR Ankle,” said Gary Justak, president and GM of Enovis Foot & Ankle. “Building upon the proven success of the STAR Ankle epitomizes our culture of advancing foot and ankle solutions and elevating patient treatment options. We don’t just set the standard—we redefine it.”
