The Cartilaginator™

The Cartilaginator™ is a powered instrument from Extremity Medical for preparing joint surfaces before fusion procedures in the foot and ankle. It works like a saw rasp, removing cartilage down to the subchondral bone. It is available in seven styles: flat single-sided, flat double-sided and flat saw-tip, plus large and small curved (3D) styles in concave and convex forms. Each style is supplied in sterile packaging.

It attaches to a standard surgical power unit; contact us for compatible systems.

Features

Fine teeth intended to remove cartilage while helping to preserve the subchondral bone
Designed to control the depth of joint preparation and limit bone removal
Flat and curved shapes to match the joint surfaces
Concave and convex curved styles for the proximal and distal sides of MTP and TN joints
Supplied sterile

Indications

Preparation of joint surfaces before arthrodesis (fusion) of joints of the foot and ankle. The surgical technique describes the TMT, TN, MTP, CC and subtalar joints, as well as other joints in the foot and ankle; the manufacturer's style guide also lists ankle and TTC fusion.

Indications, contraindications, warnings and precautions are listed in the instructions for use (IFU).

Styles

Flat: single-sided, double-sided and saw-tip. The saw-tip style can be used for additional soft-tissue release and to reach deeper areas of the joint.
Large curved (3D): concave and convex.
Small curved (3D): concave and convex.

For MTP and TN joints, the concave style is used on the proximal side of the joint and the convex style on the distal side.

Styles by procedure

The manufacturer's guide suggests these styles; the final choice is the surgeon's.

Ankle fusion: flat (single, double, saw-tip); large and small curved
Subtalar fusion: flat (single, double, saw-tip); large curved
Talonavicular fusion: flat (single, double, saw-tip); large curved
Naviculocuneiform fusion: flat (single, double, saw-tip)
Lapidus: flat (single, double, saw-tip)
Midfoot fusion: flat (single, double, saw-tip); large curved
MTP fusion: flat (single, double); small curved
Double arthrodesis: flat (single, double, saw-tip); large curved
Triple arthrodesis: flat (single, double, saw-tip); large and small curved
Medial column: flat (single, saw-tip); large curved
Charcot: flat (single, double); large curved
TTC: flat (single, double); large curved

How it is used

The joint is distracted by the surgeon's preferred method.
The Cartilaginator is attached to the handpiece of a surgical power system and used like a saw rasp to remove cartilage down to the subchondral bone, with minimal pressure.
The technique recommends lower speeds (50% power or less) in standard saw modes, or settings such as "Oscillate" or "Ream", to avoid excessive heat.
Cartilage that builds up in the instrument can be cleared by running the tip in a saline bath, or with the sharp end of a guidewire.

The manufacturer's current brochure states compatibility with Stryker oscillating and sagittal saw systems. Contact us for the full list of compatible power systems.

Sizes and ordering

Codes are from The Cartilaginator surgical technique (LBL-170-00001-EN Rev C, 08/2024). For availability or a quote, use Enquire above or call us.

Sterile instruments8 items

Ref.	Description
168-05010-S	Flat Single Sided Cartilaginator, Sterile
168-05020-S	Flat Double Sided Cartilaginator, Sterile
170-00011-S	Flat Saw Tip Cartilaginator, Sterile
170-01250-S	Large Curved, Concave (3D) Cartilaginator, Sterile
170-01251-S	Large Curved, Convex (3D) Cartilaginator, Sterile
170-02140-S	Small Curved, Concave (3D) Cartilaginator, Sterile
170-02141-S	Small Curved, Convex (3D) Cartilaginator, Sterile
144-00032-S	Fenestrating Drill, Sterile

Codes and sizes are taken from the manufacturer's marketing literature and may change. For current information, check the Extremity Medical website or the instructions for use before ordering.

Surgical Technique & Brochures