Bone Tape: A new paradigm in CMFS reconstruction

Much like a shattered vase, reconstruction of the craniomaxillofacial skeleton (CMFS) requires the simultaneous alignment and stabilization of multiple articulated fragments for successful reconstruction. Fragments are accessed from different incisions and entry points that are not simultaneously visible, making perfect anatomic alignment in 3D technically challenging. Tape can facilitate temporary stabilization of multiple fragments with enough flexibility to adjust the alignment and perfect it prior to permanent rigid bonding. As a surface-bonding device, tape is less invasive than hardware and is not dependent on limited areas of dense bone. The flexibility of tape allows wrapping and bonding to complex bony contours yielding 3D matrix-type (vs. linear) stabilization.

In vivo study has demonstrated the healing of zygomatic fractures stabilized with Bone Tape without any adverse histologic reactions. Additional work is ongoing in optimizing the tape formulation and workflow leading to further in vivo preclinical testing. Commercialization of Bone Tape is being led by a new start-up company Cohesys.

Healed osteomy.