Overview
KeriFuse® is an intramedullary arthrodesis implant for the surgical treatment of arthritis at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints of the hand digits and the interphalangeal (IP) joint of the thumb. The implant is made of nitinol (NiTi), a super-elastic shape-memory alloy that is inserted in a folded configuration through a purely dorsal approach. Once positioned, the legs deploy inside the medullary canals of the two adjacent phalanges and lock the joint in the surgeon's chosen position. The construct delivers primary stability with no compression screw and no incision at the fingertip pulp.
KeriMedical, the Swiss manufacturer, supplies KeriFuse® in four sizes (Small, Medium, Large, Extra-Large) and three angulations (0°, 15°, 25°), for twelve total configurations in a single tray. As a working rule, the Small and Medium sizes serve the DIP joints of the digits, and the Large and Extra-Large sizes serve the IP joint of the thumb. The chosen angulation restores the patient's natural finger flexion posture rather than fixing the joint in extension, which protects pinch grip and the aesthetic of the operated digit.
Design features that distinguish KeriFuse® include a patented W-shape geometry that distributes load against the cortical bone and avoids internal cortical damage on deployment, atraumatic anchorage teeth on the distal legs, a central K-wire hole that prevents migration during impaction, and an uplifted central leg that gives dorso-palmar stability (relevant for IP-thumb fusion in particular). The implant is single-use, non-absorbable, and supplied sterile in a plastic holder for intra-operative handling.
OrganoGEN is the Cyprus distributor and provides surgical support at every implantation. KeriFuse® is GESY-covered in Cyprus.
Indications & Contraindications
Indicated For
- Distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint osteoarthritis of the hand digits
- Interphalangeal (IP) joint osteoarthritis of the thumb
- Post-traumatic DIP or IP-thumb arthritis with preserved bone stock
- Rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis at the DIP or IP-thumb joint
- Painful joint instability or fixed deformity after failed conservative management
Contraindicated For
- Active local or systemic infection
- Skeletal immaturity (children, adolescents). Immature bone is outside the target population
- Pregnancy or breast-feeding
- Inadequate bone quality at the operative site, in the surgeon's judgement
- Patient unable to comply with the post-operative orthosis protocol
Technical Specifications
| Manufacturer | KeriMedical SA, Geneva, Switzerland |
|---|---|
| Indication | DIP-joint arthrodesis (hand digits) and IP-thumb arthrodesis |
| Material | Nitinol (NiTi), super-elastic shape-memory alloy |
| Sizes | 4 (Small, Medium, Large, Extra-Large) |
| Angulations | 3 (0°, 15°, 25°) |
| Total configurations | 12 |
| Surgical approach | Dorsal only (no fingertip pulp incision) |
| Packaging | Single-use, non-absorbable, sterile, ready to use |
| Pre-assembly | Plastic holder for intra-operative handling (not implanted) |
| Ancillary instrumentation | Implant-holding forceps, monobloc manual reamer, proximal and distal rasps (S-M and L-XL), Ø2 mm conical drill, Ø0.6 × 60 mm Kirschner wire, sizing patterns |
| Regulatory | CE-marked, EU MDR 2017/745, notified body 1250 |
| Distribution in Cyprus | OrganoGEN Limited |
| GESY status in Cyprus | Covered |
Recovery Timeline
| Week 0 | Implantation. Day-case dorsal approach. Single skin suture, often associated with extensor band repair (tenodermodesis) when the band can be preserved. |
|---|---|
| Weeks 0 to 6 | Protective immobilisation. Custom thermoformed orthosis covering the operated DIP joint or IP-thumb joint. First post-operative review at six weeks. |
| From week 6 | Return to normal use. Immobilisation continued until clinical and radiological signs of bone consolidation are confirmed at the post-operative review. |
| Up to week 12 | High-demand activities. Manual workers, contact-sport athletes and other high-demand patients keep the orthosis on the treated joint for activities until the second post-operative visit at twelve weeks. |
GESY Coverage & Pricing in Cyprus
KeriFuse® is GESY-covered in Cyprus. When implanted by a participating surgeon at a GESY-contracted hospital, the cost of the device is included in the hospital reimbursement; patients are not billed separately.
For self-pay or international patients, OrganoGEN provides hospital quotations on request. Request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Which joints can KeriFuse® fuse?
What is KeriFuse® made of?
How does KeriFuse® compare to an arthrodesis compression screw?
How many implant choices does the surgeon have?
Is KeriFuse® CE-marked?
Is KeriFuse® covered by GESY in Cyprus?
Who manufactures KeriFuse®?
How long is recovery after KeriFuse® arthrodesis?
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