Approximately one in five adults over the age of 60 experience rotator cuff tears, a common shoulder injury that can cause pain, weakness, limited motion, and difficulty performing everyday activities. Traditional surgical repair techniques use sutures and anchors to reattach the torn tendon, but in some cases the tissue can be too weak to hold, leading to repair failure and persistent symptoms following surgery.
Littleton Regional Healthcare is proud to offer a specialized surgical solution that enhances traditional rotator cuff repair: the ZuriMED FiberLocker® System. This cutting-edge technology is FDA-cleared and enables orthopedic surgeons to reinforce the rotator cuff repair using a unique felting process. During the procedure, a specialized instrument interlocks patch fibers directly into the tendon. The FiberLocker® System is used where weakness exists in the soft tissue, in conjunction with sutures and anchors that provide mechanical strength for the repair.
Dr. Jeffrey Kauffman, Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon of Littleton Regional Healthcare’s The Alpine Clinic, was the first physician in New Hampshire to adopt the FiberLocker® System in clinical practice. Dr. Kauffman’s adoption of this innovative technology expands the surgical options available and has the potential to improve outcomes for patients with rotator cuff injuries where soft tissue weakness exists. Littleton Regional Healthcare’s The Alpine Clinic has four locations in Franconia, Littleton, North Conway, and Plymouth, and sixteen providers who represent a variety of surgical and non-surgical orthopedic specialties and sports medicine. Dr. Kauffman sees patients in Littleton, North Conway, and Plymouth, while performing all surgeries at LRH.
“The FiberLocker® System represents a significant advancement in how we reinforce soft tissue repairs,” noted Dr. Jeffrey Kauffman, MD, FAAOS, ABOS. “I am excited to bring this surgical solution to our patients here at Littleton Regional Healthcare. The design allows for rapid secure reinforcement during surgery and may help reduce the risk of retears while supporting better functional recovery,” he added.
“Offering advanced and modern surgical options helps ensure patients receive the best available care close to home,” shared Robert Nutter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Littleton Regional Healthcare. “This is fundamental to the culture at LRH, at all levels, and our Medical Staff leads by example. I am proud of Dr. Kauffman for demonstrating his passion and commitment by continually learning and adopting the latest advancements in orthopedics so that our patients always get the safest, highest quality of care,” added Nutter.
Patients interested in learning more about rotator cuff repair with the ZuriMED FiberLocker® System or other services provided by Dr. Kauffman can call (603) 823-8600.
