Description of the Biomet® OrthoPak®
Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator System
The Biomet® OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator
System is a nonsurgical treatment technique designed to promote
the healing of bone fractures that have failed to mend in the normal
period of time. This condition is commonly called a nonunion.
The condition of a nonunion is not rare. Approximately 1 in 20
bone fractures become a nonunion. The most common method of
treating a nonunion has been bone graft surgery. In this procedure,
bone is taken from another location of the patient’s body and
surgically implanted at the nonunion site. Metal rods or plates and
bone screws also may be attached to the broken bone to secure
the ends in place while it mends.
An alternative nonsurgical procedure was developed for the
treatment of nonunions. This method incorporated the
transmission of an electrical signal through the nonunion site
to stimulate the healing process.
®
The Biomet
System has been designed so that it is convenient to use,
comfortable to wear and safe to operate. Although this is an
electrical stimulation treatment device, you will not feel any
sensation of stimulation.
OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator
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Your Biomet® OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone
Growth Stimulator System Consists of:
• Biomet® OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth
Stimulator System
• Electrodes
• A device holster to wear the Biomet
Bone Growth Stimulator System on the patient’s waistband
or belt
• Two electrode lead wires to connect the electrodes to the
Biomet
System device
• Two rechargeable battery packs
• Battery charger and cradle
• An extremity band that allows the patient to wear the device
on their limb, cast or brace
• Foam Inserts for casted applications
®
OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator
®
OrthoPak® Non-invasive
Wearing the Biomet® OrthoPak®
Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator System
• The Biomet® OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator
System has been designed so that it is convenient to use,
comfortable to wear, and safe to operate. You should begin
using the Biomet
Stimulator System device immediately after you have read the
directions for use.
®
OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth
Directions for Use:
It is important that you familiarize yourself with the directions
for use and the routine maintenance procedure for the Biomet
OrthoPak
read the following directions carefully and make sure that you
understand them thoroughly. Contact your local Zimmer Biomet
representative if you need additional clarification or help. Your
full compliance with these directions will contribute greatly to the
successful outcome of your treatment.
®
Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator System. Please
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System Components
Electrodes
Electrodes are provided for patient
use. Low profile Electrodes (Figure 1)
are to be used in all applications of
the Biomet
Bone Growth Stimulator System.
Electrodes are mounted on a release
liner and are effective for multi day
use. (See page 14.) A supply of
electrodes is included with every
assembly. The patient should replace electrodes every 1 to 7 days.
Patients can order additional electrodes by calling 1-800-526-2579
and then dialing extension 6000.
®
OrthoPak® Non-invasive
Electrode Cover Patches
Cover patches are to be used for
non-casted applications by patients
who are experiencing difficulty keeping
the electrode pads in good contact with
the skin.
Figure 1
When the electrode retainer is properly
applied over the electrode pad, you will
Figure 2
NOTE: Remove the
stimulator before
showering.
be able to shower without removing
the electrode pad. (Figure 2)
Device Holster
®
The device holster is designed to securely hold the Biomet
®
OrthoPak
Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator System in place.
It has a clip on the back which allows the patient to wear the device
on their waistband or belt.
Lead Wires
®
Two different length lead wires are included with the Biomet
®
OrthoPak
Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator System.
The patient should choose the lead wire that best accommodates
their needs for where they would like to wear the control unit.
Additional lengths are available from Zimmer Biomet.
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Operating Instructions
Each Biomet® OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator
System includes two battery packs. Always have one battery
®
attached to the Biomet
OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth
Stimulator System and have one battery charging in the battery
®
charger. Both battery packs provided with the Biomet
OrthoPak®
Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator System are partially charged
®
prior to being packaged. Upon receipt of the Biomet
OrthoPak®
Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator System device, it is
recommended that you take the second battery pack, place it into
the charger, and charge fully. In the meantime, you may use the
first battery pack to begin your treatment immediately.
NOTE: The first battery pack may not provide a 24-hour treatment
initially. Additional batteries are available through Zimmer Biomet
customer Service. Each day, preferably at the same time, you should
change the battery following these instructions.
Step 1:
Battery Charging
Charging may take between two to three hours. In warmer or
colder temperatures, the battery may take longer to charge.
1
Plug the A/C adapter of the battery charger
unit into a grounded wall outlet. Connect the
A/C adapter to the charger cradle.
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2
A green light on the A/C adapter will illuminate
indicating that the A/C adapter is ready and
connected to household power.
3
Following arrows, place the battery pack
into the battery charger cradle as illustrated
(1). Lightly press down on battery pack to
ensure contact (2). The solid orange light on
the charger cradle will illuminate indicating a
proper connection and charging status.
NOTE: Make sure the battery in the charger is the one supplied
with your stimulator.
WARNING: Do not attempt to charge any other battery. Do not use
the battery packs supplied with this unit in any other device. Use of
the Biomet® OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator System
battery packs in any other device may cause damage or malfunction to
the batteries and/or devices. Do not short circuit, overcharge, crush,
mutilate, nail penetrate, heat, reverse the + or - terminals or disassemble
the battery pack. Do not allow metal objects to come into contact with
the battery pack terminals. These and any other abuses of the battery
pack may cause serious injury and/or burns. To ensure proper charging
and safety, use only the charger supplied with your device. Keep battery
pack dry. This battery pack must be disposed of properly. Disposal
information can be obtained by contacting the Rechargeable Battery
Recycling Corporation (RBRC) at 1-800-822-8837 in the US.
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Step 1: (Continued)
Battery Charging
4
When the battery pack is fully charged the
orange light on the battery charger cradle
will be off. The green light should stay on.
Otherwise check if the A/C adapter is
appropriately plugged into the A/C outlet.
5
Remove the current battery pack from the
®
OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth
Biomet
Stimulator System and place that battery pack
in the charger cradle for charging. Open the
battery compartment by pressing the battery
cover release button (1) and sliding the battery
cover to open (2).
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Step 2:
Preparing the System to Begin Treatment
Gently press electrodes onto the skin. Depending on your ability
to move after your surgery, it may be helpful to ask another
person to help you place these electrodes on your skin. See page
14 for electrode instructions. Consult your local Zimmer Biomet
representative should you have questions about your electrode
placement. Make sure you apply the electrodes after your skin has
been cleaned and dried. If you skin becomes abnormally red at the
electrode sites, the electrodes should be moved adjacent to the
original sites. If redness does not go away after 48 hours with the
electrodes moved, you should contact your prescribing physician.
Place the stimulator
1
controller in the holster, place the holster in a comfortable and
convenient location that is close to your fracture site.
Connect the two electrode wires into the electrode lead wire. Insert
the electrode lead wire plug into the jack at the top of the stimulator
controller (Figure 1). Choose the electrode lead wire that reaches
from the location of the device or device holster to your fracture
site (where your electrodes should be placed). The device holster
can be worn on a belt, attached to your waistband, or clipped
controller in a
comfortable and
convenient location for
you to wear for your
prescribed treatment
period. If you decide
to place the stimulator
onto the extremity band.
2
Remove the fully charged
battery pack from the
battery charger cradle by a
gentle lift (2) of the small
tab (1). The battery is now
ready for connection to
the Biomet
Non-invasive Bone Growth
Stimulator System.
®
OrthoPak®
3
Insert the battery pack into
the Biomet
Non-invasive Bone Growth
Stimulator System by
placing it into the battery
compartment (1) (replace the
cover by sliding back to its
closing position). The cover
will snap into place (2).
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OrthoPak®
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4
When the electrodes are
applied and are making
good contact with the
skin, there will be a
blinking indicator “
icon (Figure 4).
If the audible alarm and the orange light flashes with the indicator
icon blinking, the battery charge is low. Install a fully
charged battery pack.
If the audible alarm is beeping, the orange light is blinking, and
the
interrupted. First, check that the electrodes are making good
contact with the skin. If alarm is still on, detach the electrode and
repeat this procedure with one of the other electrode lead wires
supplied with your stimulator. If the alarm stops, the original lead
wires may be defective. If the
with the stimulator. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIX IT YOURSELF.
Contact Zimmer Biomet or your sales representative.
icon is displayed, the continuity of the circuit has been
icon appears, there is a problem
”
Helpful Tips
Loose Electrodes - Make sure that both electrodes are in complete
contact with your skin. Moisten or replace worn electrodes if
necessary.
Incomplete Circuit - Check all connection points, insuring tight fit
of lead wire plug into the Biomet
Growth Stimulator System device and full engagement of electrode
cable pin into electrode wire receptacle.
Broken Electrode Lead Wire - If you have checked the electrodes
and the connections and the alarm continues, a break in the lead
wire may be responsible. Remove the old electrode lead wire.
Attach a new electrode lead wire into the jack. An extra electrode
lead wire is provided in the assembly. If the alarms still continue,
please call Zimmer Biomet.
®
OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone
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Step 3:
Recharging the Batteries
At room temperature, (24°C [75°F]), charging may take two to
three hours. In warm or cold temperatures, the battery pack may
take longer to charge. Follow Step 1 instructions.
Once Daily, Patients Should do
the Following:
A. Slide down the battery door (1, 2)
on the back of the stimulator and
remove the depleted battery pack.
B. Remove the fully charged battery
pack from the battery charger
cradle (see preparing the System to Begin Treatment) and place
the fully charged battery pack into the Biomet
Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator System.
C. Place the depleted battery pack into the battery charger
for charging.
NOTE: The battery pack cannot be overcharged. If the battery pack
is in the battery charger cradle and the battery pack is already fully
charged, the charger will terminate the recharging process early. This
will be indicated by the charger having no orange light when charging
is complete. Do not be concerned if the battery pack is kept in the
charger cradle for a long period of time.
®
OrthoPak®
When the Biomet® OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth
Stimulator System Needs a Freshly Charged Battery Pack,
the Following will Occur:
®
1. The Biomet
OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator
System display will indicate the symbol for low battery charge.
(P. 10) With the audio alarm engaged, beeping will occur.
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2. Only after inserting a charged battery pack into the Biomet
®
OrthoPak
the message read
Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator System will
. (P. 10)
LCD Symbol Descriptions and Instructions
The alarm defaults to audible alarm. Press the button below
the display on the front of the stimulator, to silence the alarm.
The light will continue to flash and the display will indicate the
alarm condition.
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Symbol Condition Instruction
Treating Continue use.
Audible alarm
engaged
If beeping, depress the
button briefly to silence the
alarm. Depress the button
approximately 3 seconds to
engage or disengage the
audible alarm.
Low Battery Charge
Insert a charged battery pack.
Disconnection
Confirm that each electrode is
properly applied on the skin.
See Page 14 for instructions.
Confirm that the lead wire is
attached properly. Replace the
lead wire if necessary.
System Error
Error in the stimulator –
Contact Zimmer Biomet for
assistance.
Stimulator is
connected to
Stimulator will not treat until
USB cable is disconnected.
a PC
End of operation/
Contact Zimmer Biomet
Treatment Completion
Troubleshooting - Electrodes
• Change your electrodes as required. Different skin types will
provide for a longer or shorter life of the electrodes. If the alarm
indicates a disconnection, it is likely that either the lead wire
connection is incomplete or the adhesive (gel) on the electrode
is no longer working and the electrodes need changing.
Check all lead wire connection points, to make sure that the
electrode lead wire is tightly plugged into the top of the Biomet
®
OrthoPak
Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator System (See
figure below) and that the lead wire connectors are completely
inserted into both electrode connectors. If all the connections
are made and the symbol indicates a disconnection, it is
probably time to change the electrodes.
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Troubleshooting - Electrodes (Continued)
• Remove the old electrodes from your skin
• Wash your skin gently with soap and water then dry
• Remove new electrodes from the packaging and store the
plastic liner for future use
• Gently press the electrodes on your skin in the same place
as before. Ask another person for help if you cannot reach
the site easily. If your skin is very red, place the electrodes
slightly above or below the original sites. Call your prescribing
physician if the redness does not go away in 48 hours. It is
normal to note a slight pinkness of the skin after removal
of the previous pair of electrodes. This pinkness will fade
within a short period of time.
NOTE: The Biomet® OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator
System accurately records the number of days you receive treatment.
This helps your doctor track your treatment.
Helpful Tips
• Keep the audible alarm setting in the “ON” position as much as
possible. This alarm will help warn you of any problems with the
device. During special occasions when you would like the device
not to tell you audibly about stimulator problems, you may press
the button for 3 seconds to turn off the audible alarm. It is
recommended that you turn the audible alarm back “ON” as
soon as possible by pressing the button for 3 seconds again.
• During an alarm condition, depressing the button quickly (0.5
seconds) will temporarily disable the audible alarm.
Figure 8
®
• Remove your Biomet
Stimulator System when you bathe, shower or swim. You should
also either remove the electrodes or cover them with the additional
adhesive cover patches provided, as shown in Figure 8 if you
prefer to leave the electrodes attached to the skin during bathing.
OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth
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Helpful Tips (Continued)
• Use the Biomet® OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth
Stimulator System up to 24 hours per day. Your doctor will tell
you when to stop using it. After 270 continuous treatment days
of the Biomet
System will automatically turn off.
Caring for Your Biomet
®
OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator
®
OrthoPak®
Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator System
• Do not use cleaning products or detergents on any part of the
• Do handle the Biomet
• Store the Biomet
• Contact Zimmer Biomet if you believe that the device has been
®
Biomet
OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator
System. Please use a damp cloth.
Stimulator System carefully. Dropping or rough handling can
cause damage.
Stimulator System in a cool and dry place when you are not
wearing it
damaged or is operating improperly
®
OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth
®
OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth
If You Have Questions
If you have questions about your Biomet® OrthoPak® Non-invasive
Bone Growth Stimulator System, contact Zimmer Biomet domestically
at 1-800-526-2579 or 1-973-299-9300 if calling from outside the
United States. Representatives are available from 8:30am to 5:00pm
(EST), Monday through Friday. At other times, please leave a clear
message for a return call by the next business day.
IMPORTANT: All medical questions must be directed to your doctor.
Ordering Information
To order supplies, simply contact Zimmer Biomet directly.
The following information is necessary to expedite any requests:
CAUTION: Federal Law (U.S.A.) restricts this device to sale by or on the
order of a physician.
Single Patient Use/Prescription Only
Disposal Instructions
When treatment has concluded as determined by the prescribing
physician, Zimmer Biomet requests that the patient disposes of the
®
Biomet
OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator System
according to local statutes and regulations.
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Indications for Use
The Biomet® OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator System is indicated for the
treatment of an established nonunion acquired secondary to trauma, excluding vertebrae and all
flat bones, where the width of the nonunion defect is less than one-half the width of the bone to
be treated. A nonunion is considered to be established when the fracture site shows no visible
progressive signs of healing. The original approval was based on a PMA Study, which included
69 patients with efficacy of 72.5%. An additional cohort of 21 recalcitrant patients with multiple
prior procedures and unsuccessful electrical stimulation with different modality was added and
yielded efficacy of 33.3%. Seventy-nine patients out of 90 treated had at least 4 years follow-up
after the date of treatment termination for a follow-up rate of 88%. The follow-up results were 45
patients healed; four previously healed patients have died; three patients, who were “healing” at
the end of treatment, were healed with additional treatment. Counting only the 45 unconditionally
healed patients, the efficacy at 4 year follow-up was 50%. A subsequent survey of 295 patients
conducted from March 1988 to September 1990 by an independent agency, yielded an efficacy
of 73.2%.
Device Design Rationale
The Biomet® OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator System provides a noninvasive,
transdermally applied electrical treatment of nonunions acquired secondary to trauma.
The transdermal application of the treatment current to the patient has been also referred to
as “capacitive coupling”, to denote the resulting capacitive phase shift between the treatment
current and the applied voltage in the Biomet
System. The time varying electrical field developed in the tissue between the electrodes is
distributed through a wide volume of tissues, including bone. Thus, some latitude is permitted
in the placement of the electrodes. A 20 degree misalignment is allowed in the placement of the
electrodes on either side of the nonunion site, and the permissible tolerance in the plane of the
long axis of the bone is equal to the diameter of an electrode (i.e., plus or minus 1-3/8 inches).
Utilization of this device allows full weight bearing on the casted extremity unless gross motion
(greater then 5 degrees in any plane) at the nonunion site is presented. In such cases, weight
bearing is not advised.
Contraindications
The use of this device is contraindicated if the individual has synovial pseudoarthrosis.
Warnings
Utilization of this device allows full weight bearing on the casted extremity unless gross motion
(greater than 5 degrees in any plane) at the nonunion site is present. In such case, weight
bearing is not advised and should not be permitted as this may compromise the effectiveness
of the treatment. The safety and effectiveness of the use of the device on individuals lacking
skeletal maturity has not been established. In the presence of a maligned nonunion, careful
consideration on the use of this device must be undertaken on an individual basis, as treatment
with this device is not yet intended to alter or affect the degree of malalignment.
Animal safety studies conducted to date indicate that the Biomet
Bone Growth Stimulator System does not interfere with the normal intrinsic activity of
the heart. However, the Stimulator does interfere with the operation of certain pacemakers.
The concomitant use of the device and a pacemaker must be assessed on an individual basis,
prior to use (such as with an electrocardiogram). The amplitude of the treatment current must
be between 5 and 10 milliamperes RMS.
Treatment with this device is not recommended on patients whose electrical impedance of
the tissue between the electrodes will not allow the device to operate within the prescribed 5
to 10 milliamperes range. The safety and effectiveness of the use of this device on individuals
with nonunion secondary to, or in conjunction with, a pathological condition has not been
established.
Animal studies conducted to date do not suggest any long term adverse effects from use of this
device. However, long term effects in humans are unknown. General tissue sensitivity at the skin/
electrode site with unknown specific etiology may occur. This tissue sensitivity may be caused by
the electrode gel, excess perspiration or a combination of both. Such a reaction generally resolves
spontaneously following diagnosis and correction of the underlying cause.
Other components, accessories and parts may not be compatible, and may damage the device.
If any component does not function properly, contact Zimmer Biomet. No attempt should be
made to modify or repair the device.
Precautions
Although laboratory teratological studies performed with this device demonstrate no adverse
findings, the safety of this device used during pregnancy and nursing in humans has not been
established.
Compliance with the treatment schedule, daily battery pack change and proper maintenance
of the device and the change of the electrodes are essential. The device will not perform
properly and treatment may be unnecessarily prolonged if you fail to adhere to the care routine.
Components in this system are to be used only with Zimmer Biomet approved parts. No attempt
should be made to modify or repair this device.
®
OrthoPak® Non-invasive Bone Growth Stimulator
®
OrthoPak® Non-invasive
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Adverse Events
NOTE: With the exception of the following, no known adverse effects have resulted from the use
of this device:
General tissue sensitivity at the skin/electrode site with unknown specific etiology may occur.
This tissue sensitivity may be caused by the electrode gel, excess perspiration or a combination
of both. Such a reaction generally resolves spontaneously following diagnosis and correction of
the underlying cause.
Electrode Instructions for Use
Do not open outer packet until ready to use.
1) Tear open packet.
2) Remove electrode from clear plastic backing liner.
3) Wet finger with tap water and moisten entire gel area.
4) Place electrode on skin.
5) Connect electrode to electrode lead.
Renewal
1) With continuous use, electrodes may dry out.
2) To renew, wet finger with tap water and moisten entire gel area.
3) Reapply electrode to skin. Store in a cool place.
Notes:
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OPTIONS
The industry’s most comprehensive options:
• PEMF, CC and DC
• Anatomy specific coils
• Wear-time choice
EVIDENCE
• Backed by proven science
• Multiple scientific papers
• The proof is in the patient
EXPERIENCE
Recognized as an industry
pioneer with EBI lineage, Zimmer Biomet
has helped over one million people
Biomet® OrthoPak® Non-invasive
Bone Growth Stimulator System