Medline is launching the new UNITE Synthetic Ligament Augmentation implant at the 2025 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons’ Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Ariz. (March 27-30). The intelligently designed solution provides the next generation in tendon and ligament repair, according to the company.

Constructed from an open weave synthetic, non-resorbable material, the implant features hydrophilic microfilaments to allow for biological fluid wicking. The multifilament structure is designed for cellular recruitment to promote tissue ingrowth, leading to a load-sharing construct and repair. The device also features a broad, low-profile design to minimize soft tissue irritation.

“Medline UNITE continues to expand its soft tissue fixation portfolio to provide foot and ankle surgeons with options to help improve patient outcomes,” said Scott Goldstein, vice president of product management for Medline UNITE. “This new offering is backed by more than 30 years of clinical history in sports medicine across the world, and Medline is excited to introduce this technology for foot and ankle indications in the U.S. market.”

Nearly 300,000 foot and ankle sports medicine procedures are performed annually in the United States, with ankle instability procedures representing approximately 44% of these surgical procedures, according to Clarivate’s foot and ankle orthopedic devices market insights. The Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL) is a key ankle ligament that provides stability to the foot. As one of the most commonly injured ankle ligaments, surgical repair is often conducted using a combination of sutures, anchors, tendon grafts, and synthetic materials. When used in conjunction with Medline’s DEXLOCK Knotless Suture Anchors, this new Synthetic Ligament Augmentation implant provides a novel solution for repairing the ATFL and other tendons and ligaments.

“Various products have come to market to augment repairs of the ATFL. Currently available products are either strong, but do not stretch, or have a high degree of elasticity, but are not as strong as the native ATFL,” surgeon evaluator Matthew Galliano, D.P.M., commented. “Medline UNITE’s new implant provides surgeons with a balanced device that offers the closest amount of stretch and elasticity when compared to the native ATFL.”

Medline provides medical-surgical products and supply chain solutions serving all points of care. Through its broad product portfolio, supply chain, and clinical solutions, Medline helps healthcare providers improve their clinical, financial, and operational outcomes. Headquartered in Northfield, Ill., the company employs more than 43,000 people worldwide and operates in over 100 countries and territories.