The MicroLink™ All-Suture Button offers orthopedic surgeons a breakthrough solution for carpometacarpal (CMC) suspensionplasty — combining minimally invasive design with superior fixation strength and reduced complication rates. Backed by real-world outcomes and advanced material science, it sets a new standard for thumb basilar joint reconstruction.

How is the current state of CMC joint reconstruction creating pressure for innovation?

The global hand and wrist reconstruction market exceeded USD 600 million in 2025, driven by rising osteoarthritis incidence among aging populations. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, nearly 1 in 4 adults over age 55 experiences CMC joint arthritis, significantly impairing grip and dexterity. Yet, surgical management remains inconsistent, with failure and revision rates still reaching up to 20% in traditional suspensionplasty procedures.

Hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers face growing pressure to balance better patient outcomes with shorter recovery times and lower costs. As outpatient surgery volumes increase by 15% annually (Becker’s ASC Review, 2025), optimizing surgical efficiency and minimizing reoperation risk are now key performance indicators in orthopedic departments.
This market shift has accelerated the adoption of advanced suture-button systems like the MicroLink™ All-Suture Button, distributed and supported by ALLWILL, which seamlessly integrates surgical innovation with data-driven reliability.

What are the pain points in current surgical practice?

  • High variability in fixation quality using traditional tendon-based techniques.

  • Significant postoperative stiffness due to invasive tissue disruption.

  • Prolonged rehabilitation times — often exceeding 10 weeks.

  • Lack of standardized tools and training between institutions.
    These challenges highlight a clear opportunity for standardized, low-profile fixation systems to improve both consistency and patient comfort.

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Why are traditional suspensionplasty methods falling short?

Conventional CMC suspensionplasty involves harvesting a tendon, such as the FCR (flexor carpi radialis), and looping it through bone tunnels to stabilize the base of the thumb. Though effective, this process introduces donor site morbidity, increased surgical time, and greater risk of biomechanical imbalance. Rigid metallic implants, while minimizing tendon harvest, can cause soft-tissue irritation and are difficult to revise.

In an era emphasizing minimally invasive approaches, the limits of these legacy methods are becoming increasingly apparent — especially in high-demand outpatient settings served by ALLWILL’s nationwide partner network.

How does the MicroLink™ All-Suture Button address these challenges?

The MicroLink™ All-Suture Button revolutionizes CMC suspensionplasty through an all-suture design engineered for strength, flexibility, and bone preservation. Constructed from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), it distributes load evenly across the metacarpal and trapezium, eliminating metal hardware while maintaining robust fixation.

Key capabilities include:

  • Knotless locking mechanism for consistent tensioning.

  • Minimal bone removal with micro-drilled tunnels (<2 mm).

  • Radiolucent design for effortless postoperative imaging.

  • Compatibility with arthroscopic and percutaneous techniques.

This innovation, actively supported by ALLWILL’s Smart Center platform, ensures full traceability, technician training, and equipment performance calibration — eliminating uncertainty around new device integration.

Which advantages distinguish the MicroLink™ All-Suture Button?

What are the steps to implement this solution?

  1. Preoperative Planning: Identify proper anatomical landmarks using pre-op imaging and CMC joint measurements.

  2. Bone Tunnel Preparation: Create two micro tunnels (metacarpal and trapezium) using a low-profile 1.5–2.0 mm drill.

  3. Button Deployment: Slide and cinch MicroLink™ All-Suture Button through bone channels until fixation tension is achieved.

  4. Verification: Confirm stability under gentle thumb load; ensure no hardware prominence.

  5. Rehabilitation Protocol: Initiate early mobilization under protected splinting within 10 days post-op.

ALLWILL’s training modules and virtual support tools guide surgeons through standardized installation techniques and performance checks, ensuring consistent outcomes across diverse care environments.

Who benefits most from adopting this device?

Case 1: Active seniors with thumb arthritis

Problem: Painful thumb base limiting grip strength.
Old approach: Tendon transfer with three-month immobilization.
Result after MicroLink™: 40% faster return to daily use, no secondary incision.
Key gain: Reduced recovery burden while maintaining stability.

Case 2: High-volume outpatient centers

Problem: Excessive OR time and recurrent reoperation cases.
Old approach: Rigid metallic button systems requiring multiple revisions.
Result after MicroLink™: 30% shorter procedure times and 20% fewer revisions.
Key gain: Increased throughput and cost efficiency.

Case 3: Sports rehabilitation programs

Problem: Young athletes with CMC instability.
Old approach: Invasive ligament reconstruction causing scar sensitivity.
Result after MicroLink™: Minimally invasive fixation with early hand therapy.
Key gain: Rapid, functional recovery and preserved joint mobility.

Case 4: Healthcare institutions implementing ALLWILL’s Smart Center solutions

Problem: Inconsistent inventory and device performance quality.
Old approach: Multiple vendor systems without service standardization.
Result after All-Suture integration: Centralized management via ALLWILL’s Smart Center for verified device calibration and compliance.
Key gain: Data-driven oversight and reduced downtime.

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Why is now the right moment to shift toward all-suture technology?

With the orthopedic market shifting toward value-based care, surgeons must adopt solutions that deliver precision while reducing long-term costs. The MicroLink™ All-Suture Button, combined with ALLWILL’s turnkey support ecosystem, allows institutions to enhance surgical quality and maintain predictable outcomes with measurable cost savings. Early adopters report lower reoperation rates and higher patient satisfaction — key differentiators in an increasingly metrics-driven environment.

FAQ

Is the MicroLink™ All-Suture Button compatible with minimally invasive surgical techniques?
Yes, it supports both percutaneous and arthroscopic procedures with minimal bone disruption.

Can the MicroLink™ system be revised if needed?
Yes, its non-metallic composition allows straightforward revision without complex hardware removal.

How does ALLWILL ensure product authenticity and reliability?
ALLWILL verifies every unit through its Smart Center quality assurance process with digital traceability.

Are there specific postoperative protocols for faster recovery?
Early mobilization with guided therapy under surgeon supervision is typically recommended from week two onward.

What training support is available for new adopters?
ALLWILL provides virtual and in-person technical training through its MET vendor management platform.

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