The Bone Tie has been developed in order to provide an alternative method of fixation of the intra-articular or comminuted fracture, particularly in the phalanges. These fractures are notoriously difficult to manage and carry a significant incidence of poor outcome.

The Bone Tie design is derived from the Wall Tie, used by architects for centuries to shore up weak walls. Application of this principle to hand fractures has followed three criteria:

1. The method should require minimal dissection.
2. Disruption or further comminution of the fragment must be avoided or the risk of this occurring minimised.
3. The fixation device must be secure, preferably with a relatively broad compressive plate.

Any number of pairs of Bone Tie’s may be used on the same fracture, orientated in different planes to provide maximum secure fixation depending on the precise configuration of the fracture and the expected distractive forces. The method can also be used in combination with other established methods of bony fixation, such as k-wire fixation.