Key facts
- A new medical device, the NanoNeedle 2.0, is a miniaturized, flexible arthroscope designed to reduce recovery time for certain injuries.
- Top athletes, including MLB pitcher Tarik Skubal and NHL goalie Connor Hellebuyck, have used the NanoNeedle for procedures.
- The device is reported to cause less pain, inflammation, and tissue damage compared to traditional arthroscopes.
- Skubal is expected to return to pitching significantly sooner than initially projected after elbow surgery.
- The NanoNeedle was developed by Arthrex, with ongoing iterations aiming for further benefits in less invasive orthopedic care.
A new, miniaturized arthroscope known as the NanoNeedle 2.0 is gaining traction among professional athletes and surgeons for its ability to expedite recovery from certain injuries. This flexible scope, measuring 1.9 millimeters in diameter compared to the traditional 4 millimeters, is designed to cause less pain, inflammation, and tissue damage, potentially halving recovery times.
Top athletes have publicly credited the device for their faster returns to play. MLB pitcher Tarik Skubal, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, underwent elbow surgery with the NanoNeedle and is expected to return to pitching approximately 5 1/2 weeks earlier than initially projected. Similarly, NHL MVP Connor Hellebuyck returned to net for the Winnipeg Jets in three weeks after knee surgery, ahead of the four-to-six-week expected recovery period.
Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who has used the NanoNeedle on several patients including Skubal and fellow pitcher Blake Snell, highlighted the scope's potential for less invasive procedures and quicker rehabilitation. Dr. James Voos, physician for the Cleveland Browns, has utilized the NanoNeedle for procedures on five Browns players, noting its particular utility for ankle and elbow injuries, and its benefits for younger athletes with smaller joints.
The NanoNeedle was developed by Arthrex, a medical supply company. The current model is the third iteration, with a fourth version anticipated in the fall, aiming to combine the benefits of less invasive procedures with the capabilities of conventional scopes. The disposable nature of the current NanoNeedle raises cost considerations compared to sterilizing reusable traditional scopes.