SINTX Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SINT) announced the submission of a 510(k) premarket notification to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its novel silicon nitride osteotomy wedges, marking the company's official entry into the foot and ankle reconstruction market. The advanced ceramics innovator is extending its proven silicon nitride technology beyond spinal applications into the growing orthopedic reconstruction sector.
The devices are manufactured from SINTX's proprietary medical-grade silicon nitride (Si₃N₄), a biomaterial with an established clinical track record of over 50,000 spinal interbody fusion devices implanted since 2008. This FDA submission represents the company's strategic expansion into the global foot and ankle fusion market, currently valued at approximately $750.5 million and expected to reach $1.38 billion by 2032 according to industry research.
Silicon Nitride's Clinical Advantages
Silicon nitride offers several distinct clinical advantages that differentiate it from conventional orthopedic biomaterials. Unlike PEEK or titanium, Si₃N₄ has been shown to actively promote bone cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated enhanced osseointegration and fusion potential due to the material's inherent surface chemistry and nanotopography.
The biomaterial also exhibits antimicrobial properties without requiring additional coatings. Si₃N₄ has been shown to inhibit bacterial colonization and proliferation, including several antibiotic-resistant strains, through inherent surface chemistry. This characteristic is particularly valuable in foot and ankle procedures where hardware-related infections remain a persistent challenge despite current best practices.
Additionally, Si₃N₄ implants are intrinsically radiolucent with clearly visible boundaries on X-ray and CT scans. This property facilitates precise intraoperative placement and clear post-operative evaluation of bone healing, unlike metal implants which obscure fusion assessment.
"We believe Si₃N₄ is the ideal orthopedic biomaterial for fusion procedures where infection risk, healing rate, and long-term stability are paramount," said Eric Olson, CEO of SINTX Technologies.
Surgical Innovation and Design
SINTX has developed proprietary implant geometries in collaboration with leading foot and ankle surgeons to optimize biomechanical correction, surface area contact, and ease of insertion. The company plans to pair each implant system with sterile, single-use instrument kits to enhance surgical efficiency and sterility.
The disposable instrument approach is designed to reduce intraoperative delays, eliminate reprocessing errors, and decrease OR turnover time—benefits that hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers will value. Lisa Marie Del Re, Chief Commercial Officer of SINTX Technologies, emphasized that the approach "goes beyond innovation in material science" by reimagining the surgical experience to improve outcomes, enhance efficiency, and deliver stronger economic value across the care continuum.
Market Strategy and Commercial Outlook
The FDA submission is supported by over a decade of clinical and preclinical data on SINTX's Si₃N₄ biomaterial, including peer-reviewed publications, biocompatibility studies, and documented fusion success. With input from high-volume reconstructive surgeons, the company anticipates strong early adoption of its foot and ankle portfolio.
This launch represents a key growth catalyst for SINTX, with the potential to drive meaningful revenue through broader market penetration and increasing procedural demand across both hospital and ambulatory surgery center settings. The company positions the technology as a platform that addresses multiple stakeholder needs: supporting successful bone fusion and reducing infection risk for patients, providing enhanced intraoperative visualization and ease of use for surgeons, and offering operational efficiencies for healthcare providers.
"This is not just another foot fusion product line—this is a platform," added Olson. "A platform built on a proven material, rooted in over a decade of clinical experience, and refined with thoughtful surgical design. We believe SINTX is redefining what's possible in orthopedic advancements."
The implants will be manufactured at SINTX Technologies' FDA-audited and ISO-certified manufacturing facility and distributed under the company name SiNAPTIC Surgical, which SINTX acquired on July 1, 2025.
