BRIDGEPORT, WV — WVU Medicine United Hospital Center (UHC) has achieved a significant medical milestone as the first hospital in the world to utilize the I-Beam Plate in a clinical procedure. The I-Beam plate features a distinctive three-dimensional form inspired by the classic I-Beam—an engineering breakthrough from more than a century ago that made modern skyscrapers possible by combining high strength with relatively low weight. This advancement highlights WVU Medicine’s and UHC’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge surgical technology and elevating care for patients across North Central West Virginia.
The I-Beam Plate represents a breakthrough in orthopedic fixation, designed to offer superior structural stability and strength for complex bone repairs. Its unique geometry is engineered to withstand higher mechanical stress than traditional plating systems, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and faster recovery times. After its initial implantation at United Hospital Center, the I-Beam will be launched worldwide by Arthrex Inc., the manufacturer of the I-Beam plate.
“The introduction of the I-Beam Plate at United Hospital Center marks a step forward in how we approach challenging reconstructive cases,” said Carl T. Hasselman, MD.
“Being the first to utilize this technology allows us to provide our patients with a level of stability and precision that was previously difficult to achieve. This innovation is about more than just a new tool; it’s about improving the quality of life for our patients through enhanced surgical reliability.”
Dr. Hasselman is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at United Hospital Center specializing in foot and ankle surgery. He is a graduate of Duke University School of Medicine and an Army Veteran of Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo. He was a part of the team at Arthrex which designed and created the I-Beam’s three-dimensional design.
This latest achievement aligns with WVU Medicine’s and UHC’s ongoing mission to integrate high-level technology into its orthopedic and spine services. His surgical team will be the first to use the I-Beam plate at UHC.
“This really has been a collaborative team approach from the very beginning. It’s a true testament of WVU Medicine/United Hospital Center’s commitment to accomplish this goal and affirm its place on a national level. Several teams contributed to this achievement—from Arthrex’s design and manufacturing experts to my own team and the UHC surgical services professionals who will work with the technology every day. I believe this is an excellent reflection of the teamwork and dedication we see every day throughout WVU Medicine and here at UHC,” said Dr. Hasselman.
During the design phase of the I-Beam plate, Dr. Hasselman lost his daughter, Ciara Joyce Hasselman, in a tragic accident. In response to this, Arthrex dedicated the plate’s part number, CJ1/6/99, honoring her initials and date of birth. In memory of his daughter, Dr. Hasselman is donating his royalties from this plate to West Virginia charities through the United Hospital Center Foundation.
WVU Medicine UHC Orthopaedics is located at 227 Medical Park Drive, Suite 101, in Bridgeport. For more information, please call 681-342-3500.