This week, Device Nation sits down with one of orthopaedic trauma's true legends, Dr. Thomas "Toney" Russell. Over four decades, Dr. Russell hasn't just practiced trauma surgery, he's built it. The Russell-Taylor nail. The Intertan. Periloc plates. Osstic bone glue. 30 + U.S. patents. 

A career that runs from the Elvis Presley Trauma Center to the C-suites of global med-tech companies.

We cover it all: IM nailing, plates, screws, ex-fix, calcium phosphate and sulfate, OTA, BBQ, and yes, a little Elvis to shake things up!

Fair warning: you WILL leave this episode inspired.

About Dr. Russell

Dr. Thomas A. Russell is one of Orthopaedic Trauma's most consequential figures. Co-developer of the Russell-Taylor intramedullary nail. Professor Emeritus at the University of Tennessee. Former Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Elvis Presley Trauma Center. More than 30 U.S. patents spanning femoral nailing, bone screw systems, surgical navigation, and bio-ceramic augmentation. Executive and advisory roles with leading device companies across the U.S. and Europe.

He has trained generations of surgeons, authored foundational surgical textbook chapters, and earned presidential lectureships and honors from professional societies around the world. From the OR to the boardroom, Dr. Russell has spent four decades doing one thing: solving problems that matter.

What He Built

Trigen / Russell-Taylor Nail — A foundational intramedullary nail. The name gave away today's guest before we even got to the intro.

Intertan Nail — Part of the Smith & Nephew Trigen trauma portfolio, advancing integrated fixation for intertrochanteric fractures.

Periloc Plates — Periarticular fixation that helped shape the modern plating landscape.

BSM Augments — Bone substitute material for structural support where biology needs a hand.

Osstic — "Bone glue." Next-generation bone substitute. Potentially the most disruptive thing on this list — and Dr. Russell will tell you why.

Wisdom From This Episode

"Look for the failures to see where the work needs to be done." — Dr. Toney Russell

• A great idea on a napkin is just the beginning. Are you prepared to commit ten years to it?
• Unexpected inspiration: Ilizarov wires traced back to a bicycle shop.
• Non-Newtonian fluids — a concept that sounds like a physics class and ends up changing how you think about graft material.
• Hip fracture care in the UK: still defaulting to a 4-hole 135° plate. Kevin's verdict: ship him home.
• Innovation is uncomfortable. Even the innovators resist change, Dr. Russell confirms it.

Also In This Episode

• The 54-tray SPD story — and what it really tells you about preparation in a rapidly evolving industry.
• Arthrex's first post-Corin pure-play recon meeting: Player 2 has entered the game.
• AAHKS preview: the third annual Rep-Surgeon town hall, the subject: change.
• Benjamin Franklin on delay: "You may delay, but time will not."
• Highlights from the Anterior Hip Foundation meeting in Nashville.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

This episode wouldn't have happened without them!!!

Enovis Surgical · Redefine Surgical · Sylke

Support the show