If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix advanced fusion technology, a bit of surgeon humor, and a Terminator reference, this is a video you won’t want to miss.
At a recent event, Vytautas Ringus, MD from Oklahoma sat down with Natasha Yusta from Enovis Foot & Ankle for a quick-fire round of Hot Takes. The question? “What’s your favorite Enovis technology?”
From DynaNail® TTC to DynaNail Helix™ — The Evolution in Motion Dr. Ringus has used nearly every major Enovis system in the book — from MIS solutions to Centrolock, and everything in between. But when it comes down to it, one technology family stands out. “I think for me, on a usage-to-usage basis, it’s the NiTiNOL technology you guys use.” He explains how his journey evolved starting with DynaNail®, then progressing through the Mini, Hybrid, and ultimately the Helix. Each iteration, he says, has brought more versatility and simplicity to complex fusions.
“They were progressively more useful and more dynamic versions of the ones before. The Helix is as strong as the Mini or Hybrid, but with a much simpler technique.”
The Terminator Analogy You Didn’t Know You Needed
Dr. Ringus compares the evolution of these systems to the Terminator movies — and honestly, it tracks.
“It’s like Robert Patrick in Terminator 2 — you know, liquid metal. And then in the third one, there’s the female Terminator who’s part liquid, part skeleton. That’s the Helix.”
The analogy might make you laugh, but it’s surprisingly accurate. Each generation of the DynaNail® system has built on the last — getting stronger, smarter, and more adaptive
.Looking Ahead
For Dr. Ringus, the Helix has become his go-to for challenging fusion cases from Charcot deformities to revision surgeries. “It’s been my workhorse for complex cases — subtalar or tibiotalar fusions with hard bone or difficult anatomy.”
And he’s not stopping there. He even predicts the next “installment” in the DynaNail saga, likening it to the next Terminator sequel.
“The future could be like Terminator Salvation — maybe a 4.0 or 5.0 cannulated Helix screw that accelerates fusion even more.”
Why It Works
Behind the humor, there’s a powerful truth: each innovation has made fusion surgery more reproducible and surgeon-friendly. From the original DynaNail® to today’s Helix, the goal remains the same — giving surgeons control and confidence in the hardest cases.
And sometimes, the best way to explain progress is through a Terminator metaphor.
Listen to the full conversation here.
(link to YouTube video here)
Dr. Ringus is a paid consultant at Enovis