The following is a brief description of our 2005 Research and Development breakthrough accomplishments:
Bone Growth Stimulation Products
Spinal-Stim, Cervical-Stim and Physio-Stim
The entire line of Orthofix Bone Growth Stimulators was redesigned in 2005 to offer even greater comfort to patients, enhanced user functions to practitioners and a reduced manufacturing expense to Orthofix. A Personal Digital Assistant, or PDA, can now be utilized to program the treatment unit with an internal clock and prescribed treatment times, and to enter patient and physician information for outcomes analysis.
Plating Solutions
Contours VPS
In the development of this anatomically designed plate, extensive cadaveric study was done through the Hamann Todd Osteological Collection to characterize the anatomy of the wrist bone. From this research, high and low contoured plates were designed to accurately align with the geometry of the bone surface.
eight-Plate
Building upon the success of the eight-Plate for limb deformity correction in children, R&D is underway to expand the pediatric indications for the product in addition to several areas outside pediatrics.
Nailing Systems
CentroNail
The CentroNail is a universal titanium nailing system for tibial, femoral and humeral fractures that allows antegrade and retrograde approaches and interlocking screws for stable fixation. The CentroNail was launched in limited international markets in Q2 2006.
VeroNail
The VeroNail is MRI compatible, designed for rapid return to function following hip fracture and will be introduced in 2006 into international markets.
Pain Management Systems
e-PainCare
This new pain management device from BREG is an electronic pump used for post-surgical, in-patient or home care. It can be programmed for flexibility in treatment dose and timing, and offers a reusable control unit for convenience and economy. The e-PainCare was launched in the first quarter of 2006.
Bracing Products
FUSION XT Knee Brace
BREG utilized a mechanical leg surrogate to realistically evaluate the materials technology and function of the FUSION brace. Using this as a weight bearing analog of a human limb, physiologically accurate representation of extreme conditions likely to be encountered by an athlete were evaluated. Measurements included load and displacement, and characterized changes in loading between compartments of the knee, a particularly important aspect when evaluating a knee brace for its effect on patients with osteoarthritis.
HEX Elbow
Unique materials technology used to design the HEX Elbow truly enhance its application, function and fit.
Vascular Systems
A-V Impulse System
Customer-requested and patient-driven refinements continue to be developed while ensuring the proven clinical efficacy of the A-V Impulse System.
