Tag: tl-hex

Orthofix was founded on a legacy of innovation in Extremity Deformity Correction that continues to guide and inspire the development of our devices across multiple portfolios. In 1980, Orthofix founder Giovanni De Bastiani developed a modular external device designed to create the most favorable physiological conditions at each stage of fracture healing. This served as a cornerstone in the development of additional Orthofix devices, such as the TrueLok™ family of ring fixators. 

Limb lengthening is a complex orthopedic procedure designed to gradually increase the length of long bones, most commonly the femur, tibia, or humerus. The technique is based on the biological principle of distraction osteogenesis, in which a surgically created bone cut (corticotomy or osteotomy) is slowly distracted, allowing new bone tissue to regenerate in the gap while the surrounding soft tissues – muscles, nerves, and vessels – adapt to the progressive elongation. It represents a highly specialized field within limb reconstruction, requiring precise surgical technique, meticulous planning, and careful postoperative management to minimize complications and optimize functional outcomes.

In the evolving landscape of orthopedic surgery, enabling technologies are becoming integral to clinical practice, supporting greater precision, efficiency, and consistency in treatment delivery.

Complex fractures represent one of the most demanding areas in limb-reconstruction surgery. These injuries are frequently caused by high-energy mechanisms and are often associated with severe comminution, periarticular fractures, bone loss, nonunions, and a significant risk of infection—often in polytrauma contexts where soft tissue protection and early stability are paramount. No two cases are the same—constructs must be tailored to biomechanics, soft tissue condition, and the patient’s physiology. Most of the time, the chosen surgical approach must help orchestrate staged care from damage control to definitive reconstruction, enabling progressive loading over time, while maintaining focus on function, alignment, and long-term durability.

Orthofix is globally recognized as a leader in advanced limb reconstruction. With decades of experience and continuous innovation, the company has developed a comprehensive portfolio of solutions designed to address complex musculoskeletal conditions across all age groups. From external fixation systems to intramedullary lengthening nails and enabling technologies, Orthofix supports orthopedic surgeons in managing some of the most challenging congenital, developmental, and acquired orthopedic conditions across four key pillars: Limb Preservation, Limb Lengthening, Complex Fracture Management, and Extremity Deformity Correction.