A new bone graft substitute from Orthofix provides more hope for patients with bone injuries. The recent innovation is another step forward for the medical community and the growing orthopedics company.

Bone grafts are necessary when patients have lost bone tissue. Sample uses for bone grafts include repairing fractures, helping injured bones heal and preventing movement of joints by fusing them with bone tissue. Bone grafting has a high success rate, and full recovery usually occurs within weeks or months.

Both natural and synthetic bone grafts are common. In an autograft, the surgeon takes bone tissue from a healthy bone in the patient’s own body and places it on the injured bone. An alternative natural bone graft is an allograft, in which a healthy donor supplies bone tissue for the patient. The best synthetic bone grafts are strong and durable substitutes for human tissue. Orthofix developed its new bone graft substitute to improve medical care.

Usually, orthopedic surgeons perform bone grafting operations. The surgeon must first obtain bone tissue from the patient or donor if the bone graft is natural. If the bone graft is a synthetic substitute, the procedure begins with a cut over the injured bone. The surgeon places the bone graft over the damaged bone and holds it in place with screws or plates. Finally, the surgeon stitches the wound to close it and prevent bleeding. Over time, the bone graft becomes part of the natural bone. A good synthetic bone graft substitute must be hypoallergenic to prevent infections. To become an orthopedic surgeon, an individual must graduate from medical school before completing a residency with a focus on orthopedics.

Orthofix International has its roots in Verona, Italy, where orthopedic researcher Giovanni de Bastiani developed novel techniques for healing bones. The company now distributes products around the world, including in Italy, the United States, France, Brazil, Germany and the United Kingdom. Annual sales have grown from a total of $132 million in 2000 to $564 in 2010. The company continues to emphasize innovative products for sports medicine, the spine and orthopedic applications.