Growing (without) Pains

Orthogon is developing a magnetically activated, telescopic, intramedullary (IM) orthopedic nail for treatment of long bones. Traditionally, IM nails are inert rods inserted into the bone marrow to align and stabilize fractures in the femur or tibia. Orthogon’s device magnetizes parts in the rod mechanism, so the nail can be manipulated via an external magnetic coil, allowing it to vibrate, compress, or elongate the bone.

The new feature will be applied to limb elongation which, to date, is achieved by “external fixation,” a surgical procedure that is extremely painful, can damage the neural-vascular system, and leaves many scars. Plus, infections around the rod sites are common. Orthogon’s all-internal device avoids these complications.

Once the IM nail is implanted, patients are treated daily by placing their leg into a coil system that creates a magnetic pulse. The magnetic force inside the nail is amplified by mechanical means, in steps of 0.5 microns, to a distraction force of over 100k, forming a flexible callus tissue that is pulled incrementally. CEO Dr. Mordechay Ilovich tells ISRAEL21c that Orthogon’s solution will far outstrip other treatments in terms of effectiveness, accuracy, durability, and price, with treatment performed at hospitals, clinics, and at the patient’s home, workplace, or even while on vacation.

The patent pending device is still in development, with FDA approval anticipated in the last quarter of 2009. For more information: 972-8-992-6581; ilo@catom.com

Excerpts from an article by Rachel Neiman, www.israel21c.org