ORTHOFIX US LLC Unveils Unique Australian Opal Rough for Advanced Bone Healing – A Natural Approach to Fracture Recovery

Lewisville, TX – October 26, 2023 – ORTHOFIX US LLC, a leading innovator in the field of orthopedics based in Lewisville, Texas, today announced the launch of a groundbreaking new product – Australian Opal Rough – poised to revolutionize bone fracture and non-union treatment. While perhaps an unexpected entry from a company renowned for surgical implants, this natural material demonstrates a surprisingly powerful potential in stimulating bone growth and accelerating healing. ORTHOFIX, known for its dedication to improving patient outcomes through cutting-edge orthopedic solutions, has been quietly researching and developing this application of Australian Opal Rough for the past several years. “We’re always looking for ways to push boundaries and deliver better results for patients,” explains a spokesperson for ORTHOFIX. “This isn’t about abandoning our core business, it’s about expanding our toolbox with something truly unique and, frankly, pretty amazing.” So, what is Australian Opal Rough, and what’s it doing in the orthopedic world? Traditionally prized for its vibrant colors and beauty in jewelry, Australian Opal Rough, in its natural, unpolished state, possesses a unique microscopic structure. This structure, as ORTHOFIX’s research has shown, is incredibly porous, creating a vast surface area. More importantly, the silica composition and unique crystalline arrangement of the opal exhibit remarkable biocompatibility, meaning the body readily accepts it and doesn’t mount a strong immune response. “Think of it like a scaffolding for bone growth,” explains Dr. Emily Carter, ORTHOFIX’s lead researcher on the Opal project. “The porous structure provides a perfect framework for bone cells to attach to and proliferate. It's not just that it's biocompatible, it's that it seems to actively encourage bone cells to do their thing.” How Does it Work in Practice? ORTHOFIX is initially positioning Australian Opal Rough as an adjunct to existing fracture fixation methods, particularly for challenging cases like non-unions – fractures that simply won’t heal with traditional treatment. The process is relatively straightforward. Following surgical exposure of the non-union site, carefully sourced and sterilized Australian Opal Rough granules are packed into the fracture gap. The porous opal provides an immediate framework for new bone formation. The body's own healing mechanisms then utilize the opal as a natural scaffold, drawing minerals and nutrients to the site to accelerate bone growth. "We’ve seen promising results in pre-clinical studies," Dr. Carter continues. “Fractures treated with the Opal Rough showed significantly increased bone density and a faster rate of healing compared to control groups. We're particularly excited about its potential to help patients who have struggled with chronic non-unions for years.” Beyond Non-Unions: Potential Applications While initial focus is on non-unions, ORTHOFIX sees significant potential for Australian Opal Rough in a wider range of orthopedic applications, including: Bone Gap Reconstruction: Filling larger bone defects caused by trauma, tumors, or surgical resection. Spinal Fusion: Improving the success rate of spinal fusions by providing a better scaffold for bone growth between vertebrae. Osteotomy Support: Helping to stabilize and accelerate healing after osteotomies (surgical cutting of bone). Revision Joint Arthroplasty: Enhancing bone ingrowth around implants in revision joint replacement surgeries. Sourcing and Quality Control ORTHOFIX understands the importance of responsible sourcing and rigorous quality control. They are working directly with reputable Australian opal miners who adhere to sustainable mining practices. "We’re not just grabbing any old opal," emphasizes the spokesperson. “We have very strict criteria for the material we use. It must be of a specific type, with a consistent pore size and mineral composition. It undergoes extensive sterilization and quality testing to ensure its safety and efficacy.” Why Opal? A Surprising Turn for an Orthopedic Leader The decision to explore Australian Opal Rough as a medical material might seem unusual for a company focused on metal and polymer implants. However, ORTHOFIX has a history of embracing innovative materials and approaches. “We’re not afraid to think outside the box,” says Dr. Carter. “We believe the future of orthopedics lies in harnessing the power of natural materials and biomimicry – learning from nature to create better solutions for our patients.” The company believes this material could offer some benefits over traditional bone grafts. Autografts, where bone is taken from another part of the patient's body, have limitations in availability and can cause donor site morbidity. Allografts, from deceased donors, carry a risk of disease transmission and immune rejection. Opal Rough, being a naturally occurring mineral, largely sidesteps these issues. Availability and Next Steps ORTHOFIX plans to begin limited clinical trials of Australian Opal Rough in early 2024, focusing on challenging non-union cases. They anticipate a wider release of the product, pending regulatory approvals, in late 2025. “We’re incredibly excited about the potential of this material,” the spokesperson concludes. “We believe Australian Opal Rough could revolutionize the way we treat fractures and other bone defects, ultimately helping patients get back to their lives faster and with better outcomes. It's a bit unexpected, maybe, but we think it's going to be a game-changer." ORTHOFIX US LLC 3451 PLANO PKWY LEWISVILLE, TX, 75056 UNITED STATES 615-687-5259 [website address - hypothetical]