Client Spotlight – High Precision Surgical Solutions from Field Orthopaedics
In 2015, Field Orthopaedics started their innovation journey as an Australian MedTech start-up designing and manufacturing surgical screws and nails for treating complex fractures.
Field Orthopaedics’ team consists of surgeons, industry experts, engineers, and scientists, and their main goal has always been to re-establish function, mobility and strength to minimise the economic and social costs associated with not being able to use your hands.
An excellent example of Queensland’s medical technology sector and capabilities, Field Orthopaedics has continued its success and growth. The Brisbane-based company now distributes their surgical products globally.
Innovative solutions lead to better patient outcomes
Field Orthopaedics’ product development was driven by consultation with the market; collaborating with surgeons and physicians to identify their greatest industry problems.
Their first innovation, a fully cannulated Micro Screw system started taking shape back in 2017. Field Orthopaedics (FO) took the prototype to the 2018 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting. It went on to win Product Design Gold at the 2018 Australian Good Design Awards® for its ergonomic design and ground-breaking storage, safety, and sterilization capabilities.
Prior to its 2019 US launch, the FO Micro Screw received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in July 2018, and approval by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) before it was used in a world-first operation in Brisbane on 30 January, 2019.
Engineered for trauma fixation in the phalanx, metacarpal, scaphoid and ulna, FO’s anatomically inspired NX Nail is the first titanium extremity nail. Available in 6 diameter sizes (a comprehensive range of implants from 2.0mm to 5.0mm), each with a fine pitch leading tip that has been shown to firmly engage the base of bones such as the metacarpal.
The innovation is significant because unlike other traditional options, the NX Nail is extremely versatile; surgeons will find there is no need for isthmus stuffing, maximising the implant length to increase the amount of thread or to achieve subcortical engagement. Most importantly, the NX Nail utlises a minimally invasive technique, is conducive to a short operative time, and gives patients faster return to function.
The NX Nail is a second generation extremity nail, based on the AO Principles of fracture management. The AO Principles were created by the AO Foundation which was formed in 1958 by a group of Swiss surgeons championing revolutionary techniques of internal fixation to achieve unprecedented results in healing bone fractures. The AO Foundation has more than 20,000 surgeons as registered members globally, holding more than 800 educational events each year.
Manufacturing and partnerships
Increasing demand for minimally invasive surgeries and improved patient outcomes, along with a growing geriatric population in the US and Australia have spurred massive growth in the orthopaedic devices market.
In late 2022, Field Orthopaedics entered an exclusive global distribution partnership with Medartis Inc (United States) – a leader in the manufacture and distribution of surgical solutions for fracture fixation.
In 2024, FO introduced the Griplasty™ System, an implant their team had been developing for 12 months. The innovative Griplasty™ System – Base of Thumb was launched in the USA at this year’s American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) annual meeting, in September.
FO announced that they recently secured funding via the Advance Queensland Ignite Spark Fund Grant for their Griplasty™ Project.
IP Protection
MBIP’s Andy Mukherji has been working with Field Orthopaedics since 2016, assisting with the patenting of their surgical screws. FO have also utilised registered designs and trade marks to protect the look of their unique medical devices and their brand across many jurisdictions including Europe, the US, China, India and New Zealand.
At MBIP we’ve aided many rapid growth Australian clients like Field Orthopaedics. To discuss the best strategic options for protection of your IP, please contact us via phone (07 3369 2226) or email (mail@mbip.com.au) to set up a free consultation with an attorney.
