The Orthoforge solution employs non-harmful ultrasound energy, a novel sensing methodology, and proprietary machine learning algorithms to quantify the unique properties of bone as it heals.  These algorithms identify unique characteristics of the ultrasound waves after passing through the healing site. The Orthoforge solution measures and quantifies the healing progress of bone throughout the healing process. This provides the clinician with objective data about the bone healing progress. This information can also be received as real-time measurement of bone healing via telemedicine.  This novel application of ultrasound does not expose patients to harmful radiation, which is especially important with pediatric patients.  Orthoforge can also help diagnose and assess malunions. Malunions and nonunions form with a softer scar tissue rather than the harder bone. Our ultrasound technology quantifies the difference which can minimize prolonged inflammation and a softer fibrous callous.  The Orthoforge technology can also help identify malunions and nonunions. Malunions and nonunions are characterized by softer scar tissue, which allows them to address the issue as early as possible and avoid further complications.

The Orthoforge ultrasound wave analysis is different than a typical ultrasound image monitor analysis (such as the ultrasound technique used to monitor a fetus).  The Orthoforge wave analysis measures specific ultrasound waves and results in numerous metrics.  These metrics characterize the healing site.  This characterization accounts for fracture or injury geometry and tissue differentiation (i.e. hematoma, callus, remodeling).    This is used to quantify the stage of healing in a fracture site by the clinician.  Orthoforge’s technology produces an ultrasound pulse that reaches the irregular surface geometry of a fracture site.  This uneven surface geometry modifies the initial ultrasound pulse.  Our device acquires this modified pulse, which is analyzed by the Orthoforge proprietary algorithm.  Every patient has different body compositions and healing profiles.  Therefore, daily or weekly readings can supply progressive insight as the information is analyzed and compared to both the individual patient’s bone healing as well as the Orthoforge database. 

Fracture patients require multiple office and hospital visits to monitor the healing process. The Orthoforge technology provides clinicians with quantified and objective data. Current technologies rely on subjective visual assessments rather than specific data. In addition, quantified ultrasound does not expose patients to radiation and can be monitored continuously via telemedicine. This will reduce the cost burden of a difficult fracture by reducing the number of subsequent hospital and office visits as well as unnecessary X-rays, CT scans, and other nuclear imaging.  Finally, the reduction in office visits will make clinical practices more productive while minimizing the need for patient/physician contact.