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Updated: May 13, 2026
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Adjustable Stiffness, External Fixator for the Rat Femur Osteotomy and Segmental Bone Defect Models
Published on: October 9, 2014
Foot deformity correction with hexapod external fixator, the Ortho-SUV Frame™
Munetomo Takata1, Victor A Vilensky, Hiroyuki Tsuchiya
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan.
Summary
The Ortho-SUV Frame (OSF) hexapod external fixator offers versatile foot deformity correction. Its flexible assemblies provide a wide range of motion for complex orthopedic procedures.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- External fixators are crucial for distraction osteogenesis and gradual correction of foot deformities.
- Hexapod fixators are increasingly preferred over traditional apparatus like the Ilizarov.
- The Ortho-SUV Frame (OSF) is a hexapod system developed in 2006, featuring flexible joint attachments for diverse configurations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reduction capabilities of various Ortho-SUV Frame (OSF) assemblies for foot deformity correction.
- To assess the range of motion achievable with different OSF configurations in forefoot and hindfoot applications.
- To report short-term clinical outcomes of the OSF in treating foot deformities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an artificial bone model with a 270-mm foot segment for mechanical testing.
- Applied different forefoot (5 types) and hindfoot (4 types) assemblies using the OSF system.
- Performed osteotomies (V-osteotomy, navicular-cuboid, calcaneal) to simulate complex foot deformities.
- Measured correction ranges in sagittal, horizontal, and coronal planes (flexion/extension, adduction/abduction, pronation/supination).
Main Results:
- Forefoot applications with hexapod axis parallel to metatarsal bones yielded significant correction ranges: 52°/76° (flexion/extension), 48°/53° (adduction/abduction), and 43°/51° (pronation/supination).
- Hindfoot applications with the hexapod encircling the ankle joint demonstrated substantial correction: 47°/58° (flexion/extension), 20°/35° (adduction/abduction), and 28°/31° (pronation/supination).
- Short-term clinical follow-up in 9 cases confirmed successful correction of all planned deformities.
Conclusions:
- The Ortho-SUV Frame (OSF) system provides a wide range of correction capabilities for foot deformities.
- Multiple flexible assemblies allow for tailored application to various foot structures and deformities.
- The OSF demonstrates clinical efficacy in achieving planned deformity corrections.
