⸺ApiFix – an alternative to spinal fusion⸺

A treatment option for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

ApiFix® was developed to help patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and their families make informed decisions about treatment options together with their orthopedic surgeon.

⸻ APIFIX

Bridging a treatment gap

Brace treatment is not always sufficient. For selected patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), the ApiFix® procedure is a less invasive treatment option than spinal fusion. The procedure corrects spinal curvature while preserving spinal mobility and avoids the permanence of spinal fusion.

ApiFix: a simpler approach, faster recovery

The ApiFix system is implanted on only one side of the spine through a posterior approach. This makes the procedure less invasive than spinal fusion and other fusion-less techniques, which generally require a more complex anterior approach. Patients may therefore recover more quickly; they are usually discharged from the hospital after two to four days and return to school within two weeks of the ApiFix procedure.

Patient experiences with ApiFix

The Internal Brace option™

At the heart of the ApiFix system is a rod that is self-adjusting in length that acts as an internal brace to straighten the spine. The rod design incorporates two polyaxial joints, which provide a greater range of motion than spinal fusion.

Predictable correction with ApiFix®

Most of the straightening of the spine is achieved during the initial procedure. After surgery, the rod is self-adjusting in length, providing additional correction while accommodating continued growth. This makes the system suitable for adolescents who have not yet finished growing.

A long-term track record of clinical success

The safety and probable benefit of the ApiFix procedure have been demonstrated in more than 800 procedures*) and over 10 years of clinical experience. Over this period, both the procedure and the system have been refined, resulting in steadily improving outcomes for patients with progressive adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

A clinical study for FDA approval has been ongoing in the United States since 2021. The results published to date are consistent with the clinical outcomes observed over the past ten years at Sana Dreifaltigkeits Hospital Cologne.

*) Data: international (total) , as of 2023.
Source: ApiFix Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of OrthoPediatrics Corp. www.orthopediatrics.com

ApiFix® FAQs

1What is ApiFix® and how is it used to treat idiopathic scoliosis?

The ApiFix® procedure is an alternative to traditional spinal fusion that preserves the range of motion of the spine. The system acts as an internal brace and can be used to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The ApiFix system is implanted on one side of the spine using a minimally invasive technique, allowing the curvature to be corrected.

2Who can be treated with ApiFix®?

The ApiFix® system may be an option for adolescents with progressive idiopathic scoliosis when bracing is not sufficient and the aim is to avoid spinal fusion.

3What are the advantages of ApiFix® compared with conventional surgery?

Compared with spinal fusion (spondylodesis), the ApiFix® procedure is less invasive and patients generally recover more quickly. The implant, which has two joints, is self-adjusting in length and acts as an internal support, allowing the spine to be straightened gradually. Most of the correction is achieved during the minimally invasive procedure, but further correction is possible as the patient continues to grow. Unlike spinal fusion, ApiFix® preserves the range of motion of the spine.