Orthofix

The story of Orthofix began in 1980 in Verona, Italy, rooted in the pioneering work of orthopedic researcher Giovanni De Bastiani. In the late 1970s, De Bastiani introduced the concept of 'dynamization,' a theory based on the natural ability of bone to repair itself. This led to his development of a modular system of external axial frame devices that could be fitted to a bone, allowing for micromovements at the fracture site to stimulate healing. With a group of surgeons and an industrial engineer, De Bastiani founded Orthofix Srl to further develop these innovative devices and bring them to the global market. The company's early years were marked by steady growth, and by the mid-1980s, it had achieved sales of around $7 million. A significant turning point came in 1987 when an investment and management team led by Robert Gaines-Cooper and Edgar Wallner acquired Orthofix. They reincorporated the company in Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles, as Orthofix International and set a course for international expansion.

This new direction propelled Orthofix onto the global stage. By 1991, sales had surpassed $20 million, and by 1993, they reached $30 million, with products available in over 70 countries. A pivotal moment in the company's journey was its initial public offering on the NASDAQ stock exchange in 1992, which provided the capital for further expansion, research and development, and strategic acquisitions. The United States quickly became the company's largest single market. Over the years, Orthofix has continued to evolve through strategic acquisitions, such as Blackstone Medical, Inc. in 2006, which significantly expanded its presence in the spine market. In 2023, a merger of equals with SeaSpine Holdings Corporation further solidified its position as a leading global spine and orthopedics company. Now headquartered in Lewisville, Texas, Orthofix remains dedicated to its founding mission of delivering innovative, quality-driven solutions to improve patients' lives, offering a comprehensive portfolio that includes spinal hardware, bone growth therapies, specialized orthopedic solutions, and biologics.