Orthofix International announces the launch of its FUSION Lateral OA Brace

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Dec 4 2009Orthofix International, N.V.

Orthofix International (NASDAQ: OFIX) (the Company) announced today that its sports medicine division, BREG, has expanded its successful line of FUSION^®functional knee braces by introducing the FUSION^® Lateral OA Brace, which features an ultra-thin low-profile hinge designed for individuals suffering from lateral compartment osteoarthritis (OA).

The FUSION^®Lateral OA Brace was developed to off-load knee stress for individuals suffering with osteoarthritis, and the low-profile hinge is designed to reduce interference during the wearer’s movement specifically on the inside, or medial, part of the knee. As the newest member of the BREG family of FUSION^® functional knee braces, the new Lateral OA Brace is designed to provide support for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), as well as protection for collateral ligaments, without hindering the wearer’s activity.

The FUSION^® Lateral OA Brace features BREG’s innovative thumbwheel dial that allows precision off-loading adjustments without any tools. The brace’s frame also incorporates BREG’s proprietary ProForm™ technology, which uses Zytel®, a strong yet flexible polymer. This streamlined, lightweight frame was designed to conform intimately to the leg, reduce migration, promote natural motion and provide superior protection.

“Since the successful launch of FUSION^® OA in 2006, the need for OA bracing has grown steadily,” said Alan Milinazzo, President and CEO of Orthofix. “We are proud of our ability to develop and launch innovative new products in response to the evolving needs of our physician customers and their patients.”

The U.S. market for OA knee braces is estimated to be approximately $82 million in 2010, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 7%.

The full line of FUSION^® braces, including FUSION^®, FUSION^® XT (for contact sports), FUSION^® Women’s, FUSION^® OA and FUSION^® Lateral OA, are available in custom and off-the-shelf versions. For more information about FUSION^® visit www.orthofix.com or www.breg.com.