A new spinal growth system for treating early-onset spinal deformity in children
Official title: R-FIX (Rib-FIXation) Spinal Growth System for Early-onset Spinal Deformity
Funded at Apex Orthopaedic Technologies LLC · NIH-11013594 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to help young children under 10 with spinal problems by using a special system that connects to their ribs, aiming to make their spines grow straighter and healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Apex Orthopaedic Technologies LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mount Pleasant, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,238,710 |
| NIH project number | 2R44AR080507-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013594 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under the age of 10 who are diagnosed with early-onset spinal deformity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with spinal deformities that develop after the age of 10 or those with non-life-threatening conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing the R-FIX (Rib-FIXation) Spinal Growth System, which aims to treat early-onset spinal deformity in children under 10 years old. The approach involves using rib-based fixation techniques to correct spinal and thoracic alignment, which is crucial for the growth and development of young patients. The project includes finalizing the design and manufacturing of the system, as well as conducting necessary safety and efficacy tests. By shifting the focus from traditional intra-spinal methods to an extra-spinal approach, this research seeks to improve treatment outcomes for a challenging orthopedic condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for children with early-onset spinal deformity.
How similar studies have gone: This approach is considered novel, as it represents a significant shift from traditional methods, although similar concepts have shown promise in other orthopedic applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Apex Orthopaedic Technologies LLC
Mount Pleasant, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gross, Richard H. — Apex Orthopaedic Technologies LLC
- Study coordinator: Gross, Richard H.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.