BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Orthofix International (NASDAQ: OFIX) (the Company) announced today that its sports medicine division, BREG, has launched an innovative new line of foot and ankle products. Vectra™ Premium Air Walker Boots are designed to provide patients with post-surgical support and stabilization while also improving comfort and allowing increased wear time in order to promote post-surgical healing.
The new line of Vectra™ Premium Air Walker Boots features three patent-pending technologies designed to improve patient comfort and promote better compliance and healing.
Fold-Over Air Pump and Release Valve – The walker boots integrate a pneumatic pump and valve into the boot liner using a unique fold-over collar that allows the patient to move the collar to the most comfortable position. This is designed to eliminate painful pressure against the leg, which can occur with some walker boots when the patient tightens the top adjustment strap.
Removable Heel Clip – The Vectra™ boot is the only walker to feature a removable heel clip, allowing it to accommodate both closed and open heel applications.
Dual-Axis Rocker Bottom – The Vectra™ boot is also the only walker with a dual-axis rocker bottom designed to improve patient gait by mirroring a normal walking pattern from lateral heel strike to medial toe-off propulsion. Additionally, the large foot-bed can accommodate post-operative dressing and bandages.
“The Vectra™ Premium Air Walker Boots were designed to be differentiated within the marketplace and set a new standard in post-operative care of the foot and ankle by improving patient compliance and healing through increased comfort,” said Alan Milinazzo, President and CEO of Orthofix. “This addition to our broad product portfolio demonstrates our continuing commitment to provide our physician customers with new technology to enhance the post-operative treatment of their patients.”
The U.S. market for pneumatic walker boots is estimated to be approximately $115 million in 2010, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 5%.
The line of Vectra™ Premium Air Walker Boots also includes a lightweight version with a low-profile foot-bed design and full-circumferential strapping for stability. It incorporates a contoured liner and aluminum uprights to provide a custom fit, and a moisture-wicking inner layer to enhance patient comfort.
The full line of Vectra™ Air Walker Boots includes Vectra™ Premium Air, Vectra™ Premium and Vectra™ Lite, available in tall and short profiles and various foot sizes.
