Drs. Roman Natoli and Michael Weaver discuss how implant biomechanics can influence the biological environment of fracture healing. They explore the principles behind controlled axial micromotion, early clinical experience with OrthoXel’s Apex Micromotion Nailing Systems, and the research shaping its potential role in tibial and femoral fracture fixation.

Learn more about the clinical evidence supporting micromotion technology on the OrthoXel website.

Thank you to the OTA, Dr. Natoli and Dr. Weaver for an engaging conversation about the evolving science of fracture fixation and healing.

In this episode of the OTA Podcast, we bring together leading voices in orthopaedic trauma and bone healing to discuss the challenges and innovations shaping the treatment of tibial fractures.

Host Hannah Dailey, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at OrthoXel, is joined by Sean Campbell, MD and Augustine Saiz, MD, orthopaedic trauma surgeons at UC Davis. Together, they explore the biological and mechanical principles behind successful tibial union, discuss strategies for managing complex fractures, and share clinical insights from their experience treating these challenging injuries.

The conversation covers current evidence, real-world case considerations, and emerging technologies that may improve patient outcomes, making this episode valuable for orthopaedic surgeons, residents, fellows, and anyone interested in advancing fracture care.

In this episode:

• 00:00 Introduction & sponsor disclosure

• 00:01 Meet the guests

• 00:02 High-risk tibial fractures and non-union
• 00:05 Delayed union: what surgeons look for
• 00:07 The patient and economic impact of slow healing

• 00:09 Mechanobiology explained
• 00:11 Why 1 mm of controlled micromotion?
• 00:13 Micromotion vs. traditional dynamization
• 00:16 Clinical experience with the Apex Micromotion Tibial Nail
• 00:20 Polytrauma, weight-bearing, and complex cases
• 00:22 Bone transport and infection applications
• 00:23 Surgical workflow and technique
• 00:24 Closing remarks

Tune in for an engaging discussion on the science and clinical practice behind improving outcomes for patients with tibial fractures.

In our latest podcast episode, we chatted to Dr. Joseph Johnson, MD of UAB Medicine in Birmingham, Alabama to discuss his experience to date using OrthoXel’s Apex Tibial Nail as part of an ongoing clinical study.

Dr. Johnson shared what first sparked his interest in micromotion technology, his early clinical experience with Apex, and how he believes controlled axial micromotion could play an important role in supporting fracture healing while maintaining stability.

It was a valuable discussion covering tibial fixation, clinical research, and the future of fracture healing.

Visit www.orthoxel.com for more info.

00:00 — Introduction & Episode Overview
00:30 — Meet Dr. Joseph Johnson
01:14 — Why Micromotion Technology Matters
03:27 — The Challenge of Tibial Nonunion
05:07 — High-Risk Patients & Healing Concerns
07:07 — Economic Impact of Delayed Healing
09:24 — Overview of the UAB Clinical Study
11:27 — Key Outcome Measures & Time to Union
13:31 — Building Research Infrastructure at UAB
14:45 — Challenges with Patient Follow-Up
17:06 — Recruitment & Trust in Clinical Research
18:31 — Early Surgical Experience with Apex
20:19 — Closing Remarks