MicroLift® TTT Fixator

MicroLift® is an external fixation device designed for controlled transverse bone transport. It is intended for the treatment of non-union or pseudoarthrosis of long bones and for the correction of bony or soft tissue defects or deformities, in adult and pediatric patients (greater than 2 through 21 years of age). In tibial cortex transverse transport (TTT), it is used for limb salvage in patients with diabetic foot ulcers and CLTI.

Built on the Ilizarov tension-stress principle, MicroLift® applies controlled mechanical distraction to the tibial cortex to induce an angiogenic response intended to support neovascularization in the ischemic limb.

MicroLift® is part of the Smart Fixator® – Hexapod System product family. It connects to the bone using half pins for transverse bone transport and can be used independently or combined with the system’s hexapod or circular fixator components to form a hybrid frame. In hybrid applications, the rings can be connected to the bone using half pins or K-wires.

Standalone use supports isolated DFU / CLTI without structural deformity, following the standard TTT protocol at the proximal medial tibia. This configuration simplifies assembly and postoperative management and supports outpatient-compatible patient self-adjustment.

Hybrid applications include Charcot neuroarthropathy with instability, active osteomyelitis requiring staged management, multiplanar deformity correction concurrent with TTT, and periprosthetic or complex long bone reconstruction.

The hybrid construct combines transverse transport with MicroLift® and multiplanar deformity correction with the Smart Fixator® hexapod in one frame, for cases where axial correction is needed alongside the TTT protocol. In the hybrid application, the Smart Fixator® ring frame also provides off-loading.

Every mechanical element of MicroLift® is engineered to minimize operator variability and deliver a consistent, reproducible transport rate throughout the transport cycle.

The closed transport housing minimizes mechanical play, and the predefined linear distraction axis limits off-axis loading. The enclosed body also reduces the risk of soft tissue irritation from external contact.

Each click produces 0.25 mm of distraction or compression. The adjustment knob automatically locks after each increment to prevent unintended movement.

The 3.0 mm transport segment half pins are positioned in a V-shaped configuration to reduce the risk of pull-out and enhance fixation stability.

In a biomechanical study of a monolateral fixator model, converging pin pairs formed the stiffest construct (Klemeit et al., Bioengineering 2023).

15 mm maximum transport capacity within a compact device footprint. A marked transport module allows visual confirmation of the total transport distance.

Directional markings (UP/DOWN) indicate distraction or compression, and numerical indicators (1–4) assist the patient in tracking the prescribed daily adjustments.

A plastic safety clip engages designated grooves on the fixator body to prevent unintended disengagement of the transport module during the distraction phase.

This product is CE-marked and has also been cleared by the FDA for distribution in the United States (510(k) K263083).