Thanks to its global network of skilled surgeons, the AO Innovation Translation Center is uniquely positioned as the leading innovator in the surgical treatment of trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. This world-wide affiliation of expertise was recently leveraged to great effect when Michael Schütz, member of the AO Technical Commission’s Next Tomofix Task Force (NTTF) showcased an innovative solution for knee preservation to a large audience of trauma and orthopedic surgeons at the Asian Knee Preservation Expert Conference in Chengdu, China (May 23-24, 2025).

Michael Schütz presenting the Next Tomofix solution in Chengdu, China (left) and conference Chair Ye Huang (right).

Keen to include cutting-edge surgical solutions in their program, conference Chairs Ye Huang (NTTF member) and Kang-Il Kim (NTTF Chairperson) invited Schütz to present the next generation Tomofix project, an in-development plating solution for osteotomies around the knee. Increasingly — and notably in the Asian population — knee osteotomy is used in preference to joint replacement to preserve the existing anatomy and relieve symptoms by correcting the knee’s alignment.

Michael Schütz (NTTF member, center) with Kang-Il Kim (NTTF Chair, fourth from left) and fellow conference participants in Chengdu.

Building on the success of the existing TOMOFIX™ Osteotomy System, the Next Tomofix plates aim to address the specific anatomical needs of the Asian population while offering improved stability and options for minimally invasive surgery. Development of this novel system is being guided by the Next Tomofix Task Force, comprising six expert surgeons from China, Japan, Korea and Australia. The AO’s global network of expert surgeons provides a direct entry point to regions such as Asia and ensures that industry partners can address the specific clinical needs of local patient populations.

Michael Schütz (right) with a fellow participant of the Asian Knee Preservation Expert Conference in Chengdu, China.

The presentation of the new plate prototype allowed Schütz, an expert AO surgeon, to raise awareness of a forthcoming AO innovation which will undoubtedly add value for both patients and surgeons throughout Asia. Furthermore, it highlights the enduring value of the AO global network in delivering improved patient care and outcomes through innovative surgical solutions.

Schütz elaborated: “The new Tomofix is a significant advancement in its design to fit patients of the Asian region. The expertise and engagement of the Asian Expert Team was outstanding, and I am sure that the new TomoFix will be subsequently welcomed in other regions.”