University Of Utah Orthopaedic Innovation Center Announces Completion of First Bone Bolt™ Cases

Salt Lake City, UT, November 20th, 2025 – The L. S. Peery, M.D. Orthopaedic Innovation Center at the Department of Orthopaedics, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, today announced the successful completion of the first clinical cases using the Bone Bolt™ System at the University Orthopaedic Center, University of Utah.

The Bone Bolt™ System is a novel, FDA 510(k)-cleared implant system designed for percutaneous fixation of challenging bone fractures, including pelvic fractures and fractures of the long bones of the upper and lower extremities. Developed by the Orthopaedic Innovation Center, the system includes a family of implants of multiple lengths and diameters, supported by a dedicated instrumentation set and sterilization trays that enable streamlined operative workflows.

In a recent biomechanical study presented at the 2025 Orthopaedic Trauma Association Annual Meeting, posterior pelvic fractures stabilized with the Bone Bolt demonstrated more than 75% reduction in sagittal-plane fracture site instability after 10,000 simulated gait cycles, compared with fractures stabilized using traditional cannulated screws. 

“For fractures where bilateral percutaneous access is possible, the Bone Bolt™ System provides enhanced mechanical stability compared to traditional cannulated screws,” said Justin Haller, M.D., Associate Professor of Orthopaedics at the University of Utah. “Improved stabilization has the potential to reduce post-operative pain and may allow patients to safely ambulate earlier in their recovery.”

The Bone Bolt is currently being evaluated in a post-market multicenter prospective observational study led by principal investigator Lucas Marchand, M.D., Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics at the University of Utah. The study will compare outcomes of the Bone Bolt to cannulated screws in the treatment of lateral compression type-1 (LC1) pelvic fractures, the most common pelvic ring injury and one that represents over half of all pelvic ring fractures.

Primary and secondary outcome measures include: 

• Post-operative pain, as measured by the Visual Analog Scale
• Post-operative mobility
• Healthy days at home
• Length of hospital stay   

The Bone Bolt™ System is FDA 510(k) cleared and protected by U.S. Patent No. 11,553,948 with further U.S. and international patents pending. The Orthopaedic Innovation Center is actively engaging with medical device companies and strategic partners interested in licensing or acquiring rights to the Bone Bolt™ System.

“This technology platform reflects the University’s strength in translating orthopedic innovation into real-world solutions,” said Bruce Hunter, Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Utah’s Technology Licensing Office. “We’re poised to work with medical device companies and strategic partners to accelerate commercialization and expand access to these transformative technologies.”

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About the L.S. Peery, M.D. Orthopaedic Innovation Center (“OIC”)

The OIC is dedicated to advancing musculoskeletal health through novel medical device technologies, translational research, and partnerships with industry leaders. Located within the Department of Orthopaedics, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, and in collaboration with the Technology Licensing Office, the OIC has a proven track record of innovation and successful technology transfer. For more information regarding the OIC, contact Wade Fallin at wade.fallin@hsc.utah.edu.

About the Technology Licensing Office

The University of Utah Technology Licensing Office (TLO) is dedicated to fostering innovation and creating value through effective technology transfer. As a leader in managing intellectual property, the TLO empowers researchers and inventors by providing the resources and support needed to transform groundbreaking ideas into real-world solutions. By facilitating the journey from discovery to commercialization, the TLO plays a critical role in driving economic growth and societal impact. For more information regarding the TLO, contact info@technologylicensing.utah.edu.