Tibia external fixation system Hoffmann LRF smartHEX™

femurtarsal jointankle

Overview
Hoffmann LRF smartHEX is a hexapod external fixation platform that combines semi-automatic, Bluetooth-enabled controllers, a patient-facing mobile application, advanced components and cloud-based planning software to support deformity correction and complex limb reconstruction workflows.

Controllers designed for semi-automatic correction
Semi-automatic correction via Bluetooth controllers that execute the surgeon’s correction plan.

• Semi-automatic adjustments: Lithium‑ion battery powered controllers attach to struts and follow the prescribed correction schedule.
• Compact, modular design: Low-profile controller architecture helps preserve frame ergonomics and clinical access.

Components and enhanced technology
Precision-machined, high-performance components engineered for low profile, improved access and radiographic visibility while maintaining stability.

• Rings and fixation: Full, open and long foot rings available in carbon and aluminum; half-rings and U‑plates in aluminum; short foot and foot‑arch rings in carbon. Rings are marked for intuitive strut attachment.
• Strut options: Mini, extra short, short, medium and long struts with double-telescoping design to extend length range and reduce changeouts.
• Sensory feedback: Hexapod struts include an integrated clicking mechanism to provide audible and tactile feedback when controllers are not used.
• Offset placement: Offset plates allow placement above or below the ring to minimize strut changeouts and enable close ring-to-ring distances.

Mobile application for connected guidance
The patient-facing mobile app connects to the correction plan via Bluetooth to guide strut adjustments while surgeons retain oversight through the web application.

• Plan guidance: App guides controllers through the correction schedule and presents reminders to the patient.
• Shared visibility: Surgeon monitoring of progress via the web app (Stryker HexConnect).
• Remote support: Enables streamlined remote residual corrections when required.
• Patient compliance: Combined semi-automatic controllers and app notifications support adherence to the correction protocol.

Cloud-based correction planning software
The web application provides planning tools for a wide range of deformities and limb reconstruction cases.

• Line tool: Visualize, analyze and plan complex deformities.
• Joint angle analysis: Full-length X-ray based module for comprehensive joint angle assessment.
• Advanced planning features: Overcorrection options, hinge point alignment and ring-to-ring distance computation.
• Expanded mounting support: All strut mounting options and offset plates supported for flexible construct planning.
• Non-orthogonal ring support: Plan with non-orthogonal ring placements to accommodate post-op construct needs.
• Single-page cloud app: Fast, scalable access to correction planning tools.

Tailored solutions for clinical needs
A broad set of frame options supports diverse correction objectives and surgeon preferences, enabling adaptation to specific clinical workflows.

Technical specifications

• Product family / model name: Hoffmann LRF smartHEX™
• Controllers: Bluetooth-enabled, lithium‑ion battery powered semi-automatic controllers; modular compact design
• Mobile app: Patient-facing guidance app; connects to plan and controllers; surgeon visibility via web app (Stryker HexConnect)
• Software: Cloud-based web application for correction planning; features include line tool, joint angle analysis, overcorrection, hinge alignment, ring-to-ring distance, expanded mounting and non-orthogonal ring support
• Rings: Full, open, long foot rings (carbon, aluminum); half-rings and U-plate (aluminum); short foot and foot-arch (carbon); rings marked for intuitive strut attachment
• Struts: Mini, extra short, short, medium, long; double-telescoping to extend length range and reduce changeouts
• Feedback: Hexapod struts with integrated clicking mechanism for audible and tactile feedback
• Offset plates: Allow placement above or below ring to minimize strut changeouts and enable close ring-to-ring distance
• Materials: Precision machined high-performance materials prioritizing low profile, clinical access and radiographic visibility