Bone grafting plays an important role in orthopedic and reconstructive surgery. When bones are damaged by injury, disease, or surgical procedures, healthcare professionals may use bone graft materials to help support the body’s natural bone repair process.
Advances in medical technology have introduced a variety of bone graft materials designed to provide structural frameworks for new bone growth. One such product is BiFORM® Bioactive Moldable Matrix, an osteoconductive bone graft offered by Sanara MedTech.
BiFORM combines bioactive glass, anorganic bone mineral, and Type I collagen into a flexible matrix that can be shaped to fit bone defects. Its moldable properties allow surgeons to work with different defect shapes while providing a porous framework for bone ingrowth.
Understanding how this technology works can help healthcare professionals learn more about modern bone grafting materials and their applications.
What Is BiFORM® Bioactive Moldable Matrix?
BiFORM Bioactive Moldable Matrix is a bioactive, osteoconductive bone graft material designed to fill certain bone voids or gaps.
The material can be hydrated and used in its original strip form or molded into a putty-like consistency to fit the contours of a bone defect.
Unlike rigid graft materials that have limited flexibility, BiFORM provides surgeons with options for shaping and placement.
Its porous structure is designed to allow new bone to grow into the graft area as the material gradually resorbs during the natural healing process.
BiFORM is intended for use in appropriate bone grafting procedures where the material can be adequately contained and the bone structure remains properly stabilized.
The product is not designed to provide mechanical support or replace the fixation devices necessary for bone stability.
Understanding Osteoconductive Bone Graft Technology
Osteoconduction refers to the ability of a material to provide a framework that supports new bone growth.
During bone healing, cells involved in bone formation interact with the surrounding environment. An osteoconductive material provides a structure along which bone tissue can develop.
This is particularly important when a bone defect creates an area that needs additional material to support the natural repair process.
An osteoconductive bone graft acts as a scaffold rather than directly producing new bone itself.
As healing progresses, new bone may gradually grow into the scaffold and replace portions of the graft material.
Osteoconduction is different from osteoinduction, which involves encouraging immature cells to develop into bone-forming cells.
Bone graft technologies may have different biological characteristics, making it important for healthcare professionals to understand the intended function of each product.
BiFORM is designed primarily as an osteoconductive and bioactive matrix for appropriate bone void filling applications.
What Is BiFORM Made Of?
BiFORM Bioactive Moldable Matrix combines three primary materials that contribute to its physical and biological characteristics.
1. Carbonate Apatite Anorganic Bone Mineral
Carbonate apatite anorganic bone mineral accounts for approximately 50% of the BiFORM composition.
This mineral component is derived from bovine bone after organic materials have been removed.
Its porous structure contributes to the matrix’s osteoconductive properties by providing a framework that supports bone ingrowth.
2. 45S5 Bioactive Glass
Approximately 30% of BiFORM consists of 45S5 bioactive glass.
Bioactive glass is a specialized material that interacts with biological fluids through surface reactions.
These reactions can lead to the formation of a calcium phosphate-rich surface, which contributes to the material’s bioactive characteristics.
Bioactive glass has been studied extensively in bone grafting because of its ability to interact with the surrounding bone environment.
3. Type I Collagen
The remaining 20% of BiFORM consists of Type I collagen.
Collagen is an important structural protein found naturally in bones, skin, tendons, and other connective tissues.
In BiFORM, the collagen component helps provide flexibility and moldability.
This allows the matrix to be hydrated and shaped for different bone defect configurations.
Together, these three components create a composite bone graft material with both osteoconductive and bioactive characteristics.
How Does BiFORM Bioactive Moldable Matrix Work?
BiFORM works by providing a porous scaffold within an appropriate bone void or gap.
After the material is prepared and placed into the defect, its structure allows surrounding bone tissue to interact with the graft.
The mineral and bioactive glass components contribute to the material’s bone-contacting properties, while collagen supports its flexible handling characteristics.
Over time, the matrix is designed to gradually resorb as new bone develops within the graft site.
The process depends on several factors, including the patient’s health, the location of the defect, adequate blood supply, proper stabilization, and the overall surgical approach.
BiFORM does not replace the need for stable fixation or appropriate surgical management.
Instead, it serves as a bone void filler that supports the natural bone healing environment.
What Makes a Moldable Bone Graft Different?
Bone defects are not always uniform in shape or size.
Some defects have irregular contours, while others require a graft material that can be adjusted during surgery.
Traditional bone graft materials may be supplied as granules, blocks, strips, or other forms.
Each format has different handling characteristics.
A moldable bone graft offers additional flexibility because the material can be shaped to conform to the defect.
BiFORM is available in forms that allow surgeons to use the material as a strip or mold it into a putty after appropriate hydration.
This versatility can be useful when working with differently shaped bone voids.
Its flexibility and absorbent characteristics are designed to support practical handling during surgical placement.
However, the selection of any bone graft material depends on the specific procedure and the surgeon’s clinical judgment.
Where Can BiFORM Be Used?
Bone grafting materials are used in various orthopedic and reconstructive procedures.
BiFORM is intended for certain bony voids or gaps that are not essential to the mechanical stability of the bone structure.
According to its product instructions, potential anatomical applications include selected defects involving the extremities, pelvis, and spine.
The specific requirements differ by location. Certain spinal applications require BiFORM to be combined with autogenous bone marrow or autograft, while other indicated uses may permit standalone placement.
Surgeons must follow the product’s current labeling and appropriate fixation requirements.
BiFORM should not be used as a substitute for structural bone support in load-bearing applications.
Its role is to provide a bone graft matrix within a properly managed surgical site.
What Are the Benefits of Moldable Bone Graft Technology?
Moldable bone graft materials offer several practical features that healthcare professionals may consider during product selection.
Flexible handling: The material can be shaped to accommodate different bone defect configurations.
Osteoconductive structure: The porous matrix provides a framework that supports bone ingrowth.
Bioactive components: The inclusion of 45S5 bioactive glass contributes to the material’s surface-reactive properties.
Multiple preparation options: Depending on the indicated application, BiFORM can be prepared with appropriate materials such as bone marrow aspirate or autograft.
Adaptability: The ability to use the product as a strip or molded material provides different handling options during surgical procedures.
These characteristics make BiFORM a product worth evaluating when surgeons are considering osteoconductive bone graft technologies.
They do not establish that BiFORM produces better healing outcomes than other bone graft products. Clinical performance depends on appropriate product selection, surgical technique, and patient-specific factors.
What Should Surgeons Consider Before Choosing a Bone Graft?
Selecting a bone graft involves evaluating more than the material’s physical characteristics.
Healthcare professionals must consider the size and location of the bone defect, the patient’s medical history, and the stability of the surrounding bone.
Other considerations include the graft’s composition, available clinical evidence, handling requirements, and compatibility with the intended procedure.
Because BiFORM contains bovine-derived materials, its contraindications include certain allergy histories, including known bovine collagen allergy.
Proper soft tissue coverage, stabilization, and adherence to the instructions for use are also important.
A bone graft should be chosen based on its suitability for the patient and procedure rather than convenience alone.
Sanara MedTech’s Commitment to Surgical Innovation
Sanara MedTech is a Fort Worth, Texas-based medical technology company focused on advanced surgical, wound care, and tissue repair products.
The company develops and commercializes technologies used by healthcare professionals in hospitals, surgical centers, and other medical settings.
Its portfolio includes collagen-based wound products, surgical irrigation solutions, tissue repair materials, and bone graft technologies.
BiFORM Bioactive Moldable Matrix is part of Sanara MedTech’s bone repair product offerings.
Through product development, strategic partnerships, and clinical education, Sanara MedTech works to provide healthcare professionals with technologies designed to address important surgical and tissue repair needs.
Learn More About BiFORM® Bioactive Moldable Matrix
Osteoconductive bone graft technology continues to be an important area of development in orthopedic and reconstructive surgery.
Products such as BiFORM Bioactive Moldable Matrix combine mineral materials, bioactive glass, and collagen to create a flexible scaffold designed to support natural bone ingrowth.
Its moldable characteristics offer surgeons additional handling options when addressing appropriate bone defects.
As with any medical technology, successful use depends on proper patient selection, surgical technique, product indications, and clinical judgment.
Sanara MedTech provides advanced surgical products designed to meet the evolving needs of healthcare professionals.
