Breaking Bone develops non-invasive ultrasound-based treatments for subchondral bone diseases such as osteochondritis dissecans, avascular necrosis, and bone marrow lesions—conditions that currently rely on surgical drilling with an approximate 80% failure rate. Their patent-pending technology targets the bone layer beneath joint cartilage to halt disease progression and potentially eliminate the need for invasive procedures. The treatment aims to address the multi-year wait times and restricted activity periods common in existing care pathways.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Subchondral bone diseases—including osteochondritis dissecans, avascular necrosis, subchondral bone cysts, osteochondrosis, and bone marrow lesions—damage the critical bone layer beneath joint cartilage and frequently lead to cartilage breakdown and osteoarthritis. Current standard treatment relies on invasive surgical drilling that carries an approximately 80% failure rate, is expensive, and in countries like Canada involves a wait time exceeding three years during which patients face severely restricted or no physical activity.
Solution
Breaking Bone provides a non-invasive treatment platform that uses ultrasound technology to address subchondral bone pathology and musculoskeletal calcification at the tissue level. The flagship innovation, currently undergoing patenting, is designed to deliver targeted ultrasonic energy to affected bone regions, stimulating regenerative responses and reducing the need for surgical intervention. By treating the root cause beneath the cartilage rather than just symptomatically, the technology aims to slow or reverse disease progression and preserve joint function. This approach offers a safer, lower-cost alternative to drilling and could substantially shorten recovery timelines, allowing patients to return to normal activity sooner.
Target Audience
Orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, rheumatologists, and patients suffering from subchondral bone diseases who seek a non-surgical treatment alternative to drilling procedures.
Features
- Non-invasive ultrasound-based therapy eliminates the need for surgical drilling and its associated risks
- Targets subchondral bone specifically, addressing the underlying pathology responsible for cartilage damage and osteoarthritis
- Patent-pending technology designed for multiple bone conditions including osteochondritis dissecans, avascular necrosis, subchondral cysts, and bone marrow lesions
- Potential to reduce long treatment wait times (3+ years in Canada) and enable faster return to sports and daily activities
- Addresses musculoskeletal calcification in addition to subchondral bone pathology