The Bioprofile company was founded in 1999 by three young biomechanical engineers impressed by the unique properties of the new material called pyrocarbon. They decided to make use of its properties to respond to the needs and challenges of surgery. Orthopedic applications of this technology have proved their effectiveness for several decades.
Bioprofile is one of the few companies in the world to master this technology that requires the complex technical know-how acquired from experience at the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA).
Quite naturally it has become the European leader in the design and manufacture of pyrocarbon orthopedic prostheses.

1960        
First creation of pyrocarbon (pyrolytic carbon) at the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) in Grenoble in a collaborative effort with General Atomic, its American counterpart.

Pyrocarbon is a dense and isotropic ceramic material.
It has a graphite substrate covered by a thick carbon layer that is 300 to 500 µm thick. This is accomplished in a reactor by means of a Chemical Vapor Deposition process (CVD).
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The main known characteristic of this new material was resistance to temperatures above 2000°C. Its biomedical properties were not yet identified.

1968         
Implementation of the first pyrocarbon heart valve, a revolutionary answer to the problems of thrombogenicity and wear of the valve.

This mechanical valve that included pyrocarbon became the predominant type.
Over 2 million patients have benefited to date. 
 
1979 
Installation of a series of metacarpo-phalangeal implants using a pyrocarbon-pyrocarbon couple (Mayo Clinic, USA)

1994 
Development of the first proximal scaphoid implant in pyrocarbon (APSI) by the future founders of Bioprofile.

Recognition of the excellent properties of pyrocarbon in direct contact with bone.  It was observed to be almost without of wear and gave significant relief from pain.

1999 
Creation of Bioprofile by three engineers from CEA: Cécile Real, Michel Hassler and Olivier Huet.

2001  
Bioprofile awarded Certification ISO 9002 – ISO 13488

2002  
Receives Certification ISO 9001 - ISO 13485 and CE Mark.
Markets a range of pyrocarbon implants:
• STPI (STT osteoarthritis)
• PI2 (trapezectomy)
• RCPI (wrist arthroplasty)
• MoPyC (radial head prosthesis).

2004 
New facilities and construction of sterile manufacturing site.

2005  
Bioprofile joined the American company Nexa Orthopedics, which specializes in implants for surgery of feet and extremities.

2007
Bioprofile Nexa joined the Tornier Group.

2008
Bioprofile becomes the Tornier brand dedicated to pyrocarbon implants for the upper extremities.