Arthrosurface Launches World's First Talus Resurfacing Implant for the Ankle

FRANKLIN, Mass., Oct. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthrosurface, Inc. (www.arthrosurface.com), the developer of less-invasive joint resurfacing systems, announced that it has launched its HemiCAP® Talus Resurfacing System for damage to the ankle in Europe and other international markets.  Prior to commercialization, the HemiCAP® Talus System was tested by well known Foot and Ankle surgeons throughout Europe in a four year clinical evaluation. The company reports that results from over 100 implantations indicated a very high level of patient satisfaction.

Prof. Dr. C. Niek van Dijk, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, said "Metallic implantation with the HemiCAP® system offers a promising new solution for those patients who have failed their primary treatment. For these young and active patients it is important to restore the damaged area in order to protect the underlying bone and prevent further cyst formation.  I am very encouraged by our clinical results over the last four years."

Focal defects of the talar dome are often caused by trauma and result in deep, cup-shaped lesions. This incongruity of the joint surface and resulting cartilage damage often alters contact stresses in the ankle joint and can likely lead to development of painful cysts deep within the bone.  As pain sensing nerves exist in the bone, it is these cysts and fluid pressure on areas of exposed bone that can cause significant pain and debilitation.

Dr. Ned Amendola, Professor of Orthopaedics and Director of Sports Medicine at the University of Iowa, said "The HemiCAP® Talus Resurfacing System allows surgeons to restore the damaged surface of the talar dome by reproducing three surfaces with one implant, namely the dome, ridge and medial wall. In our study we showed that the HemiCAP® Talus System re-approximates the native geometry of the talar dome providing a load sharing surface to help protect the remaining rim of good cartilage."

The company reports that previous alternatives available to patients after failing primary treatment were to opt for total ankle replacements or ankle fusions.  Each of these options are associated with compromises for the patient as an ankle replacement removes a significant amount of bone and has a higher risk of failure than other joint replacements and fusion permanently eliminates the movement of the ankle joint. The company boasts that the HemiCAP® Talus implant now gives patients another option that is significantly less invasive, preserves the joint and allows for normal activity.

The Arthrosurface HemiCAP® Talus System is part of its Focal to Total Joint Platform Technology that offers over 150 different sizes and shapes to effectively cover the damaged area and precisely match the contours of the patients' joint surface as measured at the time of surgery.

SOURCE Arthrosurface, Inc.