Ascension Orthopedics Implants PyroTITAN™ in France

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 13, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascension Orthopedics, Inc., a market leader in PyroCarbon orthopedic implants, announces the first implantation of the PyroTITAN™ Humeral Resurfacing Implant in France. The PyroTITAN was implanted in a 68-year-old patient suffering from painful primary arthritis with synovial osteochondromotosis at Imperial Park Clinic in Nice – making it a surgical first in continental Europe. The patient was discharged from the hospital the next day and reported good pain relief 10 days after surgery.

Jean Marc Glasson, MD, who performed the surgery, commented, "One of the main problems with current total joint implants is that they are made of metal and polyethylene (plastic) which may wear out over time. We are obligated to inform our patients that these metal and poly implants have a limited lifetime of 10-15 years. After this period, the prosthesis may loosen, the poly component may wear out, and bone loss and pain can occur.  This often leads to further surgery, which may be more invasive and complicated than the first procedure.  For these reasons, practitioners may be apprehensive about putting total joint replacements in younger patients.  However, if the patient delays surgery, they will continue to suffer from pain. It is not an ideal situation."

PyroCarbon has been used in orthopedic surgery for over 30 years. It has been shown to be friendly to both cartilage and bone, making it ideal for hemi-arthroplasty and limiting the need for poly components in patients who do not have significant glenoid wear. In reference to the material, Dr. Glasson added, "PyroCarbon is a biocompatible material that is very well tolerated by the body and shows a lot of promise in the shoulder. Results with the PyroTITAN resurfacing implant at the clinical sites in Australia and the U.K. are early, but very encouraging – giving hope that with PyroCarbon, we may find lasting relief."

"The first PyroTITAN resurfacing implant in France marks a positive step in our commitment to collect clinical data on the use of PyroCarbon in the shoulder," stated Guy Mayer, President and CEO of Ascension Orthopedics. "We are working with surgeons worldwide to gather the positive results we have seen with PyroTITAN."

Ascension Orthopedics is the world leader in PyroCarbon arthroplasty with over 35,000 PyroCarbon extremity joints implanted. Currently marketed devices include PyroCarbon implants for the finger, thumb, wrist, radial head and foot. The company also offers a range of shoulder products including the TITAN™ Modular Shoulder System. Ascension is dedicated to continued research and development in the shoulder, with several new shoulder products launching in 2011. Founded in Austin, Texas in 1992, Ascension's mission is to transform extremities by developing state-of-the-art orthopedic products for the upper and lower limbs to help patients suffering from pain and dysfunction. Ascension Orthopedics sells products in the United States and more than 20 countries worldwide. For further information, please visit http://www.ascensionortho.com/.

SOURCE Ascension Orthopedics, Inc.