FDA trial will see if artificial cartilage can protect against arthritis, knee replacements
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – For the first time in the U.S., surgeons at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center have implanted a plastic device designed to help patients with injured or deteriorating meniscus cartilage. The meniscus is located between the thigh and shin bones and once it’s damaged can’t heal on its own.
“We don’t have many options for these patients, unfortunately. Once the meniscus is damaged, pain sets in and can ultimately lead to arthritis and the need for knee replacement surgery,” said Dr. Christopher Kaeding, the surgeon who implanted the device and executive director of OSU Sports Medicine. “If this implant works as well as we think it will, it fills a gap in our treatment spectrum for those with injuries to their meniscus,” said Kaeding.
Currently about 720,000 patients a year undergo knee replacement surgery, but that number is expected to swell to more than 3.5 million cases by 2030, an increase of nearly 400 percent.
“We’re hoping this implant can not only alleviate the pain in these patients but help them avoid, or at least delay, a knee replacement procedure,” said Kaeding.
Go inside the OR for this historic procedure and meet the first person in the U.S. to get the implant by clicking on the video box to the left. To read the full press release, “click to read more” below.
