Advanced Orthopaedics Performs Virginia’s First Meniscus Replacement with NUsurface® Implant
Local Doctor Treats Toano Resident with Persistent Knee Pain in VENUS
Clinical Trial
RICHMOND, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Advanced Orthopaedics, a Richmond-based medical practice specializing in
orthopedics, and Active Implants, a company that develops orthopedic
implant solutions, today announced that the first meniscus replacement
procedure in Virginia was successfully performed on Toano resident Dan
DeMartine. Advanced Orthopaedics is one of just 10 sites nationwide
participating in the VENUS (Verification of the Effectiveness of the
NUsurface® System) trial, which is enrolling patients with persistent
knee pain caused by injured or deteriorating meniscus cartilage to
assess the safety and effectiveness of the investigational NUsurface
Meniscus Implant compared to non-surgical standard of care.
The meniscus is a tissue pad between the thigh and shin bones. Once it
is damaged, the meniscus has a very limited ability to heal. Over 1
million partial meniscectomies to remove or repair a torn meniscus are
performed in the U.S. every year, more than the total number of hip and
knee replacement surgeries combined. However, many patients still
experience persistent knee pain following meniscus surgery.
After suffering a devastating leg break and knee injury nine years ago
while teaching kickboxing in Malaysia, 54-year-old DeMartine underwent a
partial meniscectomy to treat the tear, but the knee pain continued to
persist. When daily sports activity aggravated his injury to the point
of limited mobility and he was forced to quit many of the sports
activities he loved, he set out to see if any new treatments had become
available that could relieve his pain. That’s when he met orthopedic
surgeon Dr. Kenneth Zaslav from Advanced Orthopaedics, who introduced
him to NUsurface and the VENUS trial.
“There aren’t many options for patients like Dan, who experience
persistent knee pain following meniscus surgery but are too young for
knee replacement surgery,” Dr. Zaslav said. “We hope the VENUS study
finds that NUsurface alleviates pain in these patients, as well as helps
them delay or avoid knee replacement surgery.”
NUsurface is inserted into the knee joint through a small incision and
patients typically can go home soon after the operation. After surgery,
they undergo a six-week rehabilitation program. NUsurface has been used
in Europe since 2008 and Israel since 2011.
It has been five months since the procedure, and DeMartine has now
returned to his daily activities, including running Modu
Sushi, a company he owns that makes conveyor systems for
restaurants, events, exhibits and store displays. He feels confident he
will soon be able to resume racquetball and continue his active sports
lifestyle.
“I wanted a full solution, and not a temporary fix for my persistent
knee pain,” DeMartine said. “As an athlete and father of two young
children, it is very important for me to be able to play sports and keep
up with my family. So far the NUsurface implant has allowed me to get
back to my daily life and alleviate the pain I’ve experienced for the
last nine years.”
About the Clinical Trial
As part of the process to gain regulatory approval in the U.S., the
VENUS (Verification of the Effectiveness of the NUsurface® System) study
will enroll approximately 130 patients at orthopedic centers in the
U.S., Europe and Israel. Sites in the U.S. include Indiana
(Indianapolis), Massachusetts (Boston), New York (Albany, Rochester and
New York), North Carolina (Durham), Ohio (Columbus), Tennessee (Memphis)
and Virginia (Richmond). Participants who meet study requirements and
agree to enter the trial are randomized to receive either NUsurface or
non-surgical treatment, which is the current standard of care for
patients with persistent knee pain following meniscus surgery. To learn
more about the VENUS study, please visit or call (844) 680-8951 or visit www.meniscus-trial.com.
About the NUsurface® Meniscus Implant
In the US, the NUsurface® Meniscus Implant, from Active Implants LLC, is
an investigational treatment for patients with persistent knee pain
following medial meniscus surgery. NUsurface is made from medical grade
plastic and, as a result of its unique materials, composite structure
and design, does not require fixation to bone or soft tissue. The
NUsurface device mimics the function of the natural meniscus and
redistributes loads transmitted across the knee joint. It is inserted
into the knee joint through a small incision, and patients typically can
go home soon after the operation. After surgery, patients undergo a
six-week rehabilitation program. NUsurface has been used clinically in
Europe since 2008 and Israel since 2011.
About Advanced Orthopaedics
Located in Central Virginia, Advanced Orthopaedics is a full-service
orthopaedic practice featuring 10 separate “Centers of Excellence.” Each
center focuses on the treatment of one specific area of the body or one
type of orthopaedic health concern. For more information, visit www.advancedortho.me.
About Active Implants
Active Implants, LLC develops orthopedic implant solutions that
complement the natural biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system,
allowing patients to maintain or return to an active lifestyle. Active
Implants is privately held with headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee.
European offices are in Driebergen, The Netherlands, with R&D facilities
in Netanya, Israel. For more information, visit www.activeimplants.com.
CAUTION Investigational device. Limited by United States law to
investigational use.
Contacts
Merryman Communications
Joni Ramirez, 323-532-0746
joni@merrymancommunications.com
