Active Implants LLC, a Memphis, Tenn-based developer of orthopedic implant solutions, announces that its VENUS (Verification of the Effectiveness of the NUsurface System) clinical trial is now underway at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
Lenox Hill Hospital is one of 10 hospitals in the US that are participating in the VENUS trial to evaluate the company’s NUsurface Meniscus Implant for the treatment of persistent knee pain caused by injured or deteriorating meniscus cartilage, explains a media release from the company.
“There aren’t many options for patients who experience persistent knee pain following meniscus surgery,” says Elliott Hershman, MD, chairman of orthopaedic surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, in the release.
“Damage to the meniscus can lead to arthritis and the need for knee replacement surgery. We hope this study finds that the NUsurface implant alleviates pain in these patients, as well as helps them delay or avoid knee replacement surgery,” he adds.
According to the release, the NUsurface implant is made from medical-grade plastic and does not require fixation to bone or soft tissue. Rather, it is inserted into the knee joint through a small incision, and patients can typically go home soon after the surgery. Postsurgery, patients undergo a 6-week rehabilitation program.
Once placed, the implant mimics the function of the natural meniscus and redistributes loads transmitted across the knee joint.
Approximately 130 patients will be enrolled in the VENUS study at orthopedic centers in the US, Europe, and Israel. During the trial, they will randomly receive either the NUsurface device or nonsurgical treatment, the release continues.
To qualify to enter the study, participants must be between the ages of 30 and 75, and have persistent knee pain following meniscus surgery that was performed at least 6 months ago.
For more information about the study, phone (844) 680-8951 or visit the VENUS trial website.
[Source(s): Active Implants LLC, Business Wire]
