Amedica awarded U.S patent for advance bearing technology

Mar 2 2010

Amedica Corporation, a spinal and orthopaedic implant and instrument company focused on unique silicon nitride (SiN) ceramic technologies, announced today that it has been granted United States Patent No. 7,666,229 covering its novel ceramic-on-ceramic bearings for articulating joints used for total joint replacement and spinal disc applications.  

Currently under development, Amedica's new advance bearing surfaces covered under this and other pending patents will be used as ultra-low-wear bearing components for motion preserving implants.

"The combination of high strength and toughness of our silicon nitride ceramics provides us with a unique and versatile surface-bearing technology, which offers surgeons wider design choices and better anatomic fit and function compared to currently available alternate bearing options," said Ashok Khandkar, Ph.D., Vice Chairman and Chief Science and Technology Officer of Amedica Corporation.

"The bearing technology and range of applications covered by this patent and other issued and pending patents represent a major advance in orthopaedic implants and other applications," said Ben Shappley, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of Amedica Corporation.  "With this bearing technology, we expect to bring significant benefit to both patients and surgeons alike.

"We believe we can help surgeons achieve more successful outcomes in restoring patient function and more rapid healing for patients," Shappley added.  "It further secures our competitive position in both the reconstructive and spinal implant segments, the largest segments of the orthopaedics market."