First UK PyroTITAN Humeral Resurfacing Implant performed at BMI - The Alexandra Hospital

Aug 31 2010

Ascension Orthopedics, Inc., the world leader in PyroCarbon orthopedic devices, announces the implantation of the first PyroTITAN™ Humeral Resurfacing Implant in the United Kingdom. The PyroTITAN was implanted at BMI - The Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle, Cheshire.

Lennard Funk, BSc MBBCh MSc FRCS(Tr&Orth), the surgeon who performed the procedure, stated, "The patient is active and independent but could no longer play golf or drive comfortably due to her shoulder arthritic pain. Compared to metal, PyroCarbon has shown remarkably better wear results on cartilage and bone. This should allow for less glenoid wear and thus reduced pain."  When asked to comment on the PyroTITAN Humeral Resurfacing system, he said, "One of the biggest issues around surface replacements is overstuffing the joint. I chose to use the PyroTITAN because of the anatomic sizes offered, which helps reduce the risk of overstuffing, allowing more movement and better pain relief."  

The PyroTITAN Humeral Resurfacing Implant offers a conservative, bone-sparing option for patients in need of shoulder joint replacement. PyroTITAN is available in 12 sizes, which are based on published anthropomorphic data of over 300 human humeri to provide an improved anatomic fit. Cartilage and bone friendly PyroCarbon offers the potential to reduce pain caused by wear of traditional metal implants as well as the chance to extend the longevity of the hemiarthroplasty joint replacement.

"We are excited to expand the use of the PyroTITAN into other countries. Offering a material with potential to preserve the glenoid makes shoulder resurfacing an option for younger patients who previously may not have been considered for shoulder arthroplasty," commented Guy Mayer, President and CEO of Ascension Orthopedics. "We encourage surgeons to learn more about the PyroTITAN and our latest shoulder line additions at the TITAN Modular Shoulder System launch on September 5 at the International Congress of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in Edinburgh, Scotland."

Ascension is the world leader in PyroCarbon arthroplasty with over 35,000 PyroCarbon extremity joints implanted. Other currently marketed devices include PyroCarbon implants for the finger joints, base of the thumb, radial head, wrist and the tarsometatarsal joint of the midfoot. Ascension plans to expand its range of shoulder offerings with a modular shoulder system that includes a PyroCarbon hemiarthroplasty option.