Amedica Corporation receives patent for knee implant prosthesis with monoblock ceramic tibial component

Sep 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. 7,776,085 B2, covering an improved knee implant prosthesis that features a monoblock ceramic tibial component for articulation with natural or prosthetic (resurfaced) femoral surfaces.  This is an important addition to Amedica's substantial and growing patent portfolio concerning silicon nitride hip and knee implants.

The tibial component is created from a silicon nitride monoblock adapted for fixation relative to a patient's tibial bone. Alternately, it can be affixed by a ceramic bearing insert component carried by a tibial baseplate member that is adapted for fixation relative to the tibial bone. In either form, the monoblock silicon nitride tibial component includes one or more upwardly concave articulation surface that promotes movable bearing engagement with a generally convex or condylar-shaped femoral articulation surface.

According to Ben Shappley, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of Amedica, the monoblock silicon nitride technology with an innovative bone-contacting Bioactive™ surface provides implants with remarkable wear characteristics and extended service life. In the long term, the technology helps surgeons achieve more successful outcomes in restoring patient function and allows individuals to return to productive and pain-free lives.

"Improvements in knee prostheses using monoblock silicon nitride with bio-ingrowth technology in the tibial component eliminate conventional polymer-based bearing inserts and the related, undesirable wear debris problems and revisions associated with the older technologies used in current implants," said Shappley. "Our unique technology allows us to combine our high-strength silicon nitride with an ultra-low wear, surface-bearing technology that is designed for secure, lifetime fixation.  This gives surgeons flexibility in design choices and the ability to improve anatomic fit and function for positive, lasting results and significant outcome improvement."

Amedica, a full-line manufacturer and supplier of silicon nitride technologies that are used in spinal implant applications, has developed unique SiN materials having disruptive characteristics for spinal, hip and knee implant applications. The material is remarkably fracture resistant, and its articulating surfaces do not produce the wear debris that is linked to osteolysis-related re-operations. Additionally, the Bioactive implants provide a hydrophilic surface and a conductive cancellous structure that enhances bone ingrowth and attachment.

The company recently entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with Orthopaedic Synergies Inc., a global reconstructive hip and knee concern known for its innovative and new implant technologies, expanding its reach into a more widespread orthopaedic marketplace.

"This latest patent for expanded use of our monoblock silicon nitride technology further marks a notable milestone in orthopaedic implants and other related applications," Shappley notes. "It also further secures Amedica's future competitive position in the reconstructive implant segment, which is one of the largest and rapidly-growing segments in the industry."

SOURCE Amedica Corporation