First implantation of blended vitamin E total knee replacement in the U.S

Apr 21 2011

DJO Global, Inc. ("DJO" or the "Company"), a leading provider of medical device solutions for musculoskeletal health, vascular health and pain management, today announced the implantation of the first blended vitamin E total knee replacement in the U.S. The e-plus^TM total knee replacement insert component was developed by the Company's surgical division, DJO Surgical, formerly Encore Medical. E-plus is the first total knee replacement material to be offered to patients in the U.S. with vitamin E blended into the insert component.

“I am very excited to offer our patients the highest level of technology available to maximize benefits in longevity and performance when it comes to knee replacement surgery”

In a knee replacement system, an insert component, which is made out of polyethylene, is positioned between the metal femur and tibial replacement components and serves as surface for the femur to articulate, or move, against. Polyethylene wear continues to be a weak point in the long-term success of total knee replacements. E-plus is an innovative, next generation formulation of high density polymer blended with vitamin E, a natural anti-oxidant. Vitamin E improves the material's strength while preventing polyethylene degenerating oxidation, leading to a reduction in wear. This helps the material hold up to the higher expectations of today's active patient. E-plus is the first blended vitamin E polyethylene, with the vitamin E homogeneously blended directly into the resin.

The e-plus insert was created for the 3DKnee^TM, a knee replacement system designed to improve strength, stability, and flexion in patients. The 3DKnee (Data Driven Design) is based on over a decade of research into total knee kinematics and over 30,000 3DKnees have been implanted world-wide. E-plus now adds a new level of performance to 3DKnee total knee replacement. In laboratory testing, the 3DKnee produced 57% less wear with the e-plus insert compared with the already premium performing Direct Molded insert component currently used in the 3DKnee system. The Direct Molded insert component is individually molded to have a smooth surface. The new e-plus insert component has among the lowest simulated wear rates for a total knee replacement in the U.S.

Dr. Salvatore LaCognata, an orthopedic surgeon in Mesa, AZ, was the first surgeon to implant an e-plus component. "I am very excited to offer our patients the highest level of technology available to maximize benefits in longevity and performance when it comes to knee replacement surgery," said Dr. LaCognata. "DJO is reaching out to our patients and providing longer lasting components."

"We are very pleased to be moving orthopedic technology forward with this innovative total knee replacement bearing surface," said Les Cross, president and chief executive officer of DJO Global. "Active patients are requiring joint replacements at a younger age now and are living longer. With this fact in mind, it is our responsibility to develop stronger and longer lasting materials to improve the quality of life of the patients who receive them. DJO remains dedicated to providing the highest caliber medical devices through constant innovation and excellent customer service."

Source DJO Global