OrthoSensor, Stryker partner for intelligent knee surgical trial

Stryker Corporation's Orthopaedics Division and OrthoSensor, Inc., the leader in intelligent orthopaedics, today announced an agreement in which OrthoSensor will provide the OrthoSensor™ Knee Trial, designed for use with Stryker's Triathlon Knee System. The OrthoSensor Knee Trial is an intelligent trial that provides quantitative, intra-operative feedback to surgeons to optimize joint balance during total knee arthroplasty.  

The OrthoSensor Knee Trial has embedded micro-electronics and sensors in single-use trial inserts, delivering data to optimize the final ligament balance and patients' specific joint kinematics.  The sensor wirelessly transmits this key information to a graphic display of real-time feedback, enabling the surgeon to visualize and quantify joint loading and balance.  With this evidence, the surgeon can make an informed choice to modify implant positioning, adjust leg alignment and optimize soft tissue balance through a full range of motion.

"The single radius design philosophy of Stryker knees is a perfect complement to OrthoSensor's innovative technology," said Doug Leach, vice president of global research and development, knee reconstruction at Stryker Orthopaedics. "The Triathlon Knee System is uniquely suited to the finer elements of ligament balancing and being able to take advantage of this new offering provides us with the opportunity to combine our advanced orthopaedic implant technology with cutting-edge sensor technology."

Stryker's Triathlon Knee System offers patients the potential for improved motion and better fit, and remains classified as the knee system that outperforms the most frequently used brands in terms of revision rates as identified in the National Joint Registry of England and Wales.

"By integrating sensors into the surgical suite, OrthoSensor is leading the evolution in intelligent orthopaedic surgery and we are pleased to collaborate with Stryker Orthopaedics to turn this new field into a reality," said Jay Pierce, CEO of OrthoSensor. "Until now, surgeons have lacked quantifiable data about joint kinematics and their decisions varied based on individual judgment, experience and skill set. OrthoSensor's intelligent surgical systems will provide surgeons, hospitals and health plans access to real-time data to improve patient care, measure clinical outcomes and lower costs related to treating musculoskeletal disease."