Two Oregon surgeons, Richard Edelson, M.D. and Jonathan Greenleaf, M.D., performed the first meniscus replacement procedure as part of the SUN (Safety Using NUsurface) clinical trial. The first case was performed in Oregon on patient Don Bennett’s knee. The surgery was a collaboration between Sports Medicine Oregon and Active Implants, LLC. The Oregon Outpatient Surgery Center is the only site in Oregon—and one of just 10 sites nationwide—that is enrolling patients in the SUN clinical trial. The trial is designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of the Active Implants’ NUsurface Meniscus Implant.
The meniscus is a tissue pad between the thigh and shin bones, which, once it is damaged, has a limited ability to heal. Over one million partial meniscectomies are performed in the U.S. every year, which is more than the total number of hip and knee replacement surgeries combined.
The NUsurface Meniscus Implant is made from medical grade plastic and does not require fixation to bone or soft tissues. According to the press release, the implant mimics the function of the natural meniscus and redistributes loads transmitted across the knee joint. Clinical trials are underway in the U.S., Europe and Israel to verify the safety and effectiveness of the NUsurface Meniscus Implant. This meniscus implant has been used in Europe under the CE Mark since 2008 and in Israel since 2011.
“Meniscus injuries can be a very painful and debilitating problem, even leading to potential joint replacement at a young age, ” Greenleaf said. “It is our belief that the NUsurface implant may allow patients to delay or avoid knee replacement and return to an improved level of activity without pain.”
The SUN study plans to enroll 120 patients as part of the regulatory process to gain approval from the FDA to sell the device in the U.S. Patients who agree to enter the trial are offered the NUsurface Meniscus Implant as treatment. The treatment in the SUN trial is eligible for coverage by Medicare and some private insurance companies. To be eligible for the study, participants must be between the ages of 30 and 75 and have pain after medial meniscus surgery that was performed at least six months ago.
I have had two Medial Meniscus surgeries. I would be interested in participating in the trial. Is this the trial I have been hearing about on Rochester NY radio stations??
I have degenerative meniscus. I have no meniscus in my right knee. I am very interested in the study.
I had most of my meniscus removed 30 years ago and felt fine for 25 years. Now no cartilage is left at all and need a knee replacement. I am very interested in this study
I am retired RN with Severe R knee pain. MRI shows worn out meniscus.Ortho knee specialist said orthoscoptist clean up will not help. I have had cortisone injection as well as 3 of the lubricant injections 1 week apart. That did not help. Two knee braces later still in pain.i don’t have time for this I have things to do & places to go. Any help???
I am a 47 year old athlete who injured knee playing college sports and still enjoy being active including baseball. I have had 3 lateral meniscus surgeries and do not have much meniscus left. I am interested in the trial if you are looking for a patient with lateral meniscus injuries. Please let me know.
Is there a meniscus relacement surgery facelity available in central Florida
I applied for the trials last year. But because of a steroid injection I didn’t get pass a certain point. My knees are still bad and I would like to know if you still need volunteers . I would like to be considered.
Thank you
Susan B Loyd
I would like to participate in this trial. I tore my ACL and meniscus in my Left Knee while serving in the U.S. Navy. I just reinjured my meniscus and would very much like to feel much less pain when walking and running.
Please contact me,
Adam
I have had meniscus surgery on left leg–much of the meniscus was removed
I had my left knee’s meniscus removed in 1980. I am an active 56 year old. I would love to get into this study.
Love the article it is very promising and for sure I would love to have such an implant since my meniscus is worn and have also two tears. I had previous surgery and some removal of the meniscus but I am frustrated since 9 out of ten doctors tell I need a knee replacement. I currently am hiking still and doing my Aikido still but the pain is intense so if at all possible I would love to be part of a clinical trail on the meniscus implant.
My left knee is bone to bone doctor said if I lose 30 pounds they will do a knee replacement which I don’t want to do. This procedure that you mentioned I am very much interested in
I am very interested in your knee device. Both of my knees are bone to bone. I have been told I need knee replacements on both knees. One problem…I have severe metal allergies. This sounds like a dream come true for me.
I have chronic pain in both knees and am essentially bone on bone. I am in law enforcement and not ready for retirement and am too young for a knee replacement. I have an active lifestyle. I have had past meniscus surgery. This opportunity would be a game changer for me.
I had a meniscus tear & surgery in 2011. I went through therapy & it never got any better. I have suffered with this every day. Please help me to return to my life style. I would love to be a candidate for your study. I’ve done my research & was really impressed about your technology. Thank you for your time
I am located in Houston Texas and am interested in participating in the meniscus replacement clinical trial. I have had 4 orthoscopic surgeries on my right knee.and have been told the next would probably be a knee replacement. I currently use an uploader device that helps a little, but is not a long term answer. The pain greatly hampers my daily work. Thank you for consideration of my request.