Salt Lake City-based Total Joint Orthopedics, Inc. (TJO), whose Klassic® Knee System, with 28,000 implants, is famous for its one-tray configuration which cover up to 90% of total knee arthroplasty cases, has now received FDA clearance for use with Think® Surgical’s innovative TMINI™ Miniature Robotic System.
The TMINI is a small footprint, miniature robotic system designed to follow a CT-based three-dimensional surgical plan. Among its features (aside from its small footprint) is that its robotic handpiece automatically compensates for surgeon hand movement to locate bone pins along precisely defined planes. The surgeon can then connect cutting guides to the bone pins for accurate bone resection.
According to both Think Surgical and TJO, the TMINI system is easy to use and replaces many of the instruments currently used for knee replacement surgery—which, of course, makes TJO’s Klassic knee system a natural complement for TMNI.
The TMINI system also comes with Implant Data Hub (ID-HUB), a proprietary databank of partner implants which opens up access and choice for surgeons.
The Rise of Both Robotics and ASC-Style Joint Arthroplasty Care
According to the just released American Joint Registry (AJRR) annual report for 2023:
- Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are increasingly the care center of choice for patients in the U.S. There are now 42,228 procedural cases reported by ASCs in the AJRR, an 84% increase since 2022.
- Over the past 6 years, the utilization of robotics in TKA has increased over 6-fold and is now reported in over 13% of procedures, whereas computer navigation use has remained relatively stable.
According to Chris Fronk, THINK’s chief commercial officer, “Pairing world-class robotic technology with truly differentiated implant solutions such as TJO’s Klassic Knee System allows physicians, hospitals, and ASCs more choice when it comes to picking a total knee offering.”
“This is a huge step forward for the next generation of robotic-assisted surgery, and the TMINI System and the Klassic Knee System together provide ground-breaking innovation for any surgical setting.”
“We are honored to work with THINK Surgical,” said Erin Hofmann, TJO’s CEO.
The TMINI System
The TMINI system includes a wireless robotic handpiece that assists surgeons in performing total knee replacement.
With a small footprint, open implant platform and intuitive workflow, the TMINI™ system opens up robotic possibilities for more clinics, operating rooms, and surgeons.
TMINI is easy to use and replaces many of the instruments currently used for knee replacement surgery.
THINK Surgical is committed to an open implant library and will continue to add new implant options to the platform over time. This open implant approach combined with the ease of use of the TMINI system should appeal to a broad customer base who may have been resistant to robotics until now.
The Klassic ONE Tray System
Most modern implant companies vary the number of trays and instruments needed to perform a single surgery. Some implant companies require up to 9 trays of instruments per case.
The Klassic ONE Tray System provides all that is needed for a successful total joint arthroplasty in 90% of the cases. Furthermore, decreasing the number of trays makes set up and turn around faster while also reducing sterilization and storage costs.
Most users of the Klassic ONE tray can save up to 20 minutes prep time per case (Tibesku et al. 2013a). Since fewer instruments are opened, there is less OR prep time, which reduces contamination risk and increases overall patient safety. (Dalstrom et al. 2008).
About Total Joint Orthopedics, Inc.
“Total Joint Orthopedics, Inc. (TJO) is a Mission-Driven™ medical device company focused on improving the episode of care by pushing the boundaries in orthopedics. Using human-centered design, we have crafted our approach, Efficiency by Design®, as the cornerstone that positions us as pioneers in helping orthopedic stakeholders address the shifting healthcare landscape. TJO’s flagship Klassic® Knee and Klassic HD® Hip Systems feature modern implant innovations requiring a maximum of three instrument trays. These products improve operating room efficiency, relieve the burden on surgical staff, and bring down the overall cost of healthcare.”
Since TJO’s founding in 2009, the company has donated up to one joint for every ten implanted to Operation Walk and similar organizations. To learn more, please visit tjoinc.com.
About THINK Surgical, Inc.
“THINK Surgical, Inc., is a privately held U.S.-based technology innovator that develops and markets orthopedic robots. THINK Surgical robots are open platforms providing support for implant brands from multiple manufacturers, enabling the choice of implant to be driven by the surgeon. THINK Surgical actively collaborates with healthcare professionals around the globe to refine our orthopedic products, improving the lives of those suffering from advanced joint disease with precise, accurate, and intelligent technology. Please refer to the instructions for use for the TMINI Miniature Robotic System for a complete list of indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions.”
For additional product information, please visit https://thinksurgical.com/. THINK Surgical and TMINI are trademarks of THINK Surgical, Inc.
