NUsurface Meniscus Implant / Courtesy of Active Implants

Active Implants LLC, a privately held company in Memphis, Tennessee, that develops orthopedic implant solutions, is initiating a second clinical trial to evaluate a meniscus implant called NUsurface. According to the news release, NUsurface is made from medical grade plastic and does not require fixation to bone or soft tissue.

Company officials claim that the NUsurface device mimics the function of the natural meniscus and redistributes loads transmitted across the knee joint. It is inserted into the knee joint through a small incision and patients typically can go home soon after the operation. After surgery, patients undergo a six-week rehabilitation program. NUsurface has been used clinically in Europe since 2008 and in Israel since 2011.

The trial is planned to enroll 120 patients at up to 20 sites nationwide who experience persistent knee pain that is caused by injured or deteriorating meniscus cartilage. The investigational meniscus replacement trial is being evaluated as a treatment option to help patients delay or avoid total knee replacement.

The meniscus is a tissue pad between the thigh and shin bones. Once it is damaged, the meniscus has a limited ability to heal. Over 1 million partial meniscectomies, designed to remove or repair torn meniscus, are performed in the U.S. every year.

“A damaged meniscus has a very limited healing potential, oftentimes leading to knee replacement surgery, ” said Active Implants CEO Henry Klyce. “There is an unmet need in the orthopedic market for a treatment option—such as the investigational NUsurface Meniscus Implant—that can fill the gap between minimally invasive meniscus repair and total knee replacement.”

The following orthopedic centers are or will be recruiting patients.

  • Phoenix, Arizona – TOCA, The Orthopedic Clinic Association – Tom Carter, M.D.
  • Long Beach, California – Memorial Orthopaedic Surgical Group – Peter Kurzweil, M.D.
  • San Francisco, California – St Mary’s Medical Center – William Montgomery, M.D.
  • Boulder, Colorado – Colorado University Sports Medicine – Eric McCarty, M.D.
  • Denver, Colorado – Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Specialists – Wayne Gersoff, M.D.
  • Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic – Robert Easton, M.D.
  • New Orleans, Louisiana – Ochsner Sports Medicine Institute – Deryk Jones, M.D.
  • Portland, Oregon – Oregon Sports Medicine – John Greenleaf, M.D.
  • Arlington, Texas – Baylor Orthopedic and Spine Hospital – Joseph Berman, M.D.
  • Salt Lake City, Utah – Salt Lake Regional Medical Center – Andrew Cooper, M.D.

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21 Comments

  2. I had 2 arthroscopic meniscus surgerys. First one July of 2015 and second December 2015. After December procedure had the synvisc injection. Still have some pain and swelling at times when i exercise. Doctor said probably need partial replacement. Trying to aviod this as I am 50 years old. I live in New Iberia Louisiana,and would like to stay close to my home town.

  3. I am 64 very active I can still water ski but I have very little mesincu on the inside of my right knee, I had surgery to repair it. I do not want a knee replacement and wold be very interested in something less invasive

  4. After a knee injury, I went from having a meniscus with a “questionable” MRI, having synvisc injections with no relief then to being told I have no meniscus left so meniscus repair is out and being told that the only thing left is a replacement. I am unsatisfied with this diagnosis. So, I am trying physical therapy and seeking a new orthopedic doctor. I even came and asked isn’t there an artificial meniscus and he told me ‘no’.
    Please advise how I find out about this option.

  5. I am a 72 year old male who has little or no medial meniscus in my right knee. Naturally, I would like to avoid total knee replacement surgery.

    I live in the Palm Springs area so I could be a clinical trial patient at the Long Beach, CA Memorial Orthopedic Surgical Group with Dr. Kurzweil.

    Please let me hear back from you.

  6. I can certainly sympathize with your pain and dissatisfaction with your orthopedic Drs suggestion(or lack thereof). I have severe problems with both knees with menisical tears and surgery to remove the meniscus 65% of the right knee and 75% of the left. I am in misery and though am 63 years old I get out of chairs and walk as if I am 163 ! I am desperately trying to find the clinical trials for the meniscus implant called Nu Surface. I cannot get to the application or EMail to discuss my willingness to participate and hope that I meet their criteria. This implant, as I understand it, is not yet approved by the FDA in the US but is being performed and provided in clinical trials. The website I obtained from an article in our local paper was: http://www.activeimplants.com/kneepaintrial
    Good luck with your search and I would greatly appreciate you sharing any information you discover
    Sincerely,
    Debra

  7. Are there any clinical trials near the Washington D.C. area? I do not want to give up water skiing due to a knee replacement if an implant will resolve my pain. My meniscus is essentially shot.

  9. How can I get my husband into this trial! He has one knee that is bone on bone-but really too soon for a total knee.
    We live in Northern Virginia near DC.

  12. I have a Medial meniscus root tear. Im a very active male. I do not want to end up with a knee replacement

  13. Had two surgeries on my right for a meniscus tear
    Four years ago . I hardly have any meniscus left in my right knee .After standing more then 30 mins. Start hurting on the right inside of the knee
    I don’t want a knee replacement I’m only 61 years old and very active I’m sure that a meniscus replacement would take care of this painful bone to bone problems

  14. I am 84 & was scheduled for a double total knee replacement in 2010 but I had a heart attack 3 dats before it was to be done, Now I am searching for a less invasive solution.

  17. I am a 58 year old former triathlete. I had 70% of the meniscus removed in my left knee 10 years ago. It is causing significant pain over the last 12 months. I would be willing to participate in the trials. I live in SW Okla approximately 2 hours north of Arlington

  19. I have bone on bone both knees. I am avoiding Total Knee Replacement. I would like to look into this as I wish to continue jogging. I am 68 years old. I live in Austin, TX. Thank you.
    Don Lampton

  20. I have been putting off having two knee replacements for several years because I know that it will be painful and take a long recovery time. I’d much prefer meniscus implant surgery when it becomes available in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.

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