Sports Medicine Oregon and NUsurface Meniscus Implant manufacturer Active Implants LLC announce that the first meniscus replacement procedure has been performed in Oregon as part of the SUN (Safety Using NUsurface) clinical trial.

The SUN trial is designed to test the safety and effectiveness of the NUsurface Meniscus Implant in restoring knee function similar to a healthy meniscus. Results from the trial are part of a regulatory process to help Active Implants to gain FDA approval to sell the device in the United States.

Sports Medicine Oregon and its affiliate Oregon Outpatient Surgery Center are among the 10 sites nationwide that are enrolling patients in the SUN trial, according to a media release from Memphis, Tenn-headquartered Active Implants LLC.

Philomath, Oregon resident Don Bennett, 59, underwent the procedure after tearing his meniscus 30 years ago and re-tearing it 8 years later.

“There are limited options for patients like Don, who experience persistent knee pain following meniscus injury and surgery,” says orthopaedic surgeon Dr Richard Edelson, who, with Dr Jonathan Greenleaf, performed the procedure.

“He had exhausted his nonsurgical options. Even though his pain had increased in severity over the last 5 years, he was not a candidate for total knee replacement,” he adds.

“Meniscus injuries can be a very painful and debilitating problem, even leading to potential joint replacement at a young age,” Greenleaf states. “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.”

After undergoing the procedure on July 13, and completing a 6-week rehabilitation program, Bennett notes in the release that he is returning to his daily leisure and sports activities, and is looking forward to his upcoming retirement from the city of Corvallis.

“Prior to receiving the implant, I was living with constant pain and the fear that a total knee replacement was my only option,” Bennett shares. “The NUsurface Meniscus Implant is giving me back my mobility. I’m looking forward to supporting my kids’ athletic endeavors, taking hikes with my wife, and walking painlessly.”

[Source(s): Active Implants LLC, Business Wire]