JointMedica, a global leader in orthopedic innovation, has initiated an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) study for its Polymotion® Hip Resurfacing (PHR®) system. The study aims to evaluate the safety and clinical effectiveness of this novel device specifically designed to address challenges faced by younger, more active patients requiring hip replacement.
The Polymotion® system represents a significant advancement in hip resurfacing technology by eliminating the metal-on-metal bearing surface that has limited the application of previous hip resurfacing techniques, particularly in women.
Innovative Design Preserves Natural Anatomy
Unlike traditional total hip arthroplasty, the Polymotion® Hip Resurfacing system conserves bone by removing less of the femoral head. The procedure reshapes the femoral head to accommodate a metal cap that mirrors the patient's natural anatomy. A cup made of Vitamin E polyethylene with a titanium coating is then implanted into the patient's acetabulum.
The system offers a comprehensive range of sizes to accommodate most patients, with both components designed for permanent implantation to achieve reconstructive and functional hip joint replacement. Key benefits over traditional total hip arthroplasties include bone conservation and restoration of more natural biomechanics.
Dr. Thomas Gross of Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery in Columbia, South Carolina, explained: "Previously, some patients have shied away from hip resurfacing, fearful of metal wear debris. The Polymotion® implant has a metal-on-plastic bearing rather than a metal-on-metal bearing. Women have often been denied a metal-on-metal hip resurfacing operation because they may be more sensitive to metal wear debris. We are encouraged that more patients may now have an alternative to traditional hip replacement surgery."
Multi-Center Clinical Investigation
The IDE study has officially launched at seven prestigious clinical sites with renowned orthopedic surgeons:
- Mr. Ronan Treacy and Dr. Will Peckett at King Edward VII Hospital (Bermuda)
- Dr. Thomas Gross and Dr. Coleman Fowble at Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (Columbia, SC)
- Dr. Stephen Raterman at Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health (Tampa, FL)
- Dr. William Macaulay, Dr. Scott Marwin, and Dr. Matthew Hepinstall at NYU Langone (New York, NY)
- Dr. Craig Della Valle at Rush University Medical Center (Chicago, IL)
- Dr. Michael Mont, Dr. Ronald Delanois, and Dr. James Nace at Sinai Hospital (Baltimore, MD)
- Dr. Anthony Carter at Hampton Roads Orthopaedics (Newport News, VA)
Mr. Treacy, one of the principal investigators, stated: "It's exciting to be part of such a valuable study with esteemed colleagues to allow us to evaluate this technology with the goal of making it available to a wider public over the next few years. I would like to thank the King Edward VII Hospital in Bermuda for their hard work and support in this venture."
Dr. Stephen Raterman of Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health highlighted another potential advantage: "I am excited to be able to study the Polymotion® Hip Resurfacing implant which eliminates a metal-on-metal bearing and has a wider size range to include women."
Expanding Clinical Evidence
"These clinical investigations are crucial to evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the Polymotion® system. We are honored to collaborate with such renowned surgeons who bring unparalleled expertise to this study," said Dr. Sharat Kusuma, President at JointMedica.
The company plans to expand the clinical study sites in the coming months to gather comprehensive data on the long-term safety and effectiveness of the Polymotion® Hip Resurfacing system.
JointMedica has positioned itself as a developer of transformative hip arthroplasty solutions, leveraging over two decades of dedicated research and development. The company focuses primarily on hip arthroplasty, with the Polymotion® Hip Resurfacing System as its flagship product.
For patients seeking alternatives to traditional hip replacement, particularly younger and more active individuals, the Polymotion® system could represent a significant advancement in treatment options if the IDE study demonstrates favorable outcomes.
