10 Year Study Highlights Trabecular Metal Technology’s Clinical Success Over Traditional Metal Implants.
Zimmer Holdings, Inc., a leader in the orthopaedic industry, today announced that data from an independent 10-year Trabecular Metal™ Technology comparative clinical study demonstrates the osteoconductive properties of Zimmer’s Trabecular Metal Technology. The study found bone-to-implant gap-filling and positive clinical outcomes up to 10 years after total hip arthroplasty (THA) using products made with Zimmer’s Trabecular Metal Technology.
“This study reaffirms the positive clinical outcomes associated with using Trabecular Metal technology,” commented Cheryl Blanchard, PhD, Zimmer’s Senior Vice President, Research and Development, and Chief Scientific Officer. “Unique to Zimmer, Trabecular Metal technology allows for highly porous metal implants with flexibility very similar to cancellous bone.”
The study, to be published in the Journal of Arthroplasty, followed 143 patients for up to 10 years post-THA. Findings indicate that Trabecular Metal monoblock implants result in a marked reduction in metallic and polyethylene debris and maximize the area available for bone in-growth. Further, the researchers observed a zero revision rate for aseptic loosening throughout the duration of the study and no incidence of implant migration and no radiographic evidence of gross polyethylene wear as measured digitally with (EBRA) Ein-Bild-Rontgen-Analyse.
“It is important to note that this study addresses concerns that have not been previously well characterized. It provides invaluable information about these mid-term outcomes after total hip arthroplasty and the potential advantages of Trabecular Metal monoblock implants over traditional metal implants,” continued Dr. Blanchard.
Trabecular Metal material is a structural biomaterial whose cellular architecture resembles bone and approximates its physical and mechanical properties more closely than other prosthetic materials. The unique, highly porous trabecular configuration is conducive to more normal bone formation and bone in-growth. Trabecular Metal implants are fabricated using elemental tantalum metal and a patented vapor deposition technique that creates a metallic strut configuration resembling cancellous bone with nano-textured surface features. Trabecular Metal Technology is exclusive to Zimmer.
Zimmer will showcase an interactive Trabecular Metal Technology Experience at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon’s 2009 Annual Meeting.
Source: Zimmer
published: February 26, 2009 in: Companies, News, Orthopaedics, Products, Specialty, Zimmer