Treating Knee Osteoarthritis Without Replacement Surgery

A clinical trial is now underway to test the efficacy of a new implantable device that is intended to prevent or forestall the need for knee replacement surgery while alleviating pain from knee osteoarthritis. The Calypso Knee System was developed by Moximed, Inc. as a new option for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The first implantations were performed at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. David Flanigan, MD, orthopedic surgeon at the Wexner Medical Center, performed the procedure and commented, “This device works like a shock absorber to take pressure off the inside of the knee while creating a cushion similar to what cartilage provides in a healthy joint. The hope is that it increases joint functionality, reduces pain and delays a total knee arthroplasty for years or even decades.”

The Wexner Medical Center is 1 of 4 sites to participate in the trial funded by Moximed. Researchers will evaluate results from about 80 participants who receive the implant. If successful, the trial could lead to the widespread introduction of the procedure as an alternative to total knee replacement surgeries, of which some 700,000 are now performed annually in the US. Dr. Flanigan remarked: “A total knee replacement is truly permanent. You’ve removed the bone and there’s really no going back at that point. People are really looking for other options to help them remain active and extend the life of their joint as much as possible before having a knee replacement.”

Read about the new device and clinical trial.

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