Advanced Orthopaedics Performs Virginia’s First Meniscus Replacement With Nusurface Implant

Local Doctor Treats Toano Resident with Persistent Knee Pain in VENUS Clinical Trial

RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Advanced Orthopaedics, a Richmond-based medical practice specializing in orthopedics, and Active Implants, a company that develops orthopedic implant solutions, today announced that the first meniscus replacement procedure in Virginia was successfully performed on Toano resident Dan DeMartine. Advanced Orthopaedics is one of just 10 sites nationwide participating in the VENUS (Verification of the Effectiveness of the NUsurface® System) trial, which is enrolling patients with persistent knee pain caused by injured or deteriorating meniscus cartilage to assess the safety and effectiveness of the investigational NUsurface Meniscus Implant compared to non-surgical standard of care.

“We hope the VENUS study finds that NUsurface alleviates pain in these patients, as well as helps them delay or avoid knee replacement surgery.”

The meniscus is a tissue pad between the thigh and shin bones. Once it is damaged, the meniscus has a very limited ability to heal. Over 1 million partial meniscectomies to remove or repair a torn meniscus are performed in the U.S. every year, more than the total number of hip and knee replacement surgeries combined. However, many patients still experience persistent knee pain following meniscus surgery.

After suffering a devastating leg break and knee injury nine years ago while teaching kickboxing in Malaysia, 54-year-old DeMartine underwent a partial meniscectomy to treat the tear, but the knee pain continued to persist. When daily sports activity aggravated his injury to the point of limited mobility and he was forced to quit many of the sports activities he loved, he set out to see if any new treatments had become available that could relieve his pain. That’s when he met orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kenneth Zaslav from Advanced Orthopaedics, who introduced him to NUsurface and the VENUS trial.

“There aren’t many options for patients like Dan, who experience persistent knee pain following meniscus surgery but are too young for knee replacement surgery,” Dr. Zaslav said. “We hope the VENUS study finds that NUsurface alleviates pain in these patients, as well as helps them delay or avoid knee replacement surgery.”

NUsurface is inserted into the knee joint through a small incision and patients typically can go home soon after the operation. After surgery, they undergo a six-week rehabilitation program. NUsurface has been used in Europe since 2008 and Israel since 2011.

It has been five months since the procedure, and DeMartine has now returned to his daily activities, including running Modu Sushi, a company he owns that makes conveyor systems for restaurants, events, exhibits and store displays. He feels confident he will soon be able to resume racquetball and continue his active sports lifestyle.

“I wanted a full solution, and not a temporary fix for my persistent knee pain,” DeMartine said. “As an athlete and father of two young children, it is very important for me to be able to play sports and keep up with my family. So far the NUsurface implant has allowed me to get back to my daily life and alleviate the pain I’ve experienced for the last nine years.”

About the Clinical Trial

As part of the process to gain regulatory approval in the U.S., the VENUS (Verification of the Effectiveness of the NUsurface® System) study will enroll approximately 130 patients at orthopedic centers in the U.S., Europe and Israel. Sites in the U.S. include Indiana (Indianapolis), Massachusetts (Boston), New York (Albany, Rochester and New York), North Carolina (Durham), Ohio (Columbus), Tennessee (Memphis) and Virginia (Richmond). Participants who meet study requirements and agree to enter the trial are randomized to receive either NUsurface or non-surgical treatment, which is the current standard of care for patients with persistent knee pain following meniscus surgery. To learn more about the VENUS study, please visit or call (844) 680-8951 or visit www.meniscus-trial.com.

About the NUsurface® Meniscus Implant

In the US, the NUsurface® Meniscus Implant, from Active Implants LLC, is an investigational treatment for patients with persistent knee pain following medial meniscus surgery. NUsurface is made from medical grade plastic and, as a result of its unique materials, composite structure and design, does not require fixation to bone or soft tissue. 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 Israel since 2011.

About Advanced Orthopaedics

Located in Central Virginia, Advanced Orthopaedics is a full-service orthopaedic practice featuring 10 separate “Centers of Excellence.” Each center focuses on the treatment of one specific area of the body or one type of orthopaedic health concern. For more information, visit www.advancedortho.me.

About Active Implants

Active Implants, LLC develops orthopedic implant solutions that complement the natural biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system, allowing patients to maintain or return to an active lifestyle. Active Implants is privately held with headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. European offices are in Driebergen, The Netherlands, with R&D facilities in Netanya, Israel. For more information, visit www.activeimplants.com.

CAUTION Investigational device. Limited by United States law to investigational use.