29 January 2008, Sydney, Australia: For the first time a patient has been implanted with a combination ceramic on ceramic cup and hip replacement designed and supplied by Portland Orthopaedics Limited (ASX:PLD). The Australian-designed Equator Plus Cup with ceramic liner sits in the pelvis and articulates with Portland’s M-COR hip stem replacement.
The surgery was performed by orthopaedic surgeon Mr Ron Sekel at St George Hospital in Sydney last week. The operation was a success and the patient is rapidly recovering.
The ceramic combination means less wear and longer implant life. Surgeons can use this for a range of patients as well as younger patients who need longest possible implant life.
The unique ceramic insertable liner in the Equator Plus Cup and use with the M-COR Hip stem with ceramic head means that the moving parts have ceramic surfaces. Ceramic friction and wear is much less than metal or plastics and Portland’s design minimises escape of any wear particles. The M-COR and Equator Plus are already successful Portland products in both the US and Australia and the development of the ceramic liner will complement the hip replacement solution.
“For investors in Portland, this is also great news as it increases the appeal of the Portland hip replacement range to orthopaedic surgeons and extends the number of Portland components implanted per surgery,” said Portland CEO John Brassil. “The release of the advanced design ceramic liner is the result of many years of research and development at the Portland facility in Matraville, Sydney, and is a credit to the expertise of Portland’s research engineers.”
The core design is similar to what most surgeons already use so there is an easy transition for surgeons who are seeking longer implant life.
More surgeons are expected to commence using the product as inventory is made available.
Enquiries: John Brassil Rudi Michelson Portland Orthopaedics Monsoon Communications +61 (02) 9700 1533 +61 (0)411 402 737
About Portland Orthopaedics: Listed on the ASX in December 2005, Portland (ASX:PLD) is a developer and manufacturer of specialist hip replacements. With a focus on modular and clinically differentiated prostheses, Portland has developed a unique, high technology hip replacement range aimed at increasing implant longevity. Based in Sydney, Australia, Portland employs 35 people in the design and development of its products. Portland has regulatory approval to sell a range of primary and revision hip replacement products in the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Its core technologies are patented and future applications are primarily aimed at Hip and Knee prostheses.
