July 25, 2017
SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dr. Scott A. Hacker, an expert in arthroscopic surgery, total joint replacements, sports medicine and fracture care, and Active Implants, a company that develops orthopedic implant solutions, today announced that the first meniscus replacement procedure in San Diego has been performed. Dr. Hacker is the only physician in San Diego County – and Grossmont Orthopedic Medical Group is one of just 10 sites nationwide – enrolling patients with persistent knee pain caused by injured or deteriorating meniscus cartilage in the SUN trial, which is designed to assess the ability of the NUsurface® Meniscus Implant (pronounced “new surface”) in restoring function similar to that of a natural, healthy meniscus.
The recipient of the implant was Justin Marchand, 40-year-old Carlsbad resident and father of six. Four years ago, Marchand tore the meniscus in his left knee while practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu drills, only to suffer a second tear in the same knee in 2014 while jogging. Although he underwent two partial meniscectomies to treat the tears, he continued to suffer from constant pain and swelling in his knee. As an avid surfer for over 25 years, Marchand went from surfing every day to once per week at best – with the expense of pain flare-ups after each session. His knee became extremely vulnerable to any type of sudden movement, and he was forced to limit all sports activities, including mountain biking, skiing and hiking. 
The meniscus is a tissue pad between the thigh and shin bones. Once 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, about the same as the total number of hip and knee replacement surgeries combined. However, many patients still experience persistent knee pain following meniscus surgery.
“There aren’t many great options for patients like Justin, who experience persistent knee pain following meniscus surgery but are too young for knee replacement surgery,” Dr. Hacker said. “We hope the SUN study finds that the NUsurface implant alleviates pain in these patients, as well as helps them delay or avoid knee replacement surgery. Patients routinely ask me for something simple that could be put in the joint – this is that option they have been waiting for.”
Marchand received the NUsurface Meniscus Implant on July 25 in a short operation during which the implant was placed into his left knee joint through a small incision. He will now undergo a six-week rehabilitation program, after which time he can begin to resume work, leisure and sports activities.
“For the last four years, I had resigned myself to living with knee pain and limited mobility,” Marchand said. “As a father of six children, it has been particularly heartbreaking because I have not been able to go surfing with my kids or participate in the outdoor activities we love. I am hopeful that the NUsurface Implant will help me get back to my active lifestyle and allow me to go hiking with my family without persistent knee pain.”
The NUsurface Meniscus Implant has been used in Europe under CE Mark since 2008 and Israel since 2011.
About the Clinical Trial
The SUN study (Safety Using NUsurface®) will enroll approximately 120 patients as part of regulatory process to gain approval from FDA to sell the device in the U.S. All patients who meet study requirements and agree to enter the trial are offered the NUsurface Meniscus Implant as treatment. Treatment with NUsurface in the SUN trial is eligible for coverage by Medicare and some private insurance companies. To be eligible for the study, participants must be between the ages of 30 and 75 and have pain after medial meniscus surgery that was performed at least six months ago. To learn more about the SUN study, please visit http://sun-trial.com or call (844) 680-8951.
About the NUsurface® Meniscus Implant
The NUsurface® Meniscus Implant is an investigational treatment for patients with persistent knee pain following medial meniscus surgery. It 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 tissues. The NUsurface Meniscus Implant is intended to mimic the function of the natural meniscus and redistribute loads transmitted across the knee joint. Clinical trials are underway in the U.S., Europe and Israel.
About Grossmont Orthopaedic Medical Group
Grossmont Orthopedic Medical Group is a premier Orthopedic center in San Diego caring for patients throughout southern California. The orthopedic surgeons of Grossmont Orthopaedic Medical Group, are consistently voted as top doctors in their field. As a group they have advanced training in arthroscopic surgery, total joint replacements, sports medicine and fracture care. The doctors are actively involved in many cutting edge research techniques allowing them to care for a wide range of orthopedic problems tailored to the individual and their needs. Their training, dedication, and experience are the prescription for successful orthopaedic treatment.
About Active Implants LLC
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 Haarlem, 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.
Contacts
Merryman Communications
Joni Ramirez, 323-532-0746
joni@merrymancommunications.com