Arthrosurface Wave for Knee Joint Surface Defects in Knee Cap

Patello-Femoral

The Arthrosurface HemiCAP® Wave system is a surgical method for the treatment of localized cartilage lesions in the patellofemoral joint (knee cap). This product is similar to the UniCAP in theory but has a different shape to match the femoral groove in which the knee cap tracks. The Wave can be used with or without a patellar (knee cap) resurfacing product. The HemiCAP® system is intended to provide an effective interim means for managing pain and disability in the middle-aged patient until a total joint replacement treatment option becomes more necessary, and is part of a clinical treatment strategy to help avoid early-age-revision scenarios.

The HemiCAP® implants and instruments are designed to remove a minimal amount of bone stock, preserve functional structures and tissues, and allow for an uncomplicated removal in the event of revision. This system is comprised of three elements; a three-dimensional mapping technology, a set of instruments to map and prepare the damaged area and a cobalt-chrome and titanium implant.

There are 2 systems that comprise the Patello-Femoral Line. The first is the Classic Focal HemiCAP which is used for smaller, isolated and well contained lesions of the trochlea groove. This is not combined with a patellar resurfacing. The second system is called the WAVE and is used for those patients that have more diffuse or extensive damage to their PF joint. This may or may not be combined with patellar resurfacing using a UHMPE patellar implant, depending on whether the patellar joint surface is healthy or damaged. Both systems use the same proven intra operative mapping technology of all Arthrosurface systems.

Arthrosurface UniCAP for Knee Joint Surface Defects

Femoral Condyle Inlay Resurfacing

The UniCAP knee system is the first meniscus sparing implant designed specifically for the Sports Medicine surgeon. Articular cartilage is a thin, whitish, glistening layer of protective tissue that covers the joint surfaces of bones. Articular cartilage is composed of hyaline cartilage cells, which have many unique properties that allow it to function effectively as a smooth and lubricious load-bearing surface. Small defects in the articular surface can cause pain and restrict range of motion. Arthrosurface UniCAP is indicated for use for partial replacement of the articulating surfaces (femoral condyle) of the knee when only one side of the joint is affected due to the compartmental primary degenerative or post-traumatic degenerative disease.

The system is comprised of the following elements: a 3-D mapping technology, a set of instruments to map and prepare the damaged area and a cobalt-chrome CAP mated to a Titanium post to fully cover the defect. The system precisely aligns the surface of the implant to the contours of the patient’s articular cartilage surface, thus filling the defect and restoring a smooth and continuous articular surface. The best use is in the Millennium Patient with an intact meniscus and intact tibial articular surface that is “in between” options.

These patients are too old or have exhausted the conservative and biologic treatments yet are considered too young for a total knee replacement. Ironically, this is one of the most effective uses of this product but is considered off label use by the US FDA.