OrthoMemphis Only Site in the South – and One of 10 Sites Nationwide –
Enrolling Patients in New Study of Investigational NUsurface® Meniscus Replacement
MEMPHIS, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Active Implants, a Memphis-based company that develops orthopedic implant solutions, today announced that the company’s VENUS (Verification of the Effectiveness of the NUsurface® System) trial is now underway at OrthoMemphis. OrthoMemphis is the only center in the South – and just one of 10 sites nationwide – participating in the VENUS clinical trial to evaluate the Active Implants’ NUsurface (pronounced “new surface”) investigational meniscus implant for the treatment of persistent knee pain caused by injured or deteriorating meniscus cartilage.
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. NUsurface is being evaluated as a new treatment option to fill the gap between minimally invasive meniscus repair and total knee replacement.
“There aren’t many options for patients who experience persistent knee pain following meniscus surgery,” said Dr. Randall Holcomb, orthopedic surgeon at OrthoMemphis. “Damage to the meniscus can lead to arthritis and the need for knee replacement surgery. We hope this study finds that the NUsurface implant alleviates pain in these patients, as well as helps them delay or avoid knee replacement surgery.”
The VENUS study will enroll approximately 130 patients at orthopedic centers in the U.S., Europe and Israel. Participants who meet study requirements and agree to enter the trial are randomized to receive either the NUsurface device or non-surgical treatment, which is the current standard of care for patients with persistent knee pain following meniscus surgery.
“We are excited to have OrthoMemphis – a leader in orthopedic care throughout the Southern states that is conveniently located in our back yard – participating in the VENUS study,” said Henry Klyce, chief executive officer of Active Implants, which established its U.S. headquarters in Memphis in 2004. “There is a large, unmet need in the orthopedic market for a new treatment option for the many patients who continue to suffer from knee pain even after undergoing meniscus surgery.”
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 study, visit or call (844) 680-8951 or visit www.meniscus-trial.com.
