SELECTIVE RESURFACING OF THE KNEE: NEW PROSTESIS “MAIOR”

Abstract

Arthroscopic selective resurfacing of the knee may be considered a treatment option for selected patients with focal articular damage.

From more than 2 years in IX Division of Rizzoli Orthopaedics Institute(Bologna- Italy) we use, in selected cases with only one articular compartment damaged, an innovative resurfacing prosthesis.

We mad a new design of focal resurfacing (MAIOR) that is possible to implant with arthroscopic technique and that realize both mini-invasive and mini-traumatic surgery.

The fixation method of the MAIOR allows higher osteointegration by biomaterials and hydrossiapatite of new generation that permit a press-fit fixation of the implant.

The new philosophy of this implant consist of early focal treatment with low compromise of bone. Many surgeons, in case of focal articular damage, prefer to attend to made an unique definitive surgical operation when the degenerative changes are more severe.

This new implant permit to substitute, also in arthroscopic technique, only the articular damage and to avoid to attend a more important and diffuse articualr damage.

It is an uncemented, focal resurfacing prosthesis that requires minimal bone sacrifice and utilizes a minimal invasive surgical (MIS) approach with or without arthroscopic assistance.

In a prospective and consecutive study, 78 patients were followed up at least for 12 months. Subjective pain and joint function were assessed using Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Knee society scores respectively. The preliminary results are interesting and encouraging with subjective evaluation equal to 85% of normal knee.

Significant reduction of pain and improvement in joint function was observed. Although, long term study will determine the real performance of the prosthesis, trend seems to be positive.