Novel implantable shock absorbing device to relieve pain and delay progression of knee osteoarthritis

Patients with osteoarthritis (OA) could now delay or avoid knee replacement surgery with the help of a new shock absorbing device that can be implanted alongside the knee joint.  The Wexner Medical Center at the Ohio State University becomes the first center in US to implant the CalypsoKnee System to address the pain of the osteoarthritic knee.

Developed by Moximed, a company based in Fremont, California, a prospective, multicentric clinical trial is underway to look at the ability of the device to extend the life of knee joint and enable the patients to lead a pain-free, comfortable life.

The system is put in place under the skin, alongside the medial side of the affected knee through a small incision. The ligaments and bones forming the knee joints are preserved, keeping options open for any future surgical interventions.

With more than 700,000 knee replacement surgeries performed in the U.S. every year, the Calypso Knee System could reverse the trend and delay or avoid the replacement surgery.  

Dr. David Flanigan, an orthopedic surgeon at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center who performed the surgery said in a news release, “ It works like a shock absorber to take pressure off the inside of the knee while creating a cushion similar to what cartilage provides in a healthy joint. The hope is that it increases joint functionality, reduces pain and delays a total knee arthroplasty for years or even decades.”

If found successful, it will soon be available as an option to knee replacement for osteoarthritic patients across the country.

The video shows how the system works in our body

Here is a video with more information on the first patient fitted with the system

Product page

Ohio state university press release