Zimmer Biomet launched a new total knee implant, the first of its kind to incorporate two polyethylene bearings on the medial and lateral sides of the device rather than just one polyethylene piece between the metal components of the implant.
"I believe that our newly released Vanguard Individualized Design will revolutionize total knee replacement. With the ability to fine tune the knee's balance through the use of independent medial and lateral bearing thickness and constraint options, we will arm the surgeon with the ultimate soft tissue respecting capability," said Todd Davis, vice president and general manager of Zimmer Biomet’s global knee business, in a statement.
The Vanguard Individualized Design is a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) device that allows surgeons to mix and match bearing shapes and thicknesses to match their patients’ individual anatomies, according to the statement. This personalized approach enables a better fit while preserving soft tissue around the joint. The new implant is a follow-up to the company’s original Vanguard Knee system, launched in 2003.
"Maintaining natural ligament tension while preserving healthy soft tissue is critical not only to restore normal range of motion but to achieve patient satisfaction," said Dr. Tom Aleto of the Missouri Orthopedic Institute in Columbia in the statement. "In traditional knee design, surgeons typically release healthy soft tissues in an attempt to balance the knee and maintain feasible kinematics. Because the Vanguard ID allows me to mix and match components, I am able to individually treat each compartment while maintaining healthy soft tissues.”
Recently, Zimmer Biomet inked a deal with healthcare leaders in India to train more than 1,000 orthopedic surgeons each year on new procedures and Zimmer Biomet technology. And in June, the orthopedics specialist boosted its spine business with its $1 billion purchase of LDR Holding.