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Call it a return to normalcy.

Wright Medical Group Inc. has unveiled a knee replacement system that is designed to act like a natural joint. The Evolution Medial-Pivot Knee System, according to the Arlington, Tenn.-based company, features a “ball-in-socket” mechanism that mimics the anatomy of a natural knee. The new implant enhances Wright’s medial-pivot technology by offering surgeons more sizing options, improved instrumentation and a medial-pivoting posterior stabilized option.

Wright enhanced the Evolution’s medial-pivot technology through state-of-the-art engineering concepts and manufacturing methods, including the use of computed tomography scans to produce an implant that more accurately resembles a natural knee joint, executives said in a news release. The resulting system, they added, improves stability and facilitates the rehabilitation process.

“Often, total knee replacement patients complain that their replaced knee does not feel normal, citing noises or a sensation of the joint slipping, especially as they descend stairs,” said Lowry Barnes, M.D., of Little Rock, Ark. “The Evolution implant’s more refined medial-pivot design may feel more normal for patients.”

As part of the product launch, executives touted the superiority of Wright's medial-pivot technology, claiming studies show it consistently is preferred by patients who receive bilateral knee implants. That patient preference helped inspire the new implant, officials said.

“Our expectation is that this next generation medial-pivot design will deliver an even higher level of patient and surgeon satisfaction compared to that of traditional total knees,” said Alex Winber, Wright’s director of OrthoRecon.