Mitek Sports Medicine Introduces Hybrid Anchor for Shoulder and Hip Repair

Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy Synthes Mitek Sports Medicine division has launched its Gryphon line of anchors with ProKnot technology. The company calls the system the first arthroscopic hybrid anchor solution for repair of shoulder and hip instability.

The Gryphon ProKnot anchor combines the control, strength and consistency of traditional anchors with the low-profile repair and ease of use of knotless anchors, according to officials from Mitek Sports Medicine. The anchor employs a proprietary pre-tied sliding knot that forms a construct that the company claims is up to 41 percent stronger than tested arthroscopic knots and knotless devices and up to 64 percent smaller than standard arthroscopic knots. In addition, it is the only suture anchor that, with just one-half hitch, results in a secure knot that allows surgeons to add incremental tension at any point in the repair, officials added.

“Gryphon ProKnot was stronger than any other arthroscopic knot/suture combination we tested and is more reproducible than surgeon-tied arthroscopic knots,” said Paul J. Favorito, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Wellington Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Mitek consultant who conducted a study and performed comparative testing on the new technology. “This technology also offers incremental tensioning of the knot for a precise repair.”

The Gryphon ProKnot anchor is indicated for use in Bankart and superior labral anterior-posterior (commonly called SLAP) lesion repair (an injury to the labrum of the shoulder joint, the cuff of cartilage that forms a cup for the arm bone to move within), capsular shift or capsulolabral shoulder reconstruction and hip capsular and acetabular labral repairs. It is available in non-absorbable polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or the company’s proprietary, absorbable Biocryl Rapide material.

“Surgeons no longer have to choose between traditional or knotless anchors for instability repair,” said Ian Lawson, worldwide president, Mitek Sports Medicine. “We believe Gryphon ProKnot is an important innovation and can make a real difference for surgeons and patients.”

Mitek Sports Medicine develops minimally invasive devices and non-surgical products used in the treatment of joint injuries related to sports and physical activity, as well as degenerative tissue conditions.