Zimmer Gets Five New Patents for Knee Procedure

Warsaw, Ind.-based Zimmer Holdings Inc. has been issued five new patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The patents are related to the Subchondroplasty procedure, a new joint preservation procedure developed by Zimmer Knee Creations. These patents broaden the coverage of the first Subchondroplasty procedure patent issued to include new procedure methods, instrument kits, navigation systems, implants and other anatomical sites.

The Subchondroplasty procedure is a percutaneous outpatient intervention that addresses the defects associated with subchondral bone marrow lesions (BMLs). BMLs are related to stress fractures or micro-fractures, and are currently diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Left untreated, these defects have been shown to lead to cartilage degeneration, limited function, pain and greater risk for joint deterioration.

“These valuable additions to our Subchondroplasty procedure patent portfolio are the result of years of research and development,” said Michael Simpson, vice president and general manager of Zimmer Knee Creations Inc. “The Subchondroplasty procedure is a differentiated clinical solution which demonstrates Zimmer’s commitment to offering the most comprehensive range of therapies for patients across the continuum of care.”

In this minimally invasive, arthroscopically-assisted procedure, navigation instruments are used to inject specialized bone filler, without violating the joint. As the bone filler is resorbed, it is replaced with new, healthy bone. The Subchondroplasty procedure is the first procedure to treat bone-based changes within a joint, and addresses an unmet clinical need between early interventions, such as NSAIDs and joint arthroscopy, and total joint replacement. Since its introduction in November 2010, more than 3,000 Subchondroplasty procedures have been completed.

Zimmer makes orthopedic reconstructive, spinal and trauma devices, dental implants, and related surgical products.