Two-year results from the MERCURY study suggests that the NUsurface Meniscus Implant provides statistically superior pain relief beginning at 6 months compared to non-surgical therapy, Active Implants LLC reports.
The results were presented at the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine-Arthroscopy Association of North America Combined 2021 Annual Meeting in Nashville.
The NUsurface Implant is currently being marketed in Europe. However, it is currently under review by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
Breakthrough Device in US
The implant, designed to mimic the function of the natural meniscus and treat pain by redistributing loads transmitted across the knee joint, was granted a Breakthrough Device Designation from the FDA in 2019.
“The MERCURY study showed that patients who received the NUsurface Implant experienced statistically superior pain relief as early as six months that continued through the 2-year study period, compared to patients receiving non-surgical care alone.
“There is a significant need for new treatment options for patients who have persistent knee pain following a meniscectomy, which the NUsurface Implant may address.”
— Wayne Gersoff, MD, a MERCURY investigator from Advanced Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists in Denver, who presented the study results
MERCURY Study Data
The MERCURY Study enrolled 242 patients experiencing persistent knee pain after a previous meniscectomy: 176 were treated with the NUsurface Implant and 66 with non-surgical therapy.
Results of the study include:
- 84% of patients treated with the NUsurface Implant experienced a 10-point improvement from baseline in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) Pain, which is considered the minimum clinically relevant improvement in pain and function.
- 89% of patients who received the NUsurface Implant completed 24 months of follow-up.
- Patients with replacement implants achieved superior results the second time; 70% of patients used one implant and 20% received a replacement implant.
- Obese and older patients had the highest response rates.
- MRI evidence showed the NUsurface Implant may preserve femoral cartilage, while the control patients showed evidence of significant cartilage deterioration.
“We’re gratified that AOSSM-AANA selected the MERCURY study results as one of the presentations to highlight – a reflection of the fact that current treatment options for post-arthroscopic partial meniscectomy knee pain are limited, especially for patients considered too young for knee replacement.
“The two-year results of the study demonstrate that the NUsurface Implant not only reduces pain but may also help preserve cartilage on the medial femoral condyle.”
— Ted Davis, president and CEO of Active Implants, based in Memphis, Tenn
[Source: Active Implants LLC]
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