Surgeons at Memphis, Tenn.-based OrthoMemphis became the first surgeons in the state to perform Active Implants' meniscus replacement procedure.
Here are five things to know:
1. OrthoMemphis president Randall Holcomb, MD, performed the first procedure. He has more than 30 years of expertise in cartilage restoration and implantation.
2. The practice is one of 10 sites nationally for the Verification of the Effectiveness of the NUsurface System clinical trial. The trial enrolls patients with persistent knee pain due to meniscus cartilage loss and compares the NUsurface treatment to non-surgical care.
3. Dr. Holcomb performed the first procedure on Tim Goldsmith, PhD, who injured his knee two years prior during a workout. Dr. Goldsmith underwent alternative treatment that failed to relieve his pain.
4. Dr. Holmcomb performed the procedure in April 2016 and Dr. Goldsmith has since returned to his work as chief clinical officer of the private nonprofit organization Youth Villages and reports an active lifestyle.
5. NUsurface is inserted into the knee joint through a small incision and patients return home the day of surgery. Patients undergo a six-week rehabilitation program postoperatively.