A new implantable shock absorber can help to relieve pain and improve function in patients with chronic knee pain, according to results from a clinical trial performed by David Flanigan, MD, professor of orthopedics at Ohio State College of Medicine.
Dr. Flanigan enrolled patients in the trial and performed the implantations of the Misha Knee System made by Moximed.
The tested shock absorber device uses a piston that anchors on the femur and tibia bones with a small plate.
Out of 81 trial participants, 90 percent reported significant reductions in pain and function after having the absorber implanted.
The absorber had a success rate of 86 percent, while high tibial osteotomies have a success rate of 66 percent.
"When you're walking, doing activities, it's going to take away about 30 percent of that shock or stress on the knee every time you put weight on your leg," Dr. Flanigan said in a Sept. 22 press release.
The first trial patient to receive the absorber, Chuck Stenger of New Albany, Ohio, received it three years ago and has seen a major reduction in knee pain.
"Before participating in the clinical trial, I was told I was probably a candidate for a knee replacement, and I didn't think I was quite ready for that yet," Mr. Stenger said in the release. "Three days after the implant procedure I was walking around, and with a little therapy I’m back to golfing, taking long walks and just living life without constant pain in my knees."