The Artimis® Meniscus Prosthesis is an artificial meniscus designed for people who experience persistent knee pain after partial or total meniscus removal. When part or all of the meniscus is missing, the knee can no longer function normally, and symptoms may persist.
The implant is designed to take over the function of the natural meniscus, preserve the patient’s own knee, and support a faster return to mobility. The prosthesis is made of polycarbonate urethane (PCU), a material that has been used successfully in medical applications for many years. PCU is known for its long-term stability in the human body and is even used in cardiac implants.
By combining two types of PCU into one artificial meniscus, ATRO Medical has created a solution that is both flexible and extremely strong. The Artimis® Meniscus Prosthesis is secured in the knee using fixation tape and two screws placed in the tibia. This fixation technique is familiar to orthopedic surgeons, as it is also used in posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
The Artimis® artificial meniscus is currently being investigated in Dutch hospitals and is therefore only available within clinical studies. Participants in these studies receive treatment according to a predefined research protocol. More information about the study can be found below.
Under normal circumstances, the natural meniscus absorbs shock in the knee and distributes load across the joint. After meniscus removal, this protective function is lost. As a result, cartilage wear may increase, raising the risk of knee osteoarthritis and chronic pain. Over time, this may lead to the need for knee replacement surgery. The Artimis® Meniscus Prosthesis has been developed to help preserve the natural knee, relieve pain, and improve mobility.
The Artimis® artificial meniscus mimics the function of the natural meniscus by providing:
Pressure-reducing properties - helps protect cartilage and reduce pain
Improved load distribution within the joint - supports stability during movement
Enhanced joint lubrication - allows smoother and more comfortable movement
Lateral meniscus prosthesis – replaces the outer meniscus
ATRO Medical is investigating the safety and effectiveness of the Artimis® Meniscus Prosthesis through clinical studies in collaboration with:
St. Maartenskliniek, Nijmegen
Radboudumc, Nijmegen
MUMC+, Maastricht
All studies have been approved by the Medical Ethics Review Committee and the Dutch Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (CCMO). Currently, the EARTH study is open for enrollment. This study investigates replacement of the lateral (outer) meniscus with an artificial meniscus and evaluates pain reduction and functional improvement achieved with the Artimis® Meniscus Prosthesis. The implant is placed via arthroscopic surgery, and the procedure takes approximately one hour. View the complete treatment pathway here.
You are between 18 and 70 years old
A portion of the, or the entiremeniscus has previously been removed
You still experience persistent or chronic knee pain
You do not have advanced cartilage degeneration
A study focusing on lateral meniscus replacement is currently ongoing. Interested in participating? Register for the EARTH study.
Previous research on the medial meniscus prosthesis was conducted in the AIR2 study. Enrollment for this study is now closed. A follow-up study is planned for 2026. Leave your contact details via the contact form, and we will notify you when enrollment opens again.
Do you suffer from chronic knee pain after meniscus surgery and want to know if the Artimis® artificial meniscus could be right for you? Register for the EARTH study, which evaluates the performance of the lateral meniscus prosthesis. Together, we will assess whether you are eligible.
Do you have questions or would you like more information? Please contact us using the form below. Our team of experts will be happy to assist you as soon as possible.