Patients

That is ATRO Medical’s goal with the Artimis® Meniscus Prosthesis.

A small procedure with big positive consequences. That is the reason why the Dutch Arthritis Foundation is involved in this innovation. It recognizes the needs of patients with meniscus problems.

Patients that have had surgery on their meniscus, run the risk of chronic knee pain. In many patients, a part of the meniscus have been removed after a knee trauma. Or it was even completely removed, which means that the shock absorber in the knee is absent.

This can result in the deterioration of cartilage in the knee. Which can cause for severe pain. About 15-20% of the patients who lost part of their meniscus tissue have chronic pain in their knee[1]. Patients over 35 years-old and to whom have their meniscus edge removed, are at greater risk to developing pain.

Nowadays, there are only few effective treatments other than replacing the knee joint with a knee prosthesis. This intensive procedure could be too extreme for some people, due to them being still relatively young or/and active.

For this group there is only one alternative path they could take: a donor meniscus, otherwise known as a meniscus allograft transplantation. However, the availability of these menisci is restricted. An artificial meniscus would solve this availability issue. the new meniscus would be available on the hospital shelf. And that is what ATRO Medical is working on for years now.

With placing the artificial meniscus, the shock absorbing function of the meniscus is restored. As such, we aim to relief pain in the knee joint. And facilitate the patient to regain quality if life. How this exactly works, you can read at the section on Artimis®.

Currently we investigate in a clinical study in the Netherlands how much pain relief the Artimis® can bring. This is taking place at medical centers of St. Maartenskliniek, MC Haaglanden en Maastricht UMC+. And the renowned Radboud University Medical Center assists on the biomechanical research of the meniscus prothesis.

Learn more on our Research section and subscribe to our newsletter to keep informed.

Rens Remmings, now retired after an active career, spent six years in the navy and 41 years working for the Dutch Railways—first as a train driver and later as a service technician. Alongside his job, he also worked as a study coach, photographer and wrote Zaan region haikus for the local newspaper.

Rens is the first patient to have had the Artimis® meniscus prosthesis in his knee for over two years. His experience with the artificial meniscus has been very positive. In 2010, he underwent surgery to remove his damaged meniscus, but over time his symptoms worsened. When he came across the Artimis® meniscus prosthesis online, he signed up for the clinical trial. As a participant, Rens thoroughly informed himself about all aspects of the study and made a conscious decision to join—fully aware that while his knee might not recover completely, it could significantly improve.

The surgery took place at the Sint Maartenskliniek, after which he was able to recover at home in Zaandam. Rens followed every stage of rehabilitation diligently, including regular exercises and physiotherapy. He knew that proper rehabilitation would likely lead to better knee function.

The Artimis® prosthesis has significantly reduced Rens’s pain. While he no longer engages in intensive sports, he is now able to cycle and walk without issues. Rens would definitely recommend the Artimis® meniscus prosthesis to others with similar knee problems who meet the study’s eligibility criteria.