Artimis® meniscus prosthesis study

Both studies investigate if the Artimis® meniscus prosthesis is safe and provides pain relief to the side of the knee where meniscal tissue had previously been removed.

Lateral Meniscus: EARTH study open for inclusions

This clinical study is initiated in October 2024 to enroll 10 patients at the Radboud university medical center in the Netherlands. This study focuses on the lateral meniscus on the outerside of the knee. The clinical study is approved by the Dutch government (Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate) and Medical Research Ethics Committee. More information can be found below.

This study is open to Dutch speaking individuals only, since questionnaires are in Dutch. Please switch to our Dutch site for more information.

Medial Meniscus: The AIR2 study is fully enrolled

This clinical study is initiated in October 2021 to enroll 14 patients at select medical centers in the Netherlands. This study focuses on the medial meniscus on the inner side of the knee. The clinical study is approved by the Dutch government (Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate) and Medical Research Ethics Committee. More information can be found in the knowledge base article AIR2 study information.

In 2018, Peter Scheijen suffered a painful tear in his medial meniscus. He underwent surgery, but recovery was slow, and his symptoms returned in 2019. Through a Facebook post, he came into contact with ATRO Medical and signed up via the website as a participant in a two-year clinical study of the meniscus prosthesis.

His motivation for joining the study was to help others with similar knee problems. At age 52, he also hoped to gain another ten good years with his own knee—without needing a total knee replacement. That made the decision to participate an easy one.

The treatment and examinations were carried out at Maastricht UMC+. Peter appreciated that the screening process included both an MRI and X-rays, and that everything was clearly explained. In June 2019, Dr. Pieter Emans implanted ATRO Medical’s first-generation artificial meniscus.

Rehabilitation took longer than expected. It wasn’t until about a year and a half later that Peter was pain-free. After that, he was able to return to work as a heating system service technician, performing physically demanding tasks like climbing stairs and kneeling—without pain. Thanks to the meniscus prosthesis, he also resumed activities like hiking, attending concerts, and going to festivals.

In February 2023, the prosthesis was removed after 3.5 years due to a misstep on the stairs, which caused a heavy impact on his knee and damaged the implant. In December 2023, Peter received a partial knee replacement. He has since transitioned to a less physically demanding office job.

Peter remains very positive about his participation in the clinical study. He emphasizes that he was able to do “almost everything” with the meniscus prosthesis, including long walks and attending festivals. He recommends the prosthesis without hesitation to others with similar knee complaints—especially now that ATRO Medical has developed a redesigned version with a shorter rehabilitation period and a reduced risk of damage.