Bicondylar Knee Implant System Incorporates PEEK-Optima CFR Polymer to Prevent Dislocation

A biocompatible polymer from Invibio is utilised as a bearing material for the axle bearings in a rotational knee system from Aesculap. The material is used to provide wear and cold flow resistance and dimensional stability.

Developed to combat the predominant causes of knee implant failure, luxation, wear and malpositioning associated with metal components, Aesculap's EnduRo knee revision system relies on PEEK-Optima carbon fiber-reinforced (CFR) polymer to increase the implant service life and reduce the necessity of subsequent revision surgery. Through use of PEEK-Optima CFR polymer, the service life of the EnduRo knee implant system’s rotational hinge mechanisms matches that of established primary condylar implants, according to the company.

The EnduRo knee implant from Aesculap


"Aesculap and Invibio have benefited from a long, mutually beneficial relationship based on sharing expertise and knowledge. It was through technical expertise, an understanding of our requirements and a long history of proven biocompatibility and implantation success that Invibio was able to provide us with an exceptional solution," says Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Ulf Grimm, Aesculap Product Manager for Knee Endoprostheses. "Throughout this process Invibio has provided valuable processing support and a manufacturing network with the flexibility and scope to meet our device and time targets,” Grimm adds. “Working with Invibio provided us with both a material and processing solution package that enabled our accelerated time to market requirement.”

The EnduRo knee implant is used in the treatment of severe bone defects and insufficiency of the ligamented apparatus. It has been commercially available in Europe since January 2010 and received US FDA 510(k) clearance in December 2010.

Osseon® Announces International Distribution Agreement with Aesculap

Osseon® Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that the company has entered into an International Distribution Agreement with Aesculap AG to distribute its vertebral compression fracture (VCF) treatment devices, including its new CE-Mark approved device – Osseoflex® SB (steerable balloon) in select regions of Europe and Asia. Aesculap is a division of B. Braun Melsungen, a large medical and pharmaceutical company headquartered in Tuttlingen, Germany. The Osseoflex® SB and the other Osseon CE Mark approved VCF medical devices offer a complete platform for treatment of spinal fractures.

"Aesculap is a major medical device company known throughout the world as a quality manufacturer and distributor of surgical instruments. Our new Osseoflex SB (steerable balloon) represents the most precise and controllable treatment device for vertebral compression fracture augmentation currently available to surgeons. Osseon is very excited to partner with Aesculap to distribute our game-changing Osseoplasty® devices and procedures for VCF treatment to patients throughout Europe and the international community and provide state-of-the-art alternatives to the cumbersome devices and procedures currently used to treat fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine," said John Stalcup, Ph.D., Osseon's CEO.