Kinetic Device Assesses Knee Replacement Function

A novel knee system provides surgeons quantifiable data to assist in implant positioning and other parameters during total knee replacement (TKR) procedures.

The Verasense system is an integrated single-use orthopedic device that replaces standard plastic tibial trial spacers commonly used during knee replacement surgery. The system uses proprietary software and advanced sensor and real-time data communications technologies to assist the surgeons to make evidence-based decisions regarding component placement, limb alignment, and soft tissue balance through a full range of motion (ROM), with the goal of achieving balance, stability, and optimizing clinical outcomes and enhancing patient satisfaction.

The Verasense system integrates into the surgical workflow, and is compatible for use with multiple leading knee implant systems. Proprietary sensor and accelerometer technologies are used to sense dynamic loads and the femoral contact point in the medial and lateral compartments of the operative knee through a full ROM and verified limb alignment. Intercompartmental loads and center of load data provide a reference to establish optimal tibial-femoral congruency and ligament balance through a full ROM.

A unique feature is kinetic tracking, which displays tracking data in conjunction with load data to visualize tibial-femoral articulation. The system also displays tibial tray rotation, anterior-posterior (AP) slope, Varus-Valgus tilt, and mechanical axis limb alignment. In addition, the system captures intraoperative data for inclusion in patient electronic medical records (EMRs), registries, or comparative effectiveness studies. The Verasense system is a product of OrthoSensor (Dania Beach, FL, USA), and has received the European Community CE marking of approval.

“For the best patient outcomes, a knee must be both properly aligned and balanced; having the ability to quantify these two critical factors with one system is a major advance in total knee arthroplasty,” said Kenneth Gustke, MD, of the Florida Orthopedic Institute (Brandon, USA). “Inaccurate limb alignment leads to long term wear problems; improper soft tissue balance leads to postoperative pain for patients, as well as instability, stiffness and dissatisfaction. Verasense is an accurate, simple, and affordable solution to give knee replacement patients optimal short and long term clinical outcomes.”

“OrthoSensor’s intelligent orthopedic technology has taken knee replacement surgery to a new level of precision that enables improved patient care,” said Jay Pierce, CEO of OrthoSensor. “Traditionally, surgeons have relied on conventional instruments, personal judgment, and experience to assess soft tissue balance and limb alignment. Verasense advances surgeon decision-making from a feel-based art, to a quantifiable science with a low cost, easy to adopt solution that benefits all health system stakeholders and the patients they serve.”

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