Medacta International, based in Castel San Pietro, Switzerland, has announced the official launch of its new reduced metal ion release SensiTiN system in the European market. This system features titanium niobium nitride (TiNbN) coated knee implants for use in total knee replacement and revision procedures.
Reduced Metal Ion Knee Implant Launched in EU
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Medacta designed the SensiTiN system specifically to reduce metal ion release. The system is CE Marked and Medacta is extending this technology to its revision system (GMK Hinge SensiTiN and GMK Revision SensiTiN). The company says that the SensiTiN system is now “a complete system that allows for treating a larger number of patients, from primary to complex revision cases. Moreover, the system will become even more complete with the upcoming introduction of the Medacta TiNbN coated partial knee system.”
Pieter Ackerman, M.D., has utilized a GMK Hinge SensiTiN at Az Sint-Vincentius Hospital in Deinze, Belgium. “I am very excited about the new SensiTiN system, as it dramatically reduces the exposure of patients to metallic ions,” said Dr. Ackerman. “As the most advanced technique to limit the release of ions in total knee replacement, the titanium niobium nitride coating minimizes the risk of adverse reactions, especially for patients with proven or suspected sensitivity to metal ions.”
OTW asked Gianluca Olgiati, Medacta’s senior director of global marketing how the system reduced ion release: “Medacta SensiTiN coating is a ceramic-like layer based on titanium nitride, which can act as a surface coat to shield the cobalt chrome tibial and femoral component, by offering a chemically stable surface that protects the patient from metal ion release.”
“The number of patients with hypersensitivity to metal ions is steadily increasing and it is utterly important for us to make surgeons aware of the cutting-edge solutions we offer for the greatest possible patient benefit and long-term satisfaction.”
“For this reason, and in order to provide surgeons with the highest level of up-to-date medical education, the SensiTiN coating will become a part of our comprehensive M.O.R.E. Education Knee Program, supporting the surgeon step-by-step to apply the Medacta Knee Portfolio. This is a key element of our philosophy that education is an indispensable tool for transforming innovation into concrete benefits for patients, surgeons and healthcare systems.”
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This is a fascinating development. In my practice we've seen similar outcomes with the revised protocol. The key differentiator seems to be patient selection criteria. Has anyone else noticed the correlation with BMI thresholds?
Great point. I'd push back slightly on the conclusion, the sample size in the cited study is too small to draw population-level inferences. That said, the directional signal is compelling and worth a larger RCT.
We implemented a similar approach last year. Early results are promising but we're still gathering 12-month follow-up data. Happy to share our protocol if anyone is interested.
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