DJO Surgical announces implantation of first blended vitamin E total knee replacement in United States

DJO Global, Inc. announced the implantation of the first blended vitamin E total knee replacement in the United States. The E-plus total knee replacement insert component was developed by the company’s surgical division, DJO Surgical. According to a company press releas, the e-plus is the first total knee replacement material to be offered to patients in the United States with vitamin E blended into the insert component.

Polyethylene wear continues to be a weak point in the long-term success of total knee replacements. E-plus is a next generation formulation of high density polymer blended with vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. According to the release, vitamin E improves the material’s strength while preventing polyethylene degenerating oxidation, leading to a reduction in wear. This helps the material hold up to the higher expectations of today’s active patient.

“We are pleased to be moving orthopedic technology forward with this innovative total knee replacement bearing surface,” stated Les Cross, president and chief executive officer of DJO Global, in the release. “Active patients are requiring joint replacements at a younger age now and are living longer. With this fact in mind, it is our responsibility to develop stronger and longer lasting materials to improve the quality of life of the patients who receive them. DJO remains dedicated to providing the highest caliber medical devices through constant innovation and excellent customer service.”

The e-plus insert was created for the 3DKnee, a knee replacement system designed to improve strength, stability, and flexion in patients. The 3DKnee (Data Driven Design) is based on more than a decade of research into total knee kinematics, and more than 30,000 3DKnees have been implanted worldwide, according to the release.