Musculoskeletal healthcare firm Zimmer Biomet has introduced new Subchondroplasty (SCP) procedure, which is designed to repair chronic bone marrow lesions (BMLs).
The SCP procedure is a minimally invasive outpatient intervention, which can be used to resolve defects associated with subchondral BMLs.
Zimmer secured CE mark approval to market SCP procedure in the European Union (EU) and other countries that considers the regulatory approval.
The company also received approval for the procedure to commercialize in Canada,
Through using MRI and physical exam, the BMLs will be diagnosed that are associated with stress fractures or micro-fractures of the bone adjacent to the joint.
If they are not treated, the defect will result in cartilage degeneration, limited function, pain and greater risk for joint deterioration.
SCP is carried out to repair chronic BMLs by filling them with AccuFill bone substitute material, which is a porous injectable calcium phosphate (CaP).
The procedure is generally carried out along with arthroscopy for visualization and treatment of findings inside the joint, while an open or mini-open procedure will be used to access the defect in some cases.
The procedure, which is initially used only in bone defects of the knee, has been successfully carried out in other areas such as bones of the foot, ankle and hip.
Zimmer Biomet Group president David Nolan said: "The international release of the Subchondroplasty Procedure is a major milestone for our company and for patients with chronic bone marrow lesions.
"The procedure offers a tool that fills a gap in the patient treatment algorithm for the surgeon. We are eager to begin our international commercial launch."