JointMedica Announces First Hip Resurfacing Procedures in New Zealand with Polymotion® Hip Implant

Dr. Sharat Kusuma, representing JointMedica, journeyed to New Zealand to oversee the first in-patient surgeries featuring the innovative Polymotion® Hip Resurfacing (PHR®) at North Shore Hospital, Auckland. Renowned hip specialist Dr. Bill Farrington, with his extensive practice since 2007, led the surgical team.

Dr. Farrington enthusiastically described Polymotion® as a "straightforward progression from the Birmingham resurfacing technique, offering good primary stability for the new socket." According to him, this advancement opens the door to a broader range of patients, including those concerned about metal allergies or metal ion levels. The device's metal-on-modern-polyethylene bearing surface not only ensures high stability but also provides additional benefits, such as more physiological loading of acetabular bone stock.

The key innovation of Polymotion® lies in its combination of proven design principles and a cutting-edge metal-on-polyethylene bearing surface. This eliminates the wear issues associated with metal-on-metal devices that led to earlier failures, ultimately halting hip resurfacing procedures for females and smaller males. JointMedica's advanced materials pave the way for offering Polymotion® as a viable solution for patients of all sizes and genders.

Assisting Dr. Farrington in the surgeries, Dr. Hugh Blackley, a veteran with two decades of hip resurfacing experience, expressed optimism about Polymotion®, stating that it "potentially opens up resurfacing for those worried about metal ion issues and small-sized hips, particularly women who may not be suitable for metal-on-metal resurfacing."

The Polymotion® device is designed to deliver traditional hip resurfacing benefits, including bone conservation and the restoration of natural biomechanics, empowering patients to regain a fully active lifestyle.

Dr. Kusuma, sharing his optimism about the future of hip resurfacing, stated, "The future is bright for hip resurfacing. I think more companies will follow in our footsteps. It’s exciting to lead the effort to develop something that we know can be disruptive and also great for clinical care."