Over at Israel21c we found an interesting article about a company called Active Implants Corp. (AIC) that tries to commercialize a new, potentially revolutionary, hip replacement device called TriboFit® Hip System. The system is different from all the other ones because, in addition to standard acetabular cup and femoral head, the device features a proprietary TriboFit® Acetabular Buffer™, made of a gelatinous-like hydrophilic substance that is supposed to imitate the fluid film layer naturally present in joints. Some clinicians who already used the device reported that potential advantages of the system include “minimal reaming and a press-fit surgical technique. Furthermore, by ensuring that microelastohydrodynamic lubrication is maintained, friction can be nearly eliminated, thus decreasing the potential for wear.”
According to Israel 21c, the device received the European CE Mark in September 2006. The company hopes to gain FDA clearance in the US soon.
To learn more: Active Implants…
Abstract at European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology: TriboFit Total Hip System for the Treatment of Femoral Neck Fractures in the Elderly: Preliminary results (.pdf)