DePuy Mitek Launches System for Hip Arthroscopy

Raynham, Mass.-based DePuy Mitek Inc., a developer and manufacturer of orthopedic sports medicine products and soft tissue repair devices, has released Endurance Hip Solutions, a new system of instruments and devices that marks the company’s entry into the field of hip arthroscopy.

“With Endurance Hip Solutions, we’ve leveraged our clinical expertise and track record in soft tissue repair of the shoulder and knee to create a procedural hip arthroscopy solution from joint access to tissue and suture management,” said Ian Lawson, worldwide president of DePuy Mitek.

Endurance Hip Solutions includes stainless steel needles; nitinol guidewires and cannulas for access; suture anchors (Gryphon Suture Anchor) in either Biocryl Rapide biocomposite material or PEEK for fixation; and devices for tissue ablation (Vapr Vue Radiofrequency System) and fluid management (FMS Duo+). DePuy Mitek will sponsor education and training on hip arthroscopy and the new system throughout the country.

“The combination of trusted devices, sutures and materials that have proven successful in shoulder and knee arthroscopic surgery with new specialized instrumentation and tools, provides a welcome new solution for hip arthroscopy,” said Carlos Guanche, M.D., of the Southern California Orthopedic Institute in Van Nuys, Calif.

According to industry estimates, more than 30,000 hip arthroscopy procedures were performed in 2008 and were projected to grow annually at over 15 percent through 2013, according to a Millennium Research Group report. Hip arthroscopy is used to relieve pain caused by femoracetabular impingement resulting in damage to the labrum, articular cartilage or other soft tissue surrounding the hip.

The use of an arthroscope enables surgeons to see and navigate deep inside the joint without the need for large incisions and major disruption to surrounding tissue and muscle. This technique may lead to a quicker and less painful recovery and a faster return to activity than traditional surgery, according to the Arthroscopy Association of North America.

“We expect that improvements in technology, more opportunities for surgeon education and training and rising patient demand will fuel increased adoption of hip arthroscopy,” added Lawson.

Photo of the Endurance Hip System courtesy of Depuy Mitek.