Zimmer Biomet Launches Personalized Shoulder Implant

The Comprehensive Vault Reconstruction System is meant to meet an unmet need for shoulder specialists.

Chris Newmarker

Zimmer Biomet recently announced the launch of its Comprehensive Vault Reconstruction System (VRS), a patient-matched glenoid implant.

U.S. FDA has cleared the device to treat patients who have a severely deficient rotator cuff and widespread bone loss, making them unable to receive a standard glenoid baseplate, according to the Warsaw, IN-based orthopedics giant.

Personalization of the device is achieved through CT imaging and advanced 3-D reconstruction techniques. The first implantation of the Comprehensive Vault Reconstruction System took place September 21 at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, VA.

"The Comprehensive Vault Reconstruction System represents an important advance in shoulder reconstruction by streamlining and personalizing the implant procedure in hope of more predictable outcomes and results that extend beyond pain relief, to restoring function and improving overall quality of life," said David Dines, MD, orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and professor of orthopedic surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Zimmer Biomet officials see the device meeting an unmet need for shoulder specialists.

"This innovative, patient-specific implant, coupled with extensive pre-operative planning software, will expand viable treatment options for patients with severe glenoid deformities," said Orsa Britton, vice president and general manager of Zimmer Biomet's global extremities business.

Chris Newmarker is senior editor of Qmed. Follow him on Twitter at @newmarker.

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[Image by Young Lae Moon, CC BY 3.0]