LOS ANGELES, April 16, 2002-Thomas Schmalzried, M.D., associate medical director of the Joint Replacement Institute (JRI), has begun clinical trials of a total knee replacement with a novel, rotating tibial polyethylene component, the Scorpio Plus® (Howmedica Osteonics, Allendale, New Jersey). The JRI is one of only 12 sites nationwide approved by the Food and Drug Administration to enroll qualifying patients in this clinical trial. Data collected will be used to obtain FDA approval to commercially distribute this product in the United States.

A focal issue in total knee arthroplasty today is longitudinal rotation. Research conducted at the JRI has demonstrated the importance of longitudinal rotation in the function and durability of total knee prostheses. Our research indicates that this rotating platform design could improve both the function and durability of the knee," said Dr. Schmalzried.

In most total knee prostheses, the tibial polyethylene is firmly attached to a metallic tibial base plate. In a rotating platform design, the tibial polyethylene is free to rotate about a central axis. Excellent clinical results have been seen with so-called fixed bearing knees. The Scorpio® total knee system with a fixed bearing was introduced in 1997 and provides patients faster rehabilitation and better quadriceps function with less anterior knee pain as a result of a unique single flexion-extension (FE) axis. The Scorpio Plus® total knee combines this single FE axis design with a rotating platform tibial bearing.

Dr. Schmalzried is an internationally renowned orthopaedic surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the adult hip and knee, with a focus on total joint replacement. The author of over one hundred scientific manuscripts, he is a three-time recipient of the John Charnley Award for pioneering research in joint arthroplasty. Dr. Schmalzried is on the editorial review board of several scientific journals, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Orthopaedic Research Society and the Association of Arthritic Hip and Knee Surgeons.

Located in downtown Los Angeles, the Joint Replacement Institute is a comprehensive treatment, research and teaching center, specializing in joint reconstructive surgery. The JRI continues its rigorous efforts to excel in joint reconstructive surgery and orthopaedic medicine, and has helped impact the lives of thousands of patients for the past ten years. For more information on the Institute, please visit the website at www.JRI-docs.com.