Mathys adds an implant to its shoulder arthroplasty portfolio. The Affinis Glenoid vitamys uncemented combines bone-preserving and hypoallergenic properties with a focus on preserving mobility.
Features of the isoelasticglenoid component include an RM titanium coating, which allows for a cement-free, bone-preserving anchoring of the Affinis Short. A notable feature of the Affinis Glenoid vitamys uncemented is its bone-preserving potential. Key to this is the low-wear, vitamin E-enriched, highly cross-linked polyethylene vitamys, which reduces the risk of osteolysis, thanks to its high wear resistance.
The bone-preserving properties of the new implant are enhanced by the unique RM titanium coating, named after the founder of the company, Robert Mathys. This coating, which covers the backside and both pegs of the glenoid component, consists of titanium particles anchored in the polyethylene individually, i.e. with no structural connection between them. As a result, the coating has little effect on the elasticity of the implant, so the Affinis Glenoid vitamys uncemented remains isoelastic.
A further bone-preserving effect of the RM titanium coating is that it enables the glenoid component to be fixed without the use of cement. No cement means the risk of thermal damage to the surrounding bone, from curing of the bone cement post implantation, is also eliminated. Also, because there is no bone cement to prepare or cure for the implantation process, the operating time for primary surgery is reduced.
Mathys's focus on preserving mobility is evident in the thin monoblock design of the Affinis Glenoid vitamys uncemented, which enables the joint surface to be placed close to the native glenoid bone. This means that during implantation, the joint line can be optimally reconstructed, with, physiologically, an anatomical centre of rotation. The importance of accurate reconstruction of the joint line is not to be underestimated.
The implant also contains hypoallergenic properties. When it comes to joint replacements, allergic reactions to metal ions are a key concern for patients and physicians alike. The Affinis Short prosthesis, in combination with the new Affinis Glenoid vitamys uncemented, is completely free of nickel, cobalt, chromium and molybdenum ions, and constitutes a standard implant solution for cases of possible hypersensitivity to these metal ions or bone cement.
