Do you experience chronic knee pain after meniscus removal? You are not alone. Many people continue to experience symptoms that significantly limit their daily lives. ATRO Medical is working on an innovative solution: the Artimis® Meniscus Prosthesis, inspired by the natural meniscus. Our mission is clear: to help people with chronic knee pain after meniscus surgery regain pain-free movement.
Chronic knee pain or a knee that no longer moves smoothly can have a major impact on your daily life. Climbing stairs, walking, or participating in sports may suddenly become challenging. A partial or total meniscus removal may be part of the cause. Recognizing the symptoms can help prevent further overloading of the knee. Below you will find the most common complaint associated with meniscus-related problems.
You may experience knee pain when:
twisting on a weight-bearing knee
climbing stairs
performing heavier activities such as running, jumping or kneeling
Do you recognize some of these symptoms? The Artimis® Meniscus Prosthesis may be a suitable solution for you. This artificial meniscus takes over the shock-absorbing function and load distribution of the natural meniscus. As a result, pain may decrease and movement can become easier—while preserving your own knee joint. It is a less invasive alternative to total knee replacement. At present, the Artimis® artificial meniscus is only available through clinical studies in the Netherlands. Read more about the prosthesis on the Artimis page.
The Artimis® artificial meniscus is currently being investigated in Dutch hospitals to determine its effectiveness. People with chronic knee pain after meniscus removal may be eligible to participate. The Artimis® Meniscus Prosthesis is therefore only available at participating hospitals, such as Radboudumc, St. Maartenskliniek, and Maastricht UMC+.
You may be eligible for the study if:
You are between 18 and 70 years old
You have previously had part or all of your meniscus removed
You experience persistent or chronic knee pain after meniscus removal
You likely do not have advanced cartilage degeneration
Your symptoms do not sufficiently improve with treatments such as physiotherapy or pain medication
Below you will find more information about our ongoing research. Not sure if you are eligible? Fill in the contact form and we will be happy to review your situation with you.
With the Artimis® Meniscus Prosthesis, we aim to reduce pain and improve mobility for people with chronic knee pain after meniscus removal. We investigate this through clinical studies in collaboration with Radboudumc, St. Maartenskliniek, and Maastricht UMC+. All our studies have been approved by the Medical Ethics Review Committee and the Dutch Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (CCMO).
At present, the EARTH study is open for enrollment. This study investigates replacement of the lateral (outer) meniscus with an artificial meniscus. We evaluate whether the Artimis® Meniscus Prosthesis helps reduce pain, improve mobility, and monitor any potential complications. Interested in participating? Register for the EARTH study.
We previously conducted research on replacement of the medial (inner) meniscus in the AIR2 study. Enrollment for this study is now closed, as the maximum number of participants has already received a prosthesis. Leave your contact details via the contact form, and we will notify you as soon as a new study on the medial meniscus becomes available.
Read more about our studies and results in our knowledge base.
When participating in our clinical study, you will go through five phases: from intake and preparation to surgery, recovery, and follow-up care. Below, we explain what you can expect in each phase.
Before surgery can take place, a careful assessment is performed to determine whether you are eligible for the Artimis® Meniscus Prosthesis. You will discuss your symptoms and medical history, undergo a physical examination, and receive X-rays and MRI scans. You will also complete questionnaires about your health, pain levels, and knee function. This allows the physician to form a complete and accurate diagnosis.
Discover how Peter and Rens experience the Artimis® Meniscus Prosthesis and the positive impact it has had on their daily lives.
Do you experience chronic knee pain after meniscus removal and want to know whether the Artimis® artificial meniscus could be right for you? Register for the EARTH study, which evaluates the performance of the lateral meniscus prosthesis. Radboudumc will then assess together with you whether you are eligible.
At this time, only the EARTH study (lateral meniscus) is open for enrollment. Would you like to stay informed about future research? Leave your contact details below and we will notify you when a new study opens for enrollment.
Do you have questions about our research or the Artimis® Meniscus Prosthesis? Leave your phone number and we will contact you as soon as possible.