The KineSpring load absorber implant: rationale, design and biomechanical characterization

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is the leading cause of disability in the adult population. Although a number of treatments for knee OA are available, none effectively prevent OA progression. Currently, a wide therapeutic gap exists for patients who have unsuccessfully exhausted conservative OA treatments but who are hesitant or ineligible to undergo invasive surgery. The KineSpring device is a novel, joint preserving, minimally invasive implant that reduces medial compartment loading without significantly impacting the loading of the lateral compartment. This article describes the rationale for and the design of the KineSpring device and summarizes results of initial biomechanical testing in an OA cadaver model.