A growing need for better fixation of implants

The market for products which address the needs of patients suffering from fragility fractures is expected to grow rapidly over the coming years, driven by the aging population in the United States and Europe. In 2011 the baby boomers will begin reaching the 65 year mark, rapidly increasing this age demographic over the following decade. By 2017 the US population 65+ is expected to reach 30 million, at which time it will begin to level out somewhat. An additional 23 million people will be between 50-59 years of age by 2020, in the US.
Overall, it is expected that the US population over age 50 will increase 20% between 2010 and 2020, growing from 44M to 53M.

Annually there are over 500,000 total knee replacements performed in the United States, and the number is expected to increase to over 3.5 million per year by 2030. These currently represent 8.2% of total Medicare spending. Approximately 10% of knee replacement surgeries require revision.

It has been indicated that prosthesis loosening and failure can be reduced if the stability is improved during the first months after surgery. In studies by Hilding & Aspenberg, reduced migration of total knee prostheses has been shown with either systemic or local delivery of a bisphosphonate. Zolidd in combination with joint replacement devices is of great interest to explore.

^# "Local peroperative treatment with a bisphosphonate improves the fixation of total knee prostheses", in Acta Orthopaedica 2007, 78(6), 795-799