Copy to clipboard 
DePuy Synthes enhanced its knee portfolio by entering into an exclusive agreement with Ortho Development to co-promote the KASM® Knee Articulating Spacer Mold to treat post-replacement infection. The strategic agreement is exclusive to the U.S. and will begin in the latter part of 2018.
KASM is a sterile, disposable cement spacer mold. It features a smooth, articulating surface for both the femur and tibial sides, along with an open mold design that allows surgeons to customize the fill of each component to accommodate for existing bony defects and other patient-specific conditions.
Unlike a static spacer, articulating spacers allow patients to weight bear with assistance (crutches or a walker), and possibly preserve range of motion, joint space and soft tissue tension during recovery.
Of the 5% of patients who require revision procedures, implant-related infections are among the leading cause, with the majority occurring within the first two years after surgery, according to DePuy Synthes.
KASM’s role in treating post-total knee replacement infections complements DePuy Synthes’ continued rollout of the ATTUNE Revision system, which was launched in the U.S. in 1Q18. As reported in its 3Q18 earnings call, DePuy Synthes has observed recent knee segment improvement, primarily attributed to strong uptake of ATTUNE Revision.
“This exclusive agreement with Ortho Development adds to our existing knee portfolio that spans treatment from early intervention to surgical replacement,” said Juan-José Gonzalez, President, DePuy Synthes U.S. “KASM provides us with the unique opportunity to help surgeons whose patients have developed an infection to maintain some mobility and freedom they might not otherwise have had throughout the healing process.”
KASM received FDA 510(k) clearance in 2014 and has been sold in Japan for several years. Ortho Development markets the spacer alongside its Balanced Knee® Revision System.
