Galway based medtech company Loci Orthopaedics expects to have news about its thumb joint implant next year, having completed enrollment of a clinical trial feasibility study.
Loci Orthopaedics has developed a thumb joint replacement implant, and is now conducting a 15-patient trial for the InDx Implant System.
The Thumb Hemi-Arthroplasty with Natural Kinematics (THANKS) study is looking at the surgical implantation of the device as well as improvements in pain, grip, and quality of life for those affected by thumb base joint arthritis.
Dr. Brendan Boland, Executive Chairperson of Loci Orthopaedics, said, “Thumb base joint arthritis is a very prevalent and disabling condition that needs a better surgical solution.”
“It is a significant milestone for the company to achieve completed enrolment of this clinical study,” he added.
“The company is very grateful to the study participants who are supporting the development of a much-needed new treatment option. We look forward to completing follow-up and reporting on the results next year.”
The dexterity of the thumb joint comes with an increased risk of arthritis over time where the joint where the thumb meets the trapezium bone in the wrist.
Thumb arthritis is common with aging and occurs when cartilage wears away from the ends of the bones that form the joint at the base of the thumb.
It is estimated that 5% of the population have symptomatic thumb base joint arthritis which causes significant hand pain and has a major negative impact on quality of life.
The InDx Implant created by Loci is the first ever implant for the base join of the thumb that fully mimics the movement of the natural joint.
Last year, Loci Orthopaedics was one of four Irish companies selected to share in €23 million in EU Accelerator funding to help complete their clinical trials.
Barry Russell, Chief Executive Officer of Loci Orthopaedics, said, “There is a significant unmet clinical need to provide an evidence-based surgical solution for this condition.”
“This study will help demonstrate the feasibility of this implant use as well as the positive clinical outcomes that an evidence-based solution can bring.”
