THINK Surgical Announces First Use of Medacta International's GMK Sphere® implant with the TMINI® Miniature Robotic System

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Jan 07, 2025, 12:00 ET

FREMONT, Calif., Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- THINK Surgical, Inc., an innovator in the field of orthopedic surgical robots, today announced the successful first use of Medacta International's GMK Sphere^® Medially Stabilized Knee utilizing the TMINI^® Miniature Robotic System by Matthew Beal, MD an Adult Reconstruction Surgeon at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, OH.

The GMK^® Sphere and GMK SpheriKA knees are an innovative implant addition to THINK Surgical's ID-HUB™ proprietary implant Data Bank used by the TMINI Miniature Robotic System. The GMK Sphere and SpheriKA^® systems are the only medial Ball-in-Socket design knee systems available for use with the TMINI Robot, and the GMK Sphere knee has been shown to provide high stability throughout the entire range of motion.^{1, 2, 3}Good clinical results have been achieved when implanting GMK Sphere with both mechanical and kinematic alignment philosophies.^{4, 5} GMK SpheriKA is the latest addition to Medacta's knee portfolio and is the first femoral component specifically optimized for the kinematic alignment technique. Both knee systems also offer a metal-sensitive option with SensiTiN™ coating and cementless applications with MectaGrip coating.

"This first case with the TMINI Robot and GMK Sphere by Dr. Beal is an exciting milestone," said Stuart Simpson, CEO and President of THINK Surgical. "Surgical case plans utilizing Medacta's medial stabilized knee designs and commitment to the kinematic alignment philosophy can be executed with precision using our TMINI Robotic system."

"We're very excited to announce the first implementation of our partnership with THINK Surgical," said Matt Goudy, Managing Director of Medacta, USA. "This partnership enables surgeons to leverage handheld robotic technology with the GMK Sphere or GMK SpheriKA knee systems, providing the potential to enhance patient outcomes. As the only medial ball-in-socket knee system available for use with the TMINI Robot, we look forward to the results this synergy is expected to bring."

THINK Surgical received FDA 510(k) clearance for use of the Medacta GMK Sphere and SpheriKA knee implants with the TMINI Miniature Robotic System on August 29, 2024.

About THINK Surgical, Inc.

THINK Surgical, Inc., is a privately held U.S.-based technology innovator that develops and markets orthopedic robots. THINK Surgical robots are open platforms providing support for implant brands from multiple manufacturers, enabling the choice of implant to be driven by the surgeon. THINK Surgical actively collaborates with healthcare professionals around the globe to refine our orthopedic products, improving the lives of those suffering from advanced joint disease with precise, accurate, and intelligent technology. Please refer to the instructions for use for the TMINI Miniature Robotic System for a complete list of indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions. For additional product information, please visit www.thinksurgical.com.

THINK Surgical, TMINI, ID-HUB and TMINI PRO are trademarks of THINK Surgical, Inc.

About Medacta International

Medacta is a key global player specializing in the design, production, and distribution of innovative, personalized, and sustainable solutions for joint replacement, sports medicine, and spine surgery. Established in 1999 in Switzerland, Medacta is committed to improving the care and well-being of patients and maintains a strong focus on healthcare sustainability. Through close collaboration with expert surgeons globally, continuous investments in R&D, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, Medacta's innovation prioritizes minimally invasive surgery and personalized solutions for every patient. Through the M.O.R.E. Institute, Medacta supports surgeons with a comprehensive and tailored program dedicated to the advancement of medical education. Medacta is headquartered in Castel San Pietro, Switzerland, and operates in over 60 countries.

GMK Sphere, SpheriKA and SensiTiN are trademarks of Medacta International.

1.	Hossain F et al. "Knee arthroplasty with a medially conforming ball-and-socket tibiofemoral articulation provides better function", Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2011 Jan;469(1):55-63.
2.	Morra EA, Greenwald AS "Simulated kinematic performance of The GMK-Sphere Total Knee Design During A Stand to Squat Activity", Study Report 2013.
3.	Banks S et al, "In Vivo Kinematics of a Medially Conforming & Rotationally Unconstrained TKA Design", Podium presentation at the 27th Annual Meeting of the International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty, Kyoto, Japan, September 25-27, 2014.
4.	Scott D., McMahill B., Patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes are better with a medial-stabilized implant versus a posterior-stabilized implant, International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty (ISTA) 31st Annual Congress, London, England, October 2018. Part 2.
5.	Peter F. Choong et al., A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing a Medial Stabilized Total Knee Prosthesis to a Cruciate Retaining and Posterior Stabilized Design: A Report of the Clinical and Functional Outcomes Following Total Knee Replacement, The Journal of Arthroplasty Jan 2020: 1-8.