Challenge
Around 1.6 million patients receive total hip arthroplasties (THA) each year. Standard ball-and- socket prostheses only last for approximately 10-25 years, meaning some patients have to undergo the procedure multiple times in their lives. There is also a 1-28% chance of dislocation,
depending on risk factors such as revision surgery or misplaced
components, that further complicate a patient’s recovery and quality of life.
Opportunity
Though current hip implants already enhance the quality of life of many patients, the high dislocation risk, possibility of reduced mobility, and
limited implant lifespan mean there is a significant opportunity for improvement. The increasing demand for replacement or revision surgery
(estimated at8-10% and growing) indicates a pressing need for better and longer-lasting implants.
Solution
Researchers at the University of Malta have developed the MaltaHip, an implant that improves upon standard prostheses by incorporating four independent parts that hinge in three directions, improving the range of motion of the hip and drastically reducing wear. The implant also reduces dislocation risk, while making the surgical assembly procedure easier. The implant is comprised of materials already in clinical use and doesn’t represent a change to the normal surgical procedure for implantation.
Status
The MaltaHip implant is currently at TRL4 and has been tested in an accredited implant testing lab in Germany and has undergone initial cadaver studies. A patent application is pending, protecting the unique patent design essential to its superior functionality.
Meet the team
Gina Melchner
Venture Partner
Gina joined NLC in February 2020. As a Venture Partner, she works with a portfolio of Biotech and Medtech ventures. Gina also leads NLC’s Medtech Domain, ensuring we build impactful new Medtech ventures year after year. Gina holds a master’s in biotechnology from ETH Zurich and worked in management consulting as well as venture capital before joining NLC.