VEGA System®

Posterior stabilized system for natural rotation

The posterior stabilized VEGA Knee System was developed to fulfill the modern-day requirements of patient and surgeons for a modern knee implant system. The following objectives were considered in its design:

 

Natural kinematics through a rollback and a pivotal motion around the medial condyle


During flexion, the natural knee shows increased rollback of the femur on the lateral side while the femur rotates around the medial center.[1] The asymmetric cam design of VEGA facilitates this lateral rollback and medial rotation, and therefore enables a natural pivotal motion.[2]

 

Stability even in high flexion
 

Based on the design and the position of the PS box and post, the contact point of the box and post move distally with an increase of flexion. Therefore the increased jumping distance in flexion can reduce the subluxation risk. The synchronized contact surfaces between the articulating components maximize the bearing surface stress distribution in extension, reducing the risk of delamination. The high congruency between femur and tibia in extension as well as the line contact up to 160° of flexion stabilizes the patient’s movements and reduces wear. To reach higher varus-valgus stability a PS+ gliding surface with a mediolaterally wider PS post is available. Posterior inclination of the post design prevents anterior impingement with the extensor mechanism and increases resistance to dislocation.

 

Soft tissue friendly and bone sparing implant design [2]
 

Besides the reconstruction of natural kinematics, two attributes were in the foreground during the development of the VEGA Knee System. A soft tissue friendly design as well as the reduction of bone loss. 13 femur sizes, including standard and narrow sizes, and 11 tibial sizes, including standard and AP+ sizes, offer a wide range for a better bone fit regardless of gender, size, morphotype or race. Additionally, the VEGA System®’s narrow low-profile box helps to preserve bone and results in stable patellar tracking. A short tibial stem design as well as slim tibial wings support the bone sparing philosophy of VEGA. Furthermore the curved wing design facilitates a high rotational stability.

 

Long-term performance through innovative materials 
 

Advanced Surface: Wear is the number one reason for long-term knee replacement revisions.[3] To combat this issue, the AS coating can deliver up to a 65 % reduction in wear when compared to a CoCr prosthesis, as demonstrated in testing with other Aesculap knee designs. Furthermore, with the AS coating metal ion concentrations remain low and are below any biological threshold. This makes the AS coated implants an ideal solution for patients who are allergic to metal. The AS multilayer coating reduces the hardness from top to bottom in a gradient-like fashion, resulting in an improved elastic modulus. This makes it stable against mechanical stresses and strains.[4-7]

Beta Polyethylene: All of Aesculap’s polyethylenes are sterilized under Beta radiation, which reduces oxidation, decelerates the aging process, and yields better wear rates.[8-10]

 

Easy handling and precise results with the new generation of IQ instruments as well as the OrthoPilot® Navigation System

  • Patient specific with OrthoPilot® Navigation
  • User-friendly with IQ Instruments

[1] Pinskerova V, Johal P, Nakagawa S, Sosna A, Williams A, Gedroyc W, Freeman MA. Does the femur roll-back with flexion? J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2004 Aug;86(6):925-31.
[2] Mihalko WM. Knee Computer Simulation Analysis of the VEGA Total Knee to DePuy PFC Sigma and Zimmer LPS. Tennesse, 2013.
[3] Sharkey PF, Hozack WJ, Rothman RH, Shastri S, Jacoby SM. Insall Award paper. Why are total knee arthroplasties failing today? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2002 Nov;(404):7-13.
[4] Reich J, Hovy L, Lindenmaier HL, Zeller R, Schwiesau J, Thomas P, Grupp TM. Präklinische Ergebnisse beschichteter Knieimplantate für Allergiker. Orthopäde. 2010 Mai;39(5):495-502.
[5] Affatato S, Spinelli M, Lopomo N, Grupp TM, Marcacci M, Toni A. Can the method of fixation influence the wear behaviour of ZrN coated unicompartmental mobile knee prostheses? Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2011 Feb;26(2): 52-8. Epub 2010 Oct 8.
[6] Grupp TM, Schwiesau T. Determination of the wear behaviour of the univation mobile knee system T018, Mar 2007.
[7] Harman MK, Banks SA, Hodge WA. Wear analysis of a retrieved hip implant with titanium nitride coating. J Arthroplasty. 1997 Dec;12(8):938-45.
[8] Griffin W et al. Modular insert exchange in knee arthroplasty for treatment of wear and osteolysis, Clinical Orthopaedics and related research, No. 464, 2007, S. 132-137.
[9] NN. What modifications can be made to materials to improve wear behaviour. American Academy of Orthopaedic surgeons. 2001. S. 196.
[10] Aesculap Orthopaedics. Die Premium Knieendoprothese, wissenschaftliche Information, Nummer O36801, 2009.

Video Vega System®

Product Information

Videos

  • Video Optional: Tibial Stem Preparation

    Prof. Ludger Gerdesmeyer University Hospital of Kiel (Germany)

  • Video Optional: Tibia First

    Prof. Ludger Gerdesmeyer University Hospital of Kiel (Germany)

  • Video Total Knee Surgery – Femur First

    Prof. Ludger Gerdesmeyer University Hospital of Kiel (Germany)