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Q:
How does SaluCartilage work?
A: Natural cartilage
is a slick, cushioning surface about 2 millimeters
thick that covers joint bones to provide ease
of movement. Arthritis or injury can cause cartilage
to wear away, leaving bone on bone contact, which
can be painful. SaluCartilage is designed to replace
the areas where the cartilage has worn away, and
to provide a load-bearing surface to the joint.
Q: What is SaluCartilage
made from?
A: SaluCartilage
is made from Salubria, SaluMedica’s proprietary
biomaterial. Composed of a high percentage of
water like human tissue, Salubria is similar to
the material used for contact lenses but formulated
to be much stronger.
Q: Does SaluCartilage
dissolve or degrade in the body?
A: No. SaluCartilage
is designed to be biostable, for permanent implantation.
Q: What is the surgical
procedure for implanting SaluCartilage?
A: In a minimally
invasive procedure, the cartilage defect is cored
out using surgical instrumentation. The SaluCartilage
implant is then press fit into the hole to provide
a load-bearing surface.
Q: Where can SaluCartilage
be used in the body?
A: While the knee
joint is the most common area for cartilage defects
and arthritis pain, SaluCartilage can be used
on any articular surface, including the shoulder,
hip, and ankle.
Q: My
doctor says I need a total knee replacement. Is
SaluCartilage right for me?
A: Unfortunately, no. SaluCartilage is
indicated for small (approximately dime-sized)
lesions of damaged cartilage, not in cases of
degenerative joint disease.
Q: Where is SaluCartilage
available to patients?
A: SaluCartilage
has received clearance for sale in Europe. SaluCartilage
has not received FDA clearance and is not available
in the United States.
Q: How can I receive
SaluCartilage?
A: SaluMedica will continue to post the
latest information regarding SaluCartilage availability
and use on the web site. For a referral of surgeons
using the product outside of the United States
please contact SaluMedica.
Q: How can I learn
more about product updates for SaluCartilage?
A: As information
becomes publicly available, SaluMedica will post
it on the web site. Please continue to check www.salumedica.com
for company and product updates. Patients may
also call the Patient Information Line at (404)
589-0951, where a recorded message will provide
all available updates. Due to the number of calls
we receive, SaluMedica cannot respond personally
to phone calls or emails, nor can we comment on
a particular patient's medical condition.
Q: How can I inform
my doctor about SaluCartilage?
A: SaluMedica has
designed its web site to be accessible to patients
and physicians. Please encourage your physician
to visit our web site to download informational
literature or contact us toll free on our Physician
Line at 1-866-SALUBRIA (1-866-724-8274).
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