FDAnews Device Daily Bulletin

DePuy Orthopaedics, a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, announced a new product for patients requiring total hip replacement — the Pinnacle Acetabular Cup System AltrX hip bearing.

This system provides advanced technology for recreating the natural ball and socket joint of the hip, the company said, adding that it also provides “signficiant wear reduction.” In laboratory simulations, AltrX polyethylene liners achieved a 92 percent wear reduction over conventional polyethylene liners, DePuy said.

The AltrX polyethylene bearing is used with DePuy’s exclusive Pinnacle Acetabular Cup System — the only product available that provides surgeons with the option of choosing a polyethylene or metal insert for use with the same outer titanium cup that replaces the socket of the natural hip, according to the company.