Category: Implants and Prostheses

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Clinical Trials Are Part of UP Professor’s Dream of ‘Making Deafness History’

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University of Pretoria’s Professor Mashudu Tshifularo is leading a groundbreaking clinical trial for 3D-printed ossicles,

Forty-five patients with conductive hearing loss from middle-ear damage are eagerly awaiting the start of clinical trials, led by University of Pretoria’s Professor Mashudu Tshifularo, on a ground-breaking procedure to restore hearing.

The trials, due to begin within weeks at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria, come seven long years after Prof Tshifularo successfully performed the world’s first middle-ear transplant using 3D-printed bones made from titanium. The patient was Thabo ***, whose middle-ear bones – the ossicles – had been injured in an accident, causing almost total hearing loss until he had the transplant in March 2019.

In a video screened at a UP Roundtable event held in April this year to announce the launch of the upcoming clinical trials, a beaming Thabo *** confirmed he had regained his hearing after the transplant and had continued to enjoy excellent hearing ever since.

While this procedure was hailed as a surgical breakthrough at the time, its full acceptance by the South African and global ear, nose and throat (ENT) community depends on formal clinical validation. Despite the many obstacles he knew would lie ahead, Prof Tshifularo, joint head of UP’s Department of Otorhinolaryngology, was determined to take his innovation through clinical trials.

“Today is a culmination that I never thought would come. There was a time when I cried, there was a time when I was very depressed, there was a time when I nearly gave up, but something inside me told me to remain steady,” he said at the Roundtable, where the announcement was made that clinical trials could finally move ahead now that all the necessary regulatory, ethical and licensing clearances have been obtained, including from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).

The years since Prof Tshifularo performed that first transplant have also been spent developing, perfecting, testing and patenting a prototype of the titanium material and implants for the clinical trials. UP’s engineering partner on this project, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), was responsible for the materials and prototype development, while HH Industries manufactures the implants, using 3D printing technology, and Marcus Medical is providing the robotic technology to be used during the surgery. Seed funding was provided by the Motsepe Foundation.

Ready to transform lives

Now that it is all-systems-go for this all-South African collaborative effort, Prof Tshifularo and his team aim to perform this life-changing surgery in the next 12 months on all 45 patients who have expressed interest in participating in the clinical trials.

The team will then focus on publishing their research and training future researchers and medical teams so that the work can be amplified far and wide for the benefit of humanity.

“My dream is to make deafness history,” Prof Tshifularo said, noting that an estimated two billion youth are living with undiagnosed, mostly noise-induced hearing loss, which would become a severe problem in the next 20 to 25 years. Hearing loss is also common among the world’s rapidly ageing population.

The procedure itself takes about three hours and uses advanced robotics to remove the damaged middle-ear bones and replace them with the 3D printed titanium bones. This is minimally invasive, carries significantly less risk than conventional procedures and leaves minimal scarring. The titanium used to manufacture the ossicles is biocompatible, meaning it can be introduced into the ear without causing harmful reactions.

“This innovation will ultimately transform the lives of many people, including newborn babies born with congenital middle-ear defects,” said Prof Themba Mosia, Vice-Principal: Student Life, who gave the opening address at the Roundtable. “It exemplifies the spirit of innovation and collaboration at the university, combined with the deep medical expertise needed to restore hearing.”

UP at the forefront of healthcare advancements

Prof Flavia Senkubuge, Dean of UP’s Faculty of Health Sciences, said innovations such as Prof Tshifularo’s middleear surgical procedure place the university “front and centre” of healthcare advancements on the African continent and the world stage.

She reiterated UP’s commitment to deploying its innovations for the benefit of local communities, such as by establishing a “one-stop shop” – most likely in the form of a private day hospital – where community members could benefit from advanced clinical technologies and the expertise of its researchers.

Paying tribute to Prof Tshifularo, long-time colleague Dr Christian Quitter thanked Prof Tshifularo “for having the guts” to persevere with his innovation, even when it was not always supported by the ENT establishment.

He also thanked the university for supporting researchers who “think out of the box in seeking to improve the lives of all humanity”.

Provided by the University of Pretoria

Categories : Implants and ProsthesesTags :

New Magnesium Coating Could Improve Safety of Medical Implants

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Photo by DanR. CC BY-NC-SA-2.0

A team of scientists from the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia and around the world has developed a promising way to reduce the risks from biodegradable medical implants. 

Scientists from UniSC’s Centre for Bioinnovation and advanced materials and manufacturing scientists from the School of Science, Technology and Engineering collaborated with Foshan’s First People’s Hospital in China and the University of Tokyo to develop a new coating for medical magnesium implants. 

The implants are coated in bioactive peptides, which are small, naturally occurring protein fragments that can support health and wellbeing. 

The new coating combines advanced metal processing with biomolecular science to improve compatibility with the body, reduce inflammation and boost antibacterial activity, enabling the implant to degrade safely as the bone heals. 

It has shown promising results, published recently in Biomaterials Research. 

Associate Professor Tianfang Wang said the technology could be most beneficial for orthopaedic implants such as plates, screws and pins used to repair fractures, as well as certain dental implants. 

“Our ultimate goal is to create self-absorbing implants that support healing then naturally disappear once no longer needed. This would reduce the physical and emotional burden associated with implant removal, giving patients greater confidence and comfort in their recovery. 

“It may also be suitable for cardiovascular stents or other devices where antibacterial protection and immune compatibility is essential in the critical early stages after implant,” he said.  

Traditionally, metallic implants are made from stainless steel or titanium and remain permanently in the body or sometimes require surgical removal after healing, which can cause pain, anxiety, and added costs. 

Magnesium alloys are among a new generation of degradable implant materials currently being developed based on naturally occurring trace elements in the body and designed to degrade naturally over time in unison with healing, so that they don’t require removal.  

 “While the magnesium alloys are biodegradable, these implants may still need to be removed if they degrade too rapidly, or cause infection,” said Professor Xiaosong Liu, the lead Chinese collaborator from the First People’s Hospital of Foshan. 

“Degradable, biocompatible magnesium implants with built-in antibacterial activity could eliminate these issues, reducing patient distress, surgical risks, and healthcare costs while promoting more sustainable medical practices,” said AMM materials scientist Dr Hejie Li.  

Associate Professor Damon Kent, leader of AMM, said the next step is to move the alloy to production for early pre-clinical trials, while exploring partnerships with biomedical companies to support the scale-up. 

“We are also exploring use of the coatings on other suitable metals and 3D metal printing options. There are a lot of possibilities,” he said. 

UniSC Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Ross Young said the innovation was the latest in a growing body of world-class translational research and impact at the University, particularly in the health and medical space. 

“Expert researchers at UniSC continue to deliver new insights into cancer, chronic diseases, mental wellbeing such as PTSD and youth mental health, healthy ageing, nutrition and sports science,” Professor Young said. 

“Coupled with our commitment to introducing a Medical Program, UniSC is truly establishing its position on the world stage for its leadership and expertise in human health.” 

Source: University of the Sunshine Coast

Categories : Implants and Prostheses Lab Tests and ImagingTags :

Is it Safe to Have an MRI After Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery?

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A patient with a knee replacement undergoing an MRI where modern technology reduces the distortions in the images.

It is a common concern for patients that metal implants, such as hip or knee replacements, may prevent them from having an MRI scan. In most cases, this is not true. Patients with modern joint replacements can safely undergo MRI, depending on the materials used in the implant. It is important to inform the radiology team about the implant before your scan.

Dr Jean de Villiers, a radiologist and director of SCP Radiology, answers some of the questions most frequently asked by patients, specifically around the process from referral to reporting in radiology imaging.

What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?

MRI is a non‑invasive imaging technique that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures. Unlike X‑rays or CT scans, MRI does not involve ionising radiation and is used extensively to diagnose a wide range of conditions.

Because MRI uses strong magnetic fields, many patients ask whether it is safe to have an MRI after a hip or knee replacement.

Can you have an MRI after a hip or knee replacement?

Yes, you can have an MRI scan on other parts of the body, as well as on the knee or hip where the implant is. Although some older MRI scanners may not be compatible with certain prostheses, the vast majority of MRI equipment in use today is safe and compatible with modern hip and knee implants.

How safe is MRI if the implant is made of metal?

Most implants are made from titanium or cobalt‑chromium alloys. Although these materials are metallic, they are not significantly affected by the magnetic field of an MRI scanner, nor do they heat up during the scan. Many implants also contain hard plastic components, all of which are designed to be compatible with MRI scanners. They are not attracted to the powerful magnet in the same way as older or highly magnetic materials.

Dr de Villiers explains, “The vast majority of joint replacements used today are MRI‑safe. The key is that we know about them in advance, so we can adjust the scan if needed.”

What is the main challenge with MRI and an implant?

The main challenge is image quality. Metal can sometimes cause image distortion, known as artefact, on MRI images. This may make it more difficult to assess structures close to the implant. However, modern MRI techniques have improved significantly and can often minimise these effects, allowing radiologists to assess surrounding tissues such as muscles and ligaments, and to detect complications such as infection or loosening. MRI is often the best imaging method for evaluating pain or complications after joint replacement surgery.

What happens if MRI does not produce clear diagnostic images?

In some cases, alternative imaging techniques such as CT or ultrasound may be recommended, depending on the clinical question. However, MRI remains safe and highly valuable for many patients with joint prostheses.

Are there implants that prevent you from having an MRI?

Certain implants and devices may be unsafe or require special precautions during MRI, including:

  • Implanted pacemakers
  • Intracranial aneurysm clips
  • Cochlear implants
  • Certain prosthetic devices
  • Implanted drug‑infusion pumps
  • Neurostimulators
  • Bone‑growth stimulators
  • Any other iron‑based metal implants

MRI is also contraindicated in the presence of some internal metallic objects such as bullets or shrapnel, as well as certain surgical clips, pins, plates, screws, metal sutures or wire mesh.

Having a hip or knee replacement does not automatically exclude you from having an MRI scan. With modern implants and appropriate planning, MRI is both a safe and important diagnostic tool. As technology continues to evolve, future developments are expected to further enhance MRI compatibility with hip and knee implants, making it an even more reliable tool for ongoing patient care.

It is crucial for patients to inform their healthcare providers about their joint replacement before undergoing an MRI. This allows the medical team to adjust the MRI settings and take appropriate precautions to ensure both safety and diagnostic accuracy.

Categories : Implants and ProsthesesTags :

New Global Study Estimates that Modern Hip Replacements Could Last at Least 30 Years

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New global study using data from the National Joint Registry, estimates that modern hip replacements could last at least 30 years

Photo by DanR. CC BY-NC-SA-2.0

A major international study led by researchers who have used extensive data from the NJR estimates that modern total hip replacements, those using today’s more advanced bearing surfaces, are likely to last over 30 years in 92% of patients. This new finding marks a significant improvement in long term implant longevity and durability, compared with previous generations of medical implant devices.

Published on 26 February 2026, the research represents the largest and most contemporary analysis of hip replacement conducted to date. The study was a global collaboration including data contribution from eight joint registries. The data of just under two million hip replacement procedures were analysed, with the NJR accounting for almost two-thirds of that data. Registry data were combined with evidence from 29 long term clinical studies, across 18 countries.

Data was included from adult patients undergoing primary hip replacement with contemporary bearing surfaces: highly cross‑linked polyethylene (XLPE), ceramic‑on‑XLPE, or third‑ and fourth‑generation ceramic‑on‑ceramic articulations. Only implants that are still in routine clinical use were included, ensuring the study reflects modern practice, rather than historic device performance. Across all registries, cases were followed for a minimum of 10 years, with implant survival tracked until first all‑cause revision. All three material types demonstrated similarly high survivorship.

The results of the study provide patients with reassurance in consideration of the commonly asked question “How long will my hip replacement last?”  It is encouraging to know that modern hip replacements could last decades.

With regard to previous research on implant longevity, a 2019 study into hip replacement longevity which was supported by the NJR, suggested that over half, ie. 58% of hip replacements lasted 25 years, but those estimates were based on some implants made of materials that are no longer widely used. In 2022, another review of NJR data was conducted to enable further understanding of implant longevity, which produced the paper: ‘How long revised and multiply-revised hip replacements last?’ You can read more on that here.

You can read the recent Lancet paper here: Survivorship of modern total hip replacement to 30 years: systematic review, meta-analysis, and extrapolation of global joint registry data – The Lancet

Source: National Joint Registry

Categories : General Interest Implants and ProsthesesTags :

‘What’s Your Epic?’ Gathers Momentum as Amputee Riders Prepare for the 2026 Cape Epic

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Movement is a Right, not a Privilege

Since launching late last year, Össur South Africa’s ‘What’s Your Epic?’ campaign has gained strong traction, with six amputee athletes now deep into training for the 2026 Cape Epic (15–22 March). As preparations intensify, the campaign continues to rally South Africans around a powerful belief: that access to mobility is fundamental to dignity, independence, and opportunity.

Three amputee teams will line up at one of the world’s most demanding mountain biking events, not only to test their physical limits, but to raise awareness and funds for three South African non-profit organisations restoring mobility and independence to people living with limb loss or disability: Jumping Kids, Rejuvenate SA, and Zimele.

Over the past few weeks, the riders have been balancing rigorous training schedules with advocacy, fundraising, and community engagement, using the build-up to the Cape Epic to shine a spotlight on the everyday barriers faced by thousands of South Africans who lack access to basic mobility solutions.

“Since launching ‘What’s Your Epic?’, the response has been incredibly encouraging,” says Blignaut Knoetze, Managing Director of Össur South Africa. “What’s been most powerful is seeing how this campaign has resonated beyond sport. It’s sparked conversations about access, inclusion, and what mobility truly means in people’s lives.”

For the six riders, the road to the Cape Epic is as much mental as it is physical. Long training rides, strength work, and recovery sessions are all undertaken with a deeper purpose in mind.

“Training for the Cape Epic is intense, but every ride reminds me why this matters,” says Rentia Retief, artist and amputee athlete. “With the right prosthetic and support, I’ve been able to reclaim the life I knew before losing my leg. Through this campaign, we’re trying to help make that same freedom possible for others.”

Mhlengi Gwala, international para-triathlete and African champion, adds, “This race is about more than endurance. It’s about representation and showing what’s possible when people are given the tools and support to move forward.”

Representing the third team, Brian Style, a passionate cyclist who rebuilt his life through mountain biking, says, “Preparing for the Cape Epic is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Being part of this campaign gives real meaning to the training, knowing that every kilometre ridden helps create opportunities for others to regain their independence and confidence.”

Funds raised through the campaign will support:

  • Jumping Kids, which provides prosthetic limbs, education access, and sport opportunities to children with limb loss.
  • Rejuvenate SA, which supplies mobility aids to adults who cannot afford them, restoring dignity and independence.
  • Zimele, which supports adults with physical disabilities to regain independence, reintegrate into society, and build economic self-sufficiency.

Together, these organisations are changing lives every day, from helping a child take their first steps to enabling adults to return to work and participate fully in their communities.

“The riders may be the face of the campaign, but the real heroes are the organisations working on the ground,” says Knoetze. “Our role is to amplify their impact and encourage South Africans to get involved in any way they can.”

As race day draws closer, Össur South Africa is calling on individuals, corporates, and communities to support the campaign through donations, fundraising initiatives, partnerships, or simply by sharing the message.

“‘What’s Your Epic?’ asks a simple but powerful question,” says Knoetze. “How can each of us help remove barriers and create access? When we support mobility, we support inclusion, opportunity, and futures.”

Donate, fundraise, or get involved as an individual or company. Your support can help someone stand, walk, work, play, or believe in possibility again.

Donations: Össur Donations, ABSA Bank, Account number: 4123 215 542, Branch code: 632005, Reference: Company name and contact number. For more information or Section 18A certificates, please contact Amelda Potgieter at apotgieter@ossur.com.

This is more than a race. It’s a movement.
What’s your Epic?

Categories : Implants and Prostheses Metabolic DisordersTags :

Could a Living Implant End Daily Insulin Injections?

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The development of a self-regulating, implantable living technology that could offer hope for millions with diabetes and other chronic diseases

The crystal capsules developed by the researchers. They made the cover of Science Translational Medicine.

A pioneering study marks a major step toward eliminating the need for daily insulin injections for people with diabetes. The research introduces a living, cell-based implant that can function as an autonomous artificial pancreas, essentially a living drug that is long-term, thanks to a novel crystalline shield technology.

Once implanted, the system operates entirely on its own: it continuously senses blood-glucose levels, produces insulin within the implant itself, and releases the exact amount needed – precisely when it is needed. In effect, the implant becomes a self-regulating, drug-manufacturing organ inside the body, requiring no external pumps, injections, or patient intervention.

One of the study’s most significant breakthroughs addresses the longstanding challenge of immune rejection, which has limited the success of cell-based therapies for decades. The researchers developed engineered therapeutic crystals that shield the implant from the immune system, preventing it from being recognised as a foreign object. This protective strategy enables the implant to function reliably and continuously for several years.

The technology has already been successfully tested in a mouse model for effective and long-term regulation of glucose levels and in non-human primates for cell viability and functionality. These results represent a critical milestone and strongly support the potential for future translation to human patients.

From Postdoctoral Insight to Global Collaboration

The study was led by Assistant Professor Shady Farah of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, in co-correspondence with MIT, and in collaboration with Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Massachusetts. Asst Prof Farah began developing the concept with colleagues in 2018 during his postdoctoral fellowship at MIT and Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, under the supervision of Prof Daniel Anderson and Prof Robert (Bob) Langer, a world leader in tissue engineering and co-founder of Moderna.

Today, the research continues in Asst Prof Farah’s laboratory at the Technion, in close collaboration with leading US institutions, including MIT, Harvard, the University of Massachusetts, Boston Children’s Hospital, and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

A Platform with Far-Reaching Potential

While the immediate focus is diabetes, the researchers emphasise that this implantable, closed-loop platform could be adapted to treat a wide range of chronic conditions requiring continuous delivery of biological therapeutics – including haemophilia and other metabolic or genetic diseases.

If successfully translated to the clinic, this technology could redefine how chronic diseases are treated, shifting from repeated drug administration to living, self-regulating therapies that work seamlessly from within.

To read the full article, click here

Source: TECHNION Israel Institute of Technology

Categories : Implants and Prostheses OphthalmologyTags :

Common Eye Ointment can Damage Glaucoma Implants, Study Warns

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Research shows that petrolatum-based eye ointments can cause the device to swell and potentially rupture, prompting an urgent update to clinical guidance.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko


Widely-used eye ointments can cause glaucoma implants to swell and potentially rupture, according to new research from Nagoya University in Japan. This study is the first to show, using clinical and experimental evidence, that petrolatum-based eye ointments can compromise the PRESERFLO® MicroShunt, an implant used in over 60 countries to treat glaucoma.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. It often results from increased intraocular pressure caused by blocked drainage of eye fluid. A recent study estimated that 76 million people globally are affected by glaucoma.

Progression of visual field loss (from left to right) due to glaucoma
(Credit: Ryo Tomita)

MicroShunt is a small filtration device implanted in the eye to improve fluid drainage in glaucoma patients. Compared to traditional surgeries, it lowers post-operative complications and reduces reliance on additional medications.

MicroShunt is made from a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer based on a polystyrene-block-polyisobutylene-block-polystyrene (SIBS) block polymer, which is highly biocompatible, flexible, and less likely to cause inflammation or scarring. However, this material is vulnerable when it comes into contact with hydrocarbon- and oil-based materials. Due to its high oil affinity, exposure to petrolatum-based eye ointments may allow oil components to penetrate the device, causing swelling and potential changes in its shape and flexibility.

The MicroShunt manufacturer’s instructions state that “the MicroShunt should not be subjected to direct contact with petrolatum-based (ie, petrolatum jelly) materials, such as ointments and dispersions.” But this precaution is not widely recognised or consistently followed in clinical practice.

“Swollen MicroShunts can be structurally fragile,” said ophthalmologist and Assistant Professor Ryo Tomita of Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, the study’s first author. “During surgery, I observed a rupture in a swollen MicroShunt. If more clinicians are aware of this risk, they will be able to prevent similar problems.”

Tomita and colleagues, including Assistant Professor Taiga Inooka and Associate Professor Kenya Yuki from Nagoya University Hospital and the Graduate School of Medicine collaborated with Dr. Takato Kajita and Junior Associate Professor Atsushi Noro from the Graduate School of Engineering to examine changes in the MicroShunt after exposure to a petrolatum-based eye ointment.

The medical team reviewed clinical cases, while the engineering team conducted laboratory analyses. The findings were published in Graefe’s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology.

Clinical evidence

The clinical study examined seven glaucoma patients whose MicroShunt implants were later removed for different reasons. The results revealed a clear pattern. In three cases, the MicroShunt was exposed outside the conjunctiva, and patients received a petrolatum-based eye ointment. All three explanted devices showed significant swelling, and two of them ruptured.

In three other cases, the MicroShunt remained covered by the conjunctiva, and no ointment was administered. These devices retained their original structure. Crucially, in one additional case, the MicroShunt was exposed outside the conjunctiva, but no ointment was applied. The device did not swell. This indicates that direct contact with the ointment, rather than conjunctival rupture alone, is the primary cause of swelling.

Photographic comparison of MicroShunt illustrating size changes
Top: MicroShunt explanted from a patient, exhibiting diffuse swelling with fracture and loss of one fin
Middle: MicroShunt explanted from another patient, showing localized swelling around the fin
Bottom: Unused MicroShunt (control)
Scale: 1 division = 1 mm   
(Credit: Ryo Tomita)

Laboratory confirmation

Laboratory experiments confirmed the clinical findings. The team immersed unused MicroShunts in petrolatum-based eye ointment to reproduce the swelling seen in clinical cases. Microscopic measurements showed significant changes. After 24 hours in the ointment, the MicroShunt’s outer diameter increased to 1.44 times its original size, and the fin-like portion widened to 1.29 times its initial value.

Chemical analysis identified the cause of this change. After 24 hours of immersion, oil components made up approximately 45% of the MicroShunt’s total weight, rising to 73% after three months. These results confirmed the primary cause of swelling to be the absorption of oil-based ointment constituents into the material.

Clinical implications

The research team emphasises that clinicians should avoid using petrolatum-based ointments on patients with MicroShunt implants, particularly when the device is exposed outside the conjunctiva. Alternative post-operative treatments should be considered, while further research is needed to assess whether swelling impacts MicroShunt performance even when rupture does not occur.

“Our study found that commonly used medical materials can cause unexpected complications if their chemical properties and usage environments are not fully understood,” Noro stated. “From both medical and engineering perspectives, we emphasise the importance of understanding the chemical properties of medical materials and appropriately managing their usage environments.”

Paper information:

Ryo Tomita, Taiga Inooka, Takato Kajita, Hideyuki Shimizu, Ayana Suzumura, Jun Takeuchi, Tsuyoshi Matsuno, Hidekazu Inami, Koji M. Nishiguchi, Atsushi Noro, and Kenya Yuki. (2026) Petrolatum-based ointment application induces swelling of the PRESERFLO MicroShunt. Graefe’s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
DOI: 10.1007/s00417-025-07075-2

Categories : General Interest Implants and ProsthesesTags :

Össur South Africa Launches 2026 ‘What’s Your Epic?’ Campaign

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Movement is a Right, not a Privilege

Inspiring South Africa to Support Mobility, Inclusion and the Power of Possibility

Össur South Africa‘s Team 1: Rentia Retief & Travis Warwick-Oliver

Össur South Africa is proud to announce the launch of the 2026 ‘What’s Your Epic?’ campaign, an initiative that champions one simple truth: everyone deserves the freedom to move. As the world turns its attention to the Cape Epic from 15 – 22 March 2026, Össur is once again harnessing this global stage to drive awareness, spark action, and rally support for mobility access across South Africa.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural campaign, Össur South Africa has entered three amputee teams into the 2026 Cape Epic, one of the world’s most iconic and demanding mountain biking events. These six remarkable riders embody grit, courage, and the unbreakable belief that mobility transforms lives. Their mission is bigger than the race: to unlock meaningful support and funding for three exceptional non-profit organisations: Jumping Kids, Zimele and Rejuvenate SA.

“Movement is a fundamental right, not a privilege reserved for the few,” says Blignaut Knoetze, Managing Director of Össur South Africa. “Whether you’re an elite athlete, a child receiving their first prosthetic or an adult rebuilding independence; mobility unlocks dignity, participation, and potential. ‘What’s Your Epic?’ is our call to South Africa to stand with us in supporting organisations who make this freedom possible.”

The 2026 campaign aims to raise funds and awareness for four organisations driving mobility access and inclusion:

  • Jumping Kids: Providing quality prostheses, education access, and sport opportunities to children living with limb loss, giving them the tools to build confident, successful futures.
  • Rejuvenate SA: Founded on the belief that movement is a basic human right, Rejuvenate SA supplies mobility aids to those who cannot afford them, restoring dignity and independence.
  • Zimele: Meaning “independence” in Xhosa, Zimele supports adults with physical disabilities to regain control over their lives, reintegrate into society and build economic self-sufficiency.

Together, these six athletes across three teams are redefining what’s possible.

  • Team 1: Rentia Retief & Travis Warwick-Oliver

Rentia (33, Somerset West), an artist and amputee athlete, who survived a cycling accident in 2023. Her journey is a testament to courage and the belief that mobility is a right every person deserves. Partnering with her is Travis (32, Durban), founder of Rejuvenate SA, adaptive athlete, and two-time UTMB finisher who has transformed his own amputation into a mission to help others move freely and live without limitations.

  • Team 2: Mhlengi Gwala & Kean Dry

Mhlengi (34, Durban), an international para-triathlete and multiple African champion who continues to defy all odds after a 2018 attack that led to the amputation of his right leg. Riding alongside him is Kean (30, Cape Town), a dedicated endurance athlete and community motivator whose story of resilience inspires thousands to believe that adversity does not define possibility.

  • Team 3: Brian Style & Rudi Joubert

Brian (40, Springs), a passionate cyclist who has rebuilt his life through mountain biking, uses sport as a platform for giving back. He rides with Rudi (42, Secunda), a determined amputee athlete known for his positivity, teamwork, and commitment to raising funds for mobility solutions.

“These riders are not just racing, they are raising their voices for those who cannot and shining a spotlight on organisations that restore dignity, independence, and hope,” says Knoetze. Össur South Africa is inviting the public, corporates, partners, and communities to be part of this extraordinary movement. Whether through donations, corporate partnerships, fundraising initiatives, or simply sharing the message, every contribution helps someone stand, walk, run, play, work, or dream again.

“‘What’s Your Epic?’ is about pushing boundaries; not just on the bike, but in society,” adds Knoetze. “When we support mobility, we support access. We support inclusion. We support futures. We are asking South Africa to back our riders, our NPOs, and the belief that everyone deserves the freedom to move.”

Donate, fundraise, or get involved as an individual and/ or company. Your support can help someone take their first step, return to work, join a sport, or believe in possibility again.
Össur Donations, ABSA Bank, Account number: 4123 215 542, Branch code: 632005
Reference: company name and contact number

Please contact Amelda Potgieter (apotgieter@ossur.com) for more information and/ or Section 18A certificates.

This is more than a race. It’s a movement. What’s your Epic?

Categories : Implants and ProsthesesTags :

‘It’s a great sign’: Innovative Cochlear Implant Trial Expands Earlier than Expected

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The new cochlear implant is implanted invisibly under the skin, unlike this standard design. Photo by Brett Sayles

A highly sought-after clinical trial testing completely under-the-skin cochlear implants is expanding earlier than expected. Promising preliminary results showed no serious adverse events or unexpected device effects.

The Medical University of South Carolina, which has one of the larger cochlear implant programmes in the country, is one of several sites in the United States taking part in the Acclaim study. Three patients were implanted in the first wave of the trial and have been using their devices for at least six months. Now, MUSC has the chance to enrol more.

“New patients are coming this week, and we’re going to resume device placement as soon as possible. We have people flying in from all over the country to be part of the trial as well as South Carolinians,” said Teddy McRackan, MD He’s medical director of the MUSC Health Cochlear Implant Program.

Some participants are traveling to Charleston to get the experimental implants because slots in the 56-person national trial are limited, and they like the idea of cochlear implants without external parts.

The Acclaim implants would be the first such devices to hit the market if they obtain approval from the Food and Drug Administration. McRackan said they use the body’s natural hearing bone movements to detect sound instead of the external microphones used in traditional cochlear implants.

“The trial has made it clear that hidden cochlear implants appeal to a lot of people,” said audiologist Elizabeth Camposeo, AuD. She’s assistant director of the MUSC Health Cochlear Implant Program.

“Seeing our patients going through this trial just feels like such a massive opportunity. I didn’t know how hard we were struggling to overcome the physical stigma of visible implants. There were many patients we screened for the trial who we could help with a traditional implant but who did not want any part of it. These people are profoundly hearing impaired, like 10 out of 10 terrible hearing, and they absolutely would not consider a traditional implant.”

They have plenty of company. Just 5% of adults in the United States who could hear better with traditional cochlear implants have them, according to the American Cochlear Implant Alliance.

To measure the Acclaim implants’ effectiveness, participants will check in for testing at one month, three months, six months, one year and two years after their implants are activated. Implantation requires surgery and then one month for healing before doctors turn on the devices.

Once the implants are activated, Camposeo said researchers will start analysing data about how much sound they detect and how well patients understand speech. “Similar to when you have your eyes checked, how close are you to 20/20 vision, we check sound detection. More importantly, we test speech understanding. We play a word. You repeat it back. We play a sentence. You repeat it back in both quiet and noise, because the world is a noisy place.”

A noisy place, and a place where potentially groundbreaking devices can be developed quickly, McRackan said. “I don’t think anybody thought two years ago that the Acclaim device would be at this point now. I think it’s kind of amazing how fast things are progressing.”

Source: Medical University of Southern Carolina

Categories : Implants and ProsthesesTags :

Prosthetic Designers Take Top Awards at the Entrepreneurship Intervarsity 2025

On By ModernMedia

A young man’s determination to help the thousands of South Africans who cannot afford a quality prosthetic spurred him into action. It led him to design a pneumatic-actuated prosthetic foot, winning him the title of 2025 EDHE Studentpreneur of the Year at the seventh annual EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity.

Mr Zanodumo Godlimpi, a postgraduate student at Walter Sisulu University, won R120 000 in overall prize money and a further R25 000 for another win in the Academic Research Commercialisation category.

A fellow prosthetic designer and innovator – Ms Amohetsoe Shale from Stellenbosch University – was named Top Student Womanpreneur, winning R25 000. Her company, Navu, designs and produces cost-effective, high-performance assistive technologies, beginning with a passive polycentric prosthetic knee. Ms Shale emerged a runner-up in the Academic Research Commercialisation category.

Below is the breakdown of the 2025 EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Award winners:

The EDHE Studentpreneur of the Year

·     Zanodumo Godlimpi (Walter Sisulu University), founder of a pneumatic-actuated and affordable prosthetic foot. (R120 000).

Top Student Womanpreneur

·     Ms Amohetsoe Shale (Stellenbosch University) founder of the NAVU Group, who design affordable, high-performing prosthetic knees for amputees. (R25 000).

Existing Business – Tech

·     Winner: Ms Kholofelo Makhubupetsi (University of Mpumalanga), co-founder of CSK Environmental Consulting which guides businesses towards sustainable practices while leveraging government grants. It helps organisations reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve biodiversity (R25 000).

·     Runners-up: Ms Khanyisa Mokgolobotho and Ms Rosemary Erawemen (Stellenbosch University), co-founders of Techmed Connect, a company revolutionising South African healthcare with technology through innovative AI solutions and helping bridge language gaps (R10 000).

Existing Business – Social Impact

·     Winner: Ms Malehu Mohale (University of Cape Town), founder of the Early Bird Testimony Academy, an online tutoring and mentorship platform. (R25 000).

·     Runner-up: Mr Kabelo Makhetha (Central University of Technology), founder of OWA Jewellers which creates jewellery that blends African design with safety technology, making it a potential life-saving tool for individuals with conditions like epilepsy or dementia. (R10 000).

·     2nd runner-up: Mr Katleho Mphutlane (University of Fort Hare), co-founder of Incremental Education which seeks to bridge the gap between education and employability and empowers students with practical skills and global opportunities, focusing on supporting TVET college and university of technology students in tourism, hospitality and agriculture. (R10 000)

Existing Business – General

·     Winner: Mr Tumelo Ratala (University of South Africa), founder of Drink & Print which offers purified water and printing services (R25 000).

·     Runner-up: Mr Thando Mzimela (University of Cape Town), co-founder of uniMark by TM Agrichem that connects university students with essential services through an online platform that streamlines access to local businesses (R10 000).

Academic Research Commercialisation

·     Winner: Zanodumo Godlimpi (Walter Sisulu University), founder of a pneumatic-actuated and affordable prosthetic foot. (R25 000).

·     Runner-up: Ms Amohetsoe Shale (Stellenbosch University) founder of the NAVU Group who designs affordable, high-performing prosthetic knees for amputees. (R10 000).

The Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE), a programme of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) administered and implemented by Universities South Africa (USAf), is the custodian of the annual EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity. EDHE is predominantly funded through the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) of the DHET.  

The Intervarsity is a platform designed to identify, recognise and celebrate top student entrepreneurs at South Africa’s 26 public universities. The event has, over the years, enjoyed the support of numerous private sector entities, including the Allan Gray Foundation, the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation and the SAB Foundation, which, in 2025, supports the initiative for the sixth year in a row.

Mr Phillip Tshabalala, Chief Director: Teaching, Learning and Research Development in the Department of Higher Education and Training, delivered the keynote address during the award ceremony.  Labelling the event both timely and significant, he said it represented an important step forward in collective efforts to advance entrepreneurial universities.

Referencing the recent G20 Summit and its commitment to boost inclusive growth — with a strong focus on Africa and the broader Global South – he said: “Universities play a vital role in preparing students, not only to participate in the labour market as employees, but also to serve as future employers, industrialists, innovators and leaders. DHET works closely with universities, USAf and other key partners to transform the academic landscape. A major component of this transformation is the integration of entrepreneurship within our universities and in the curriculum nationally.

“I congratulate the winners who are part of a movement to turn the tide for economic growth in our country. May they continue with their businesses and mentor those who are still finding their way.”

Said Dr Kirston Greenop, Head of Corporate Citizenship, Standard Bank South Africa: “For us at Standard Bank, there are only two ways to achieve growth in this country –  through education and with entrepreneurship. With these awards, and with the work done by EDHE, you combine the two and so, for us, it is an absolute win/win.

“Without a small and medium enterprise and entrepreneur base, this country is lost. We need to get the EDHE message out there to a wider community while celebrating its work. It is an absolute truth that when we invest in entrepreneurs, we invest in hope, in self-determination and in community upliftment.”

Mr Mahlubi “Chief” Mabizela, Director: Operations and Sector Support at USAf, emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship for higher education.

“Every graduate of higher education must come out equipped with entrepreneurial skills, whether or not they intend to use them thereafter. Universities cannot simply produce graduates who wait for jobs that may never come. Universities that embrace entrepreneurship remain relevant by aligning curriculum with societal and economic needs while producing well rounded graduates. Entrepreneurship fosters creativity, problem solving and adaptability; skills which are critical to compete, to participate in society, and for social development. In other words, entrepreneurship is not just about profit but about social innovation.

“Our ultimate aim is to have entrepreneurship embedded in the DNA of higher education, not as an elective, but as a pillar of the sector’s transformation,” he concluded.

Participating in the panel of judges for the 2025 EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Awards were Mrs Pabalelo Banks, representing Analytics X, Mr Billy Bokako from the Small Enterprises Development Agency, Ms Khwezi Cenenda, representing Avocado Vision,  Ms Onthatile Ditshego from the SAB Foundation, Ms Uve Nathi Gcilishe from The Innovation Hub) and Mr Marshall Grant, representing the Garden Route Innovation Hub.