Cushion impact
Their tough, flexible tissue acts as a shock absorber between the bones of the knee.
Understanding the meniscus – and our work in progress.
The meniscus is an important part of how the knee cushions and distributes load. Caeruleum is developing LunaFlex, a synthetic meniscal replacement system for the meniscus-deficient knee.
The knee in plain language
What the meniscus does
Each knee has two menisci: firm, flexible pads of tissue between the thighbone and shinbone.
Together, they help the rounded end of the thighbone meet the flatter top of the shinbone as the knee bends, straightens, and bears weight.
Distribute weight
They spread load from the thighbone across the cartilage at the top of the shinbone.
Support stability
They help the joint surfaces fit together and contribute to stability as the knee moves.
A meniscal injury can happen suddenly or develop over time, and the symptoms and care needs differ from person to person.
A licensed healthcare professional can evaluate an individual knee and explain the care options that may be appropriate.
General education: AAOS OrthoInfo and MedlinePlus.
A useful term, carefully defined
What “meniscus-deficient” means
A meniscus-deficient knee is one in which some or all functional meniscal tissue is absent.
It describes anatomy
The term describes the amount of functional meniscal tissue in the knee. It does not, by itself, explain someone’s symptoms.
It is not a treatment decision
Caeruleum uses the term to describe the development focus for LunaFlex – not to identify, screen, or advise individual patients.
The LunaFlex program
What Caeruleum is developing
LunaFlex is a preclinical synthetic meniscal replacement system. The program brings together three connected design concepts.
Native biomechanics performance
The implant is being engineered to reproduce the load distribution and stability functions of the native meniscus.
Anatomic sizing & positioning
Patient-matched sizing and pre-operative planning are intended to support anatomic fit and positioning in the knee.
Anchor durability
Central and peripheral anchors are being developed for secure fixation through repeated loading and joint motion.
These are design features and development objectives, not established clinical benefits.
Explore the LunaFlex platformToday’s status
Where development stands
The work is preclinical. No treatment is being offered through this website.
Caeruleum is not evaluating individual cases, screening patients, or enrolling participants. Any future clinical research would require the appropriate regulatory and ethics review before recruitment could begin.
Learn about investigational-device safeguards in the FDA’s IDE FAQs.
- Preclinical design and testing
- Current stage
- Clinical study enrollment
- Not underway
- Clinical availability
- Not available
Common questions
What patients and families often want to know
These answers describe the development program. They are not medical advice.
What is LunaFlex?
LunaFlex is a synthetic meniscal replacement system in preclinical development for the meniscus-deficient knee. It is a device-development program, not an available treatment.
What does “preclinical development” mean?
Preclinical development includes design and testing work performed before any potential clinical investigation in people. Preclinical work does not establish that a device is safe or effective for patients.
Is LunaFlex FDA cleared or approved, or available now?
No. LunaFlex has not received FDA clearance or approval and is not available for clinical use or sale. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Who is LunaFlex being developed for?
The development focus is the meniscus-deficient knee. Final indications, if any, would depend on future testing and regulatory review. Caeruleum is not using this website to determine whether a product in development may be appropriate for an individual.
Is Caeruleum recruiting or screening patients?
No. Caeruleum is not recruiting, enrolling, or screening patients through this website. Nothing here is an offer of treatment or an invitation to participate in research.
What should I do if I have knee pain or questions about my care?
Please speak with a licensed healthcare professional. Caeruleum cannot diagnose a condition, recommend treatment, interpret imaging, or advise whether a product in development may be appropriate for an individual.
For technical readers