GAINESVILLE, Fla., July 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Exactech, Inc. confirmed today that its Optetrak(R) knee system with net compression molded polyethylene proved to have wear characteristics that are superior to those reported by competitors. Responding to competitive claims regarding knee replacement performance, Exactech cited laboratory testing that simulates normal walking conditions and long-standing data that clearly demonstrated the superiority of the Optetrak knee to those cited in recent competitive claims. Additionally, the Optetrak knee system has met the ultimate test-excellent clinical experience.
According to Exactech Executive Vice President for Research and Development Gary Miller, Ph.D., "Despite recent claims of superior performance of new polyethylene technologies, net compression molded polyethylene remains the 'gold standard' for total knee replacement bearing components. It has better wear characteristics than those reported for the new competitive technologies, excellent fracture toughness, and has more than 20 years of peer reviewed, published data demonstrating excellent clinical results."
In simulator testing representing normal walking conducted at the Hospital for Special Surgery (Dana Research Center), Exactech's Optetrak net compression molded polyethylene demonstrated a wear rate of 1.46mg/Mc(1), which is 72% better than wear rates recently cited by a competitor.
Two main drivers affect polyethylene performance in total knee replacement: design and materials. The design of the Optetrak knee system builds on a strong lineage of clinically proven knees, such as the Total Condylar, the I/B(R) and I/B II(R). Optimized congruency between the femoral and tibial components (a patented feature) reduces contact stress, further improving polyethylene wear. Additional design features allow for more natural patellar tracking from extension to flexion.
The design behind the Optetrak knee system has been evolving and improving for 34 years. Its lineage began with a concept developed at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Successive designs, guided by clinical and laboratory data, demonstrated 91-98% long-term implant survival rates.(2,3)
About Exactech
Based in Gainesville, Fla., Exactech develops and markets orthopaedic implant devices, related surgical instruments and biologic materials and services to hospitals and physicians. The company manufactures many of its orthopaedic devices at its Gainesville facility. Exactech's orthopaedic products are used in the restoration of bones and joints that have deteriorated as a result of injury or diseases such as arthritis. Exactech markets its products in the United States and in more than 25 countries in Europe, Asia, Australia and Latin America. Copies of Exactech's press releases, SEC filings, current price quotes and other valuable information for investors may be found at http://www.exac.com and http://www.hawkassociates.com .
An investment profile on Exactech may be found at http://www.hawkassociates.com/exactech/profile.php .
Questions should be directed to Frank Hawkins or Julie Marshall of Hawk Associates, Inc. at (305) 451-1888, e-mail: info@hawkassociates.com .
This release contains various forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which represent the company's expectations or beliefs concerning future events of the company's financial performance. These forward-looking statements are further qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward- looking statements. These factors include the effect of competitive pricing, the company's dependence on the ability of third-party manufacturers to produce components on a basis that is cost-effective to the company, market acceptance of the company's products and the effects of government regulation. Results actually achieved may differ materially from expected results included in these statements.
References
1 Furman BD, Lai S, Li S. A comparison of knee simulator wear rates between directly molded and extruded UHMWPE. Presented at Society for Biomaterials, 2001.
2 Robinson R. Five-year follow-up of primary Optetrak Posterior Stabilized total knee arthroplasties in osteoarthritis. J Arthroplasty. 2005 Oct;20(7):927-31.
3 Font-Rodriguez DE, Scuderi GR, Insall JN. Survivorship of cemented total knee arthroploasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1997;345:79.
Exactech, Inc.CONTACT: Frank Hawkins or Julie Marshall, both of Hawk Associates, Inc.,+1-305-451-1888, or info@hawkassociates.com, for Exactech, Inc.