Several Orthopedic-Device Makers Get SEC Letters on Foreign Sales, Including Biomet Inc., Zimmer Holdings Inc., Smith & Nephew plc. Stryker Corporation . and Medtronic, Inc.

Several orthopedic-product makers have disclosed that they received letters from the Securities and Exchange Commission indicating an informal investigation into possible violations of an act meant to stop improper payments to foreign officials.Biomet Inc. Thursday said it got a letter from the SEC saying the probe involves the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the sale of medical devices. Zimmer Holdings Inc., Smith & Nephew PLC, Stryker Corp. and Medtronic Inc. confirmed Friday that they also have received inquiries from the SEC.