ANDOVER, Mass., May 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Nephew’s (NYSE: SNN - News; LSE: SN - News) Endoscopy Division today announced the launch of the BICEPTOR Tenodesis (TEEN-oh-DEE-sis) System to treat injuries to the biceps tendon in the shoulder.
Smith & Nephew Endoscopy’s BICEPTOR Tenodesis System is the first that enables surgeons to re-attach the biceps tendon to the humerus, or upper arm bone, using an all-arthroscopic technique. Other biceps tenodesis techniques require the extra step of withdrawing the damaged end of the biceps tendon from the surgery site and using suture to reinforce it before re-inserting the tendon and re-attaching it.
“The device has really simplified the biceps tenodesis procedure by eliminating steps and shortening the length of the procedure,” said Dr. Scott Trenhaile, a shoulder specialist with Rockford Orthopedic Associates and Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford. “The ability to place the tendon in a bone socket using an all-endoscopic technique without delivering the tendon out of the body is a great feature.”
Surgeons typically perform biceps tenodesis procedures in conjunction with rotator cuff repair, and market research shows that tenodesis procedure volume is climbing as surgeons more routinely address this pathology. Surgeons are expected to perform more than 68,000 biceps tenodesis procedures worldwide in 2009 alone.
Using Smith & Nephew Endoscopy’s tenodesis system, the surgeon drills a tunnel in the humerus and secures healthy biceps tendon tissue inside it using the BIOSURE(TM) PK Interference Screw. The BIOSURE PK Interference Screw is molded from PEEK® by Invibio, a polymer whose strength, stiffness and biocompatibility are similar to those of cortical bone. The screw’s tapered shape and thread pattern compress the tendon tissue against the walls of the bone tunnel, providing multiple potential attachment points. With the tendon re-attached, the damaged section of the biceps tendon is cut away.
“Smith & Nephew’s innovation over the last several years has given surgeons options as they determine the best tools and techniques for repairing shoulder injuries,” said Rebecca White, market manager for shoulder repair at Smith & Nephew Endoscopy. “The BICEPTOR Tenodesis System further expands our treatment portfolio. It enables surgeons to use Smith & Nephew devices from start to finish: positioning the patient, accessing the joint, visualizing and diagnosing the injury, resecting damaged soft tissue and repairing the tears.”
CONTACT:: Molly Manchenton Sr. Corporate Communications Specialist Smith & Nephew Endoscopy (978) 749-1667 Molly.manchenton@smith-nephew.com
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About Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specialising in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Orthopaedic Trauma and Clinical Therapies, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management products. Smith & Nephew is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the leading global orthopaedics companies.
“Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people’s lives. The Company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeons and professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with high standards of performance, innovation and trust. The Company operates in 31 countries around the world. Annual sales in 2008 were $3.8 billion.”
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