MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Nephew, Inc. (NYSE: SNN, LSE: SN) Orthopaedic Reconstruction & Trauma today announced the introduction of a metal liner option for its R3 Acetabular System, an advanced multi-bearing acetabular cup system used in hip replacement and resurfacing procedures.
The metal liner was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use with the BIRMINGHAM HIP(TM) Resurfacing (BHR(TM)) System. Since March 2008, the R3 system has been fitted with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) liners for use in total hip replacement cases, and Smith & Nephew this week received FDA approval of its ceramic liner option. It is the only acetabular system available to surgeons that accommodates the major advanced bearing options, including metal-on-metal, ceramic-on-ceramic, cobalt chrome on cross- linked polyethylene (XLPE), and the company’s exclusive OXINIUM(TM) Oxidized Zirconium on XLPE.
The multi-bearing cup, in addition to providing intraoperative flexibility for surgeons, provides solutions designed to reduce wear and the subsequent need for revision surgery. Its range of inserts accommodates larger head sizes and is optimized to help the R3 system achieve joint stability and a greater range of motion. By utilizing disposable trial liners and a single set of instruments for all bearings, the R3 Acetabular System gives surgeons simplicity in the operating room and confidence in a stable, multi-bearing system.
“The R3 system reaffirms our reputation as the leading innovator in orthopaedics,” says Joseph DeVivo, president of Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics. “Not only have we enhanced our customers’ ability to make bearing surface decisions intraoperatively, but we’ve expanded our BHR hip portfolio to include a simple, modular cup system. This reinforces our strategy to partner with healthcare professionals to help patients reclaim their active lives.”
In tests, the R3 Acetabular System’s proprietary STIKTITE(TM) porous coating demonstrated a higher coefficient of friction than trabecular metal on both cancellous and cortical bone, indicating the potential for superior scratch-fit feel and initial fixation. Additionally, the R3 system is enhanced by a proprietary hard-bearing alignment guide -- a thin plastic shield resembling a disposable coffee cup lid that enables surgeons to simply and accurately place a ceramic or metal liner into the shell during surgery. This straightforward technique reduces the risk of improper seating and malalignment seen in other systems.
About Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specialising in Orthopaedics, including Reconstruction, Trauma and Clinical Therapies; Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management. 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 32 countries around the world. Annual sales in 2008 were $3.8 billion.
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