LONDON, Feb. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Smith & Nephew
(NYSE:SNN;LSE:SN), the global medical technology business, today
announced the launch of its SUTUREFIX Ultra soft suture anchor.
Indicated for use in both hip and shoulder labral repair, this new
anchor's smaller size and soft construct allows surgeons to fine
tune their repairs by adding additional anchors and fixation
points.
The SUTUREFIX Ultra soft anchor delivers higher fixation
strength than other all-suture anchors currently
available.i Once deployed, the anchor's wavelike design
provides secure and strong fixation that does not rely on bone
quality for security. Its reliable deployment comes from the unique
handle and safety button which provides surgeons an audible "click"
when the anchor is deployed successfully. With its 1.7mm x 20mm
twist drill, the SUTUREFIX Ultra anchor removes less bone than
traditional fixation anchors.
"The SUTUREFIX Ultra anchor truly is the next generation of hip
labral repair fixation; with a reliable deployment that 'clicks' to
confirm the anchor is set," says Dr. Marc
J. Philippon of the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.
"This anchor system is so versatile I can place it anywhere along
the acetabular rim, providing additional fixation points for a
secure repair."
Each SUTUREFIX Ultra anchor comes pre-loaded on ULTRABRAID™
high-strength sutures to deliver the security of a strong suture
with a low knot stack. The implant is made of DURABRAID™ suture and
once implanted, leaves no hard materials behind.
"When the design team started working on this anchor, surgeons
were very clear with what they wanted; a small, soft anchor that is
easy to deploy and delivers excellent fixation in a variety of bone
qualities," says Scott Schaffner,
Vice President, Global Sports Medicine Franchise for Smith &
Nephew. "And as a company known for our sports medicine expertise
and pioneering products, we knew that we could deliver."
Editor's notes:
Pre-clinical testing is based on laboratory research and not
clinical testing on actual patients. Therefore, it is not
necessarily indicative of actual clinical results. The
biomechanical testing was conducted in 15pcf (pounds per cubic
feet) bone block, a substance with a density equivalent to the
worst-case, poorest-quality decorticated humeral bone.
The labrum is a type of rigid cartilage found in a ball and
socket joint. Attached to the socket, it serves to hold the ball in
place and serves as an attachment point for other structures and
tissues around the joint. If the labrum is torn away from the bone,
a surgeon must reattach it through labral repair.
About Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business
dedicated to helping healthcare professionals improve people's
lives. With leadership positions in Orthopaedic Reconstruction,
Advanced Wound Management, Sports Medicine and Trauma &
Extremities, Smith & Nephew has around 14,000 employees and a
presence in more than 100 countries. Annual sales in 2013 were more
than $4.3 billion. Smith & Nephew
is a member of the FTSE100 (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN).
For more information about Smith & Nephew, please visit our
corporate website www.smith-nephew.com, follow @SmithNephewplc on
Twitter or visit SmithNephewplc on Facebook.com
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™ Trademark of Smith & Nephew. Certain marks
registered US Patent and Trademark Office.
i Data on File: 1.115002059, 2. 15002128, 3.
15001076
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SOURCE Smith & Nephew