Revision Knee System addresses metal-sensitive patient.March 10, 2006 -
Featuring OXINIUM(TM) oxidized zirconium alloy, LEGION(TM) Revision Knee System replaces or upgrades total knee prosthesis. OXINIUM bearing material is created through process that enables zirconium alloy to absorb oxygen and transform to ceramic on surface, resulting in material that incorporates best features of ceramic and metal while avoiding limitations associated with either material. OXINIUM implants exhibit low-friction and resistance to roughening and abrasion.
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Original Press release
Smith & Nephew Inc., Orthopedic Div.
1450 E. Brooks Rd.
Memphis, TN, 38116
USA
Smith & Nephew Announces Launch of OXINIUM(TM) Revision Knee System
MEMPHIS, Tenn., Dec. 21 / -- Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics (NYSE:SNN), announced today the launch of the LEGION(TM) Revision Knee System, featuring Smith & Nephew's proprietary material OXINIUM(TM), oxidized zirconium alloy.
The LEGION Revision Knee System is specifically designed for revision knee procedures, which is the fastest-growing area of total knee arthroplasty. LEGION offers the potential for reduced operating time, as well as the additional durability of OXINIUM. OXINIUM has been shown to decrease polyethylene wear in lab testing and has been modeled on the highly successful GENESIS II(TM) knee system, which itself has been utilized in an excess of 500,000 surgeries worldwide.
"The launch of LEGION is a highly significant addition to Smith & Nephew's outstanding knee product line. The use of OXINIUM makes it the only revision knee product with an advanced bearing material, and offers surgeons a new generation of surgical instruments that help reduce operating time and conserve the patient's bone," said Scott Flora, senior vice president of Smith & Nephew Reconstructive Division. "This gives Smith & Nephew an unmatched product offering in an area which is expected to grow considerably over the next few years."
A revision system is used to replace or upgrade a total knee prosthesis. Over time a total knee prosthesis may need to be replaced or revised. The LEGION Revision knee system offers the patient an OXINIUM component, an industry first, that offers maximum biocompatibility and the potential for better performance in a revision environment. This is the only revision implant option on the market that addresses the metal-sensitive patient.
About OXINIUM(TM)
OXINIUM material is a unique and advanced bearing product technology. It is created through a proprietary manufacturing process that enables zirconium alloy to absorb oxygen and transform to a ceramic on the surface, resulting in a material that incorporates the best features of ceramic and metal while avoiding the limitations associated with either material. OXINIUM material is a revolutionary technology used in the production of components of knee and hip implants that exhibits superior performance characteristics due to its hardness, low-friction and resistance to roughening and abrasion.
The concept of using oxidized zirconium as a joint replacement material was developed by the many individuals within Smith & Nephew Orthopaedic's Research, Development, and Manufacturing groups. The first oxidized zirconium component was implanted in 1995. Since then, over 100,000 hip and knee components have been implanted with remarkable success.
About us
Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specializing in Orthopaedics, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management products. Smith & Nephew is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the fastest growing 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 has over 8,500 employees and operates in 33 countries around the world generating annual sales of $2.3 billion.
CONTACT: Victor Rocha of Smith & Nephew, Inc., +1-901-399-6771, or victor.rocha@smithnephew.com
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