Hip Positioning System aids arthroscopic surgery.

Press Release Summary:



Hip Positioning System enables surgeons to access and treat hip joint using arthroscopic techniques. Attaching to most standard operating room tables, it is designed to gently and slightly separate joint, creating space for surgeons to work. Ball joint built into system enables movement of joint as needed during arthroscopic procedures.



Original Press Release:



Smith & Nephew's Hip Positioning System Brings Flexibility to Arthroscopic Hip Surgery



ANDOVER, Mass., April 19 / -- Smith & Nephew's (NYSE:SNN) Endoscopy division today announced the launch of its Hip Positioning System, which enables a surgeon to access and treat the hip joint using arthroscopic techniques.

The hip joint is the largest in the human body and difficult to access during arthroscopic procedures. Most surgeons who perform hip arthroscopy must use fracture tables, the type used during open surgery to repair broken hips or replace worn out joints. These tables are cumbersome to assemble and costly to buy and maintain.

Smith & Nephew's Hip Positioning System, which attaches to most standard operating room tables, is designed to gently and slightly separate the joint, creating space for the surgeon to work.

"Smith & Nephew's Hip Positioning System is a revolutionary development for arthroscopic hip surgery," said Dr. J.W. Thomas Byrd of the Nashville Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center in Nashville, Tenn.

"Its versatility is matched only by its user friendliness to the OR staff," Byrd said. "The unique ball joint built into the system enables us to move the joint as needed during procedures, something which is becoming increasingly necessary as new hip arthroscopy techniques emerge. Traditional fracture tables can't do that."

The Hip Positioning System makes hip arthroscopy more cost-effective for outpatient surgery centers, too.

"Developing ways to treat hip injuries opens new markets for us and the medical device marketplace," said Joseph Darling, vice president for marketing, Smith & Nephew Endoscopy. "As more surgeons become practiced in arthroscopic hip surgery, they are looking for ways to reduce procedure time and cost while ensuring quality patient outcomes. Using Smith & Nephew's Hip Positioning System enables joint manipulation with less staff effort. That means more attention can be paid to the patient."

The Hip Positioning System's flexibility and cost make it a simple and convenient option for outpatient surgery centers looking to grow their hip arthroscopy practices, Darling said.

About Smith & Nephew:

Smith & Nephew (NYSE:SNN)(NYSE:LSE:)(NYSE:SN) (http://www.smith-nephew.com)is/ a global medical technology business, specializing in Endoscopy, Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Orthopaedic Trauma and Clinical Therapies, and Advanced Wound Management products. Smith & Nephew ranks as the global leader in arthroscopy and one of the world's leaders in advanced wound management and is one of the fastest growing orthopaedics companies in the world.

Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people's lives. The company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeon and professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with the highest standards of performance, innovation and trust. The company has more than 8,500 employees and operates in 33 countries around the world and generated sales of nearly $2.6 billion.

Contact:
Joe Metzger
Smith & Nephew Endoscopy
(978) 749-1330 (office)
(978) 273-5187 (cell)

Source: Smith & Nephew

Web site: www.smith-nephew.com/

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