GTS System Delivers Strong Repair During Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery , Smith & Nephew

Main Category: Bones / Orthopedics
Article Date: 10 Jan 2005 - 8:00 PDT

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Smith & Nephew Endoscopy today announced the launch of the GTS System for use in arthroscopic soft tissue reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee.

The most common procedures for ACL reconstruction involve harvesting ligament or tendon tissue from the patient's own body to replace the torn ligament.

Smith & Nephew's GTS System is used to secure the lower, tibial end of a soft tissue ACL graft. Key to this system is the GTS Sleeve device, a woven mesh sleeve segmented into three tubular sections, called lumens.

Two of these lumens hold graft tissue, and the third lumen accepts the GTS tapered fixation screw molded from bioabsorbable PLLA (poly-l-lactic acid). As this tapered screw is tightened, it presses the graft tissue against the sides of the tibial tunnel. The PLLA material biodegrades over several years, and is dispersed from the patient's body naturally.

According to industry estimates, about 300,000 people a year globally undergo surgery to repair a damaged ACL.

The GTS System is the second ACL reconstruction product added to Smith & Nephew's portfolio in recent months. In September 2004, Smith & Nephew released its ENDOBUTTON™ CL BTB Fixation System for use with implants using tendon harvested from the patella, or knee cap, with bone at each end.

Both reconstruction methods have advantages, and surgeons tend to use one or the other depending on their training, their preference, the extent of the injury and their discussion with the patient.

"In ACL reconstruction, the tighter and more secure the graft, the better the result will be for the patient in the long term," said Dr. Robert Litchfield, of the Fowler-Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic, London, Ontario. "The GTS System includes all the devices I need to harvest, prepare and place the graft and to provide the patient with a strong, dependable repair."

"We've launched the GTS System to broaden surgeons' choices for their patients with ACL instability," said Jim Taylor, President, Smith & Nephew Endoscopy. "Whatever method they choose for repair, we want to ensure that our devices provide the solution that gets people back on their feet and active again."

About Smith & Nephew:

Smith & Nephew (NYSE: SNN, LSE: SN) (http://www.smith-nephew.com) is a global medical technology business, specializing in Endoscopy, Orthopaedics 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 high standards of performance, innovation and trust. The company has over 8,000 employees and operates in 32 countries around the world and generated annual sales of nearly $2 billion.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The company wishes to caution the reader that actual results may differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and may be adversely affected by, among other things, risks associated with new product development and commercialization, clinical trials, intellectual property, regulatory approvals, competitive offerings, the company's overall business strategy and other factors.

Contact:
Joe Metzger
Smith & Nephew Endoscopy
(978) 749-1330

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