DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. (DePuy), a global leader in devices for joint replacement and trauma, today announced the launch of two new high flexion implants in the company's leading Sigma® Knee System: the Sigma® High Performance (HP) Partial Knee and the Sigma® CR150 High-Flex Knee. The company also unveiled customized patient instrumentation, TruMatch™ Personalized Solutions, for knee replacement. The announcement was made here at the 76th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

For early intervention, the Sigma HP Partial Knee System is the only partial knee solution on the market that can replace the medial, lateral and patellofemoral compartments while providing low wear and up to 155 degrees of flexion. The tibial implants utilize a moderately cross-linked, oxidatively stable polyethylene.

"This is a truly patient and knee specific system that can work across the continuum of early interventional care," said Jack Farr, MD, orthopaedic surgeon, Indianapolis, IN, and a design surgeon for the Sigma HP Partial Knee. "The System has individual compartment components that were designed specifically to work independently or together to give the surgeon flexibility during surgery and in subsequent surgeries depending on disease progression."

The Sigma HP Partial Knee System comes with a complete line of instrumentation. DePuy is offering a variety of training options to match the level of surgeon experience with the procedure. Learning centers throughout the U.S. will provide hands-on experience and education on appropriate patient indications.

DePuy is also introducing its first high flexion, cruciate-retaining knee replacement with the Sigma CR150 High-Flex Knee. The Sigma CR150 System combines high function and conformity while accommodating up to 150 degrees of flexion. This high flex implant includes oxidatively stable polyethylene and a highly polished cobalt chrome tray. When combined with the tray and polyethylene, the Sigma CR150 System may improve wear performance* to meet the demands of today's more active patients. As part of the High Performance Instrument platform the company is also launching instruments to support Sigma CR150 High Flex Knee. The Sigma High Performance Instrument system is designed to enhance procedure efficiency, surgical precision and flexibility.

The company continues to expand its portfolio with innovations such as TruMatch Personalized Solutions. This instrumentation comes as a result of extensive research and development efforts and is designed to improve implant positioning and increase procedure efficiency. TruMatch Solutions brings many advantages to surgeons and patients, including Advanced Planning Software that can be customized to both the patient's anatomy and the surgeon's surgical preferences, utilization of the mechanical axis for alignment, integrated metal saw and pin captures for improving accuracy and minimizing osteolytic debris, and sterile packaging for operating room efficiency.

"DePuy Orthopaedics has established its leadership in orthopaedics with a broad portfolio of high performance and low wear solutions that allow surgeons to choose from a wide variety of options based on the patient's anatomy and lifestyle. This new technology is tailored to the surgeon's techniques and preferences from early intervention to complex revisions," said David Floyd, U.S. President, DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. "Our goal is to help people get back to doing the things they love with durable solutions designed to provide a more natural feel and movement."

The performance of knee replacements depends on age, weight, activity level, and other factors. There are potential risks and recovery takes time. People with conditions limiting rehabilitation should not have this surgery. Only an orthopaedic surgeon can determine if knee replacement is indicated based on an individual patient's condition.

*Note: when compared to the original Sigma polyethylene and forged titanium tray

About DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.

DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, is a leading global provider of orthopaedic devices for hip, knee, extremities and trauma, as well as bone cement and operating room products. It is part of the DePuy Family of Companies, which have a rich heritage of pioneering a broad range of products and solutions across the continuum of orthopaedic and neurological care. These companies are unified under one vision -- Never Stop Moving™ -- to express their commitment to bring meaningful innovation, shared knowledge and quality care to patients throughout the world. Visit http://www.depuy.com for more information.

DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.