Smith & Nephew Introduces Metal Liner Option for the Modular R3(TM) Acetabular Cup System

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Smith & Nephew, Inc. (NYSE: SNN, LSE: SN) Orthopaedic Reconstruction & Trauma today announced the introduction of a metal liner option for its R3 Acetabular System, an advanced multi-bearing acetabular cup system used in hip replacement and resurfacing procedures.

The metal liner was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use with the BIRMINGHAM HIP(TM) Resurfacing (BHR(TM)) System. Since March 2008, the R3 system has been fitted with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) liners for use in total hip replacement cases, and Smith & Nephew this week received FDA approval of its ceramic liner option. It is the only acetabular system available to surgeons that accommodates the major advanced bearing options, including metal-on-metal, ceramic-on-ceramic, cobalt chrome on cross- linked polyethylene (XLPE), and the company’s exclusive OXINIUM(TM) Oxidized Zirconium on XLPE.

The multi-bearing cup, in addition to providing intraoperative flexibility for surgeons, provides solutions designed to reduce wear and the subsequent need for revision surgery. Its range of inserts accommodates larger head sizes and is optimized to help the R3 system achieve joint stability and a greater range of motion. By utilizing disposable trial liners and a single set of instruments for all bearings, the R3 Acetabular System gives surgeons simplicity in the operating room and confidence in a stable, multi-bearing system.