Wright Medical Group, Inc. Launches BIOFOAM Cancellous Titanium Tibial Base For Total Knee Replacement

Arlington, TN - Wright Medical Group, Inc. recently announced a limited launch of the BIOFOAM Cancellous Titanium Tibial Base. The latest addition to Wright's ADVANCE Knee Systems, the BIOFOAM Tibial Base features a proprietary bone-like titanium with a roughened texture that "bites" into bone for cementless fixation of the implant. BIOFOAM Titanium also features a trabecular structure intended to mimic bone and contribute to bone in-growth.

Cementless fixation is a growing trend in knee reconstruction due to younger patients resulting from active lifestyles and increased body weight. It is theorized that cementless knees may have longer survivorship than cemented designs. One of the most important requirements to achieving solid bone in-growth in a cementless knee is immediate, rigid fixation of the implant to the bone. The rough surface of BIOFOAM Titanium is designed to "bite" into bone and enhance fixation. It also features a trabecular structure intended to mimic bone and contribute to in-growth.

Commenting on his surgical experiences with Wright's BIOFOAM Titanium advanced surface material, Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Director of the Joint Replacement Center at the Medical College of Georgia, R. Scott Corpe, M.D. stated, "I believe there is quicker in-growth into the BIOFOAM base [than in-growth into an HA-coated base]. Combine the BIOFOAM [base] with the ease and accuracy of putting this knee in with the ODYSSEY instruments, and the ADVANCE knee is a great product with superb intraoperative flexibility capable of handling 99% of primary knee demands."

Mike Carroll, Senior Director of Wright's Implant Technology Group noted, "Wright Medical has established itself as a market leader in innovative products and is committed to remaining at the forefront of orthopaedic advancements like cementless fixation. Like the ADVANCE STATURE femoral components, BIOFOAM Titanium delivers tailored options designed to meet the needs of practically any patient."

Wright's initial introduction of the BIOFOAM Titanium Tibial Base will occur through a targeted market launch, with availability of the product expanding as 2008 progresses.

SOURCE: Wright Medical Group, Inc.