Smith & Nephew (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN), the global medical technology business today announces the launch of the TRIGEN◊ Low-Profile Screw – the only truly “captured” head, low-profile screw on the market. Patented by Smith & Nephew, “captured” screws feature heads with internal threads that securely attach the screws to the screwdriver – potentially removing the risk of a screw being lost during surgery. Surgeons interested in learning more about the TRIGEN Low-Profile Screw are invited to visit the Smith & Nephew booth (#606) at this week’s Orthopaedic Trauma Association meeting in Minneapolis.
Because low-profile screw heads sit closer to the surface of the bone, they can potentially reduce irritation to the surrounding soft tissue. With the introduction of the TRIGEN Low-profile screw, surgeons are now able to combine the patient-friendly aspects of a lower profile head with the efficiency and security of a captured screw.
“The new TRIGEN Low-Profile screws are the best of three worlds,” says Dr. William Ricci, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Chief of Orthopaedic Trauma Service at Washington University School of Medicine. “They are low profile, they provide excellent feel related to when the screw head is down to bone, and they retain the all-important capture feature.”
Available in 2.5 mm increments to offer surgeons the array of screw lengths they demand, the new screws also feature a unique fluted design that helps surgeons “feel” when the screw is fully seated.
“We have virtually reinvented the low-profile screw,” explains Gaurav Agarwal, DSVP and General Manager for Smith & Nephew’s Advanced Surgical Devices Division. “Within this one screw, our commitment to improving surgical outcomes for both patients and surgeons is on full display.”
The TRIGEN Low-Profile Screw is designed for use with the entire TRIGEN◊ System, a full portfolio of nailing options for long bones that addresses lower-extremity fractures. Consisting of three patented nail designs, the TRIGEN System’s unique "working channel" approach allows for a simplified procedure, a smaller incision, enhanced soft tissue management and improved access to the bone.
The new low-profile screws can also be used with Smith & Nephew‘s TRIGEN◊ SURESHOT◊ Distal Targeting System. The SURESHOT System is the first and only, virtual, real-time imaging system that allows surgeons to distally lock screws without the use of fluoroscopy. This allows for greater accuracy, easier alignment and less radiation exposure for the patient, surgeon and surgical staff in the operating room.
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Phil Cowdy
Smith & Nephew
44 (0)20 7401 7646
Phil.Cowdy@smith-nephew.com
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Brad Merrick
Smith & Nephew
(901) 399-1089
About Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business dedicated to helping improve people's lives. With leadership positions in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Advanced Wound Management, Sports Medicine and Trauma, Smith & Nephew has almost 11,000 employees and a presence in more than 90 countries. Annual sales in 2011 were nearly $4.3 billion. Smith & Nephew is a member of the FTSE100 (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN).
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