Smith & Nephew continues pioneering hip and shoulder repair with new SUTUREFIX◊ Ultra all-suture based soft anchor

Smith & Nephew (NYSE:SNN;LSE:SN), the global medical technology business, today announced the launch of its SUTUREFIX Ultra soft suture anchor. Indicated for use in both hip and shoulder labral repair, this new anchor’s smaller size and soft construct allows surgeons to fine tune their repairs by adding additional anchors and fixation points.

The SUTUREFIX Ultra soft anchor delivers higher fixation strength than other all-suture anchors currently available¹. Once deployed, the anchor’s wavelike design provides secure and strong fixation that does not rely on bone quality for security. Its reliable deployment comes from the unique handle and safety button which provides surgeons an audible “click” when the anchor is deployed successfully. With its 1.7mm x 20mm twist drill, the SUTUREFIX Ultra anchor removes less bone than traditional fixation anchors.

“The SUTUREFIX Ultra anchor truly is the next generation of hip labral repair fixation; with a reliable deployment that ‘clicks’ to confirm the anchor is set,” says Dr. Marc J. Philippon of the Steadman Philippon Research Institute. “This anchor system is so versatile I can place it anywhere along the acetabular rim, providing additional fixation points for a secure repair.”

Each SUTUREFIX Ultra anchor comes pre-loaded on ULTRABRAID^◊ high-strength sutures to deliver the security of a strong suture with a low knot stack. The implant is made of DURABRAID^◊ suture and once implanted, leaves no hard materials behind.

“When the design team started working on this anchor, surgeons were very clear with what they wanted; a small, soft anchor that is easy to deploy and delivers excellent fixation in a variety of bone qualities,” says Scott Schaffner, Vice President, Global Sports Medicine Franchise for Smith & Nephew. “And as a company known for our sports medicine expertise and pioneering products, we knew that we could deliver.”

Editor’s notes:

Pre-clinical testing is based on laboratory research and not clinical testing on actual patients. Therefore, it is not necessarily indicative of actual clinical results. The biomechanical testing was conducted in 15pcf (pounds per cubic feet) bone block, a substance with a density equivalent to the worst-case, poorest-quality decorticated humeral bone.

The labrum is a type of rigid cartilage found in a ball and socket joint. Attached to the socket, it serves to hold the ball in place and serves as an attachment point for other structures and tissues around the joint. If the labrum is torn away from the bone, a surgeon must reattach it through labral repair.  

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About Smith & Nephew

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business dedicated to helping healthcare professionals improve people's lives. With leadership positions in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Advanced Wound Management, Sports Medicine and Trauma & Extremities, Smith & Nephew has around 14,000 employees and a presence in more than 100 countries. Annual sales in 2013 were more than $4.3 billion. Smith & Nephew is a member of the FTSE100 (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN).

For more information about Smith & Nephew, please visit our corporate website www.smith-nephew.com, follow @SmithNephewplc on Twitter or visit SmithNephewplc on Facebook.com

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