Wright introduces new hip stem implant

Memphis Business Journal
February 7, 2008

Wright Medical Group Inc. has brought a new hip stem implant and a revised stem to the U.S. market and introduced a new hip replacement surgery that does not require the hip to be dislocated.

Wright's Profemur Xm hip stem is the company's first modular neck hip implant with cemented fixation. It allows for better engagement in the implant of the stem and the cup.

The company has also released a revised version of its most widely used stem, the Profemur Z. The new stem is longer and has a wedged design.

This line of stems is most used in hip revision surgeries in which a patient's implanted stem has become loose because of bone loss. While the stem is updated, the procedure and instrumentation to implant it has not.

The company has also approved the Supercap technique for total hip replacement surgery. That technique, developed by surgeon Stephen S. Murphy of New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, does not require the hip to be dislocated during surgery and saves soft tissue.

The Supercap technique is performed through a single incision which reduces patient recovery time.

Wright (NASDAQ: WMGI) is a global orthopedic medical device company.