WARSAW, Ind., Dec 03, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via Comtex/ -- Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ZMH) (SWX: ZMH) today announced that it has fully launched the NexGen(R) CR-Flex Fixed Bearing Knee, a system designed to provide a greater range of motion for patients who require deep bending for recreational, religious or other day-to-day activities. For patients who have the ability and desire to resume such high-flexion after a total knee replacement, the system can accommodate a range of motion up to 155 degrees.
According to the company, the NexGen CR-Flex Fixed Bearing Knee System is differentiated from other "high-flexion" systems in that there are new "minus" sized femoral components that give the surgeon an additional tool to balance the soft tissue ligaments without cutting additional bone. Zimmer has applied for patent protection on this "minus" size femoral concept.
In 2001, Zimmer released a similar product, the NexGen LPS-Flex Fixed Knee, and a mobile-bearing version that is sold outside of the US. The new CR (Cruciate Retaining) version will enable surgeons who prefer a CR design to offer patients a high flex knee. More than half of all of knee replacements worldwide are performed using CR systems. Previously, Zimmer's LPS-Flex design addressed only the requirements of surgeons who prefer a Cruciate Sacrificing, or Posterior Stabilized (PS), system. Zimmer will position the CR-Flex and the LPS-Flex as the products of choice for CR or PS surgeons, depending on their preference, for both open and minimally invasive surgical approaches.
"Our dramatic growth worldwide in joint reconstruction systems is due in part to our philosophy of enhancing patient lifestyles in addition to relieving pain and restoring function," said Zimmer Chairman, President and CEO Ray Elliott. "This launch expands our ability to respond to the majority of surgeons who prefer CR designs, enabling them to bring the benefits of the Zimmer Flex to their patients."
According to Dr. Kim Bertin, a Salt Lake City, Utah, orthopaedic surgeon who worked with Zimmer to develop this new design, a number of features will benefit patients who are seeking a return to greater flexion. "With a cruciate retaining design, a surgeon must be able to balance the tension on the ligaments and tendons that holds the knee in proper alignment," Dr. Bertin said. "The NexGen CR-Flex allows the surgeons to achieve soft-tissue balancing without the need to make additional bone cuts or ligament releases. Coupled with improved kinematics throughout the range of motion, this design can easily accommodate up to 155 degrees of active flexion."
Founded in 1927 and headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, Zimmer is the worldwide pure-play leader in the design, development, manufacture and marketing of reconstructive orthopaedic, spinal and dental implants, trauma products and related orthopaedic surgical products. Zimmer has operations in more than 24 countries around the world and sells products in more than 80 countries. In October, 2003, the company finalized its acquisition of Centerpulse AG, a Switzerland-based orthopaedic company and the leader in the European market. For the year 2002, the worldwide combined revenues of Zimmer and Centerpulse were approximately $2.2 billion, supported by the efforts of nearly 7,000 employees.
Visit Zimmer on the worldwide web at www.zimmer.com
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the orthopaedics industry, management's beliefs and assumptions made by management. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as "may," "will," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "estimates," "projects," "targets," "forecasts," and "seeks" or the negative of such terms or other variations on such terms or comparable terminology. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, our ability to successfully integrate Centerpulse AG, price and product competition, rapid technological development, demographic changes, dependence on new product development, the mix of our products and services, supply and prices of raw materials and products, customer demand for our products and services, control of costs and expenses, our ability to form and implement alliances, international growth, U.S. and foreign government regulation, product liability and intellectual property litigation losses, reimbursement levels from third-party payors, general industry and market conditions and growth rates and general domestic and international economic conditions including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the disclosure materials filed by Zimmer with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will be filed for this transaction. Zimmer disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers of this document are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, since, while we believe the assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this document.
SOURCE Zimmer Holdings, Inc.
Media, Brad Bishop, Public Affairs, +1-574-372-4291, or
email, [email protected], or Investors, Sam Leno, Chief Financial
Officer, +1-574-372-4790, or email, [email protected] , both of Zimmer
Holdings, Inc.
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