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Zimmer Introduces Chondrofix® Osteochondral Allograft for the Repair of Osteochondral Lesions

Feb 09, 2012

Technology Offers a Joint Preservation Solution for Younger, More Active Patients

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - February 9, 2012 - Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX: ZMH), a global leader in musculoskeletal health, today introduced Zimmer® Chondrofix® Osteochondral Allograft at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons annual meeting in San Francisco, CA.

Chondrofix Osteochondral Allograft is intended for the repair of focal osteochondral lesions in diarthrodial joints, using a single-stage procedure.

"Chondrofix technology offers an innovative new option for early intervention treatment of cartilage lesions through either an open or arthroscopic surgical procedure," said Cheryl R. Blanchard, PhD, Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer at Zimmer. "The introduction of Chondrofix Osteochondral Allograft expands Zimmer's offerings across the musculoskeletal continuum of care. Chondrofix technology retains the mechanical properties of the pre-processed tissue, including the capacity for immediate load-bearing, making it ideal for patients seeking a joint preservation solution and who need to return to physical activity quickly following an injury."

Chondrofix Osteochondral Allograft is minimally manipulated using a proprietary process which results in viral inactivation and terminal sterilization. The product features a two year shelf life, allowing for off-the-shelf use in situations where a pre-operative MRI has not revealed the full extent of the injury. The technology is designed for patients with osteochondral lesions who are considered too young for a total joint replacement or who may need to reduce rehabilitation time to a minimum.

For more information about Zimmer's Chondrofix technology, visit the company at Booth 519 at the 2012 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons annual meeting in San Francisco, or go to www.zimmer.com.

About Zimmer

Founded in 1927 and headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, Zimmer designs, develops, manufactures and markets orthopaedic reconstructive, spinal and trauma devices, dental implants, and related surgical products. Zimmer has operations in more than 25 countries around the world and sells products in more than 100 countries. Zimmer's 2011 sales were approximately $4.5 billion. The Company is supported by the efforts of more than 8,500 employees worldwide. For more information, please visit our website at www.zimmer.com.

Zimmer 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," "assumes," "guides," "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. For a list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see our periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be set forth in our periodic reports. 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.