Zimmer's Trabecular Metal Modular Cup awarded 20% reimbursement premium in Japan

Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ZMH; SIX: ZMH), a global leader in musculoskeletal care, announced today that the Trabecular Metal Modular Cup has received the distinction of being awarded the highest reimbursement premium percentage granted to-date for an orthopaedic product in Japan.  

The Japanese Central Social Insurance Medical Council, otherwise known as the Chuikyo, awarded Zimmer's Trabecular Metal Modular Cup with an unprecedented 20 percent reimbursement premium.  The decision was presented by the Chuikyo expert panel after a comprehensive review of both the material technology and clinical data.  It was the opinion of the expert panel that the extensive positive clinical data clearly demonstrated significant clinical advantages and effectiveness of Zimmer's proprietary Trabecular Metal Technology.  Based on the review, a new functional reimbursement category has been established in Japan for the Trabecular Metal Modular Cup and will be introduced on January 1, 2011.  

Trabecular Metal material is a highly porous biomaterial that resembles the structure, function, and physiology of trabecular bone.  No other porous metal material is supported by the amount of peer-reviewed, published clinical data of Trabecular Metal Technology and its history of proven success in orthopaedic applications.  This novel material is conducive to bone formation, enabling robust biologic fixation and a stiffness similar to cancellous bone.  The properties of  Trabecular Metal Technology allow for decreased stress shielding and the material has the potential to improve long-term implant fixation.

"We believe Trabecular Metal technology represents one of the most significant material advancements in orthopaedics, contributing both outstanding clinical advantages and cost effectiveness to implants," said Cheryl R. Blanchard, PhD, Zimmer's Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer.  "Securing this reimbursement and its unprecedented premium level is a major achievement for Zimmer.  Japan is the world's second largest orthopaedics market after the United States and we are excited to provide the unique advantages of our Trabecular Metal technology to the patients of Japan."