CONMED Linvatec produces the smallest Biocomposite Interference screw for fixation of ACL and PCL grafts

CONMED Corporation's (NASDAQ: CNMD) CONMED Linvatec arthroscopy unit today announced the release of new sizes of its Matryx™ Biocomposite Interference Screw. These new screws represent the latest advance in biocomposite material technology that allows CONMED Linvatec to produce the smallest Biocomposite Interference screw available on the market today for primary fixation of ACL and PCL grafts. The Company will debut the product at the Fall Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) meeting in Palm Springs, CA, which takes place November 19-21, 2009.

Interference screw fixation is frequently used to attach replacement ligaments in tunnels drilled for anterior and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The placement of the screw in the boney tunnel with the ligament results in compression of the ligament against the boney surface of the tunnel. Such compression allows the tissue to be held in place and provides for the integration of the replacement ligament with the bone via natural healing pathways. The Matryx biocomposite screw encourages bone formation due to the presence of the bone pre-cursor Beta TriCalcium Phosphate, resulting in strong bone reconstruction and integration of the replacement ligament.

Matryx interference screws are indicated for soft tissue fixation in ACL and PCL reconstructions. With the new smaller sizes, in conjunction with the new Bullseye™ Anatomic Cruciate Reconstruction System, CONMED Linvatec can now provide a complete anatomic solution for cruciate repairs. The new smaller Matryx screws will be used extensively in double bundle anatomic reconstructions where two small bone tunnels are drilled for the reconstruction of the ligament. The existing larger Matryx sizes (7-11mm) are indicated for soft-tissue and BTB graft fixation in ACL and PCL reconstructions.

"The important advances we have made in biomaterials technology have enabled us to be first to market with one of the smallest available Biocomposite interference screws for primary fixation in ACL and PCL reconstructions," said Joseph Darling, President of CONMED Linvatec. "We continue to leverage our extensive expertise in biomaterials to deliver a broad range of customer solutions. In conjunction with the previously announced Bullseye Anatomic Cruciate System, we now offer a complete system of products for anatomic cruciate reconstructions which should further enhance our market position."

The unique Matryx brand of biocomposite screws are composed of proprietary Self-Reinforced bioabsorbable 96L/4D Poly-Lactic Acid polymer imbued with Beta-TCP particles. Matryx screws are absorbed by the body over time and foster new bone formation around the repaired ligament. These new smaller screw sizes (5.0 - 6.5mm diameters) are manufactured with a novel processing technology that produces the smallest Biocomposite interference screws currently on the market. This novel processing technology results in a finer and more consistent distribution of Beta TriCalcium Phosphate particles throughout the self-reinforced fibers of the absorbable Poly-Lactic Acid matrix.

SOURCE: CONMED Corporation