Smith & Nephew Launches Innovative TRIGEN(TM) INTERTAN(TM) Nail for Femoral Fractures

MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Nephew's Orthopaedic Trauma & Clinical Therapies division today announced the launch of the TRIGEN(TM) INTERTAN(TM) Intertrochanteric Antegrade Nail for the treatment of femoral fractures.

The TRIGEN INTERTAN nail is indicated for the treatment of femoral fractures, or a break in the thigh bone, which runs from the hip to the knee and is the longest and strongest bone in the body. A femoral fracture is typically caused by direct trauma to the bone and requires an average of six to eight weeks to heal. There are approximately 250,000 hip fractures a year in the U.S.; hip fractures are expected to double to 500,000 by 2040.

The TRIGEN INTERTAN nail features an innovative two-screw configuration that secures the nail in place after surgery, acting together to provide greater stability for the bone and reduced healing time. Previous generations of intramedullary nails for femoral fractures used a single screw that sometimes contributed to a loosening of the device.

Smith & Nephew's development engineers, as well as a team of surgeons including Dr. Toney Russell of Memphis, Tennessee, designed and developed the TRIGEN INTERTAN nail and its two-screw system. With more than 200 clinical cases already completed, the improved results include earlier weight bearing by patients and shorter healing times.

"The TRIGEN INTERTAN nail for femoral fractures is clinically proven to reduce healing time, allowing patients to regain their mobility more quickly," said Mark Augusti, president of Smith & Nephew Orthopaedic Trauma & Clinical Therapies. "Its innovative design provides surgeons with greater options to treat their patients, and is a significant addition to our proprietary TRIGEN portfolio."

About Us

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specializing in Orthopaedic Trauma & Clinical Therapies, Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management products. Smith & Nephew is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the leading global orthopaedics companies. Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people's lives. The company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeons and professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with high standards of performance, innovation and trust. The company has more than 8,500 employees and operates in 33 countries around the world and generated sales of nearly $2.6 billion.

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