Smith & Nephew Launches TRIGEN(TM) Hindfoot Fusion Nail

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Dec. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics announced today the launch of the TRIGEN(TM) Hindfoot Fusion Nail (HFN), the most recent addition to the TRIGEN(TM) Intramedullary Nail System.

The TRIGEN Hindfoot Fusion Nail is indicated for degeneration, deformity or trauma of the hindfoot including severe pilon fractures, avascular necrosis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as failed total ankle replacement and failed ankle arthrodesis. Ankle fusion procedures are typically performed when more conservative options have not produced successful results. This surgical technique is designed to reduce the pain while improving gait for patients.

"The TRIGEN HFN is the first intramedullary device to address the actual anatomy of the hindfoot in its design," said Dr. John Early, an orthopaedic surgeon in Dallas, Texas. "Its simplified instrumentation and unique locking screw configuration provides me with a new treatment option for difficult surgeries."

The TRIGEN HFN brings the simplified instrumentation and the anatomically designed implants of the TRIGEN family of nails to hindfoot arthrodesis. The TRIGEN Hindfoot Fusion Nail is inserted through the heel to keep the ankle in correct position and allow the bones to fuse into a solid structure. This minimally invasive technique was designed to reduce blood loss and patient exposure to blood-born pathogens.

As with other implants in the TRIGEN Nail System, the TRIGEN HFN offers simplified instrumentation to reduce the amount of time and space required in the Operating Room. The versatility of this system gives foot and ankle specialists, operating podiatrists and general orthopaedic surgeons increased options for the best possible outcomes for their patients. Like other TRIGEN nails, the TRIGEN HFN is color coded for easy implant identification.

"The TRIGEN Hindfoot Fusion Nail offers surgeons greater options to customize treatment of the lower limb to accommodate patient's differing needs," said Mark Augusti, Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics Trauma division. "This is an important addition to Smith & Nephew's proprietary TRIGEN Intramedullary Nail System."

About us

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specializing in Orthopaedics, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management products. Smith & Nephew is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the fastest growing 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 over 8,500 employees and operates in 33 countries around the world generating annual sales of $2.3 billion.

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