DePuy Mitek Launches Next Generation Rotator Cuff Anchor

RAYNHAM, Mass., Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- DePuy Mitek, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of orthopaedic sports medicine products and soft tissue repair devices, announced the launch of the HEALIX ADVANCE^™ Family of Suture Anchors, a comprehensive new system of rotator cuff anchor and instrumentation solutions.

The HEALIX ADVANCE Anchor is the company's next generation suture anchor that includes the dual thread fixation technology of previous versions, but adds a new multi-thread design that enables faster insertion into hard bone and an awl only bone preparation, in most cases. Dual thread technology independently engages both cancellous and cortical bone to maximize fixation and pull-out strength.

With a newly designed and fully supported distal tip across the radial plane, HEALIX ADVANCE Anchors also provide high torsional strength across the entire length of the anchor. The anchors are available in either BIOCRYL^® RAPIDE^™, a biocomposite material that allows absorption and bone formation at the implant site,[1] or radiolucent polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a biocompatible thermoplastic material. The 4.5mm, 5.5mm and 6.5 mm anchors are double or triple loaded with the company's ORTHOCHORD^® High Strength Suture.

"These new anchors have the strength and performance of previous HEALIX Anchors, but come in more sizes and have more options to improve surgical versatility," said Mark H. Getelman, MD, Co-Director Sports Medicine Fellowship, Southern California Orthopedic Institute in Van Nuys.* "Anchor insertion is faster and easier and the anchors provide the excellent strength and easy-sliding triple loaded suture characteristics I demand for single row rotator cuff repairs."

The first HEALIX Anchor was introduced in 2008. Since then the company has added HEALIX KNOTLESS^™, HEALIX TRANSTEND^™ and now, HEALIX ADVANCE Anchors.

"The HEALIX Family of Anchors along with our suture technology, specialized instrumentation, and tissue ablation and fluid management technology offer surgeons a complete procedural solution for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair," said Ian Lawson, Worldwide President, DePuy Mitek, Inc. "Our goal is to continue to advance the tools and techniques of soft tissue repair to provide surgeons greater choice and versatility while also helping to improve patient care."

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), each year, approximately 200,000 Americans require shoulder surgery related to repair of the rotator cuff and another 400,000 have surgery for related rotator cuff tendonitis or partial tears.[2]

About DePuy Mitek, Inc.

DePuy Mitek, Inc. is a global leader in orthopaedic sports medicine devices and products used in the treatment of joint injuries related to sports and physical activity.  The company's portfolio includes minimally invasive arthroscopic solutions and non surgical therapies to help patients move beyond joint injuries and pain.  DePuy Mitek is part of DePuy Synthes Companies of Johnson & Johnson, the largest provider of orthopaedic and neurological solutions in the world. Visit, www.depuysynthes.com for more information.

*Paid consultant to DePuy Mitek, Inc.

[1] Pre-clinical study. Data on file at DePuy Mitek, Inc. 2008

[2] American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (Jan. 2011) "New Guideline on Rotator Cuff Problems."Retrieved from http://www.aaos.org/news/aaosnow/jan11/cover1.asp in August 2012

SOURCE DePuy Mitek, Inc.