ETEX Corporation Announces New Video Journal of Orthopaedics Release Featuring ETEX Technology

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- ETEX Corporation, an advanced biomaterials company, announced today the release of a new Video Journal of Orthopaedics feature highlighting ETEX 's proprietary nanocrystalline calcium phosphate technology.  

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080424/NETH117LOGO )

The video feature was produced in conjunction with the Video Journal of Orthopaedics and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and is posted on the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS) website for the month of February, www.jbjs.org. Video footage illustrates surgical techniques and tips from lead author Thomas Russell, MD, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Campbell Clinic-University of Tennessee, including exposure, reduction, fixation and calcium phosphate bone graft implantation.

This feature is a supplement to the landmark October 2008 JBJS publication focusing on ETEX nanocrystalline calcium phosphate technology entitled: Comparison of Autogenous Bone Graft and Endothermic Calcium Phosphate Cement for Defect Augmentation in Tibial Plateau Fractures. A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized Study. Thomas A. Russell, Ross K. Leighton on behalf of the Alpha-BSM Tibial Plateau Fracture Study Group. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2008; 90: 2057-2061.

All fractures in both study groups healed, with an average time to union of three months. A pleasantly surprising outcome of the study was the statistically significant reduction in articular subsidence of >2mm, from 30% in the iliac crest bone graft group to 9% in the Alpha-bsm group. The authors concluded; "The bioresorbable calcium phosphate cement used in this study appears to be a better choice, at least in terms of the prevention of subsidence, than autogenous iliac bone graft for the treatment of subarticular defects associated with tibial plateau fractures." The study was the only paper selected from the October 2008 issue for Video Journal of Orthopaedics follow up.

Dr. Russell provides a thorough overview which includes indications, contra-indications and considerations for success in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures. Plate fixation and three biomaterial delivery methods are demonstrated using both the Gamma-bsm® moldable putty and Beta-bsm® injectable paste versions of ETEX's nanocrystalline calcium phosphate.

Dr. Russell comments: "The work from the Alpha-BSM Tibial Plateau Study Group documented the first bone substitute proven to be clinically superior to autogenous bone graft as a structural implant in subarticular defect situations. Hopefully, this video reflects what we have learned as to the surgical technique modifications to optimize calcium phosphate cement placement in tibial plateau fractures."

Brian Ennis, President and CEO of ETEX Corporation, states: "In this era of increasing focus on product utility and evidence based medicine, we are pleased to support the release of the Video Journal of Orthopaedics supplement to Dr. Russell's landmark study. This video provides invaluable insight into the treatment of complex tibial plateau fractures while demonstrating the intra-operative flexibility and user friendly nature of ETEX products. ETEX will continue to aggressively expand our clinically proven nanocrystalline calcium phosphate platform with a focus on carrier technology, indication specific formulations and clinically documented patient outcomes."

About ETEX Corporation

Established in 1989, ETEX Corporation develops, manufactures and commercializes calcium phosphate-based biomaterials for improved orthopedic clinical outcomes. A leader in cell mediated remodeling bone substitute materials, ETEX focuses on expanding applications through combinations with cells, biologics, or therapeutic agents delivered in minimally invasive and easy to use systems. For more information, visit www.etexcorp.com.

SOURCE ETEX Corporation