Smith & Nephew releases new Modular Rail System in collaboration with Dr. Dror Paley

LONDON, March 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Smith & Nephew (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN), the global medical technology business, announces the introduction of a new Modular Rail System (MRS) for external fixation and deformity correction. This new treatment option highlights Smith & Nephew's increased investment in its extremities and limb restoration portfolio, and its commitment to advancing technology by working directly with surgeon inventors.  

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Designed to correct bone deformities, malunions, non-unions and limb length discrepancies, the MRS takes advantage of the body's ability to grow new bone tissue. Using a segmented, external rail and a series of half-pins, the system holds various bone segments in correct alignment while new bone tissue grows and matures. Because the rail system is modular, it can be lengthened or shortened to meet the size needs of a patient, and can be joined with components from Smith & Nephew's TAYLOR SPATIAL FRAME™ and ILIZAROV™ circular fixation devices. And, unlike most rail systems, this new system is able to span a patient's joint, allowing it to bend and function normally while the device is in place. 

The surgeon expert behind the MRS concept is Dror Paley, MD, of the Paley Advanced Limb Lengthening Institute at St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Fla.

"Over the course of my 25-plus year career, I've tried many of the available rail systems on the market, none of which fully meet my needs," explains Dr. Paley. "Working with Smith & Nephew, I was able to design and develop a modular, multiplanar rail which can articulate across the hip, knee, ankle or elbow joints while allowing for lengthening and deformity correction."

"We're excited to introduce the Modular Rail System to our surgeon customers and their patients," says Mark Waugh, Divisional Vice President for Smith & Nephew's Extremities and Limb Restoration business. "The new system joins our industry-leading suite of limb restoration and deformity correction products, which includes the TAYLOR SPATIAL FRAME external fixator."

The Modular Rail System will be among the new technologies Smith & Nephew will highlight at this year's American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons annual meeting.  Dr. Paley will present on the MRS at the Smith & Nephew booth (booth #1812) on Wednesday, March 20, at 2:30 pm.

About Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business dedicated to helping improve people's lives. With leadership positions in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Advanced Wound Management, Sports Medicine and Trauma, Smith & Nephew has almost 10,500 employees and a presence in more than 90 countries. Annual sales in 2012 were more than $4.1 billion. Smith & Nephew is a member of the FTSE100 (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN).

For more information about Smith & Nephew, please visit:  www.smith-nephew.com

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