Zimmer Spine Introduces Industry's First Porous Metal Cervical Interbody Device

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ZMH; SIX: ZMH), a leader in musculoskeletal care, today announced it has received FDA clearance for the TM-S Trabecular Metal™ Cervical Interbody Fusion Device.  The TM-S system is the industry's first cervical interbody device incorporating porous metal technology, and the first Zimmer Trabecular Metal device for cervical interbody fusion (IBF) in the United States.

The TM-S system is constructed from Zimmer's proprietary Trabecular Metal Technology, a unique porous metal biomaterial with structural and mechanical properties similar to cancellous bone.  Trabecular Metal Material provides an osteoconductive scaffold which supports bony in-growth and vascularization into the implant.  Utilized in cervical interbody fusion, the properties of Trabecular Metal Material provide an excellent environment for bone growth.  

"With the introduction of the TM-S system, Zimmer is bringing the potential benefits of porous metal technology to cervical interbody fusion," said Steve Healy, President, Zimmer Spine.  "The osteoconductive properties of Trabecular Metal Technology support initial fixation and can potentially aid in cervical fusion."

The TM-S Cervical Fusion Device is intended for use with supplemental fixation systems and with autogenous bone graft.  The device is designed to treat the cervical spine of patients with degenerative disc disease with or without radicular symptoms at one level from C2-T1.  

The TM-S Cervical Fusion Device will be on display at the 2011 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) annual meeting.  Zimmer Spine will also be hosting hands-on training for the device at the Company's exhibit at AAOS 2011.  For more information about Trabecular Metal Technology, visit www.zimmer.com.

About the Company

Founded in 1927 and headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, Zimmer designs, develops, manufactures and markets orthopaedic reconstructive, spinal and trauma devices, dental implants, and related surgical products.  Zimmer has operations in more than 25 countries around the world and sells products in more than 100 countries.  Zimmer's 2010 sales were approximately $4.2 billion. The Company is supported by the efforts of more than 8,000 employees worldwide.

Zimmer Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the orthopaedics industry, management's beliefs and assumptions made by management.  Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as "may," "will," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "estimates," "projects," "assumes," "guides," "targets," "forecasts," and "seeks" or the negative of such terms or other variations on such terms or comparable terminology.  These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially.  For a list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see our periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be set forth in our periodic reports.  Readers of this document are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, since, while we believe the assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this document.

SOURCE Zimmer Holdings, Inc.