Smith and Nephew launch new knee system

Smith and Nephew Orthopaedic Reconstruction have launched a new knee replacement system today.

The company claims that its Journey bi-cruciate stabilised knee system is the first in the world to restore natural knee motion

Using Smith and Nephew’s Oxinium ? oxidised zirconium ? it is said that the system offers better stability and flexibility than existing methods.

Dr Michael Ries, vice-chairman of the department of orthopaedic surgery at the University of California, said of the new product: “The Journey knee system is well suited for high demand, or active patients.”

Knee replacement surgery involves the removal of cartilage and ligaments to be replaced with metal variants, such as this new system.

Where Journey is said to differ from existing products is that it is “bi-cruciate stabilised”, which the company says is a better replacement for certain removed ligaments.

However, the system is designed to be inserted using existing non-invasive and computer-assisted surgical techniques so should not require fresh training for surgeons.

As well as using a new technique to make replacement knees, the Journey system is in a wider size range than before to allow recipients, particularly women, better options to have a “more natural-feeling” implant.

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