Smith and Nephew marks first use of BST-CarGel since acquisition

Smith and Nephew has hailed the successful completion of the first BST-CarGel cartilage repair procedure since it purchased the product line in January.

The first-line cartilage repair product is used along with microfracture and other bone marrow stimulation techniques for the treatment of focal cartilage tears. It has been used in more than 1,000 surgeries across Europe, Canada and Australia to date.

Dr Sergi Sastre at the Hospital Clínic in Barcelona, who was responsible for carrying out this milestone procedure, highlighted the strong patient outcomes associated with BST-CarGel, particularly among younger patients.

Clinical study data has shown it can deliver a significant improvement in repair tissue quality, thus minimising or delaying the need for prostheses or other more invasive procedures.

Diogo Moreira-Rato, Smith and Nephew's president in Europe and Canada, said: "We've already received tremendous interest from current Smith and Nephew customers, as well as others looking for a solution that complements their current bone marrow stimulation technique and is supported by strong clinical evidence."