Smith & Nephew announces global launch of VLP FOOT Variable-angle Locked Plating system

Smith & Nephew ( SNN, LSE: SN) Orthopaedics Division today announces the global launch of its VLP™ FOOT Variable-angle Locked Plating system. The portfolio of innovative screws and low-profile plates expands for Smith & Nephew surgeon customers the variety of patients who can return to an active lifestyle after orthopaedic foot surgery.

The broad range of screw types and plate designs in the VLP FOOT system solves one of the key issues facing orthopaedic surgeons—matching the internal bone fixation technology to the patient's sometimes difficult bone type. While the system offers low-profile versions of both classic plate designs and newer anatomic ones, VLP FOOT screw options give it an unrivalled breadth of fixation choices. For instance, it includes innovative locking screws that can be placed at 15-degrees off the center axis in any direction, giving the surgeon tremendous flexibility when choosing how to position the plate over the fracture. And its array of screw thread designs address every type of bone—such as younger patients with harder bone, older patients with softer bone, and even diabetic patients who may have neuropathic diseased bone.

"We've worked hard to introduce this range of technology to foot and ankle surgeons," says Bill Shopoff, President of Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics' Trauma franchise. "We've introduced a system that keeps the surgeon in control during the case—the versatile VLP FOOT system can keep pace with the most challenging indications so our customers can focus on returning patients to weight-bearing mobility quickly and simply."

VLP FOOT technology is central to Smith & Nephew's broader foot and ankle treatment portfolio, known as ALL28™—named for the 28 bones comprising this portion of the human anatomy. The ALL28 portfolio addresses fractures, deformities and arthritis of the foot and ankle and includes technologies previously introduced by Smith & Nephew, such as the ILIZAROV™ Circular Fixator, the TRIGEN™ Hindfoot Fusion Nail, and ACTICOAT™ EXFIX, a silver-coated antimicrobial barrier dressing developed by the company's Advanced Wound Management division.

SOURCE Smith & Nephew