Smith & Nephew launches TWINFIX Ultra PK Suture Anchor for rotator cuff repair

Smith & Nephew's (NYSE: SNN; LSE: SN) Endoscopy Division today announced the introduction of the TWINFIX™ Ultra PK Suture Anchor, a new anchor to address wide variation in bone density and tissue quality for rotator cuff repair in the shoulder.  The device is currently being featured at Smith & Nephew Endoscopy's booth at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) annual meeting in New Orleans.

The new anchor – available in sizes ranging from 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm – incorporates a fully-threaded design that makes it easier to insert and provides for exceptional fixation strength.  The average fixation strength* of the TWINFIX Ultra PK Suture Anchor is superior when compared against two leading competitive anchors.

"The thread count, or pitch, of the anchor is tighter than most anchors which gives it more grip in the bone," said Robert McLaughlin, M.D., Coastal Orthopedics, Beverly Hospital, Beverly, Mass.  "It's also easy to use. I can insert and disengage the inserter easily with one hand – a feature you don't find in most anchors."

As part of the popular TWINFIX family of suture anchors, the TWINFIX Ultra PK Suture Anchor provides surgeons with yet another material choice for their surgical needs.  The anchor is molded from PEEK® by Invibio, a polymer whose strength, stiffness and biocompatibility are similar to those of cortical bone.  

It also incorporates Smith & Nephew's proven high strength ULTRABRAID™ Suture.  ULTRABRAID is made of a polyethylene fiber with a unique, proprietary braid configuration. It slides through tissue and anchors easily, resists fraying and creates a stronger knot than traditional suture.

"As a customer led organization it's vitally important that we obtain voice-of-customer when it comes to product features and benefits," commented Alain Tranchemontagne, senior vice president, Global Marketing, Smith & Nephew Endoscopy.  "The fully-threaded design we incorporated into the TWINFIX Ultra PK Suture Anchor is a direct result of that feedback."

SOURCE Smith & Nephew, Inc.