Early positive clinical results from implantation with Zimmer MotionLoc Screws

Feb 19 2011

Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ZMH; SIX: ZMH), a global leader in musculoskeletal care, today announced that early clinical results of the first patients treated with Zimmer MotionLoc™ Screws were free of complications.  The Zimmer MotionLoc Screw is Zimmer Trauma's latest advancement in locking plate technology and is intended for use in conjunction with the Zimmer NCB® Polyaxial Locking Plate System.  

The Zimmer MotionLoc Screw for the NCB Polyaxial Locking Plate System offers a new option to surgeons who treat complex long bone fractures, such as those of the femur, tibia or humerus.  This technology enables the surgeon to reduce the stiffness of the locking plate construct while still maintaining the strength needed until the fracture begins to heal.  Zimmer MotionLoc technology is based on the concept of Far Cortical Locking, which may reduce the stiffness of locked plating constructs while still retaining the construct's strength.

"This new technology builds on Zimmer's longstanding tradition of offering surgeons easy-to-use products in trauma care," said Jeff Paulsen, Group President, Zimmer Global Businesses.  "We believe this screw will prove to be a game-changer for surgeons treating complex long bone fractures, without drastically altering their surgical procedure."

A total of ten patients were treated using the Zimmer MotionLoc Screws between October 2010 and January 2011, and postoperatively, surgeons reported no complications in implant application, implant fixation or fracture healing.  Specifically, surgeons commented that insertion and removal of the Zimmer MotionLoc Screws felt normal and the procedures did not require additional effort compared to standard screw insertion.

Zimmer MotionLoc Screws provide fixation in the far cortex of the diaphysis (shaft) of the bone and are locked into the plate.  Without being rigidly fixed in the near cortex, these screws flex within a controlled motion envelope.