Precautionary knee recall
Smith & Nephew, the global medical technology business, announced today a precautionary recall of knees from the TC-PLUS*, VKS* and RT-PLUS* knee ranges. Smith & Nephew has been informed by a UK supplier that a limited number of semi-finished knee implant castings have a higher than specified iron content. These castings were manufactured during a short period of time in May and June this year on behalf of the company’s subsidiary, Plus Orthopedics AG ("Plus").
The higher iron content in these knee products has occurred as a result of a production error at the supplier’s factory. The finished products have been supplied mainly to customers in Europe, with some to the US and other countries. All affected products are now being recalled as a precautionary measure.
Please see the Knee Information Centre for more information
Of the affected products about 275 have been implanted and the recall process is working to determine the status of approximately 300 additional implants; of these a significant proportion is expected to be located in inventory at distributors and hospitals.
The higher iron content of these implants is not expected to pose any toxicity or biocompatibility issues for patients. Many orthopaedic implants contain iron in much greater percentages. There have been no reports to date of any patient problems resulting from the use of these implants. Smith & Nephew is carrying out laboratory testing to determine if the implants’ material properties or durability have been affected.
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Enquiries
Investors/Media
Liz Hewitt
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7401 7646
Smith & Nephew
Group Director Corporate Affairs
Media
Jon Coles and Justine McIlroy
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7404 5959
Brunswick – London
Cindy Leggett-Flynn
Tel:Â +1 (212) 333 3810
Brunswick – New York
About Us
Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specialising in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Orthopaedic Trauma and Clinical Therapies, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management products. Smith & Nephew is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the leading global orthopaedics companies.
Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people's lives. The Company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeons and professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with high standards of performance, innovation and trust. The Company operates in 32 countries around the world. Annual sales in 2006 were nearly $2.8 billion.
Forward-Looking Statements
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