New Minimally Invasive Device Uses Radiofrequency Energy to Smooth Cartilage in Weight-Bearing Joints

Proprietary pivoting head targets damaged cartilage cells 


ANDOVER, Mass., Dec. 1  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Nephew's (NYSE: SNN)(LSE:SN) Endoscopy division today launched the GLIDER(TM) Articular Cartilage Probe, a minimally invasive device for treating articular cartilage disease, during the Arthroscopy Association of North America's (AANA) Fall Course in Phoenix.

Articular cartilage disease is a natural effect of aging, sometimes exacerbated by sports injury, and is considered a precursor to osteoarthritis. Friction from years of use, and sometimes trauma, can roughen the surface of the cartilage in weight-bearing joints, such as the knee or the hip, causing pain when the bones move against one another.  For example, cartilage fragments can cause the knee to "catch" or "pop" as it is bent. Each year, surgeons in the United States perform an estimated 600,000 knee arthroscopies to treat the effects of articular cartilage disease.

The GLIDER(TM) probe's proprietary design features a pivoting head that emits radiofrequency (RF) energy as it follows the contoured surfaces of the joint.  Through controlled application of energy, it restores smoothness to a damaged cartilage surface while preserving the maximum amount of healthy tissue.

Supporting the pivoting head is a flexible framework, which operates as a sort of shock absorber, allowing the electrode in the pivoting head to maintain consistent contact along the cartilage surface.  This wire frame also makes it possible for the probe to reach parts of the joint surface that probes with rigid designs cannot access.

"Smith & Nephew's GLIDER(TM) Articular Cartilage Probe is effective in smoothing the roughened cartilage of the knee," said Dr. Philip A. Davidson of Tampa Bay Orthopedic Specialists in Tampa Bay, Florida.  "It is a significant advancement in the treatment of articular cartilage disease."

"Articular cartilage disease is a common disorder, and if we can treat patients early, then we might possibly delay more invasive treatment," said Dr. James H. Lubowitz, founder and director of the Taos Orthopaedic Institute in Taos, New Mexico, who worked with a team from Smith & Nephew Endoscopy to develop the device.  "Early treatment is important, because the further that joint lining degeneration is allowed to progress, the more complex are the procedures required to treat it."

"Articular cartilage disease affects active people young and old," said Jerry Goodman, vice president and general manager of Smith & Nephew Endoscopy's Resection business.  "The GLIDER Articular Cartilage Probe provides a minimally invasive way to treat its effects, which helps get people back on their feet."

Preserving healthy cartilage

The challenge in developing the GLIDER Articular Cartilage Probe was finding a way to effectively smooth diseased tissue, while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.

Lubowitz and the Endoscopy team conducted a study of how factors such as probe design and generator power settings, as well as speed and force of application affect the procedure.  The study showed that those design features could be optimized to ensure retention of the maximum amount of healthy cartilage.  Their research earned the Richard C. O'Connor Award, the highest award bestowed by AANA at the group's 2005 spring meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia.

About Smith & Nephew

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specializing in Orthopaedics, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management products.  Smith & Nephew is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the fastest growing 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 has over 8,500 employees and operates in 33 countries around the world generating annual revenue of $2.3 billion.

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  Contact: Joe Metzger
           Smith & Nephew Endoscopy
           [phone]


DATASOURCE: Smith & Nephew



CONTACT:  Joe Metzger of Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, [phone]



Web site:  http://www.smith-nephew.com/

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