Smith+Nephew brings pre-operative planning and accuracy to total ankle replacement with new TOTAL ANKLE Patient-Matched Guides

Rhea-AI Summary

Smith+Nephew (NYSE:SNN) has launched TOTAL ANKLE Patient-Matched Guides for total ankle replacement (TAR) procedures. This innovative system, developed in partnership with 3D Systems, offers surgeons a predictable and efficient option for planning and performing TAR. Key benefits include:

1. Predictability in the OR with integrated fluoroscopic cues and all-in-one instrumentation
2. Accuracy to plan through fluoroscopic alignment cues and standard instrumentation
3. User-friendly design providing tactile feedback and precise patient fit

The guides are compatible with Smith+Nephew's CADENCE and SALTO TALARIS Total Ankle Systems. This launch strengthens the company's position in the growing TAR market, which is expected to see a CAGR of 6.98% through 2031.

Positive

• Launch of innovative TOTAL ANKLE Patient-Matched Guides for total ankle replacement procedures
• Partnership with 3D Systems for design and manufacturing, leveraging 25 years of experience
• Compatibility with existing Smith+Nephew total ankle systems (CADENCE and SALTO TALARIS)
• Positioning to capitalize on growing total ankle replacement market (CAGR of 6.98% through 2031)

Negative

• None.

Insights

Medical Device Expert

Smith+Nephew's launch of TOTAL ANKLE Patient-Matched Guides represents a significant advancement in total ankle replacement (TAR) procedures. This innovation addresses key challenges in TAR surgeries, namely predictability, accuracy and user-friendliness. The system's design, incorporating fluoroscopic cues and precise patient fit, could potentially reduce surgical complexities and improve outcomes.

The partnership with 3D Systems, leveraging their extensive experience in patient-specific surgical planning, adds credibility to the product. The compatibility with Smith+Nephew's existing ankle systems (CADENCE and SALTO TALARIS) provides surgeons with flexibility in implant choice, which could drive adoption.

While this launch strengthens Smith+Nephew's position in the TAR market, the real impact will depend on clinical outcomes and surgeon acceptance over time. The projected 6.98% CAGR for the global TAR market through 2031 suggests a growing opportunity, but it's important to monitor how this product performs against competitors and influences market share.

Orthopedic Surgeon

As an orthopedic surgeon, I see the TOTAL ANKLE Patient-Matched Guides as a game-changer for TAR procedures. The all-in-one instrument design with integrated fluoroscopic cues could significantly streamline the surgical process and reduce operative time. This is important in complex procedures like ankle replacements where precision is paramount.

The system's ability to provide accuracy to plan is particularly noteworthy. In my experience, achieving precise alignment and fit in TAR can be challenging due to varying patient anatomies. This patient-matched approach could potentially reduce complications and improve long-term outcomes.

However, it's important to note that the learning curve for adopting new surgical technologies can be steep. The success of this system will largely depend on proper training and support from Smith+Nephew. Additionally, long-term clinical data will be important to fully assess its impact on patient outcomes and implant longevity.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, Smith+Nephew's launch of TOTAL ANKLE Patient-Matched Guides is strategically timed. The growing prevalence of osteoarthritis and increasing patient preference for joint preservation are driving the TAR market. This product directly addresses these trends.

The global TAR market's projected 6.98% CAGR through 2031 indicates significant growth potential. Smith+Nephew's innovation could capture a larger share of this expanding market, especially if it can demonstrate improved outcomes and efficiency.

However, market adoption may face challenges. The historically low prevalence of TAR procedures means many surgeons may lack experience or be hesitant to adopt new techniques. Smith+Nephew will need to invest heavily in education and training to drive uptake. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of the system compared to traditional methods will be a important factor in its market success, particularly in healthcare systems focused on value-based care.

Smith+Nephew (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN), the global medical technology company, today announces the launch of its TOTAL ANKLE Patient-Matched Guides, giving surgeons a predictable and efficient option to help plan and perform total ankle replacement (TAR) procedures. Engineered using 3D Systems’ VSP^® surgical planning workflows, all-in-one TOTAL ANKLE Patient-Matched Guides are designed to achieve a precise patient fit using fluoroscopic alignment cues and efficient instrumentation, and provide accuracy to plan.^1-8

Total ankle replacements are historically uncommon, preferring non-surgical techniques or arthrodesis due to the complexity of the procedure that results from differing patient anatomies. However, the global market trajectory (CAGR of 6.98% through 2031)⁹ is being bolstered by the rising prevalence of osteoarthritis in adults and influenced by growing patient preference for joint preservation and restoration.

Smith+Nephew’s TOTAL ANKLE Patient-Matched Guides are poised to support the growing TAR market segment due to three key benefits:

• Predictability in the OR: Integrated fluoroscopic cues, guide pins, and cut slot make the guide an all-in-one instrument.
• Accuracy: Fluoroscopic alignment cues and standard instrumentation transfer pins are designed to provide accuracy to plan.^3,6.10,11
• User Friendly System: Guide is designed to provide tactile feedback with medial arm wrap and precise patient fit.^1,2,12,13

Smith+Nephew partnered with South Carolina-based 3D Systems to help design and manufacture the TOTAL ANKLE Patient-Matched Guides. With more than 25 years of experience and FDA-cleared VSP surgical planning workflows, the company’s solutions have supported more than 175,000 patient-specific cases with the goal of improving outcomes and the overall patient experience.

TOTAL ANKLE Patient-Matched Guides are compatible with chamfer talar implants for Smith+Nephew’s CADENCE^◊ Total Ankle System and SALTO TALARIS^◊ Total Ankle Prosthesis, offering surgeons versatility of implant choice for their patients.

“We are excited to unveil our new TOTAL ANKLE Patient-Matched Guides for total ankle replacement - a breakthrough to help transform the way healthcare professionals approach surgical precision and improved patient outcomes”, said Mark McMahan, Vice President of Marketing, Global Trauma & Extremities at Smith+Nephew. This advanced system is designed to offer unparalleled efficiency and accuracy, ultimately enhancing the overall experience for both surgeons and patients. The launch of our TOTAL ANKLE Patient-Matched Guides further strengthens our position as a leader in the total ankle replacement market segment.”

To learn more about Smith+Nephew’s TOTAL ANKLE Patient-Matched Guides, CADENCE Total Ankle System and SALTO TALARIS Total Ankle Prosthesis, please visit the Total Ankle Patient-Matched Guides Webpage or visit the Smith+Nephew booth (#115) at the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Annual Meeting from September 11-14 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Media Enquiries
Dave Snyder          +1 (978) 749-1440 
Smith+Nephew      david.snyder@smith-nephew.com

References

1. 3D Systems. Salto Ankle PSI System Design Validation Report. RPT-1059
2. 3D Systems. Cadence Ankle PSI System Design Validation Report. RPT-1102
3. 3D Systems. Salto Talaris PSI Operative Technique. DCD-00360
4. 3D Systems. Salto Talaris PSI Case Report Template. DCD-00361
5. 3D Systems. Cadence PSI Operative Technique. DCD-00359
6. 3D Systems. Cadence PSI Case Report Template. DCD-00388
7. 3D Systems. Salto Ankle PSI Virtual Planning Work Instruction. WI-01098
8. 3D Systems. Cadence Ankle PSI Virtual Planning Work Instruction. WI-01184
9. Global Total Ankle Replacement Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031. Data Bridge Market Research Report, June 2024
10. 3D Systems. Salto Talaris PSI Talus Guide Drawing . SPEC-0526
11. 3D Systems. Cadence PSI Talus Guide Drawing . SPEC-0577
12. 3D Systems. Salto Talaris PSI Tibia Guide Drawing. SPEC-0525
13. 3D Systems. Cadence PSI Tibia Guide Drawing. SPEC-0579 show less

About Smith+Nephew

Smith+Nephew is a portfolio medical technology business focused on the repair, regeneration and replacement of soft and hard tissue. We exist to restore people’s bodies and their self-belief by using technology to take the limits off living. We call this purpose ‘Life Unlimited’. Our 18,000 employees deliver this mission every day, making a difference to patients’ lives through the excellence of our product portfolio, and the invention and application of new technologies across our three global business units of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & ENT and Advanced Wound Management.

Founded in Hull, UK, in 1856, we now operate in more than 100 countries, and generated annual sales of $5.5 billion in 2023. Smith+Nephew is a constituent of the FTSE100 (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN). The terms ‘Group’ and ‘Smith+Nephew’ are used to refer to Smith & Nephew plc and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.

For more information about Smith+Nephew, please visit www.smith-nephew.com and follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

About 3D Systems

More than 35 years ago, 3D Systems brought the innovation of 3D printing to the manufacturing industry. Today, as the leading additive manufacturing solutions partner, we bring innovation, performance, and reliability to every interaction - empowering our customers to create products and business models never before possible. Thanks to our unique offering of hardware, software, materials, and services, each application-specific solution is powered by the expertise of our application engineers who collaborate with customers to transform how they deliver their products and services. 3D Systems’ solutions address a variety of advanced applications in healthcare and industrial markets such as medical and dental, aerospace & defense, automotive, and durable goods. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com. 

Forward-looking Statements

This document may contain forward-looking statements that may or may not prove accurate. For example, statements regarding expected revenue growth and trading profit margins, market trends and our product pipeline are forward-looking statements. Phrases such as "aim", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "well-placed", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "consider" and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expressed or implied by the statements. For Smith+Nephew, these factors include: conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, economic and financial conditions in the markets we serve, especially those affecting healthcare providers, payers and customers; price levels for established and innovative medical devices; developments in medical technology; regulatory approvals, reimbursement decisions or other government actions; product defects or recalls or other problems with quality management systems or failure to comply with related regulations; litigation relating to patent or other claims; legal and financial compliance risks and related investigative, remedial or enforcement actions; disruption to our supply chain or operations or those of our suppliers; competition for qualified personnel; strategic actions, including acquisitions and disposals, our success in performing due diligence, valuing and integrating acquired businesses; disruption that may result from transactions or other changes we make in our business plans or organisation to adapt to market developments; relationships with healthcare professionals; reliance on information technology and cybersecurity; disruptions due to natural disasters, weather and climate change related events; changes in customer and other stakeholder sustainability expectations; changes in taxation regulations; effects of foreign exchange volatility; and numerous other matters that affect us or our markets, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive or reputational nature. Please refer to the documents that Smith+Nephew has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including Smith+Nephew's most recent annual report on Form 20-F, which is available on the SEC’s website at www. sec.gov, for a discussion of certain of these factors. Any forward-looking statement is based on information available to Smith+Nephew as of the date of the statement. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to Smith+Nephew are qualified by this caution. Smith+Nephew does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in circumstances or in Smith+Nephew's expectations.

^◊ Trademark of Smith+Nephew. Certain marks registered in US Patent and Trademark Office.

FAQ

What is Smith+Nephew's new product for total ankle replacement (SNN)?

Smith+Nephew (SNN) has launched TOTAL ANKLE Patient-Matched Guides, a system designed to provide predictability and efficiency in planning and performing total ankle replacement procedures.

How does Smith+Nephew's TOTAL ANKLE Patient-Matched Guides improve surgical accuracy (SNN)?

The TOTAL ANKLE Patient-Matched Guides (SNN) improve surgical accuracy through fluoroscopic alignment cues and standard instrumentation designed to provide accuracy to plan, as well as an all-in-one instrument design with integrated fluoroscopic cues, guide pins, and cut slots.

What is the market outlook for total ankle replacements according to Smith+Nephew's press release (SNN)?

According to Smith+Nephew's press release, the global total ankle replacement market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.98% through 2031, driven by the rising prevalence of osteoarthritis in adults and growing patient preference for joint preservation and restoration.

Which Smith+Nephew ankle systems are compatible with the new TOTAL ANKLE Patient-Matched Guides (SNN)?

The TOTAL ANKLE Patient-Matched Guides (SNN) are compatible with chamfer talar implants for Smith+Nephew's CADENCE Total Ankle System and SALTO TALARIS Total Ankle Prosthesis.