British orthopedic titan Smith & Nephew (NYSE:SNN) touted the results of a 10-year study of its metal-on-metal hip resurfacing implants, hoping to differentiate its implants from the high-profile recall of rival DePuy’s ASR device.
Smith & Nephew, one of the largest metal-on-metal hip implant makers, is looking to limit the collateral damage to its Birmingham hip resurfacing system from the Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) subsidiary’s ASR recall. J&J is facing down a slew of patient injury lawsuits, not to mention scientists warning of possible toxicity and bone destruction related to the implants and researchers urging the FDA to ban the devices entirely.
Smith & Nephew’s latest data, from a study it ran at the request of the FDA, found that 99% of the U.K. 400 patients followed were either satisfied or extremely satisfied with their Birmingham hip after 10 years, according to a press release.
"The fact is that the BHR hip is not like other metal-on-metal hip implants," global hip franchise senior vice president John Soto said in prepared remarks. "It really is in a class all its own – it’s safe and effective, and is the best choice for the right patient."
The headline-making J&J recall has drawn other artificial hip makers into the fire, including including Biomet Inc., Stryker Corp. (NYSE:SYK) and Zimmer Holdings Inc. (NYSE:ZMH), all of which were asked by the FDA to run post-market studies of their hip replacements.
