IART Accomplishes Shoulder Implant - Analyst Blog

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation (IART) declared the first successful implantation of its Integra Titan Reverse Shoulder System in the United States. The system is designed for effective shoulder replacement surgery, with special focus on patients who have no other non-operative option as a feasible alternative.

The Reverse Shoulder System is built on a unique platform stem, which simplifies the conversion of a primary total shoulder, or hemi for fracture, to a reverse shoulder. It reduces the complexity associated with removing a stem that is otherwise properly attached to the patient's bone.

The integrated, fully interchangeable components ensure proper compatibility between all primary, reverse and fracture humeral bodies and the press-fit or cemented platform stems. This flexibility facilitates surgeons to conduct minimally invasive intraoperative procedures, optimizing continued care throughout the patient's lifetime.

William Geissler, M.D., Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Mississipi Medical Center, conducted the first implant of the Titan Reverse Shoulder System. He appreciated the system for its ability to cut down on valuable operative time and the ease with which he was able to custom fit the prosthesis to the patient. The instrumentation helped Geissler to place and orient the prosthesis accurately, making the operative experience for him a rather pleasant one.  
 
Geissler was examining a patient who already had two prior attempts at massive cuff repair without any significant relief from pain and limited mobility. During surgery, it was diagnosed that the patient's cuff tear was irreparable. Moreover she was suffering from severe arthritis. These factors were deemed appropriate for her to undergo reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

It is anticipated that the global shoulder replacement market is expected to be worth $865 million in 2014 and is further expected to touch the $1.3 billion mark by 2017. IART is pleased to add the new Titan Reverse Shoulder System, expanding their portfolio in the shoulder segment. The successful implantation and the subsequent positive feedback from the surgeons strengthen the company's belief that the new system will be able to garner a healthy market share going forward.

Currently, IART carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Other stocks in the medical devices segment that are worth a look include Actelion Ltd. (ALIOF),  Affymax Inc. (AFFY) and Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD), each of which carries  a Zacks Rank # 1 (Strong Buy).