Vitamin E Liner from Zimmer Used for First Time in Reverse Shoulder Replacement

The first reverse shoulder replacement in the United States using Warsaw, Ind.-based Zimmer Holdings Inc.’s Vivacit-E liner for the Trabecular Metal reverse shoulder system has been completed.

Zimmer’s Vivacit-E vitamin E highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXPE) is a high-tech bearing surface offering oxidative stability and low wear that has already become a staple of the company’s replacement products for the knee, hip and elbow. Its introduction into the Trabecular Metal reverse shoulder system is designed to meet the growing demand for shoulder replacement.

“The benefits of reverse total shoulder replacement for patients are many,” explained Steve Vankoski, director, global marketing of extremities for Zimmer. “There are few good treatments remaining if a reverse shoulder wears out, and replacement is a complex surgery often performed on patients who have, over time, lost the ability to raise their arms due to chronic rotator cuff tears.”

In addition to traditional replacements due to normal rotator-cuff wear, reverse total shoulder replacement is also growing in popularity for complex fractures.

“Vivacit-E technology represents a major advance in reverse shoulder replacement,” added Vankoski. ”With Vivacit-E Vitamin E HXPE, Zimmer has delivered a construct designed for the most demanding shoulder patients. We are excited to bring this new technology, which we have already successfully integrated into our knee, hip and elbow implants, to the Trabecular Metal reverse shoulder to better match patient needs during reverse shoulder replacement.”

Zimmer orthopedic reconstructive, spinal and trauma devices, dental implants, and related surgical products.