International orthopedic devices company
Wright Medical
(
WMGI
) has commenced full launch of its CLAW II polyaxial compression
plating system for foot and ankle surgeries. The Tennessee-based
company said that the new plating system will be available in the
U.S. through its foot and ankle sales force. Outside the U.S., it
will be marketed in select nations through the company's direct
sales team as well as distribution partners.
The CLAW II system, which features Wright Medical's ORTHOLOC
3DSi polyaxial locking screw technology, integrates the stability
and adjustable compression features of the company's CLAW plating
system with better surgical flexibility enabled by new shape
configurations and polyaxial screw positioning.
The ORTHOLOC technology offers surgeons with greater flexibility
in placing a locking screw and enables them to solidly lock the
screw to the plate, thereby providing enhanced stability.
The CLAW II system, which is built upon the success of Wright
Medical's CHARLOTTE CLAW plating system, further reinforces the
company's foot and ankle product franchise. It has been fine tuned
to enable surgeons to choose the appropriate implants while
performing fusions in the foot and ankle.
Wright Medical is a global orthopedic devices company
specializing in the development and marketing of reconstructive
joint devices and bio-orthopedic materials. It is a leader in the
U.S. and German markets for foot and ankle surgical products. The
company retains its strength in the niche extremities segment.
We feel future revenue growth will be supported by new product
(including internally developed and those from acquisitions)
launches. Moreover, new deals in extremities, Wright Medical's
fastest growing segment, are expected to bolster growth in this
business. Within extremities, foot and ankle products are expected
to be a major growth driver.
However, our views are moderated by lingering compliance issues
and intense competition from larger orthopedic players. Wright
Medical competes with much larger players such as
Zimmer Holdings
(
ZMH
),
Stryker
(
SYK
),
Johnson & Johnson
's (
JNJ
) De Puy and
Smith & Nephew
(
SNN
).
Moreover, the company remains exposed to pricing/procedure
volume headwinds. Costs associated with restructuring will also
continue to be a drag on the company's bottom line. We are
currently Neutral on Wright Medical. The stock curently retains a
short-term Zacks #4 Rank (Sell).
JOHNSON & JOHNS (
JNJ
): Free Stock Analysis Report
SMITH & NEPHEW (
SNN
): Free Stock Analysis Report
STRYKER CORP (
SYK
): Free Stock Analysis Report
WRIGHT MEDICAL (
WMGI
): Free Stock Analysis Report
ZIMMER HOLDINGS (
ZMH
): Free Stock Analysis Report
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