Zimmer Holdings Inc has launched the VerSys Advocate Hip Prosthesis to address surgeon requirements for a product that aids in proper centralization within the femoral canal.

"Surgeons have told us that one of the keys to long-term success for cemented hip replacements is the ability to assure that the implant is properly centered in the femoral canal," said Ray Elliott, Chairman, President and CEO of Zimmer Holdings Inc. "The VerSys Advocate Hip builds on our success with our V-Lign Proximal Centralizer by incorporating it into the stem design. The result is a stem that we believe will be well received among surgeons who prefer cemented products."

"The Advocate hip approach can be useful to all surgeons who use cemented implants, especially in that its distinct design provides control for anterior/posterior and medial/lateral positioning, as well as for rotational stability," said Dr. Richard White, who participated in the design of the product with Zimmer. "I think it will also be adopted in many teaching institutions because orthopaedic surgeons in training will find it helpful in learning how to properly place the hip implant in the femoral canal."

Zimmer has recently expanded its overall hip offering with a broad range of new products for cementless hip surgery, which is the fastest growing area within hip replacement. The cemented category remains the largest in hip replacement.

The company also recently filed for clearance to market two products for patients who require additional constraint in the acetabulum, or socket. These additions are especially important in the rapidly growing market for revision products.