New Data Show Benefits of Unique Minimally Invasive, Quadriceps-Sparing Knee Surgery with Biomet Instrumentation.

WARSAW, Ind. -- New data from a study of a unique minimally invasive, quadriceps-sparing total knee surgery show advantages for a wider population of patients and surgeons than other minimally invasive techniques. The data were presented for the first time Nov. 6 at the annual meeting of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons in Dallas, Texas.

Minimally invasive total knee surgery performed with the Microplasty(R) Minimally Invasive Knee Instrumentation resulted in quicker recovery, less pain and better knee range of motion than traditional total knee replacement techniques, according to new data from a study of 300 patients presented by Dr. William Schroer, an orthopedic surgeon at SSM DePaul Health Center in St. Louis.

"The Microplasty(R) instrumentation allows the total knee replacement to be done through a smaller incision, but more importantly allows the procedure to be done with minimal damage to the muscles around the knee, facilitating a faster recovery," Schroer said.

The study also shows that the Microplasty(R) minimally invasive approach has more advantages than other minimally invasive approaches. Disadvantages of other minimally invasive approaches frequently include:

--Extended operating time;

--Limited patient eligibility; and

--Complex surgery techniques leading to fewer trained surgeons to perform the surgery.

Dr. Schroer's data show that the Microplasty(R) procedure is applicable to a wide patient population, with more than 98 percent of patients eligible for traditional knee replacement qualifying for this minimally invasive surgery technique. In addition, the minimally invasive approach is built on standard knee replacement surgery techniques, simplifying the procedure for surgeons worldwide.

Schroer's study evaluated 300 patients, 150 who underwent traditional knee replacement surgery and 150 who underwent a minimally invasive approach with the Microplasty(R) Minimally Invasive Knee Instrumentation. The instrumentation was developed by Dr. James Scott, principal surgeon at the Georgia Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Clinic in Tifton, Ga., and Biomet, a Warsaw, Ind.-based designer and manufacturer of orthopedic implants and instruments. In all the surgeries, Schroer implanted Biomet's Ascent(TM) Total Knee System, which has been in use in the United States since 1997.

The data show that patients who were treated with the Microplasty(R) minimally invasive approach versus standard knee replacement had the following statistically significant results:

--A shorter hospital stay by nearly one day;

--A 10 degree increase in range of motion at every follow-up through six months;

--No increase in operating time;

--No increase in complication rates; and

--A rapid return of muscle strength, with 83 percent of the patients able to perform a straight leg raise a day after surgery.

Additionally, Dr. Schroer observed that patients in the study showed a decreased need for pain medication and blood transfusions.

Biomet Inc. (Nasdaq:BMET) and its subsidiaries design, manufacture and market products used primarily by musculoskeletal medical specialists in both surgical and non-surgical therapy. The company's product portfolio encompasses reconstructive products, including orthopedic joint replacement devices, bone cements and accessories, and dental reconstructive implants; fixation products, including electrical bone growth stimulators, internal and external orthopedic fixation devices, craniomaxillofacial implants and bone substitute materials; spinal products, including spinal stimulation devices, spinal hardware and orthobiologics; and other products, such as arthroscopy products and softgoods and bracing products. Headquartered in Warsaw, Ind., Biomet and its subsidiaries currently distribute products in more than 100 countries.

The surgeon who performs any implant procedure is responsible for determining and utilizing the appropriate device and techniques for implanting the device in each individual patient. Biomet, as the device manufacturer, does not practice medicine and does not recommend this device or technique for use on a specific patient. For information about the potential risks associated with this device, visit www.biomet.com.

Microplasty(R) and Ascent(TM) are trademarks of Biomet Manufacturing Corp.