Synthes

Synthes is the leading company in the orthopaedic trauma market. We develop, manufacture and market the AO ASIF system of internal fixation instruments and implants used by surgeons to repair difficult bone fractures. This concept was developed in Switzerland by Professors Maurice Müller, Martin Allgöwer, Robert Schneider and Hans Willenegger, who realized that conventional methods of fracture treatment (plaster casts) often led to poor results and partial disability. These surgeons, along with a group of metallurgists and scientists, formed the Swiss group known as the AO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen) ASIF (Association for the Study of Internal Fixation). The resulting system of carefully conceived stainless steel and titanium implants to hold fracture ends in precise alignment while healing takes place has revolutionized orthopaedic surgery and saved countless patients from varying degrees of disability.

The AO products were originally produced and distributed by Mathys Medical and Straumann (later Stratec Holdings). Synthes (USA) was formed in 1974 and began marketing the AO ASIF system in North America in 1975. Early in 1999, Synthes (USA) and Stratec Holding agreed to merge into one company serving the orthopaedic, spinal, maxillofacial and veterinary surgical specialties in North and South America and Europe. In 2004, Synthes continued its globalization with acquisition of Mathys Medical AG, to become the sole producer of AO ASIF instruments and implants, with the opportunity to serve surgeons in every corner of the world.

Synthes is a global leader in the orthopaedic trauma market and has expanded from its roots in orthopaedic trauma to include maxillofacial and spine surgery. The Maxillofacial division designs and markets products for use in mandible, orthognathic and cranial surgery, providing treatments for trauma applications and reconstructive surgery. Synthes Spine has developed surgical techniques and instrument and implant systems to treat deformity and degenerative disorders of the spine, as well as spinal trauma.

To broaden our product portfolio and meet the needs of our customers, Synthes has made some key acquisitions. In 1999, Synthes acquired Norian Corporation in Cupertino, California. Norian is the manufacturer, inventor, and patent holder of unique technology in the area of calcium phosphate cements, which are used for augmentation of metaphyseal fractures and reconstruction of craniofacial defects. The Norian cements are biocompatible, form the mineral phase of bone in the body, and are gradually remodeled by the body to form natural bone. The Norian product line is a key technology platform for our Biomaterials division, which serves the biomaterial product needs of all Synthes divisions.

In 2003, Synthes acquired Spine Solutions, Inc., a leader in the field of spinal nonfusion technology. This acquisition added ProDisc (an artificial spinal disc) to our product portfolio. The artificial disc is expected to make a great impact on the practice of spinal surgery as we know it today.

Our direct sales force of highly trained professionals is located throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia to market our systems to surgeons and hospitals. Our manufacturing facilities—in Monument, Colorado; West Chester, Pennsylvania; Elmira, New York; Tuttlingen, Germany; and Haegendorf, Mezzovico, Bettlach and Grenchen in Switzerland—are all state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities which combine American ingenuity, Swiss and German precision, and Japanese manufacturing techniques to produce the best orthopaedic instruments and implants in the world.

Our Distribution Centers in Monument, Colorado, and Oberdorf and Selzach, Switzerland, maintain outstanding customer service levels. Most orders are processed and shipped the same day, ensuring the best possible care for trauma patients.

Synthes product development is located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and Oberdorf and Bettlach, Switzerland. Product managers, design engineers, model makers and support personnel employ the most modern technology to design and develop the highest quality trauma products available. Product development teams now work together globally to ensure that the requirements of all markets are considered during the product design process.

Synthes has committed significant resources to assist medical schools and the AO ASIF organization in conducting the most comprehensive post-graduate training programs available for orthopaedic, maxillofacial and spine surgeons. With emphasis on practical work in a laboratory setting, these courses offer the surgeon an opportunity to learn how to use the instruments and implants for a wide range of fractures, and to learn and practice the various surgical techniques.

Synthes is a dynamic, growth-oriented company in a highly exciting and challenging field. We look forward to a continuing expansion of our global market leadership in the years ahead.

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