New medial stabilized insert for Smith+Nephew’s LEGION™ Total Knee System designed to improve kinematics, stability and procedural versatility
- Significant market adoption growth with medial stabilized inserts increasing from 4% to 32% of procedures (2018-2023)
- Greater procedural efficiency and potential reduction in operating time
- Compatible with both cemented and cementless systems
- 20+ years of clinical success backing the LEGION platform
- Flexibility to be used with or without Posterior Cruciate Ligament
- Limited availability in US market initially
- Delayed launch in Canada until 2026
Insights
Smith+Nephew launches strategic knee insert aligned with fast-growing market trend, potentially strengthening their competitive position in the $8B+ knee replacement market.
Smith+Nephew's new medial stabilized insert for their LEGION Total Knee System represents a significant strategic alignment with rapidly evolving market preferences. The dramatic increase in medial stabilized designs—from just
This product enhancement offers three key clinical and operational advantages: First, it provides more natural knee kinematics through its medial pivot design, potentially improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. Second, it allows for more bone conservation by enabling use with Cruciate Retaining femoral designs rather than requiring Posterior Stabilized components. Third, it may reduce operating room time and procedural complexity by eliminating steps, creating efficiency opportunities for healthcare facilities.
The timing is particularly strategic as the orthopedic market increasingly favors both porous fixation technologies and kinematically advanced solutions. By integrating this insert with their existing LEGION portfolio (which includes both cemented and cementless CONCELOC options), Smith+Nephew strengthens their competitive positioning in the total knee replacement market.
While currently available on a limited basis in the US with full commercialization later in 2025, followed by Canada in 2026, this launch reinforces Smith+Nephew's commitment to innovation in their established knee replacement franchise, which has demonstrated over 20 years of clinical performance. This product enhancement should help S+N better compete against major orthopedic rivals like Stryker, Zimmer Biomet, and DePuy Synthes in the evolving knee replacement landscape.
Smith+Nephew (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN), the global medical technology company, today announces the introduction of a new medial stabilized insert for its LEGION Total Knee System (TKS). Medial stabilized inserts are seeing a steep rise in popularity, growing from
With the ability to be used with or without the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), procedural trends are moving away from Posterior Stabilized (PS) design types to more bone-conservative Cruciate Retaining (CR) femoral designs. The reduction of operating steps also creates the potential for greater efficiency and shorter time in the OR for both surgeon and patient.2
The medial stabilized design aims to maintain stability with a larger anterior medial lip and medial pivot kinematics similar to the natural knee.
“We’re entering an exciting era in knee replacement, driven by the momentum of personalized medicine and an influx of innovative approaches,” said Dr. Steve McDonald, Chief of Orthopaedics and Chief of Surgery, at London Health Sciences Centre in London, Ontario. “With US registry data now showing that one in three total knees utilize a medial stabilized design, it’s clear that surgeons are increasingly turning to solutions that offer more natural kinematics and higher patient satisfaction. The LEGION Medial Stabilized TKS stands out in this space - offering a powerful combination of medial stabilized kinematics, advanced porous fixation, integration with technologies like the CORI◊ Surgical System, and a strong clinical legacy. It’s an ideal solution for surgeons looking to align with the principles of personalized care.”
The LEGION TKS has demonstrated more than 20 years of clinical success,3 with the new medial stabilized insert adding a modern design to align with rapidly growing market trends. The LEGION Medial Stabilized TKS is the latest addition to the LEGION portfolio supporting both the LEGION CONCELOC◊ Cementless and LEGION Cemented Total Knee Systems.
“LEGION Medial Stabilized TKS is the latest evolution of the trusted LEGION brand - a platform backed by over 20 years of performance and innovation,” said Craig Gaffin, President, Global Orthopaedics for Smith+Nephew. “As market demand for porous and kinematically advanced knee solutions continues to grow, we believe this addition will elevate the LEGION portfolio even further, enabling us to better meet the evolving needs of patients and surgeons alike.”
The medial stabilized insert for LEGION TKS is available in the US on a limited basis, with a full commercial release later in 2025. The system will also be introduced in Canada in 2026. To hear more from Dr. MacDonald and Craig Gaffin, please visit here.
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References
- American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR) 2024 Annual Report.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12089135/#s4
- Victor J, Ghijselings S, Tajdar F, et al. Total knee arthroplasty at 15-17 years: does implant design affect outcome? Int Orthop. 2014;38(2):235-241.
About Smith+Nephew
Smith+Nephew is a portfolio medical technology business focused on the repair, regeneration and replacement of soft and hard tissue. We exist to restore people’s bodies and their self-belief by using technology to take the limits off living. We call this purpose ‘Life Unlimited’. Our 17,000 employees deliver this mission every day, making a difference to patients’ lives through the excellence of our product portfolio, and the invention and application of new technologies across our three global business units of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & ENT and Advanced Wound Management.
Founded in Hull, UK, in 1856, we now operate in around 100 countries, and generated annual sales of
For more information about Smith+Nephew, please visit www.smith-nephew.com and follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.
Forward-looking Statements
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FAQ
What is the new feature announced for Smith+Nephew's LEGION Total Knee System?
How has the adoption of medial stabilized inserts grown in recent years?
When will SNN's new LEGION Medial Stabilized TKS be fully available?
What are the key benefits of Smith+Nephew's new medial stabilized insert?
How long has the LEGION Total Knee System been in clinical use?
