Raritan, NJ, February 12, 2024– Ethicon*, a Johnson & Johnson MedTech company**, today announced the publication of two studies in The Journal of Arthroplasty, featuring insights from 20 international orthopaedic surgeons on the best practice approaches to wound closure and dressing management in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA).
The panel of experts identified key interventions in both TKA and THA that are most focused on patient safety and improved outcomes, including the use of barbed sutures over non-barbed sutures; the use of triclosan-coated sutures over non-antimicrobial-coated sutures; and the application of mesh adhesives over other skin closure methods. As discussed in the review by the panel, these interventions were preferred as they have been associated with lower rates of wound complications, lower risk of surgical site infections, and lower rates of readmission.
“The biggest problem that we have in terms of revisions or morbidity following total knee and total hip arthroplasty is infection, and approximately half of the infections are attributable to wound healing problems,” said Michael A. Mont***, M.D., F.A.A.O.S., Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics and study co-author. “With the consensus reached by the participating orthopaedic surgeons, we now have a guide that may help reduce the variability between surgeons and centers, promote standardization, and improve outcomes for patients after knee and hip replacements.”
The published studies were conducted using the Delphi technique, an iterative process used to collect opinions and achieve agreement among a panel of experts. To date, the current standards of care in TKA and THA have been derived with little consensus from the literature and a lack of evidence generated in systematic reviews. Therefore, consensus studies can serve as a foundation for knowledge and education, while also helping to identify important gaps in the existing evidence that require further research.
“As industry leaders with a legacy of innovation in medical technologies focused on proper healing and wound care, we are committed to partnering with experts and surgeons to elevate the standards of care in the field,” said Nisha Johnson, Global President, Wound Closure & Healing and Biosurgery, J&J MedTech. “The ongoing review of approaches to wound healing during arthroplasty procedures is a key element to improving patient outcomes with reduced risks of infection.”
Ethicon will host a discussion of the study at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) annual meeting during a symposium session on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. For more information, visit www.jnj.com/medtech.
About Ethicon
At Ethicon, a Johnson & Johnson MedTech company, putting humanity at the core of care is our passion and our purpose. In collaboration with clinicians and health care experts around the world, we develop clinically-differentiated surgical technologies and solutions to help address some of the most pressing health challenges of our time such as metabolic disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Through our efforts and ingenuity, we aspire to elevate standards of care and create a healthier future for the patients of today and tomorrow. Visit www.ethicon.com to learn more about us.
About Johnson & Johnson MedTech
At Johnson & Johnson MedTech, we unleash diverse healthcare expertise, purposeful technology, and a passion for people to transform the future of medical intervention and empower everyone to live their best life possible. For more than a century, we have driven breakthrough scientific innovation to address unmet needs and reimagine health. In surgery, orthopaedics, vision, and interventional solutions, we continue to help save lives and create a future where healthcare solutions are smarter, less invasive, and more personalized. For more, visit https://thenext.jnjmedtech.com.
Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Ethicon, Inc., Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC, Johnson & Johnson Enterprise Innovation Inc. and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2023, including in the sections captioned “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and in the company’s most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the company’s subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of Ethicon, Inc., Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC, Johnson & Johnson Enterprise Innovation Inc. nor Johnson & Johnson undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.
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*Ethicon represents the products and services of Ethicon, Inc., Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC and certain of their affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
**Johnson & Johnson MedTech comprises the surgery, orthopedics, vision and interventional solutions businesses within Johnson & Johnson’s MedTech segment.
***Dr. Mont has not been paid for any media work.