Blue Belt Technologies Announces the First Robotics-Assisted Partial Knee Replacement Performed in Australia Utilizing the Navio® Surgical System and the Smith & Nephew JOURNEY™ Unicompartmental Knee System

MINNEAPOLIS

Blue Belt Technologies, a medical technology company specializing in robotic solutions for orthopedic surgery, announced the first Navio-assisted surgery performed in Australia utilizing the Smith & Nephew JOURNEY Uni Knee System. The procedure was performed by Dr. Tony Spriggins, Orthopedic Surgeon at SPORTSMED·SA in Adelaide, Australia.

“The final result today was a well aligned implant with great ligament balance post operatively,” said Dr. Spriggins. “I’m really happy with the way our first Navio case has gone and look forward to seeing the long term clinical result.”

The Navio^® system provides robotic assistance for partial knee replacement procedures through CT-free navigation software and a unique computer controlled, bone shaping tool. In a procedure that is technically demanding, Navio enables surgeons to remove the damaged surfaces of the patient’s knee, balance their joint, and position the implant with great precision.

“A select cohort of patients have great outcomes in partial knees, but the key is perfect alignment and balance,” said Dr. Spriggins. “Paired with a quality implant like the JOURNEY Uni, the Navio system helps us achieve this through advanced computer navigation and robotics.”

The JOURNEY Uni knee, made by Smith & Nephew, is a ligament-preserving partial knee implant made from the company’s unique, wear-reducing OXINIUM™ material.

The expansion of Navio-assisted procedures into Australia provides orthopedic surgeons with the only CT-free robotics-assisted solution for partial knee replacement.

Blue Belt Technologies, Inc.

Blue Belt Technologies is a global leader in surgical robotics, developing and commercializing next-generation robotics-assisted technologies for use in orthopedic surgery and other specialties. Blue Belt is focused on the continued commercial success and application expansion of the Navio® Surgical System, which leverages the company’s proprietary and differentiated Precision Freehand Sculpting™ technology. The Navio system helps surgeons deliver precise and consistent results for their patients. For more information visit www.bluebelttech.com.

JOURNEY and OXINIUM are trademarks of Smith & Nephew.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151221005871/en/