Smith+Nephew Unveils New Medial Stabilized Insert for LEGION Knee

Smith+Nephew has introduced a new medial stabilized insert for its LEGION Total Knee System (TKS). The medial stabilized design is intended to maintain stability with a larger anterior medial lip and medial pivot kinematics—similar to the biological knee.

Medial stabilized inserts are becoming more popular with patients and orthopedic surgeons, growing from 4% of total knee arthroplasty procedures in 2018 to 32% in 2023.¹ Designed for use 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. Reducing operating steps also improves efficiency and reduces operating room time for both the surgeon and patient.²  

“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 U.S. 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 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 United States on a limited basis, with a full commercial release slated for later this year. The system will also be introduced in Canada in 2026.

Smith+Nephew is focused on the repair, regeneration, and replacement of soft and hard tissue. The company’s 17,000 employees make a difference to patients’ lives through the invention and application of new technologies in Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & ENT, and Advanced Wound Management. Founded in Hull, U.K., in 1856, Smith+Nephew operates in roughly 100 countries, and generated $5.8 billion in 2024 sales. Smith+Nephew is a constituent of the FTSE100.

References
¹ American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR) 2024 Annual Report.
² https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12089135/#s4
³ 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.