Zimmer Holdings acquires Knee Creations

WARSAW, Ind. (AP) -- Orthopedic device maker Zimmer Holdings Inc. said Thursday it acquired Knee Creations LLC.

Zimmer said the West Chester, Pa., company has developed a surgical procedure designed to treat the effects of subchondral bone marrow edema, which is a buildup of fluid in the marrow of bone that is located beneath cartilage. The condition is diagnosed using MRIs, and if it is not treated, it can cause cartilage degeneration, reduced function, and pain.

Zimmer said the surgical procedures are called subchondroplasties. In the procedure, a special bone void filler is injected to the bone to start the healing process. The company described the surgery as minimally invasive and said it does not violate the knee joint.

The companies did not disclose terms of the deal.

Zimmer shares rose 38 cents to $75.68 Thursday, and the stock has traded between $57.46 and $77.53 in the last 12 months. The shares were unchanged in aftermarket trading.