Zimmer Introduces PathFinder NXT® Minimally Invasive Pedicle Screw System for the European Market

BOURDEAUX, France, October 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Intuitive System Designed to Accommodate Multiple Surgical Approaches and Expedite MIS Spinal Procedures

Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ZMH; SIX: ZMH), a global leader in musculoskeletal care, is showcasing its PathFinder NXT® System at the 2011 EuroSpine meeting in Milan, Italy. The PathFinder NXT System builds on the legacy and clinical success of the original PathFinder Minimally Invasive Pedicle Screw System to provide an intuitive and flexible system for a range of minimally invasive (MIS) spinal procedures.

The PathFinder NXT System is an MIS pedicle screw system that facilitates both mini-open and percutaneous approaches. The system enables enhanced reduction, compression, distraction and bone decortications capabilities, and gives surgeons the ability to efficiently complete multilevel constructs.

"The PathFinder NXT System provides unprecedented options for our surgeons and their patients," said Steve Healy, President, Zimmer Spine. "The system's innovative instrumentation and streamlined surgical technique facilitate easier procedures. Since its introduction in the United States earlier this year, more than 1000 surgeries have been completed with the system. Feedback from these cases has been excellent and we expect the PathFinder NXT System to also become a key component of our portfolio in Europe."

MIS approaches are among the fastest growing procedural solutions for patients requiring spinal fusions. Each year, more than 40,000 patients undergo MIS spine surgery. MIS surgery utilizes small incisions, minimizing blood loss and potentially expediting the surgical procedure and rehabilitation. The innovative PathFinder NXT System supports a range of MIS spinal approaches, enabling surgeons the flexibility to treat the unique needs of each patient.

To learn more about the PathFinder NXT System, visit the Zimmer exhibit at the 2011 EuroSpine meeting, or visit http://www.zimmer.com.

About the Company

Founded in 1927 and headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, Zimmer designs, develops, manufactures and markets orthopaedic reconstructive, spinal and trauma devices, dental implants, and related surgical products. Zimmer has operations in more than 25 countries around the world and sells products in more than 100 countries. Zimmer's 2010 sales were approximately $4.2 billion. The Company is supported by the efforts of more than 8,000 employees worldwide.

Zimmer Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the orthopaedics industry, management's beliefs and assumptions made by management. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as "may," "will," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "estimates," "projects," "assumes," "guides," "targets," "forecasts," and "seeks" or the negative of such terms or other variations on such terms or comparable terminology. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially. For a list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see our periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be set forth in our periodic reports. Readers of this document are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, since, while we believe the assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this document.