Milestones: 1950 - 1960

  • 1950 - Zimmer markets its first hip prosthesis, developed in association with Dr. Palmer Eicher.
  • 1950s - Dr. Paul Harrington begins research for treatment of scoliosis.
  • 1950s - The first titanium-based alloys are developed for implant appliances, as the search for maximum biocompatibility continues.
  • 1951 - Zimmer annual sales top $2 million. Founder J.O. Zimmer dies while vacationing in Florida.
  • 1951 - Several surgeons begin regular installation of stainless steel hips.
  • 1952 - Zimmer introduces a highly successful non-orthopaedic device, the Brown Electro-Dermatome™ Powered Skin Graft Instrument, to the AMA at its annual meeting.
  • 1958 - Zimmer introduces the Harrington® Spinal Instrumentation for treatment of scoliosis.
  • 1959 - British orthopaedic surgeon Sir John Charnley begins his extensive research and innovations in low-friction total hip replacement, first using PTF Polymer cups and later introducing the use of bone cement as grout.
  • 1959 - Work began on what was to become the Snyder Hemovac® Wound Drainage Device, the predecessor of Zimmer's leading line of closed wound drainage devices. Developed by surgeon Robert T. McElvenney and Hal Snyder, it was manufactured by Snyder Labs and first distributed by Zimmer in 1960.

Milestones: 1960 - 1970

  • 1960 - Zimmer annual sales reach $4 million.

  • Early 1960s - Bone cement materials are refined to be used in long-term fixation.

  • 1967 - Zimmer becomes a truly international company with the establishment of a formal Export Department.

  • 1968 - Land is purchased for major plant expansion in Warsaw, Indiana

  • 1968 - First non-hinged total knee unit is developed.

  • 1969 - Zimmer acquires Little Manufacturing Company, a softgoods vendor in North Carolina. This acquisition led the way for expansion of the Patient Care Division of softgoods production.

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