Smith+Nephew Launches Adjustable-Angle Wand for Complex Hip Procedures
Event summary
- Smith+Nephew introduced the FLOW FLEXTEND™ COBLATION™ Wand, an adjustable-angle RF resection tool for complex hip procedures, on August 17, 2026.
- The wand features a proprietary FLOW~IQ technology and an adjustable-angle tip designed to improve joint access and tissue targeting.
- Surgeon feedback highlights advantages in versatility and precision for hip, knee, and shoulder anatomies.
- The product leverages Smith+Nephew’s COBLATION Technology, clinically proven to improve patient outcomes compared to mechanical debridement.
The big picture
Smith+Nephew’s new wand addresses a critical gap in hip surgery tools, offering surgeons enhanced precision and access. This launch aligns with broader industry trends toward minimally invasive and highly specialized surgical instruments. The company’s focus on refining RF resection technology underscores its commitment to innovation in orthopedic and sports medicine.
What we're watching
- Adoption Pace
- How quickly surgeons will integrate the FLOW FLEXTEND Wand into complex hip procedures, given its adjustable-angle design.
- Market Differentiation
- Whether Smith+Nephew can sustain a competitive edge with this innovation against fixed-angle options.
- Clinical Validation
- The pace at which additional clinical studies will validate the wand’s efficiency and patient outcomes.