The U. K. medical device manufacturer Smith & Nephew on Thursday reported its second-quarter net profit increase by 16% as improved margins and superior sales of its knothole surgery and lesion care products offset flat sales of its substitution hips in the U. S.

According to Chief Executive David Illingworth Smith & Nephew expects sales of its establishment in the U. S. to stay premeditated in 2010 as the patients are putting off maneuver and prudent hospitals and insurers are demanding for better deals.

U. S. adversary in the market for proxy hips and knees like Stryker Corp, Zimmer Holdings Inc. and Johnson & Johnson reported likewise limp development in joint sales during the second quarter.

Illingworth expressed that it is improbable this indication a longer-term trouble in the market for latest joints, which is underpinned by elderly populations and individuals' wish to remain active.

Smith & Nephew expressed that the net profit for the three months to July 3 plunged up to $137 million from $118 million a year former, on revenue 3.6% higher at $959 million, higher than market prospect of $953 million.