The U.S. Attorney's office office has ended 18 months of federal oversight of orthopedic device manufacturers Zimmer, Depuy Orthopaedics, Biomet Orthopedics, Stryker and Smith & Nephew, according to a report by the Star-Ledger.

The U.S. Attorney's office charged the companies with violating federal anti-kickback statutes in 2007. The companies avoided prosecution by agreeing to strict compliance procedures and federal monitoring.

Zimmer, Depuy, Biomet and Smith & Nephew remain subject to the terms of separate agreements entered into with the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services until 2012.

Read the Star-Ledger's report on the end of federal oversight for orthopedic device companies.