(Reuters) - Medtech firm Zimmer Biomet Holdings ( ZBH ) beat Wall Street estimates for first-quarter profit on Thursday, on the back of robust demand for its devices that are used in knee and hip reconstruction procedures.

Zimmer's results extend a strong quarter for medical device makers, including peer Stryker Corp ( SYK ) which raised its annual profit outlook betting on steady demand for its hip and knee implants.

Investors have increased expectations for medical device makers following a post-pandemic surge in demand for medical procedures, especially among older Americans.

"This is a good start to the year that should help give investors confidence management can ultimately deliver what they've guided to," J.P.Morgan analyst Robbie Marcus wrote in a note.

Combined sales at Zimmer's hips and knees units were $1.28 billion, in line with analysts' expectations.

The hip and knee implant maker reiterated its annual profit outlook in the range of $8.00 to $8.15 per share.

Analysts were expecting annual profit of $8.06 per share.

Zimmer's first-quarter revenue rose 3.2% to $1.89 billion, compared with analysts' average estimate of $1.87 billion, according to LSEG data.

On an adjusted basis, the company made a profit of $1.94 per share in the quarter ended March 31, topping estimates of $1.87.