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2015 Press Releases

LIFE SPINE® ANNOUNCES FDA CLEARANCE OF GRUVETM ANTERIOR CERVICAL PLATE SYSTEM

Huntley, IL, December 17, 2015 –

Life Spine, a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spinal disorders, announced today that the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given 510(k) marketing clearance to the GRUVE Anterior Cervical Plate System.

The innovation of the GRUVE Anterior Cervical Plate allows for extreme bone screw angulation, large graft windows, in addition to a tactile and visual confirmation of the locking mechanism during final screw placement.

GRUVE is the latest addition to the company’s cervical platform and marks the eighth cervical plating option for spine surgeons across the globe. “Our comprehensive cervical portfolio reinforces Life Spine’s commitment to providing single-source, cohesive procedural solutions to our customers,” said Joe Loy, Executive Vice President of Sales at Life Spine. The current anterior cervical product offering already consists of five static systems (NEO®, NEO-SL, NEO-UL, IRIS® and PRO-LINK®) and two internally dynamizing systems (KINETIC® and KINETIC-SL).

GRUVE is scheduled for limited release at the beginning of 2016 with full product release expected in the second quarter of 2016.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE® LAUNCHES FOUR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SYSTEMS AT NORTH AMERICAN SPINE SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING

Huntley, IL, October 14, 2015 –

Life Spine, a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spinal disorders, launches four minimally invasive systems at the 2015 North American Spine Society 30th Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL.

The LONGBOWTM Expandable Lateral Spacer System and CENTRIC® Lateral Retractor System simplify expandable lumbar interbody fusions (eLIFs) and allow for a larger graft area with less muscle retraction. The SImpactTM Sacroiliac Joint Fixation System offers in-situ controlled compression via a unique two part screw that also

The CENTERLINETM Cortical Thoracolumbar Spinal System offers one of the smallest stature cobalt chrome systems on the market for minimal incisions and tissue retraction.

“Throughout the last year, Life Spine has doubled in size through a focus on minimally invasive surgery. Although we are a multinational company, we remain true to our start-up, engineering core by working with innovative surgeons to produce unique, highly effective surgical procedures. The LONGBOW eLIF procedure is a prime example of our process of innovating for better surgical outcomes. LONGBOW is the first MIS Anterior-Posterior expandable lateral system on the market reducing the muscle retraction by as much as 55%,” said Michael Butler, President and CEO of Life Spine.

All products will be featured at the annual meeting as well as the Life Spine Technical Product Fair on Wednesday, October 14, 2015, at the corporate office in Huntley, IL.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE® ANNOUNCES MARKET RELEASE OF EXPANDABLE LUMBAR INTERBODY FUSION SOLUTIONS

Huntley, IL, October 13, 2015 –

Life Spine, a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spinal disorders, announces the limited releases of the LONGBOWTM Expandable Lateral Spacer System and the CENTRIC® Lateral Retractor System for Expandable Lateral Interbody Fusion (eLIF) procedures.

“The LONGBOW implant is a game changer for lateral surgery. It is the first implant on the market that accomplishes a larger graft area and greater footprint coverage with less retraction to the psoas muscle,” said Dr. Zeshan Hyder, orthopedic spine surgeon at the Bone and Joint Specialists in Indiana.

The LONGBOW Expandable Lateral Spacer System, in conjunction with the CENTRIC Lateral Retractor System, is the first interbody that expands anterior to posterior and is specifically designed to minimize the amount of posterior muscle retraction, up to 55%, required during lateral procedures, thus significantly reducing the potential for nerve damage and post-operative complications.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE® ANNOUNCES LIMITED RELEASE OF SIMPACT™ SACROILIAC JOINT FIXATION SYSTEM

Huntley, IL, October 6, 2015 –

Life Spine, a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spinal disorders, announced today that it has commenced the limited release of its SImpact Sacroiliac Joint Fixation System. The SImpact Sacroiliac Joint Fixation System consists of two unique diameter cannulated implants offered in various lengths, in full and partially threaded configurations to accommodate variations in patient anatomy.

SImpact is intended for sacroiliac joint fusion for conditions including degenerative sacroiliitis and sacroiliac joint disruptions. SImpact offers controlled in-situ compression and distraction through a single insertion instrument. SImpact incorporates Life Spine’s new proprietary Osseo-LocTM surface treatment, which provides an optimal environment to help promote bone fusion.

“The first surgery for SImpact went very well. The screw design is innovative and well-engineered while the instrumentation is straightforward and easy to use” said Dr. Samuel Hess of the Florida Spine and Joint Institute, located in Coral Springs, Florida.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE® ANNOUNCES ISSUANCE OF 100th PATENT

Huntley, IL, September 23, 2015 –

Life Spine, a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spinal disorders, announced today that the company received notice of issuance from the U.S Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) regarding U.S. Patent No. 9,138,328, which signifies Life Spine’s 100th patent to date.

The one hundred patents are global in nature and cover the range of Life Spine product lines. The latest patent issuance refers to a radially expandable interbody device and implantation tool, and describes the company’s LONGBOWTM Expandable Lateral Interbody System, the first interbody on the market that expands laterally in-situ, specifically for a direct lateral approach. With the LONGBOW interbody system, surgeons can minimize the need for retraction by as much as 45% compared to currently existing lateral implants, benefitting patients by reducing incision size and potential nerve damage associated with the lateral access approach.

“The issuance of this 100th patent marks a major milestone for Life Spine, which arrived more quickly than anticipated. Perhaps even more important than this particular patent’s issuance is that we have more than 140 additional pending patent applications. Many of these technologies will enable potentially faster recovery times and decreased post-operative pain for spine surgery patients,” said Rich Mueller, Chief Operating Officer at Life Spine.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE® ANNOUNCES FDA CLEARANCE OF FORTY TRANSITION CONNECTOR IMPLANTS TO THORACOLUMBAR AND CERVICAL SYSTEMS

Huntley, IL, March 5, 2015 –

Life Spine, a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spinal disorders, announced today that the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given 510(k) marketing clearance to forty implant additions to the CONQUEST®, AVATAR®, and NAUTILUS® Thoracolumbar Screw Systems and SOLSTICE® Occipito-Cervico-Thoracic System.

This clearance includes a variety of domino, in-line, and wedding band rod-to-rod connectors, open and closed offsets, and unique “U-shaped” connectors that allow for a rigid connection while skipping levels and/or mating with existing implants.

“The addition of the various rod connectors can make revision surgery easier, safer, and quicker for both the patient and surgeon. This enables potential faster recovery times and as a result, decrease post- operative pain,” said Vittorio M. Morreale M.D., Medical Director of Neurosciences at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Michigan.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

2014 Press Releases

LIFE SPINE® ANNOUNCES FDA CLEARANCE OF LONGBOW™ EXPANDABLE LATERAL INTERBODY SYSTEM

Hoffman Estates, IL, September 23, 2014 –

Life Spine, a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spinal disorders, announced today that the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given 510(k) marketing clearance to the LONGBOW Expandable Lateral Interbody System.

The innovative LONGBOW Expandable Lateral Interbody System is the first interbody on the market that expands laterally in-situ specifically for a direct lateral approach.

“With the LONGBOW interbody system, surgeons can decrease the amount of retraction by as much as 45% compared to current lateral systems. The benefits of LONG BOW are transferred directly to the patient by minimizing tissue retraction and potential nerve damage associated with the lateral access approach,” said Richard Greiber, Vice President of Business Development and Professional Relations.

LONGBOW is scheduled for limited release at the end of 2014 with full product release expected in the first quarter of 2015.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE ENTERS CHINA MARKET WITH INDUSTRY LEADER

Hoffman Estates, IL & Shanghai, PRC May 20, 2014 –

Life Spine, a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spinal disorders, has entered into a strategic partnership with China Pioneer Pharma Holdings Limited, based in Shanghai, China. China Pioneer Pharma Holdings Limited is an industry leader within China selling into more than 23,000 hospitals, with more than 1,000 dedicated sales representatives. China Pioneer Pharma Holdings Limited recently underwent its initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and currently has a market capitalization of over $700 million.

The prospect of entering the fast growing China orthopaedic implant market creates a large potential for expanded revenues, for both companies. “We are very excited to have the expertise of Pioneer behind us as we begin selling into the largest orthopaedic growth market in the world” said Rick Greiber, Vice President of International Sales and Business Development at Life Spine. “With a broad base of highly trained representatives and a strong management team, Pioneer is a great partner for Life Spine’s future growth in China.”

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

2013 Press Releases

LIFE SPINE IS NAMED WINNER OF 12TH ANNUAL CHICAGO INNOVATION AWARDS

Hoffman Estates, IL, October 31, 2013 –

Life Spine, Inc. announced today that it has been named one of the winners of the 12th annual Chicago Innovation Awards.

The winners were announced at an event held at Chicago’s Harris Theater on Wednesday, October 30, with nearly 1,500 business and civic leaders attending. The Chicago Innovation Awards, celebrating its 12th year, is the Chicago region’s foremost recognition of the most innovative new products or services brought to market or to public service each year.

Life Spine’s patented AILERON® Expandable Posterior Fusion System was chosen from a record-high of 562 nominees for this year’s Chicago Innovation Awards, up from 390 last year. AILERON’s in-situ expandable core offers patient matched expansion ensuring an ideal custom fit for every patient anatomy and pathology while minimizing surgical time.

“Life Spine is honored to be a recipient of this prestigious award which recognizes the technology being developed by the Chicagoland businesses. Only through innovation can we continue to drive out of the box solutions that create real world impact,” said Rita K. Patel, Director of Marketing at Life Spine.

The complete list of this year’s Chicago Innovation Award winners can be found at www.chicagoinnovationawards.com.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE AWARDED THREE PATENTS REGARDING EXPANDABLE INTERBODY TECHNOLOGY

Hoffman Estates, IL, October 10, 2013 –

Life Spine, Inc. announced today the issuance of U.S. Patent Numbers 8,512,407, 8,486,148, and 8,475,461, which encompass expanding minimally invasive interbody. These patents are part of an intellectual property portfolio that includes forty nine patents awarded by the United States Patent Trademark Office (USPTO) and more than one hundred separate patent filings submitted by Life Spine.

“With the addition of these patents, we continue to grow our position as a full line innovative spine company. These patents are translated into the ProLift® Expandable Spacer System, designed for minimally invasive keyhole insertion while providing easy expansion and maximum endplate coverage,” said Michael Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE® ANNOUNCES CONTINUING OFFSHORE AND INTERNATIONAL GROWTH 

Hoffman Estates,  IL,May 23, 2013 –

Life Spine, a medical device company that markets products for the surgical treatment of spinal disorders, announced today the company is rapidly expanding its footprint outside of the mainland U.S. New customers in Hawaii and Puerto Rico, as well as New Zealand, Brazil, and India have recently begun purchasing products from Life Spine’s broad product portfolio.

Rick Greiber, Life Spine’s Vice President for Business Development stated, “We continue to invest substantial resources outside of the U.S. to generate sustainable growth and opportunities worldwide. Potential customers from throughout the world continue to reach out to us, after learning about our comprehensive product offering. Our capabilities to identify and manage distribution outside the U.S. have grown substantially in the past three years, and our in-house regulatory function has become expert at procuring product approvals in foreign countries.”

Life Spine primarily focused its marketing and distribution efforts within the continental United States upon company inception in 2004, and has been actively building distribution outside the U.S. since late 2010.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE® ANNOUNCES FDA CLEARANCE OF IRIS™ ANTERIOR CERVICAL PLATE (ACP) SYSTEM

Hoffman Estates, IL, May 7, 2013 –

Life Spine, a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spinal disorders, announced today that the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given 510(k) marketing clearance to the IRIS Anterior Cervical Plate System.

The IRIS Anterior Cervical Plate incorporates a low profile plate with a zero-step integrated nitinol locking mechanism. The system promotes tactile and visual confirmations of final screw placement while simplifying instrumentation for intraoperative techniques.

Rita K. Patel, Life Spine’s Director of Marketing stated, “The IRIS ACP System adds to our comprehensive portfolio of intuitive cervical plating systems. This system will minimize steps and surgical time while providing reassurance in screw placement.”

IRIS is the sixth anterior cervical plate system within Life Spine’s cervical platform, which already consists of three static systems (NEO®, NEO-SL, NEO-UL) and two internally dynamizing systems (KINETIC® and KINETIC-SL).

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE ANNOUNCES LIMITED RELEASE OF LATERAL SOLUTION SYSTEMS

Hoffman Estates, IL, January 7, 2013 –

Life Spine, a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spinal disorders, has begun the limited release of the CENTRIC® Lateral Retractor and PLATEAU®-X Lateral Spacer Systems.

“The Life Spine expandable retractor is one of the most versatile and user friendly lateral retractor systems I have ever used,” said Michael Liu, M.D., FACS, a neurosurgeon from Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville, OR. “I believe that with its design enhancements, this will be the best system out in the market today for extreme lateral approaches to the spine.”

The CENTRIC Lateral Retractor System offers independently controlled blades and an open frame design for maximum visualization under fluoroscopy.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

2012 Press Releases

LIFE SPINE ANNOUNCES SIX NEW ADDITIONS TO ITS CENTRIC® MIS TECHNOLOGIES PORTFOLIO

Hoffman Estates, IL, October 24, 2012 –

Life Spine, a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spinal disorders, will be displaying six new minimally invasive products scheduled for launch in 2012 during the North American Spine Society (NASS) Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas.

“The significant growth in our CENTRIC MIS portfolio reflects Life Spine’s dedication and response to the market shift towards an increase in minimally invasive procedures.” said Michael Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our focus continues to be on simplifying all facets of MIS surgery from initial access to final implantation.”

The CENTRIC Expandable Retractor System and the LOGICTM Delivery System, a unique pedicle screw based retractor system, will be on display along with the PLATEAU®-X Lateral Spacer System. The comprehensive MIS portfolio also includes new offerings to the AVATAR® MIS System and the AILERON® Spinous Process Fusion System.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE ANNOUNCES RECORD REVENUES FOR FIRST HALF OF 2012

Hoffman Estates, IL, August 7, 2012 –

Life Spine, a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spinal disorders, announced record revenues for the first half of 2012 and growth of 41.7% over the same period last year.

The record revenue reflects a series of significant milestones achieved by the Company during 2012. “The robust revenue growth is strong evidence of our ever-expanding presence in the marketplace, the quality and depth of our product portfolio as well as our commitment to the spine surgical community” said Michael Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Product development continues to be the cornerstone of our growth strategy.”

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE AWARDED FOURTH PATENT REGARDING ITS INTERSPINOUS PORTFOLIO

Hoffman Estates, IL, August 1, 2012 –

Life Spine, Inc. announced today the issuance of U.S. Patent Number 8,231,656, entitled “Adjustable Spine Distraction Implant”, which encompasses its AILERONTM Posterior Fusion System product family. This patent represents the thirty-seventh patent awarded by the United States Patent Trademark Office (USPTO) in a series of more than one hundred separate patent filings submitted by Life Spine. This patent marks the fourth awarded patent of nine patents, specifically bolstering Life Spine’s protection encapsulating interspinous process fixation devices.

“AILERON has allowed surgeons greater flexibility while offering maximum clinical options to the patient,” said Rita Patel, Director of Marketing for Life Spine. “The system offers surgeons rapid in-situ distraction for a custom anatomical fit for each patient while reducing overall procedure times.”

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE® PRODUCES HIGHEST PATENT OUTPUT PER EMPLOYEE IN CHICAGO DURING 2011

— Analysis by merchant bank focused on intellectual property reveals company’s growing patent portfolio

Hoffman Estates, IL, June 28, 2012 –

Life Spine, Inc., a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spinal disorders, announced today that it has been recognized for achieving the highest patent output per employee in the Chicago area for 2011, according to a recent analysis. Ocean Tomo LLC, a Chicago-based boutique merchant bank specializing in intellectual property, completed the comparison and analysis for Crain’s Chicago Business for an article listing some of the Chicago area’s most innovative companies.

“We’ve been able to keep growing by feeding R&D,” said Michael Butler, President of Life Spine. “Our patent portfolio is a testament to our commitment to introducing novel best-in-class products to the market.”

Life Spine was awarded ten patents in 2011 with an engineering team of seven. Life Spine received 20 of its 36 patents in the past year and has 50 more applications pending.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE REPORTS CONTINUED GROWTH IN FIRST QUARTER 2012

Hoffman Estates, IL, April 10, 2012 –

Life Spine, Inc., a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spinal disorders, announced a 37.9% growth in sales over the same quarter prior year.

The revenue growth reflects the increasing demand for Life Spine’s CENTRIC® MIS (Minimally Invasive Solutions) Platform Products. AILERONTM, a minimally invasive in-situ expandable spinous process fixation system, is among six new product lines the company is launching in limited releases.

The Company’s products will be on display at the upcoming SPINEWEEK meeting in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, May 28 – June 1, 2012.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE ANNOUNCES RECORD 2011 RESULTS

Hoffman Estates, IL, January 24, 2012 –
Life Spine, a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spinal disorders, announced record revenues and double digit growth of 29% following 14 new product introductions in 2011.

The record revenue reflects a series of significant milestones achieved by the Company during 2011. “This has been an outstanding year for Life Spine. Our rapid growth is driven by the increasing demand for our Centric MIS Platform (Minimally Invasive Solutions) and our expansion into 10 international markets, including our most recent involving ANVISA Clearance in Brazil” said Michael Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our core strategy continues to revolve around maintaining a broad intellectual property portfolio globally. In 2011, 11 new patents were issued, bringing the company’s total portfolio to 30 with an additional 90 applications on file.”

The complete line of the Company’s products will be on display at the upcoming AAOS meeting in San Francisco, February 7 – 11, 2012.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

2011 Press Releases

LIFE SPINE HOLDS U.S. SURGEON TRAINING PROGRAM FOR CENTRIC MINIMALLY INVASIVE PROCEDURES

— Surgeons learn and practice with new products and clinical indications

Hoffman Estates, IL, June 21, 2011 –

Life Spine, a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spine disorders, announced that on Saturday, June 18, 2011, the Company held a CentricTM Minimally Invasive Spine Technology Training at their corporate headquarters in Hoffman Estates, IL.

Life Spine hosted forty attendees at a hands-on cadaver lab training, on the safe and effective use of the OCTAVETM, OCTAVETM EXPANDABLE Posterior Fusion Systems, AVATARTM Minimally Invasive Spinal System, FS3TM Facet Screw System and PLATEAU®-V Rotatable Cage.

“Life Spine is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of surgeons and patients with their innovative product solutions. Minimally invasive, lateral interbody fusion also represents one of the fastest growing and efficacious segments of the lumbar fusion market,” said Paul McAfee, M.D., M.B.A., Strategic Business Adviser, one of several faculty at Life Spine’s Surgeon Training Program for CentricTM Minimally Invasive Procedures.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE® ANNOUNCES TWO NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES AT THE 2011 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NEUROLOGICAL SURGEONS (AANS) ANNUAL MEETING

— Life Spine introducing two out of nine planned new product introductions in 2011:

SOLSTICE® Occipito-Cervico-Thoracic (OCT) System and the AVATARTM Percutaneous Bulleted Rod Delivery System.

Hoffman Estates, IL, April 8, 2011 –

Life Spine, a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spine disorders, today announced that the Company will be displaying two out of nine new products scheduled for launch in 2011 during the upcoming American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado.

“AANS will provide a glimpse into our extremely active new product development pipeline. With over 40 new products under development, nine of which are planned to launch this year, we continue on our mission to provide a full-line of spinal solutions to meet the growing needs of the surgeon community.” said Michael Butler, President and CEO of Life Spine.

The SOLSTICE® Occipito-Cervico-Thoracic System (OCT), and the AVATARTM Percutaneous Rod Delivery System will be on display at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Annual Meeting, which is being held from April 9th through 13th in Denver, Colorado.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE® INITIATES U.S. SURGEON TRAINING PROGRAM FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE PROCEDURES

— Surgeons learn and practice with new products and clinical indications

Hoffman Estates, IL, April 6, 2011 –

Life Spine, a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spine disorders, announced that on Saturday, April 2, 2011, the Company held its first Minimally Invasive Spine Technology Training.

Over twenty surgical participants were in attendance in Las Vegas where they received hands-on cadaver lab training on the safe and effective use of the OCTAVETM Posterior Fusion System, AVATARTM Minimally Invasive Spinal System and the FS3TM Facet Screw System.

“The strong participation and positive feedback received is a great indicator of the interest level for the use of these technologies independently, or in combination with each other, for the treatment of serious spinal conditions,” said Michael Butler, Life Spine’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Life Spine will be hosting the next Minimally Invasive Spine Technology Training event June 18th in Chicago, IL. For more information, please contact Mr. Omar Faruqi at ofaruqi@lifespine.com.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE® CONTINUES INTERNATIONAL SALES EXPANSION WITH CE MARK

— Receipt of CE Mark extends core product suite to the European Union and other jurisdictions

Hoffman Estates, IL, March 2, 2011 – Life Spine announced today that the company has received CE Mark approval for its numerous spinal systems; pedicle screw systems (CONQUEST, PILOT, ARX, AVATAR), cervical plate systems (NEO, NEO-SL, KINETIC, KINETIC-SL), and interbody spacer systems (PLATEAU, PLATEAU-A), as well as its OCTAVE posterior fusion system. The CE Mark approval comes on the heels of the company’s receipt of ISO 13485 certification achieved through demonstrating a robust quality assurance system in accordance with international standards. Receipt of the CE Mark allows Life Spine to begin distributing its spinal systems to the European Union and other nations requiring the CE Mark.

“The CE Mark is an important milestone not only for continuing our sales efforts in other foreign markets but also to accelerate our product development efforts,” said Michael Butler, President and CEO of Life Spine.

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

2010 Press Releases

LIFE SPINE® ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF SURGERIES UTILIZING OCTAVETM POSTERIOR FUSION SYSTEM

— Minimally invasive system expands the CENTRICTM MIS Technology Suite

Hoffman Estates, IL, December 8, 2010 – Life Spine announced today that the company has successfully completed initial cases with the OCTAVE Posterior Fusion System, which is intended for attachment to the spinous processes for the purpose of achieving fusion in conjunction with bone graft. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided 510(k) marketing clearance to the OCTAVE System last month.

The unique implant core design maximizes graft containment volume while the aggressive fixation spikes allow for increased stability between the spinous process and the implant.

OCTAVE is the sixteenth product family brought to market to date by Life Spine, and the response to the initial OCTAVE surgeries has been the best in Life Spine’s history.

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE®ANNOUNCES FDA CLEARANCE OF DYNA-LINK® SPINAL SYSTEM AND PRESIDIOTM SPINAL PLATING SYSTEM

— Systems significantly increase Life Spine’s presence in the thoracolumbar fusion space

Hoffman Estates, IL, January 28, 2010 – Life Spine announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given 510(k) marketing clearance to both the DYNA-LINK Spinal System and the PRESIDIO Spinal Plating System.

The DYNA-LINK system features a next-generation stand-alone device that accommodates both fixed and variable angle screws. The PRESIDIO system is a thoracolumbar plating system that features multiple types of low-profile implants. Both offerings incorporate an innovative, zero- step locking mechanism and utilize comprehensive instrumentation designed to reduce surgical steps and intra-operative complexity.

Michael S. Butler, Life Spine’s president and CEO stated, “These two approvals are a testament to our commitment to rapidly achieving regulatory approval while at the same time introducing best-in-class products. Furthermore, these products will allow us to realize significant gains in the thoracolumbar fusion space.”

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

2009 Press Releases

LIFE SPINE® ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF AVATARTM MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINAL SYSTEM
–System is the second Life Spine MIS alternative brought to market in 2009

Hoffman Estates, IL, November 10, 2009 – Life Spine announced today the launch of the AVATAR Minimally Invasive Spinal System. The AVATAR MIS System provides a unique approach to delivering percutaneous pedicle screws. Combining the novel screw delivery system with a variety of rod insertion mechanisms, the system is designed to accommodate evolving surgical approaches, as well as pathologies requiring in-situ reduction, distraction, and compression.

Michael S. Butler, Life Spine’s president and CEO stated, “This is the second addition to our CENTRICTM MIS Technologies suite in recent weeks, and we’re very excited with the R&D pipeline that will broaden the CENTRIC MIS offering, cervical to lumbar, in the near future.”

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE® ANNOUNCES FDA CLEARANCE OF FS3™ MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINAL SYSTEM
–System is the first of several pending Life Spine MIS alternatives

Hoffman Estates, IL, July 9, 2009 – Life Spine announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given 510(k) marketing clearance to the FS3 Minimally Invasive Spinal System.

Available for nationwide release this August, the FS3 MIS Spinal System offers cannulated wire guided Minimally Invasive Surgery implants and instrumentation to accommodate a range of patient pathologies through a percutaneous or open approach. Intuitive design allows for fast, reliable, and reproducible access and implantation with minimal exposure and tissue dissection.

Michael S. Butler, Life Spine’s President and CEO stated, “This is the first of many new minimally invasive innovations that Life Spine is bringing to market over the next six months. In addition to our already diverse product offering, the FS3 posterior MIS screw system marks our fourteenth product to market and further strengthens our position as an engineering centric operation focused on bringing surgeon concepts to life.”

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE® ANNOUNCES NATIONWIDE MARKET INTRODUCTION OF KINETIC®-SL DYNAMIC ANTERIOR CERVICAL PLATING SYSTEM
–New internally dynamized anterior cervical plating system offers zero-step locking mechanism

Hoffman Estates, IL, May 19, 2009 – Life Spine announces the nationwide market introduction of the KINETIC-SL Dynamic Anterior Cervical Plating System. KINETIC-SL, which gained 510(k) approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in early 2008, is an internally dynamizing anterior cervical plating system and utilizes a zero-step locking mechanism allowing bone screws to be securely fixated without any additional locking components or implants. The self-retaining screw capture mechanism prevents screw backout while still allowing substantial screw angulation.

Michael S. Butler, Life Spine’s president and CEO said, “The KINETIC-SL Dynamic ACP System is the fourth anterior cervical plating system that we have successfully brought to market. It combines the unique internally dynamizing features of the original KINETIC System along with the zero-step locking mechanism of the NEO®-SL static plating system. Surgeons involved with the limited release of KINETIC-SL have indicated good results with this system which is very promising.”

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

2008 Press Releases

LIFE SPINE ANNOUNCES MARKET INTRODUCTION OF CONQUEST®

-New top-loading thoracolumbar pedicle screw system offers single step locking mechanism

Hoffman Estates, IL, October 14, 2008 – Life Spine has announced the nationwide market introduction of the CONQUEST® Thoracolumbar Spinal System. Conquest is a top-loading thoracolumbar spinal system that features a concerted locking mechanism, which allows true inline compression and distraction of the construct. Lockdown of the construct is predictable and efficient with the unique square threaded locking mechanism. Conquest offers:

  • Double helical bone screw thread design
  • Toggle free implant-instrument interface
  • Facet friendly and low profile footprint
  • Color-coded instruments and implants available in 4.5mm–8.5mm diameters, ranging from 25mm-55mm in length
  • Straight and pre-lordosed rods available in 10mm increments
  1. Michael S. Butler, Life Spine’s president and CEO said, “The Conquest system is an exciting addition to the Life Spine portfolio that went from initial design to alpha launch in approximately 150 days. This rapid introduction is a testament to our team’s ability to work efficiently and effectively to convert surgeon concepts to real products.”Life Spine has been on a rapid pace in achieving regulatory approvals, receiving over fifteen separate 510(k) approvals from the FDA for new products since company inception.Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
— Spinal Generations agrees to sell patents to Life Spine

Hoffman Estates, IL, October 8, 2008 –Rapidly growing spinal implant firm Life Spine, Inc. announced today that it has acquired the majority of the intellectual property of Spinal Generations, LLC. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

According to Michael S. Butler, Life Spine’s president and CEO, intellectual property expansion is critical. “The core of the spine market place is intellectual property. To this end, we have been aggressively pursuing the expansion of our intellectual property portfolio both organically and through acquisition. The Spinal Generations patents and products fit well with our product offering and bolster the novel portfolio of products we’re currently manufacturing and selling,” said Butler.

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE EXPANDS HOME OFFICE SPACE, MORE THAN DOUBLING SPACE OCCUPIED
— New space to house additional engineering, R&D, and marketing personnel

Hoffman Estates, IL, March 18, 2008 – Life Spine announced today completion of its expansion into a new 11,000 sq. foot headquarter facility in Hoffman Estates, IL, more than doubling the space it has occupied for the previous year.

“Our newly expanded headquarters space should allow us to scale our operations to better support the rapid growth that Life Spine continues to experience,” said Michael S. Butler, President, CEO, and founder of Life Spine. “This strategic move will accommodate the ongoing expansion of key company functions. Also, our new wet lab, which is part of the space being added, will be used for development of new products as well as surgeon and clinician education.”

The expanded facility was created to accommodate Life Spine’s rapid growth and marks the completion of the management team’s efforts to expand space for operational functions. The newly enlarged home office will support increased capacity for engineering, R&D, and marketing functions, including customer service. The facility will also allow Life Spine to bring additional capabilities online in one location, including rapid prototyping, packaging and shipping, implant design and development.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is a full line spine company which develops and markets an innovative family of spinal implants and instruments to serve the orthopedic and neurosurgery communities. The company is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients worldwide by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms. A comprehensive product portfolio, focused on fusion devices, minimally invasive spine surgery, and motion preservation, has been created by Life Spine via strong strategic partnerships with surgeons.

LIFE SPINE ADDS NEW LYNX™ CROSS CONNECTOR TO ITS LUMBAR FIXATION OFFERING
— Innovative design allows snap-on rod attachment and self-alignment capabilities

Hoffman Estates, IL, March 10, 2008 – Life Spine announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given 510(k) marketing clearance to LynxTM, a new cross connector system designed for use in surgical lumbar fusion procedures.

Life Spine’s President, CEO and founder Michael S. Butler indicated that Lynx’ unique new design will allow a surgeon more options when performing lumbar spine surgery and presented with a need for a stabilizing cross connector system. “The Lynx represents another great product development accomplishment for Life Spine. The cross connector provides multiaxial adjustability in all planes and is simple to use, as it snaps onto the rods, self-adjusts and locks with a single instrument. What’s more, we have developed both straight and pre-arched versions of the Lynx, providing more tissue sparing surgical options.”

Lynx features a variety of lengths via its fenestrated design, with straight and arched versions available in an assortment of adjustable length configurations ranging from 25mm to 100mm. Lockup of the construct at both rods and at the cross connector’s medial joint is accomplished with a single driver tool, which is designed to lock the implant at a predetermined force. The cross connector is designed from surgical grade titanium, making it exceptionally strong. Lynx has been designed to be extremely easy and intuitive to use, virtually eliminating the need for bending and requiring only minimal instrumentation.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is a full line spine company which develops and markets an innovative family of spinal implants and instruments to serve the orthopedic and neurosurgery communities. The company is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients worldwide by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms. A comprehensive product portfolio, focused on fusion devices, minimally invasive spine surgery, and motion preservation, has been created by Life Spine via strong strategic partnerships with surgeons.

LIFE SPINE ANNOUNCES FDA APPROVAL OF KINETIC®-SL
— Internally dynamized cervical plate system now features zero step lockup

Hoffman Estates, IL, February 7, 2008 – Life Spine announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given 510(k) marketing clearance to Kinetic®-SL, a new internally dynamized anterior cervical plating system.

Michael S. Butler, Life Spine’s president, CEO and founder, said Kinetic’s flexibility of design will allow surgeons another alternative when performing cervical spine surgery with a dynamic cervical plate system. “Kinetic-SL represents a new spin on our highly successful Kinetic product,” Butler said. “Surgeon reaction to our zero-step locking mechanism developed with our Neo®-SL static plate has been fantastic, and we wanted to expand our offering to add these unique features to our internally dynamized cervical plate offering. We now have an entire family of cervical options to address a wide variety of patient and surgeon needs, including two static anterior cervical plating systems and now two unique internally dynamized cervical plate offerings.”

This unique plate, with an exceptionally thin profile as well as a narrow plate width (16mm), was created from the clinical need to address small stature patients. Like the original Kinetic, Kinetic-SL features 0-2mm of fully adjustable internal dynamization per level and an ultra slim pre-lordosed profile. Plate sizes range from 21mm to 111mm, in levels one to five. The Kinetic design allows for generous screw angulation, as well as a large graft window, a feature which competitive products do not have. Like the company’s Neo-SL plate, an integrated lock allows bone screws to be securely fixated without any additional locking components. The self-retaining screw capture mechanism prevents screw backout, while still allowing screw angulation.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms. Life Spine has been on a rapid pace in achieving regulatory approvals, receiving several significant 510(k) approvals from the FDA for new products in the last year.

2007 Press Releases

LIFE SPINE ANNOUNCES NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH LASALLE BANK, N.A.
— Credit line will allow continued rapid expansion of product line

Hoffman Estates, IL, August 13, 2007 – Life Spine announced today that it has entered into a new relationship with LaSalle Bank, N.A., the largest bank headquartered in Chicago, and an indirect subsidiary of Netherlands-based ABN AMRO Bank N.V. The credit facility from LaSalle will be utilized to help finance Life Spine’s rapidly flourishing spinal implants product line, as well as assist in further advancement of the company’s distribution network in the U.S. and abroad.

Dan Martino, Controller for Life Spine, stated, “While Life Spine continues to achieve strong profitability, our needs have continued to expand in new product development as wellasfielddistribution. LaSalle’ssupportisanendorsementofoureffortstodate,and provides an important avenue for Life Spine to access the capital necessary to continue our progress.”

“LaSalle Bank is honored to partner with Life Spine and support their efforts to provide surgeons with the tools needed to better serve their patients,” said Mark Scheffers, Group Senior Vice President of Business Banking at LaSalle Bank. “We strive to give our clientstheresourcesneededtofulfilltheirdreamsandempowerchange. LifeSpine’s products are revolutionizing the orthopedic and neurosurgery industries by giving spinal patients hope of recovery.”

About Life Spine

Life Spine, Inc. is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms. Life Spine has been on a rapid pace in achieving regulatory approvals, receiving six separate 510(k) approvals from the FDA for new products in the last year.

LIFE SPINE ANNOUNCES FDA APPROVAL OF NEO®-SL
— New anterior cervical plating system features zero step locking

Hoffman Estates, IL, June 25, 2007 – Life Spine announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given 510(k) marketing clearance to Neo®-SL, a new static anterior cervical plating system with an integrated lock that allows bone screws to be securely fixated without any additional locking components. The self-retaining screw capture mechanism prevents screw rotation and backout, while still allowing screw angulation. In addition to the zero step locking feature, Neo®-SL boasts the following features:

• Ultra slim 2mm profile
• Narrow plate width (16mm)
• Newly designed fast turning (FT) bone screws
• Large graft window, similar to the original Neo® plate, providing increased intra- operative and post-operative views of the graft site 
• Self-drilling, self-tapping, fixed and variable angle screws
• Pre-lordosed plates in levels 1-5, with sizes from 20mm to 111mm

  1. Michael S. Butler, Life Spine’s president, CEO and founder, said Neo®-SL’s flexibility of design will save surgeons a step or two when performing cervical spine surgery. “This is a time saving new product, which eliminates the need to employ any additional steps in order to prevent bone screw rotation or backout,” Butler said. “The Neo®-SL is another product that is indicative of our commitment to develop time saving products that result in the best clinical outcomes for our surgeons’patients.”Life Spine has been on a rapid pace in achieving regulatory approvals, receiving nine separate 510(k) approvals from the FDA for new products in the last eleven months.Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE ANNOUNCES FDA APPROVAL OF PILOT® ROD SYSTEM

— Versatile new rod and post pedicle screw system allows quick one step lockup

Hoffman Estates, IL, February 1, 2007 – Life Spine announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given 510(k) marketing clearance to Pilot®, a versatile new rod and post pedicle screw system allowing for quick one step lockup.

Using a unique open and MIS cannulated screw design, the surgeon is able to self-guide, self-tap, and self-drill the screws, eliminating time consuming steps from the procedure. The Pilot system is top-loading, and can be quickly and easily assembled outside the body, and then placed in-situ via the all-in-one drill guides. The system can be locked up inline, allowing for an open or an MIS approach. In-situ compression and distraction can be done directly with the bone screw drill guides. The Pilot screws are offered in multiple sizes and combinations.

Patrick J. Sweeney, M.D., a spine surgeon based in Olympia Fields, IL, said that Pilot’s innovative design will provide significant benefit to surgical patients, as well as the surgeons performing their spine operations. “By increasing precision and decreasing operating times, patients will have improved outcomes and surgeons should experience lower operative workload” Sweeney said. “The availability of a rod and plate system that Pilot offers gives the surgeon increased flexibility in surgical decision-making.”

Life Spine currently markets six different product lines including Pilot ® Posterior Plate, Kinetic® Dynamic Cervical Plate, Arx® Polyaxial Pedicle Screw System, and PlateauTM series spacers manufactured from Invibio® PEEK OPTIMA® polymer.

2006 Press Releases

LIFE SPINE ANNOUNCES FDA APPROVAL OF KINETIC®
— Revolutionary new internally dynamized anterior cervical plating system is unique in marketplace

Hoffman Estates, IL, November 28, 2006 – Life Spine announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given 510(k) marketing clearance to Kinetic®, a revolutionary new internally dynamized anterior cervical plating system.

Michael S. Butler, Life Spine’s president, CEO and founder, said Kinetic’s flexibility of design will allow surgeons another option when performing cervical spine surgery. “This is a unique product that allows surgeons to accommodate the differing needs of an individual patient’s anatomy,” Butler said. “The surgeon feedback we’ve had on this product is tremendous.”

Kinetic features 2mm of fully adjustable internal dynamization per level and an ultra slim pre-lordosed profile. The dynamic plates range in sizes from 21mm to 111mm; levels 1- 5. It has a unique design that allows for generous screw angulation while providing a large graft window, a feature which competitive products do not have. In addition, the bone screws utilized with Kinetic feature the company’s patented Secure-SnapTM locking mechanism, which produces an audible and tactile “click” when locked. This unique locking mechanism prevents both screw rotation and backout while still allowing for screw angulation.

Life Spine recently received FDA marketing clearance for four other products. They include:

NEO™

NEO™ is an anterior cervical plating system that takes design to a new level of simplicity — allowing for generous screw angulation while providing a large graft window. In addition, the NEO ACPS bone screws utilize the Secure-SnapTM locking mechanism.

NEO offers pre-lordosed plates in levels 1 through 5. It is available in sizes ranging from 20 mm to 110mm. The associated bone screws are offered in two diametrical sizes, 4.0mm (standard) and 4.35mm (rescue); they are both self-tapping and self-drilling. Furthermore, in an attempt to arm surgeons with personalized choices, the screws are provided in lengths of 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18mm.

Pilot® Posterior Plate
The Pilot® Posterior Plate offers the same versatility as the Pilot rod-based system with the rigidity and simplicity of a posterior plate.

Utilizing the same open and MIS cannulated screw system as the rod-based Pilot, the surgeon is able to self-guide, self-tap, and self-drill the screws, shaving cumbersome steps from the procedure. The unique Pilot plate screw-locking mechanism allows the posterior plates to simply slide into place over the all-in-one drill guides for quick installation. In-situ compression and distraction can be done directly with the bone screw drill guides. Furthermore, the Pilot Posterior Plate has been engineered with aggressive screwangulation,20oinalldirections,andalowprofileof4.0mm. TruetoLifeSpine’s engineering principles, the plate height and screw position can be adjusted on the fly without the need to add or remove washers. The plates and screws are offered in a plurality of sizes and combinations to accommodate difficult cases.

ARX®

Arx® is a top-loading thoracolumbar pedicle screw system offering a massive 80o of screw angulation.

The Arx head design has both a slim shape and low profile while still maintaining extremely high strength characteristics. The head also embodies several novel mechanisms; one that both prevents cap cross threading and another that allows the surgeon to concertedly freeze the screw orientation while compression and distraction are accomplished. The Arx features cannulated MIS self-tapping and self-threading screws that are color coded and available in sizes 4.5mm to 8.5mm in a variety of standard lengths. The ARX system currently accepts 5.5mm rods with 6.35mm forthcoming.

Plateau™

The Plateau™ series spacers are manufactured from Invibio® PEEK OPTIMA® polymer. The implants are designed to accommodate a variety of anatomies; utilizing large open graft spaces, aggressive teeth patterns and reinforced instrument geometries for added strength preventing insertion breakage. The Plateau spacers are provided straight and angled (7o) with bulleted tips in both odd and even size configurations.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is a developer, manufacturer and marketer of specialized, proprietary medical devices serving the orthopaedic and neurosurgery communities. This is a unique business concept that allows the world’s leading surgeons to utilize Life Spine to customize, design, develop and patent new instrumentation and techniques to achieve better patient outcomes.

The company is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

LIFE SPINE ANNOUNCES FDA APPROVAL OF FOUR NEW PRODUCTS AT ANNUAL MEETING OF NORTH AMERICAN SPINE SOCIETY

— Fast-growing company reaches goal of becoming a full-line spine company in just 3 years

Hoffman Estates, IL, September 27, 2006 – Life Spine announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given 510K marketing clearance to four of the company’s innovative spine products.

Michael S. Butler, Life Spine’s president, CEO and founder, said the additions to the company’s offerings means that Life Spine now has a full-line of products to offer spine surgeons. Speaking from the North American Spine Society’s annual meeting in Seattle, he commented, “We are ecstatic that we have been able to so quickly bring these products to market.”

Butler said Life Spine’s innovations in the engineering process and working hand-in- hand with surgeons has reduced the time from product concept to FDA submission to just seven months time while engineering time from product concept to prototype has been reduced to just five weeks time. “These innovations have allowed us to rapidly – in just three years time – provide our surgeon customers with a complete line of product offerings,” he said. “That’s good news for both surgeons and patients.”

The following is an overview of Life Spine’s recent 510K approved products:

NEOTM

NEOTM is an anterior cervical plating system that takes design to a new level of simplicity — allowing for generous screw angulation while providing a large graft window. In addition, the NEO ACPS bone screws utilize the Secure-SnapTM locking mechanism. Secure-Snap produces an audible and tactlie “click” when locked; this unique locking mechanism prevents both screw rotation and backout while still allowing the screws to angulate.

NEO offers pre-lordosed plates in levels 1 through 5. It is available in sizes ranging from 20 mm to 110mm. The associated bone screws are offered in two diametrical sizes, 4.0mm (standard) and 4.35mm (rescue); they are both self-tapping and self-drilling. Furthermore, in an attempt to arm surgeons with personalized choices, the screws are provided in lengths of 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18mm.

Pilot® Posterior Plate
The Pilot® Posterior Plate offers the same versatility as the Pilot rod-based system with the rigidity and simplicity of a posterior plate.

Utilizing the same open and MIS cannulated screw system as the rod-based Pilot, the surgeon is able to self-guide, self-tap, and self-drill the screws, shaving cumbersome steps from the procedure. The unique Pilot plate screw-locking mechanism allows the posterior plates to simply slide into place over the all-in-one drill guides for quick installation. In-situ compression and distraction can be done directly with the bone screw drill guides. Furthermore, the Pilot Posterior Plate has been engineered with aggressive screwangulation;20oinalldirectionsandalowprofileof4.0mm. TruetoLifeSpine’s engineering principles, the plate height and screw position can be adjusted on the fly without the need to add or remove washers. The plates and screws are offered in a plurality of sizes and combinations to accommodate difficult cases.

ARX®

Arx® is a top-loading thoracolumbar pedicle screw system offering a massive 80o of screw angulation.

The Arx head design has both a slim shape and low profile while still maintaining extremely high strength characteristics. The head also embodies several novel mechanisms; one that both prevents cap cross threading and another that allows the surgeon to concertedly freeze the screw orientation while compression and distraction are accomplished. The Arx features cannulated MIS self-tapping and self-threading screws that are color coded and available in sizes 4.5mm to 8.5mm in a variety of standard lengths. The ARX system currently accepts 5.5mm rods with 6.35mm forthcoming.

PlateauTM

The PlateauTM series spacers are manufactured from Invibo® PEEK OPTIMA®. The implants are designed to accommodate a variety of anatomies; utilizing large open graft spaces, aggressive teeth patterns and reinforced instrument geometries for added strength preventing insertion breakage. The Plateau spacers are provided straight and angled (7o) with bulleted tips in both odd and even size configurations.

About Life Spine

Life Spine is a developer, manufacturer and marketer of specialized, proprietary medical devices serving the orthopaedic and neurosurgery communities. This is a unique business concept that allows the world’s leading surgeons to utilize Life Spine to customize, design, develop and patent new instrumentation and techniques to achieve better patient outcomes.

The company is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms.

Life Spine, which is privately held, is based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. For more information, please visit http://www.lifespine.com

Life Spine is a registered trademark.

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