LDR Spine™ Welcomes Erik Wagner, Founder of Spinal Concepts, to its Board of Advisors

Seasoned Spine Executive to Offer Wealth of Experience, Business Advice to Austin, Texas-based Total Spine Solution Company

Austin, TX (March 21, 2005)
LDR Spine, a total spine solution company, today announced Erik Wagner, a co-founder and former executive with Spinal Concepts, has joined its Board of Advisors.  Wagner will work with LDR Spine consulting in a variety of areas including the challenging process of gaining FDA clearance for LDR Spine’s artificial disc programs for both lumbar and cervical applications.

Wagner was co-founder of Spinal Concepts and was instrumental in growing that company through the development and launching of many well-received spine products.  He was instrumental in establishing strategies and guiding Spinal Concepts to its eventual purchase by Abbott Labs in 2002 for over $170 million.  Wagner is well respected by surgeons and the spine industry and has been recognized for his contributions in helping Spinal Concepts to experience dramatic growth, and realize increased shareholder value through the acquisition.

Steve Whitlock, president and CEO of LDR Spine comments, “LDR Spine has many innovative products that have been proven through extensive use in Europe.  We will benefit from Erik’s advice and counsel, as we introduce the products in the U.S. market, and seek FDA regulatory approvals. Erik will greatly assist us in this process.  We are excited to have someone with his level of success join our team.”

Erik Wagner stated, “I look forward to continuing my spine industry career, and once again working with surgeon leaders to bring innovative new products to the market.  I’m also pleased to be associated with a proven management team and the LDR Spine group.  The LDR products are impressive, and with their second generation cervical and lumbar artificial discs I believe they will be well received in the U.S.  Their Easyspine® fusion system is new and different and offers surgeons some distinct advantages.  I am ready to help this company grow.”

About LDR Spine
LDR Spine supplies U.S. surgeons with innovative spinal solutions in partnership with LDR Médical of Troyes, France. LDR Spine works closely with surgeons to develop implantable systems and instrumentation that make spine surgery reproducible, easier to perform, and restores optimum stability and mobility to patients. More information is located at www.ldrspine.com.

Company Contact:
Dana Kolflat, Director- Marketing, LDR
(512) 344-3317
danakolflat@ldrspine.com

Easyspine and BF+ are trademarks or registered trademarks of LDR Médical S.A.S. in the United States and foreign countries.