LDR Spine Announces Successful Completion of First U.S. Surgery with Easyspine Spine System

Drs. Dan Peterson and John Stokes, Seasoned Neurosurgeons, Are First to Use Innovative Fusion System in the U.S.

Austin, TX (May 13, 2005)
LDR Spine™, a total spine solution company, announced today the successful completion of the first implantation of its Easyspine® Spine System in the United States. The system was chosen by Austin-based neurosurgeons Drs. Dan Peterson and John Stokes based on its strong reputation and European clinical results.

“The Easyspine system offers some unique advantages for fusion surgery,” said Dr. Dan Peterson, a neurosurgeon with Austin Brain and Spine, P.A. and Chief of Staff at Brackenridge Hospital. “The pedicle screw’s multi-axial design allows for intraoperative selection of the stiffness of the rod to be used. The overall design of the system also offers intriguing opportunities for minimally invasive spine techniques. We look forward to continuing to use Easyspine and to explore ways to optimize the system’s surgical technique and options.”

Dr. John Stokes, the only fellowship trained spinal neurosurgeon performing surgery in the Central Texas area and a partner at Austin Brain and Spine Center, P.A., added “The Easyspine system has a unique locking mechanism that yields a more secure screw-rod interface than traditional systems. The flattened rod prevents rotation of the rod in the screw head, which increases the overall rigidity of the system. We believe these advances, combined with ease of application, will make Easyspine a favorite among spinal surgeons.”

“LDR Spine has a truly unique product in the Easyspine system,” said Steve Whitlock, president and CEO of LDR Spine. “Its patent-pending, multi-axial screw design differentiates it from the competition and offers surgeons and hospitals multiple advantages. We are honored to have the product chosen by Drs. Peterson and Stokes for use in their surgery.”

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:
James Burrows, VP of Product Commercialization, LDR
(512) 344-3307
jamesburrows@ldrspine.com