* Only Distal Radial-Ulnar Joint Replacement Commercially Available
in the U.S.
* Restores Natural Biomechanics of the Wrist
* Expected to Provide Long Term Pain Relief and Full Restoration
of Motion
NEW YORK, Jan. 9, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Small Bone Innovations, Inc. (SBi), a single-source provider of products, technology and education for the small bone and joint sector of the orthopedic market, announces the introduction of its STABILITY Sigmoid Notch Total DRUJ System(tm) ('STABILITY System'), incorporating its Precise Guidance Technology(tm) (PGT) instrumentation.
The STABILITY System is currently the only total distal radial-ulnar joint (DRUJ) replacement commercially available in the U.S. It replaces the sigmoid notch and ulna head in a conservative, bone-sparing procedure that restores the natural biomechanics of the wrist.
The implant has 510(k) clearance from the U.S. FDA and is indicated for treatment of degenerative and post-traumatic arthritis in the DRUJ.
Richard Berger, MD, Ph.D., an orthopedic surgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and co-designer of the STABILITY System noted, "Demand for a truly integrated system of implants and instrumentation to treat this condition more effectively has been growing in parallel with incidence of the underlying disease."
The first, post-launch procedure using the STABILITY System occurred in December at the Henrico Doctors Hospital in Richmond, VA. Sanjay Desai, MD, the operating surgeon, said, "The sigmoid notch component of this implant system greatly enhances the stability of the complete distal radial-ulnar joint by accurately re-creating the joint's natural bio-mechanics and anatomy. For cases of bone erosion or ligament laxity, the system's fully modular approach greatly simplifies the procedure and, as a result, should lead to more accurate implant positioning, thereby providing enhanced long term pain relief and motion restoration."
The STABILITY System includes two components: the Sigmoid Notch Implant and the uHead(tm) Ulna Head implant. The system is completely modular and articulates in a fashion allowing for the restoration of the near natural motion and function.
Anthony G. Viscogliosi, Chairman & CEO of SBi, said, "Our central objective is to provide surgeons and their patients with the best technology available -- reflected in the STABILITY System's modularity, bone-sparing emphasis and motion preservation features."
The uHead(tm) Ulna Head Implant was developed in 1998 and has been used successfully in ulna head replacement procedures worldwide. The cobalt chrome anatomical stem is plasma coated with commercially pure titanium and is available with a standard collar or a revision collar.
The Sigmoid Notch implant is made of cobalt chrome with a polyethylene insert designed to articulate with the uHead implant. The stem and back of the implant are plasma sprayed with commercially pure titanium and secured to the radius with a divergently oriented bone screw.
Precise Guidance Technology (PGT(tm)) is the proprietary instrument system utilized with the implant to facilitate the correct anatomical placement of the STABILITY System. The critical feature of the instrumentation is the uniquely developed PGT Saddle Trial that determines the position of the sigmoid notch implant and ensures correct articulation with the uHead implant.
About Small Bone Innovations, Inc.
Small Bone Innovations, Inc. (SBi) was founded in 2004 by Viscogliosi Bros., LLC, (VB), the New York-based merchant banking firm that specializes in the musculoskeletal/orthopedic sector. VB created SBi as the first company to focus purely on small bone & joint science. By integrating established companies and professionals in the field, SBi today offers a broad, clinically proven portfolio of products and technologies to treat trauma and diseases in small bones & joints.
In establishing SBi, VB acquired several prominent U.S., Canadian and European orthopedic device companies and product technology licenses focused on small bone and joint treatment, including arthroplasty, internal & external fixation, trauma, and biologics.
SBi completed a Series B financing, raising a record total of $42.2 million, announced in January 2006. Based on data provided by Venture Source, this was the largest venture capital investment ever recorded in the field of orthopedic devices.
SBi was a 2006 recipient of Red Herring magazine's annual "Red Herring 100 North America" award, recognized as one of the nation's leading technology companies and the only orthopedic device company selected among an initial entry of more than one thousand firms. Additionally, SBi's Artelon CMC-I Spacer, developed for patients with thumb base osteoarthritis, was featured on the cover and highlighted within Medical Design Technology magazine's "Year of Innovation" issue as one of the most fascinating technologies influencing the medical device industry.
For more information on SBi, please visit: www.totalsmallbone.com
The Small Bone Innovations, Inc. logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3091
About Viscogliosi Bros., LLC
Established by Marc R. Viscogliosi, John J. Viscogliosi and Anthony G. Viscogliosi in New York City in 1999, Viscogliosi Bros., LLC (VB) was the first venture capital/private equity and merchant banking firm dedicated to the musculoskeletal/orthopedics sector of the health care industry.
Today, VB is a leading independent firm with a mission to create, build and finance companies founded on innovations developed by surgeons and uniquely focused on "life changing" musculoskeletal/orthopedic technologies. VB has worldwide surgeon, industry and trade relationships and significant financial expertise in the musculoskeletal/orthopedic sector.
As principals of VB, the Viscogliosi brothers have a combined total of nearly half a century of experience analyzing and investing in the musculoskeletal/orthopedics sector, directing literally billions of dollars through the orthopedics industry. They have pioneered innovative financial, strategic and management initiatives for nearly 150 companies in the sector, from start-up, seed and development stage all the way to exit, while helping thousands of people lead better lives through the orthopedic and spinal products marketed and sold by the companies they have assisted in developing and financing.
For more information about VB, please visit: www.vbllc.com