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Contacts: John Kaelblein, SBI (212) 583-0370 ext. 171, cell: (908) 296-3567   
Brian Ruby, CP-PR (203) 705-9218, cell: (203) 545-3422

SBI’S RADIAL HEAD IMPLANT SYSTEM BECOMES LEADING CHOICE OF SURGEONS FOR ELBOW AND FOREARM FUNCTION RESTORATION

New York, NY: February 23, 2005 - Worldwide sales last year of the rHead™ Radial Implant System, according to Small Bone Innovations, LLC (SBI), reached record levels.   
The rHead was used in an estimated one-in-three of the more than 3,000 implant procedures where internal fixation of radial head fractures were not indicated.
 
The rHead  received a 510(k) in December, 2001 and its ability to replicate normal patient  anatomy has aided in restoring elbow and forearm stability and kinematic function, the company reports. 
 
Anthony G. Viscogliosi, Chairman & CEO of SBI, said: “By all counts, we believe that the rHead is now the leading seller in its field. The surgeons cite the system’s modularity and stem shape as the key feature in ensuring intramedullary fit and fixation, assisted by   ease of implantation using an intuitively designed instrument set.”
 
The rHead  Radial Implant System was originally developed by Avanta Orthopaedics, San Diego, CA.,  a company acquired last year by Viscogliosi Bros. LLC. and later merged into SBI.  
 
The system’s four stem and head sizes have proven sufficient to treat most patient anatomies while minimizing ligament and soft tissue compromises.  This is achieved in part by the presence of alignment guides that assist in both radial neck osteotomy and radial stem alignment.
 
“These features reflect one of our primary concerns – to render our products surgeon-friendly at every juncture,” said Michael J. Simpson, President & COO of SBI.  “We’ve tried to do everything to make this procedure a compelling option for surgeons and patients alike by emphasizing simplicity, stability, function restoration and, above all, pain relief,” he added.
 
The surface of the rHead is highly polished cobalt chrome that facilitates articulation with the capitellum and radial notch.  The intramedullary stem, which has a Morse taper, assures a good fit with the head, and its roughened surface allows for use with cement if indicated.
 
Michael J. Simpson, President & COO of SBI, noted that the  rHead Radial Implant System, despite its success, is under continuous developmental review based on surgeon responses and patient experience.

About SBI
Small Bone Innovations, LLC (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 technology to treat trauma and diseases in small bones & joints.

VB’s acquisitions and technology licenses include: Avanta Orthopaedics (hand/wrist/elbow arthroplasty and trauma products – USA); Envision (implant manufacturing – USA); Actipore™ (porous metal technology – Canada); Artelon ®(biologically active & biodegradable technology – Sweden); Xtremi-T (resorbable trauma technology – USA).

For more information on SBI visit: www.totalsmallbone.com

About Viscogliosi Bros., LLC
Established by Marc R. Viscogliosi, John J. Viscogliosi and Anthony G. Viscogliosi in New York City in 1999, 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 more than 35 years experience analyzing and investing in the musculoskeletal/orthopedics sector. The have pioneered innovative financial, strategic and management initiatives for 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.
 
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