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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

SMALL BONE INNOVATIONS TO MARKET AVANTA TOTAL WRIST IMPLANT

New York, NY: February 23, 2005 - The newly formed Small Bone Innovations, LLC., (SBI) announced that it will market the Avanta Total Wrist Implant System to surgeons specializing in small bone and joint surgery. Avanta Orthopaedics was acquired by Viscogliosi Bros. LLC., and merged into SBI in 2004.|

The Total Wrist is anatomically designed for minimal resection of the distal radius and carpal bones and provided in left and right hand configuration, in three sizes, with geometrically scaled sizes to match radio-carpal joints. It comprises three primary articulating components: the radial, carpal ball and carpal plate.

Anthony G. Viscogliosi, Chairman & CEO of SBI, said: “We believe that the Total Wrist is poised for growth due to its positive outcomes since it received a 510 (k) two years ago. Patient outcomes indicate significant restoration of movement and an absence of pain that enables us to position the product as a major feature of the SBI arthroplasty portfolio.”

SBI plans to sell and distribute the Total Wrist throughout its global network of more than 100 distributors in 30 countries.
With the rapid increases in incidence of osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, due principally to the growth in the aging population, SBI expects to gain a healthy share of the world market.

The Total Wrist is indicated for all advanced forms of degeneration or post-traumatic arthritis of the radial/carpal joint. Its configuration requires minimal resection of the distal radius and preserves the sigmoid notch and articulation with the head of the distal ulna. The carpal plate has a central stem for insertion in the capitate and is fixed to the scaphoid and hamate with carpal screws.

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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