IlluminOss Medical Announces First Minimally Invasive Ankle Fracture Treatment

MARL, GERMANY--(Marketwire - Jul 11, 2011) - IlluminOss Medical Inc, the company pioneering photodynamic orthopedic implants, announced the first use of its system in the repair and stabilization of a fibula fracture, a common form of ankle fracture, in an 80 year-old female patient.

Dr. Thomas Gausepohl, a leading trauma surgeon in Germany, implanted the IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System.

Dr. Gausepohl stated, "With the IlluminOss system, I was able to stabilize the fibula using a small incision without disturbing the ankle joint or the skin surrounding the fracture. Only a thin layer of skin and soft tissue covers the distal fibula, and the classic technique of plating with screws often results in patient complaints of plate prominence, pain, and skin irritation."

The IlluminOss system is inserted completely within the internal confines of the bone through a tiny hole. The implant is then formed in place with gentle inflation, conforming to the inside of the bone to provide axial and rotational stability, all while avoiding the use of under-skin implants that can cause soft tissue irritation and prevent the patient from simple daily activities like wearing a shoe.

Dr. Gausepohl continued, "I was able to treat the patient in less than forty minutes and am totally satisfied with the result."

The minimally invasive IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System is used in treating fractures through a small entry into the bone. The flexible balloon catheter is inserted into the bone and placed across the fracture site. A proprietary liquid monomer is then infused through the catheter, expanding the balloon that assists in the alignment of the fractured bone. A special light source is then used to illuminate the monomer inside the balloon, converting it into a hardened polymer implant. The result is a customized orthopedic implant that provides strength and stabilization to the bone during the healing process.

Dr. Gausepohl continued, "After closing the tiny skin incision, the patient has mobility without the need for heavy external plaster casts. The minimally invasive approach provided by the IlluminOss System reduces injury to surrounding skin, muscle and soft tissues. I am impressed with the ease of use of the product, and I look forward to utilizing it in a great number of my patients.

"My continued and expanded use of the technology reinforces my belief that this is the beginning of a new era in fracture repair and fixation. Customized, minimally invasively formed implants will be the future of orthopedics."

Scott Rader, President and CEO of IlluminOss Medical, said, "This case demonstrates the power of IlluminOss' patented platform to treat clinical applications throughout the anatomy. Utilizing a simple, safe, minimally invasive implant that conforms to the patient, we are proving the versatility of the IlluminOss Photodynamic system that will dramatically advance fracture treatment and provide improved patient care."

About Paracelsus Klinik, Marl (Klinikum Vest GmbH)
The Paracelsus Klinik is one of the leading hospitals in Germany. The Department of Trauma Surgery, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery is one of the most respected in Germany, and it is well known for offering leading-edge solutions to challenging orthopedic problems.

About IlluminOss Medical
IlluminOss Medical is a privately held medical device company dedicated to the development of minimally invasive orthopedic systems for the stabilization and treatment of bone fractures. The IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System utilizes a photodynamic (light-curable) polymer system designed to eliminate the need for traditional methods of bone fixation with external pins, plates and screws.

The company has developed the IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System for treating fractures, and has CE Mark approval for the use of its product in low load bearing bones in the metacarpal, radius, ulna, distal radius, olecranon, clavicle and fibula.

The IlluminOss platform technology is presently being extended to applications in weight bearing bones, spine, sports medicine, cranial-maxillofacial fields and site-specific therapeutic drug delivery.

Founded in 2007, IlluminOss is headquartered in East Providence, RI, and funded by Foundation Medical Partners, New Leaf Venture Partners, and Mieza Capital. For more information about IlluminOss Medical, please visit www.illuminoss.com.