Non-invasive treatment for common orthopaedic conditions is available in Hong Kong and Macau

HAYWARD, Calif. (March 25, 2009) – Alpha Orthopaedics, Inc., a highly innovative medical device company that develops, manufactures and markets noninvasive technologies for the treatment of orthopaedic conditions, has entered into a new distribution agreement with Sino Spirit Medical Limited, based in Hong Kong, for the distribution of the AT2™ System.

          In the treatment of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, Alpha Orthopaedics' AT2 technology offers physicians a new tool to perform otherwise invasive procedures in a non-invasive manner. This innovative approach equips the physicians with a truly effective non-invasive option when treating conditions of tendons, ligaments, muscles, fasciae, and joints, preserving invasive measures for recalcitrant cases. Hong Kong and Macau residents who are currently living with the discomfort of tennis elbow and other painful tendon and ligament conditions will have access to an all-new noninvasive treatment that takes just minutes to perform in a doctor’s office.

         Alpha Orthopaedics’ products are based on our reverse thermal gradient technology, which uses monopolar capacitive-coupled Radiofrequency (mcRF) energy to generate non-invasive electrocoagulation, inducing the denaturation of stranded collagen fibers and stimulating the wound healing response without damaging the skin or subcutaneous layers.

          The AT2 System from U.S.-based Alpha Orthopaedics is the first of its kind to deliver therapeutic heat via Radiofrequency (RF) energy to heal injured tendons and ligaments without damaging the skin or underlying tissues. The intended use of Alpha Orthopaedics' patented technology includes the treatment of tendinopathies such as tennis or golfer’s elbow, and ligament injuries such as ankle sprains. Until now, common treatment options for tennis elbow and similar conditions have included surgery with the associated risks and non-invasive therapeutic options such as steroid injections and physical therapy, all with mixed results. The underlying problem of these conditions is damaged collagen fibers and a lacking wound-healing response. The AT2 System is unique in that it delivers thermal energy, in a totally noninvasive manner, deep enough to denature the damaged collagen, resulting in an active healing response at the injury site. The benefits of noninvasive treatment include no surgery or related complications such as infection, virtually no recovery time or time off work, and relief of symptoms with lasting results.

          Patients treated with the AT2 System have expressed a high level of satisfaction, evident in the 85% clinical success rate based on VAS (visual analog scale) scores. Additionally, more than 600,000 patients have been treated with this technology for non-orthopaedic applications with an excellent safety profile.

          Diana Villegas, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of Alpha Orthopaedics stated, ”We are very pleased to count on Sino Spirit Medical, the distributor for Hong Kong and Macau, as part of our expansion into the Asian market. We are excited to get our AT2™ device into the hands of physicians so that patients can begin to experience relief from these painful and disruptive orthopaedic conditions.” The AT2™ System consists of a RF generator, a handpiece and treatment electrodes.

About Alpha Orthopaedics

          Alpha Orthopaedics, Inc. is a highly innovative U.S.-based medical device company that develops, manufactures and markets noninvasive technologies for the treatment of painful conditions of the musculoskeletal structures. To learn more about Alpha Orthopaedics and their RelēF Technology, please visit www.alphaorthopaedics.com