Innovative noninvasive treatment is safe, effective, and takes only minutes in a doctor's office

HAYWARD, Calif. (August 8, 2008) – German citizens who are currently living with the discomfort of tennis elbow and other painful tendon and ligament conditions will be among the first to have access to an all-new noninvasive treatment that takes just minutes to perform in a doctor’s office.

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, 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.

Protocol-led studies in the U.S. and Germany have shown the system to be both safe and effective. To date, clinical studies report a 90% success rate based on VAS (visual analog scale) scores and a high level of patient satisfaction. Additionally, more than 500,000 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 have received the CE mark for our AT2™ device. This indicates conformity with the essential requirements set out for the European Union and furthers our goal of getting this technology into the hands of physicians so that patients can begin to experience relief from these painful and disruptive conditions.”  The AT2™ System consists of a RF generator, a handpiece and treatment electrodes.