Innovative noninvasive treatment for common orthopaedic conditions is available in Italy

HAYWARD, Calif. (October 30, 2008) – 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 N.T.R. Medical Equipment, s.r.l, based in Milano, Italy, for the distribution of the AT2™ System.

Italian citizens 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.

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 partner with N.T.R. Medical Equipment to get our CE marked 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.