Facet Solution's AFRS(TM) Implant Demonstrates Positive Clinical Results After One Year...( LOGAN Utah Oct. 15 /- Facet Solut...),Health

LOGAN, Utah, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Facet Solutions, Inc. announced today that it has completed one year follow-up on the first cohort of patients to receive its Anatomic Facet Replacement System (AFRS(TM)). The clinical outcomes for these patients at one year include a significant decline in leg and back pain; improved motion and function; and no post-operative complications. Additionally, the first patient in the AFRS(TM) study has completed the two year follow up evaluation with similarly positive results.

The AFRS(TM) has been developed by Facet Solutions, Inc. to provide patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and facet degeneration a motion preserving alternative to lumbar spinal fusion. The AFRS(TM) procedure includes replacing the diseased facet joint with an anatomic implant that restores the natural motion, stability, and balance to the lumbar spine.

An international team of Orthopedic surgeons began the initial AFRS(TM) study at the Hospital Servidor Publico Estadol in Sao Paulo in late September 2005. The team included Dr. Allen Carl of Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York and Dr. Carlos Oliveira of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

"I believe that the early clinical results for the AFRS(TM) clearly demonstrate that this new treatment option is improving the quality of life for my patients who would otherwise lose significant motion using current fusion or dynamic stabilization devices," Dr. Oliviera stated. "In fact, many of my patients were having fusions and would come back four and five years later needing a subsequent fusion at adjacent levels as a result of the reduction in motion at the original fused level of the spine. I anticipate that this technology will ultimately become the surgical standard of care for spinal stenosis patients in the future."

"Facet Solutions is very pleased with the early clinical experience," added Eric Bannon, VP of Clinical Affairs. "The company looks forward to expanding this clinical outcome data w
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