Zimmer Announces Distribution Of APEX Spine System

MINNEAPOLIS, July 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Zimmer Spine, Inc. today announced that the Company has begun distribution of the APEX Spine System, a comprehensive set of implants and instruments designed to safely and effectively correct a broad range of spinal deformities, as well as complex and degenerative spinal diseases. Under the terms of a long-term agreement with SpineCraft (Westmont, IL), Zimmer Spine will exclusively market the APEX Spine System to healthcare organizations across the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The APEX Spine System is a pedicle screw fixation system that provides immobilization and stabilization in the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine regions, in the surgical treatment of acute and chronic spinal instabilities and deformities. Designed for skeletally mature patients as an adjunct to spinal fusion, the APEX Spine System consists of longitudinal rods, pedicle screws, hooks, lateral connectors and cross connectors. With a comprehensive range of component sizes, the APEX Spine System addresses a broad range of spinal pathologies with a low-profile design that allows surgeons to maximize bone graft. The APEX Spine System's custom deformity-correction instruments are designed to shorten surgery time while enabling safer, more controlled correction of spinal deformities.

"The APEX Spine System represents a true union of intuitive design and engineering excellence," said Steve Healy, President, Zimmer Spine. "These innovative implants and instrumentation offer powerful correction capabilities with excellent intraoperative flexibility. This state-of-the-art pedicle fixation system represents a natural fit for Zimmer Spine's expanding portfolio, enabling surgeons to meet the unique needs of their complex spine and deformity patients, as well as patients with degenerative pathologies."

The APEX Spine System was designed by an experienced team of spine surgeons practicing in the Chicago area. SpineCraft received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance to market the APEX Spine System in 2006 and, to date, the system has been used in over 3,500 clinical cases.

About Zimmer Spine

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Zimmer Spine is a global leader in spine innovation, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for spine patients worldwide by delivering comprehensive surgical solutions, training and clinical support that advance and support surgeons. Zimmer Spine is a division of Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ZMH; SIX: ZMH), a leading manufacturer and provider of orthopaedic reconstructive, spinal and trauma devices, dental implants, and related surgical products for orthopaedic professionals in over 100 countries. Founded in 1927 and headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, Zimmer has operations in more than 25 countries. Zimmer's 2012 sales were approximately $4.5 billion. The Company is supported by the efforts of more than 8,500 employees worldwide. For more information, please visit our website at www.zimmer.com.

About SpineCraft

Founded in 2004 by a business team of spine experts and leading U.S. spine surgeons, SpineCraft is a privately-held medical device company that develops and manufactures surgical implants and instrumentation for use in spinal surgery. SpineCraft develops surgical tools that provide comprehensive spine care solutions to improve and enhance quality of life for patients with back pain, neck pain, degenerative disc conditions, spine deformities and injuries due to trauma. SpineCraft is headquartered in Westmont, Illinois. For more information, please visit www.spinecraft.com.

SOURCE Zimmer Spine, Inc.