Spinal Designs Invests in Growth

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — October 1, 2005 — Aavin Venture Capital, a Mid America-based private equity firm that invests in high-growth opportunities, has recently invested in Spinal Designs International. The capital will help expand the number of partner Spine Rehab Clinics that offer Spinal Designs chronic back pain programs.

“We’re excited to add a proven spine rehabilitation company to our Aavin portfolio,” said Eric Hender, Aavin Venture Capital. “With 16 million Americans suffering from chronic back pain, and the ability of Spinal Designs’ spine programs to give these patients their quality of life back makes this a very timely investment for Aavin.”

Spinal Designs’ scientifically engineered programs take a comprehensive, whole person approach that empowers patients to successfully master their pain, manage their own recovery and make wise lifestyle choices thereafter. Thousands of patient graduates report 94% satisfaction a full year after program completion.

“We’re pleased that Aavin shares our excitement for our growth,” said Greg Peterson, President and CEO, Spinal Designs. “This infusion of capital enables us to take our proven Spine Rehab Clinic business model to more locations, and significantly raise awareness of our programs among hospitals and clinics, referring doctors, insurance companies and patients.”

Expanded Management Team

To support this growth, Spinal Designs has bolstered its management staff. Lisa Lavin, formerly with Global Marketing and Business Development at 3M HealthCare, has joined the company as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Jim Trevis, former Communications Manager for Kodak Health Imaging, and Amy Wessman, former territory manager for BioLucent, have joined Spinal Designs as Marketing Director and Regional Partners Relations Manager, respectively.

Spinal Designs International licenses evidenced-based, chronic disease management programs to hospitals and provider clinic partners for use with their patients. The programs leverage multidisciplinary best practices that successfully address the underlying cause(s) of chronic low back and neck pain, training patients how to regain control of their lives through self-management. The programs are available through Spine Rehab Clinics in Minnesota and North Dakota.

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