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Medtronic Marks World Osteoporosis Day with Milestone in Kyphon Balloon Kyphoplasty Procedures


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More than 500,000 Vertebral Compression Fractures Repaired Since 2000

MINNEAPOLIS – Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT), on the occasion of World Osteoporosis Day, announced today that more than 500,000 vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) have been treated with Kyphon Balloon Kyphoplasty since the minimally invasive procedure was commercialized in 2000. VCFs are mainly caused by osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones and makes them susceptible to fractures.

Balloon kyphoplasty was developed and designed for the repair of VCFs in the late 1990s. With this innovative procedure, small balloons are inserted and inflated in the fractured area of the vertebra to help restore the height of the vertebral body. After the balloons are deflated and removed, the cavity that has been created is filled with bone cement that has been developed for this procedure, creating an internal cast. Prior to the development of this procedure, no treatment options were available that corrected the angular deformity of the fractured vertebral body.

“We are extremely pleased to announce this milestone on this day during which the International Osteoporosis Foundation attempts to raise awareness of osteoporosis,” said Robert White, president of Kyphon products, part of the Spinal and Biologics business at Medtronic, which markets KYPHON Balloon Kyphoplasty. “Not only have in excess of 500,000 fractures been treated with this procedure, but the approximately 12,000 surgeons we have trained in the procedure worldwide have treated more than 400,000 patients. As more surgeons are trained and more patients benefit, we believe this procedure will become the standard of care for VCFs.”

Osteoporosis impacts an estimated 75 million people in Europe, the United States and Japan,[i] many of whom suffer fractures mainly of the spine, hip or forearm. The disease, which tends to strike the elderly, is expected to increase two- to three-fold during the next decade, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF).

Today on World Osteoporosis Day, the IOF is launching a two-year campaign – “Stand Tall and Speak Out for Your Bones.” The campaign is designed to encourage people to lobby governments to recognize osteoporosis as a health care priority and private insurance companies to promote early detection and offer reimbursement for treatment.

About the International Osteoporosis Foundation

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is the only worldwide organization dedicated to the fight against osteoporosis. It brings together scientists, physicians, patient societies and corporate partners. Working with its 188 member societies in 91 locations, and other healthcare-related organizations around the world, IOF encourages awareness and prevention, early detection and improved treatment of osteoporosis. IOF’s vision is a world without osteoporotic fractures. http://www.iofbonehealth.org

About the Spinal and Biologics Business at Medtronic

The Spinal and Biologics business is based in Memphis, Tenn. and operates its KYPHON® Balloon Kyphoplasty, X-STOP® IPD® System, and disc disease diagnostics division in Sunnyvale, Calif. and Brussels, Belgium. It is the global leader in today’s spine market and is committed to advancing the treatment of spinal conditions. The Spinal and Biologics business works with world-renowned surgeons, researchers and innovative partners to offer state-of-the-art products and technologies for neurological, orthopaedic, dental and spinal conditions. Medtronic is committed to developing affordable, minimally-invasive procedures that provide lifestyle-friendly surgical therapies. More information about the company and its treatment therapies can be found at www.medtronicspinal.com and its patient-education Web sites, www.back.com, www.iscoliosis.com, www.maturespine.com and www.necksurgery.com.

ABOUT MEDTRONIC

Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology – alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world.
Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 25, 2008. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

KYPHON® Balloon Kyphoplasty incorporates technology developed by Gary K. Michelson, M.D.

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[i] EFFO and NOF (1997) Who are candidates for prevention and treatment for osteoporosis? Osteoporos Int 7:1.



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