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BETHESDA, Md., Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc. (NYSE: HGR) announced today the launch
of the WalkAide® System, the first offering in a line of functional electrical stimulation
devices by its wholly-owned subsidiary Innovative Neurotronics, Inc. (IN, Inc.).
Founded January 2004, IN, Inc. initially focused on clinical studies and protocol
designs for the treatment of a form of paralysis known as foot drop. This effort
culminated with the WalkAide System, which includes diagnosis, treatment modalities,
and delivery of an electrical stimulation device by a trained medical practitioner.
"We are thrilled to be able to provide new hope for our patients," IN, Inc. President
Jeff Martin said. "The WalkAide is only the beginning. Considering the efficacy
of this first device, the clinical depth of Hanger's orthotists, and the reach of
our distribution system, Hanger and IN, Inc. are poised to evaluate and deliver
additional treatment protocols and devices within the field of Myo-Orthotics™."
Cleared for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September
2005, the WalkAide System counters the lack of ankle dorsiflexion in patients who
have sustained damage to upper motor neurons or pathways to the spinal cord. The
system allows a qualified clinician to analyze the patient's leg and foot movements,
which are identified by a patented sensor technology called an accelerometer and
transmitted via a Bluetooth® connection. Once the device is fit on the patient,
electrical signals are sent to the peroneal nerve (i.e. the nerve that controls
the movement of the ankle and foot), prompting the muscles to raise the foot at
the appropriate time and allow the patient to walk more normally. Worn around the
leg, just below the knee, the wireless AA battery-operated device is about the size
of a deck of cards.
"More than an exciting new product, the WalkAide System incorporates a clinical
team, extensively-trained to work with patients of all neuromuscular conditions,"
Hanger President and COO Tom Kirk said. "WalkAide patients can be confident they
have a qualified rehabilitation partner who will work to achieve the best possible
outcomes."
In addition to improving the patient's gait, medical benefits of the WalkAide System
are increased mobility, strength, and endurance; decreased energy expenditure; prevention,
retardation, and/or reversal of muscle atrophy; and maintained or increased joint
range of motion. Further benefits may include reduced incidence of injury, increased
circulation, muscle re-education, maintained or increased bone density, and strengthened
damaged central nervous system pathways and muscle/spinal circuits.
Currently available nationwide to patients exclusively through Hanger's certified
orthotists, IN, Inc. plans to expand availability of the WalkAide through physical
therapists and other rehabilitation specialists later this year.
IN, Inc.'s line of technologies resides in a unique space between prosthetics and
orthotics called Myo-Orthotics"™ technology. More than simply bracing a limb to
improve mobility, Myo-Orthotics technology actually restores the functionality of
an impaired extremity by mimicking and recreating natural nerve-to-muscle response
by way of electrical stimulation.
Designed as a portal to rapidly introduce emerging neuromuscular technologies developed
at major research centers, universities, or in collaboration with industry suppliers
worldwide, IN, Inc. specializes in the development and commercialization of devices
that utilize electrical stimulation to improve the functionality of an impaired
extremity. IN, Inc. draws on the clinical specialization, national reach, distribution
supply chain, and regulatory affairs expertise of its sister companies, specifically,
Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics, the nation's largest orthotic and prosthetic (O&P)
patient care company, and Southern Prosthetic Supply (SPS), the world's largest
distributor of O&P devices.
About Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc.:
Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc., headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is the world's
premier provider of orthotic and prosthetic patient care services. Hanger is the
market leader in the United States, owning and operating 618 patient care centers
in 45 states including the District of Columbia, with 3,405 employees including
1,017 practitioners. Hanger is organized into four units. The two key operating
units are patient care which consists of nationwide orthotic and prosthetic practice
centers and distribution which consists of distribution centers managing the supply
chain of orthotic and prosthetic componentry to Hanger and third party patient care
centers. The third is Linkia which is the first and only provider network management
company for the orthotics and prosthetics industry. The fourth unit, Innovative
Neurotronics, introduces emerging neuromuscular technologies developed through independent
research in a collaborative effort with industry suppliers worldwide. For more information
on Innovative Neurotronics, Inc. visit http://www.ininc.us. For more information
on Hanger, visit http://www.hanger.com.
Certain statements included in this press release are forward looking statements
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Please
refer to the Company's SEC filings for factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from the Company's expectations.
Investor Relations Contact(s): Jason Owen, 301-986-0701, jowen@hanger.com
Media Contact(s): Jennifer Bittner, 301-280-4869, jbittner@hanger.com
SOURCE Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc.
CONTACT: Investor Relations: Jason Owen, +1-301-986-0701,
jowen@hanger.com; or Media: Jennifer Bittner, +1-301-280-4869,
jbittner@hanger.com, both of Hanger Orthopedic Group
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