Parimed GmbHUnter Sagi 6CH-6362 StansstadSwitzerland

Tel +41 (0)41 312 11 11Fax +41 (0)41 312 11 13

www.parimed.ch

7 Clarke Drive, Cranbury, NJ 08512, USA, Tel +1 609 860 0330, Fax +1 609 8600343

www.replicationmedical.com

GelStix™ is produced by Replication Medical, Inc.

DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE

The GelStix™ Advantages

Reestablishes the disc function by increasing hydration, water content and disc volume

Reduces acidic conditions known to be associated with painful symptoms of degenerative disc disease

Minimally invasive non-surgical procedure Does not require general anesthesia Outpatient treatment Short procedure and recovery time A non-surgical procedure designed to treat symptoms

of degenerative disc disease.

GelStix™ implants at the center of disc

For more information:

About Degenerative Disc Disease

The lumbar spine is composed of a series of bones called

vertebrae that are connected to the next one by a disc. The

discs are soft and act to cushion the vertebrae, absorbing shock

from motions like running and jumping. As you age, the discs

naturally degenerate, become dehydrated and lose water.

The degeneration can lead to inflammation, causing pain in the

affected area.

ThE GElSTIx™ SoluTIoN

The GelStix™ nucleus augmentation device is designed to

intervene and correct the intra-discal conditions associated

with the degenerative process. The implant is made of a unique

absorbent material that mimics the conditions of a healthy disc

by swelling upon implantation, bringing the disc permanent

volume and hydration. GelStix™ is delivered to the nucleus at

the center of the affected disc through a small needle in a

minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Patients typically

recover within minutes to a few hours after the procedure.

The treatment itself usually takes between 15 to 30 minutes.

T H E 3 S T I C K F I XTM

Treating Degenerative Disc Disease

Low back pain associated with degenerative disc disease is

normally addressed with conservative treatments including

pain medication, injections and physical therapy. When these

treatments are ineffective, some patients resort to more

extensive and lengthy procedures as spinal fusion or disc

replacement. These procedures are major surgeries which

require long recovery times and significant disruption

of everyday life. The GelStix™ implant provides a non-surgical

alternative to major surgery for patients who have not had

success with conser vative care. Once implanted, GelStix™ brings hydration back to the disc and

reverses the degenerative process.

WhAT To ExpECT

Before the procedure

Your doctor will first perform a physical examination, and may

conduct a diagnostic test such as MRI, discography, or injection

to identify the pain causing degenerating disc and determine

whether the procedure is suitable for treating your condition.

During the procedure

During the procedure you will lie face down while local anesthe-

sia and light sedation are administered. Using fluoroscopic

guidance, a thin needle is inserted into the disc and the GelStix™

is implanted through this needle. Afterwards the needle is

removed, and a bandage is placed over the incision. The proce-

dure is short, taking about 15 minutes to complete.

After the procedure

Patients are held for observation and then released one or two

hours later. Rest with limited sitting, standing and walking

is advised for one to three days after the procedure. Patients are

typically permitted to work in less than a week. After the proce-

dure, some discomfort and bruising may be present at the site of

needle insertion. Symptoms of the degenerating disc usually

improve or disappear within 2 weeks.

Risks

The GelStix™ implant has a strong history of safety and compli-

cations are rare. There are some risks involved which should

be discussed with your doctor.

Who is a Candidate for GelStix?

If you have lower back pain which does not improve over several

months, consult with your physician to learn if GelStix™ is an

appropriate treatment for you.

Spinal Nerve

healthy disc

Degenerated Disc

Spinal Nerve

As the disc degenerates, it loses height, volume and hydration.

This can lead to nerve irritation and pain in the affected area.