Former Vice Chairman of Johnson and Johnson Professional, Inc., and Codman and Shurtleff, Inc., President & CEO of Codman and Shurtleff, Inc. expands company's strategic capabilities in the spinal market globally

For Immediate Release

October 23, 1997

Contact:	Darla Jannetty
	Manager, Corporate Communications
	Spinal Concepts, Inc
	1-8O0-326-0635

Austin, Texas -- October 23, 1997 - Spinal Concepts, Inc. today announced the appointment of Roy W. Black, as a member of the board of directors. He joins current members Tom Winter, Vincent Jannetty, and chairman Ron Dieck.

Mr. Black, retired Vice chairman of the Board of Directors for Johnson and Johnson Professional, Inc. and Vice President of Johnson and Johnson international, Inc., has over 36 years of sales, marketing and management experience in the medical device industry. For two decades, he has held executive management positions with the Johnson and Johnson family of companies, including President & CEO of Codman and Shurtleff, Inc., which manufactures surgical instruments, implants, equipment, and other surgical products primarily for neuro/spinal surgery. Mr. Black's accomplishments are many and are peer recognized by the medical community.

"Spinal Concepts is a particularly attractive opportunity. It offers great potential as a major provider of creative new implant products for the spine. I am pleased and most fortunate indeed to continue my involvement in the industry by joining this fine team," stated Roy Black, retired Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for Johnson and Johnson Professional, Inc.

"Spinal Concepts is pleased to appoint someone of this caliber to the board. Mr. Black's vast experience in the neurological/orthopedic markets, sales and marketing expertise as well as strong established relationships within the medical community will be a guiding asset to the strategic endeavors of Spinal Concepts, Inc.," said Vincent Jannetty, President and CEO of spinal Concepts, Inc.

Spinal Concepts, Inc, based in Austin, Texas, is a privately held medical device company dedicated to providing the surgical community with safe, advanced technological spinal implant products used in the treatment of spinal disorders, diseases and injuries.