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NuVasive

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FY2011 Annual Report · NuVasive
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NUVASIVE INC  (NUVA)

  10-K

Annual report pursuant to section 13 and 15(d)
Filed on 02/27/2012
Filed Period 12/31/2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                    
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K

(Mark One)

þ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF

1934
For the transition period from                 to

Commission file number: 000-50744
NUVASIVE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
7475 Lusk Boulevard,
San Diego, California
(Address of principal executive offices)

33-0768598
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
92121
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(858) 909-1800

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act

Title of Each Class:
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share

Name of Each Exchange on which Registered:
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
(NASDAQ Global Select Market)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None

Indicate  by  check  mark  if  the  registrant  is  a  well-known  seasoned  issuer,  as  defined  in  Rule  405  of  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  as

amended.    YES  þ    NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as

amended.    YES  ¨    NO  þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during  the  preceding  12  months  (or  for  such  shorter  period  than  the  registrant  was  required  to  file  such  reports),  and  (2)  has  been  subject  to  such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days.    YES  þ    NO  ¨

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  has  submitted  electronically  and  posted  on  its  corporate  website,  if  any,  every  Interactive  Data  File
required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    YES  þ    NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K.  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See

the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer  þ

   Accelerated filer  ¨   

Smaller reporting company  ¨

Non-accelerated filer  ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    YES  ¨    NO  þ

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $1.3 billion as of the
last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter (i.e. June 30, 2011), based upon the closing sale price for the registrant's
common stock on that day as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Shares of common stock held by each officer and director have been excluded
in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates.

As of February 17, 2012, there were 42,653,363 shares of the registrant's common stock issued and outstanding.

Part III of this Form 10-K incorporates information by reference to the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to

be held on May 24, 2012.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
   
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NuVasive, Inc.

Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2011

Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.

Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.

Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.

  Business
  Risk Factors
  Unresolved Staff Comments
  Properties
  Legal Proceedings
  Mine Safety Disclosures

PART I

PART II

  Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
  Selected Financial Data
  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
  Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
  Controls and Procedures
  Other Information

  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
  Executive Compensation
  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
  Principal Accountant Fees and Services

PART III

PART IV

  Exhibits and Financial Schedules

Item 15.
SIGNATURES
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

    1  
    18  
    33  
    34  
    34  
    35  

    36  
    39  
    40  
    56  
    58  
    58  
    58  
    60  

    60  
    60  
    60  
    60  
    60  

    60  
    66  
    68  

 
 
  
  
  
  
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PART I

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, particularly in Item 1. "Business" and Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations," and the documents incorporated by reference, include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be
deemed  forward-looking  statements,  including,  but  not  limited  to,  statements  regarding  our  future  financial  position,  business  strategy  and  plans  and
objectives  of  management  for  future  operations.  When  used  in  this  Annual  Report,  the  words  "believe,"  "may,"  "could,"  "will,"  "estimate,"  "continue,"
"anticipate," "intend," "expect," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we
believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial
needs.  These  forward-looking  statements  are  subject  to  certain  risks  and  uncertainties  that  could  cause  our  actual  results  to  differ  materially  from  those
reflected in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this
report,  and  in  particular,  the  risks  discussed  under  the  heading  "Risk  Factors"  and  those  discussed  in  other  documents  we  file  with  the  Securities  and
Exchange  Commission.  Except  as  required  by  law,  we  do  not  intend  to  update  these  forward-looking  statements  publicly  or  to  update  the  reasons  actual
results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

In  light  of  these  risks,  uncertainties  and  assumptions,  the  forward-looking  events  and  circumstances  discussed  in  this  report  and  in  the  documents
incorporated in this report may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking
statements. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

Item 1.

Business. 

Overview

We are a medical device company focused on developing minimally disruptive surgical products and procedures for the spine. Our currently-marketed
product  portfolio  is  focused  on  applications  for  spine  fusion  surgery,  including  biologics,  a  combined  market  estimated  to  exceed  $8.0  billion  globally  in
2012. Our principal product offering includes a minimally disruptive surgical platform called Maximum Access Surgery, or MAS®, as well as an offering of
biologics,  cervical,  motion  preservation  products,  and  Intra-Operative  Monitoring  (IOM)  services.  Our  spine  surgery  product  line  offerings,  which  include
products  for  the  thoracolumbar  spine,  the  cervical  spine,  and  a  set  of  motion  preservation  product  offerings  still  under  development,  are  primarily  used  to
enable  access  to  the  spine  and  to  perform  restorative  and  fusion  procedures  in  a  minimally  disruptive  fashion.  Our  biologic  product  line  offerings  include
allograft,  (donated  human  tissue)  –  Triad  ®,  and  Osteocel  Plus®,  an  allograft  cellular  matrix  containing  viable  mesenchymal  stem  cells,  or  MSCs,
FormaGraft®, a collagen synthetic product used to aid the fusion process, and AttraX®, a synthetic bone graft material, which is still in the process of U.S.
regulatory  clearance,  to  aid  in  spinal  fusion.  Our  recently  acquired  subsidiary,  Impulse  Monitoring,  Inc.  (Impulse  Monitoring)  provides  IOM  services  for
insight  into  the  nervous  system  during  spine  and  other  surgeries.  We  continue  to  focus  significant  research  and  development  efforts  to  expand  our  MAS
product  platform  and  advance  the  applications  of  our  unique  technology  into  procedurally  integrated  surgical  solutions.  We  dedicate  significant  resources
toward training spine surgeons on our unique technology and products. We continue to train surgeons who are new to our MAS product platform as well as
surgeons previously trained on our MAS product platform who are attending advanced training programs.

We believe our MAS platform provides a unique and comprehensive solution for safe and reproducible minimally disruptive surgical treatment of spine

disorders by enabling surgeons to access the spine in a manner

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that affords direct visualization and avoidance of critical nerves. The fundamental difference between our MAS platform and what has been previously called
MIS,  or  minimally  invasive  surgery,  is  the  ability  to  customize  safe  and  reproducible  access  to  the  spine  while  allowing  surgeons  to  continue  to  use
instruments that are familiar to them. Simply stated, the MAS platform does not force surgeons to reinvent approaches that add complexity and undermine
safety, ease and efficacy. For our Company, an important ongoing objective has been to maintain a leading position in access and nerve avoidance, as well as
to  pioneer  and  remain  the  ongoing  leader  in  lateral  surgery.  Our  MAS  platform,  with  the  unique  advantages  provided  by  our  nerve  monitoring  systems,
enables an innovative lateral procedure known as eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion, or XLIF®, in which surgeons access the spine for a fusion procedure
from the side of the patient's body, rather than from the front or back. Our MaXcess instruments provide access to the spine in a manner that affords direct
visualization and our nerve monitoring systems allow surgeons to avoid critical nerves. It has been demonstrated clinically that the procedures facilitated by
our MAS platform decrease trauma and blood loss, and lead to faster overall patient recovery times compared to open spine surgery.

In recent years, we have significantly expanded our product offering relating to procedures in the cervical spine as well as in the area of biologics. Our
cervical product offering now provides a full set of solutions for cervical fusion surgery, including both allograft and CoRoent implants, as well as cervical
plating  and  posterior  fixation  products.  In  the  first  quarter  of  2010,  we  submitted  a  premarket  approval  (PMA)  application  to  the  U.S.  Food  and  Drug
Administration (the FDA) for approval of the PCM® cervical disc system, a motion preserving total disc replacement device. Approval, if obtained, would
further  strengthen  our  cervical  product  offering  and  should  enable  us  to  continue  our  trend  of  increasing  our  market  share.  Our  biologic  offering  includes
FormaGraft,  a  collagen  synthetic  bone  substitute,  and  Osteocel  Plus,  an  allograft  cellular  matrix  designed  to  mimic  the  biologic  profile  of  autograft  that
includes endogenous MSCs and osteoprogenitors, both of which are used to aid in spinal fusion. In addition, we are currently in the process of seeking U.S.
regulatory  clearance  for  AttraXtm,  a  synthetic  bone  graft  material  delivered  in  putty  form,  to  aid  in  the  healing  and  generation  of  human  bone.  Our  nerve
monitoring  offering  includes  the  NVM5  and  NVJJB  products  based  on  our  proprietary  software-driven  nerve  monitoring  systems.  In  October  2011,  to
establish our initial footprint in the services business, we acquired Impulse Monitoring, a company dedicated to providing IOM services.

Our corporate headquarters are located in San Diego, California. We lease approximately 208,000 square feet in San Diego. Our headquarters has a six-
suite state-of-the-art cadaver operating theatre designed to accommodate the training of spine surgeons. In 2010 we opened a secondary training facility in
Paramus,  New  Jersey  with  a  five-suite  operating  theatre  for  surgeon  training.  Our  IOM  business,  Impulse  Monitoring,  is  headquartered  in  Columbia,
Maryland. Our primary distribution and warehousing operations are located in our facility in Memphis, Tennessee. Our business requires rapid delivery of
products and surgical instruments for almost all surgeries involving our products. Because of its location and proximity to overnight third-party transporters,
our Memphis facility has greatly enhanced our ability to meet demanding delivery schedules and provide a greater level of customer service.

Our Strategy

We  are  a  leading  provider  of  innovative  medical  products  that  provide  comprehensive  solutions  for  the  surgical  treatment  of  spine  disorders.  We

continue to pursue the following business strategies in order to improve our competitive position:

•   Establish our MAS Platform as the Standard of Care.    We believe our MAS platform has the potential to become the standard of care for spine
surgery  as  spine  surgeons  continue  to  recognize  its  benefits  and  adopt  our  products.  We  also  believe  that  our  MAS  platform  has  the  potential  to
dramatically improve the clinical results of spine surgery. Because of this belief, we dedicate significant resources to researching clinical outcomes
data  as  well  as  educating  spine  surgeons  and  their  patients  on  the  clinical  benefits  of  our  products,  and  we  intend  to  capitalize  on  the  growing
demand for minimally disruptive surgical procedures.

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•   Continue  to  Develop  and  Introduce  New  Innovative  Products.        One  of  our  core  competencies  is  our  ability  to  develop  and  commercialize
innovative  spine  surgery  products  and  procedures.  In  the  past  several  years,  we  have  introduced  a  continual  flow  of  new  products  and  product
enhancements.  We  have  several  additional  products  currently  under  development  that  should  expand  our  presence  in  fusion  surgery  as  well  as
provide  an  entry  into  the  motion  preservation  market  segment.  We  intend  to  accomplish  our  continued  product  expansion  with  an  unwavering
commitment  to  our  MAS  platform  and  building  on  our  core  technology.  We  believe  that  these  additional  products  will  allow  us  to  increase  our
market share while at the same time improving patient care. Protecting and defending the intellectual property related to our innovative products is
also a core component to this strategy.

•   Expand  the  Reach  of  Our  Exclusive  Sales  Force.        We  believe  that  having  a  sales  force  dedicated  to  selling  only  our  spine  surgery  products  is
critical to achieving continued growth across our various product lines, driving greater market penetration and increasing our revenues. In the United
States, we have an exclusive sales force consisting of a mix of directly-employed sales shareowners (our employees) and exclusive sales agents that
are  responsible  for  particular  geographic  regions  of  the  country.  Outside  of  the  United  States,  our  sales  force  consists  of  directly-employed  sales
shareowners, independent sales agents and exclusive distributors within their respective territory.

•   Provide  Tailored  Solutions  in  Response  to  Surgeon  Needs.        Responding  quickly  to  the  needs  of  spine  surgeons,  which  we  refer  to  as  Absolute
Responsiveness®,  is  central  to  our  corporate  culture,  critical  to  our  success  and,  we  believe,  differentiates  us  from  our  competition.  We  solicit
information and feedback from our surgeon customers and clinical advisors regarding the utility of, and potential improvements to, our products. For
example, we have an on-site machine shop to allow us to rapidly manufacture product prototypes and two state-of-the-art cadaver operating theatres
(in  San  Diego,  California  and  Paramus,  New  Jersey)  to  provide  clinical  training  and  validate  new  ideas  through  prototype  testing.  Absolute
Responsiveness  goes  beyond  product  development  to  include  active  support  in  clinical  research  and  payer  relations.  For  example,  to  ensure  that
patients have access to optimal spine care, we offer support to spine surgeons in their efforts to educate payers on the proven clinical benefits of
fusion surgery for well selected patients.

•   Selectively License or Acquire Complementary Spine Products and Technologies.    In addition to building our company through internal product
development  efforts,  we  intend  to  selectively  license  or  acquire  complementary  products  and  technologies  that  we  believe  will  keep  us  on  the
forefront of innovation. By acquiring complementary products, we believe we can leverage our expertise at bringing new products to market that are
intended to improve patient outcomes, simplify techniques, reduce hospitalization and rehabilitation times and, as a result, reduce overall costs to the
healthcare system.

•   Provide Intra-Operative Monitoring Capabilities.    Monitoring the health of the nervous system during spinal surgery has been a key component of
NuVasive's  strategy  of  product  differentiation  since  early  in  the  company's  development.  Over  time  surgeon  and  hospital  demand  for  nerve
monitoring  has  increased  along  with  the  advancement  of  technologies  and  techniques  used  in  IOM.  We  believe  that  our  proprietary  NVJJB  and
NVM5 platforms are differentiators in the market and are unique in their ability to provide information about the directionality and proximity of
nerves.  With  our  October  2011  acquisition  of  Impulse  Monitoring,  we  believe  we  can  further  leverage  our  platform  of  nerve  monitoring  and
uniquely meet the demands of our surgeon and hospital customers by offering best in class products and IOM services.

Industry Background and Market

The spine is the core of the human skeleton, and provides a crucial balance between structural support and flexibility. It consists of 33 separate bones
called vertebrae that are connected together by connective tissue (used herein to define bone, muscle, or ligament) to form a column and to permit a normal
range  of  motion.  The  spinal  cord,  the  body's  central  nerve  system,  is  enclosed  within  the  spinal  column.  Vertebrae  are  paired  into  what  are  called  motion
segments that move by means of three joints: two facet joints and one spine disc. The four major

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categories of spine disorders are degenerative conditions, deformities, trauma and tumors. The largest market and the focus of our business historically, are
degenerative conditions of the facet joints and the intervertebral disc space. These two conditions can result in instability and pressure on the nerve roots as
they exit the spinal column, causing back or neck pain or radiating pain in the arms or legs.

In  the  United  States,  millions  of  people  suffer  from  some  type  of  chronic  back  or  neck  pain.  The  prescribed  treatment  depends  on  the  severity  and
duration  of  the  disorder.  Initially,  physicians  will  prescribe  non-operative,  conservative  procedures  including  bed  rest,  medication,  lifestyle  modification,
exercise,  physical  therapy,  chiropractic  care  and  steroid  injections.  In  many  cases,  non-operative  treatment  options  are  effective;  however,  some  patients
eventually require spine fusion surgery. The vast majority of spine fusion surgeries are done using traditional open surgical techniques from either the front or
back  of  the  patient.  These  traditional  open  surgical  approaches  require  a  large  incision  in  the  patient's  abdomen  or  back  in  order  to  enable  the  surgeon  to
access  and  see  the  spine  and  surrounding  area.  These  open  procedures  are  invasive,  lengthy  and  complex,  and  typically  result  in  significant  blood  loss,
extensive tissue damage and lengthy patient hospitalization and rehabilitation.

We believe that the implant market for spine surgery procedures will continue to grow over the long term because of the following market dynamics:
•   Demand  for  Surgical  Alternatives  with  Less  Tissue  Disruption.        As  with  other  surgical  markets,  we  anticipate  that  the  broader  acceptance  of

surgical treatments with less tissue disruption and patient trauma will result in increased demand.

•   Increasing  Demand  for  Motion-preserving  Treatments.        Motion  preservation  may  be  advantageous  when  compared  to  traditional  treatments
because preserving motion has the potential to avoid acceleration of the natural degeneration of the spine and thereby may become a more attractive
earlier intervention option for patients in the degenerative disease process.

•   Favorable Demographics.    The population segment most likely to experience back pain is expected to increase as a result of aging baby boomers,
people  born  between  1946  and  1965.  We  believe  this  population  segment  will  increasingly  demand  a  quicker  return  to  activities  of  daily  living
following surgery than prior generations.

•   Increased Use of Implants.    The use of implants has evolved into the standard of care in spine surgery. There continues to be an increase in the

percentage of spine fusion surgeries using implants and we estimate that over 85% of all spine fusion surgeries now involve implants.

Surgical Alternatives with Less Tissue Disruption

The benefits of minimally invasive surgery procedures in other areas of orthopedics have significantly contributed to the strong and growing demand
for surgical alternatives with less tissue disruption of the spine. Surgeons and hospitals seek spine procedures that result in fewer operative complications and
decreased  hospitalization.  At  the  same  time,  patients  seek  procedures  that  cause  less  trauma,  allow  for  faster  recovery  times  and  more  positive  clinical
outcomes. Despite these benefits, the rate of adoption of surgical alternatives with less tissue disruption procedures has been relatively slow with respect to the
spine.

We believe the principal factor contributing to spine surgeons' slow adoption of traditional "minimally invasive" spine alternatives has been inconsistent
outcomes  driven  by  two  main  reasons:  (i)  the  limited  or  lack  of  direct  access  to  and  visibility  of  the  surgical  anatomy;  and  (ii)  the  associated  complex
instruments that have been required to perform these procedures. Most traditional "minimally invasive" spine systems do not allow the surgeon to directly
view the spine and provide only restrictive visualization through a camera system or endoscope, while also requiring the use of complex surgical techniques.
In addition, most traditional "minimally invasive" spine systems use complex or highly customized surgical instruments that require special training and the
completion of a large number of trial cases before the surgeon becomes proficient using the system.

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The NuVasive Solution — Maximum Access Surgery with minimal tissue disruption

Our  MAS  platform  allows  surgeons  to  perform  a  wide  range  of  minimally  disruptive  procedures,  while  overcoming  the  shortcomings  of  traditional
"minimally  invasive"  spine  surgical  techniques.  We  believe  our  products  improve  clinical  results  and  have  both  the  potential  to  expand  the  number  of
minimally disruptive procedures performed and become the standard of care in spine fusion and non-fusion surgery.

Our  MAS  platform  combines  four  product  categories:  our  nerve  monitoring  systems,  MaXcess,  biologics  and  specialized  implants.  Our  nerve
monitoring systems enable surgeons to detect and navigate around nerves while MaXcess affords direct customized access to the spine for implant delivery.
MaXcess also allows surgeons to use well-established traditional instruments in a minimally disruptive and less traumatic manner while our biologics offering
complements our MAS platform by facilitating fusion. We also offer a variety of specialized implants that enable the maximization of disc height restoration
and sufficient structural support while conforming to the anatomical requirements of the patient.

Our products facilitate minimally disruptive applications of the following spine surgery procedures, among others:
•   Lumbar and thoracic fusion procedures in which the surgeon approaches the spine through the patient's back, side or abdomen;
•   Cervical fusion procedures for either the posterior occipito-cervico-thoracic region or the anterior cervical region;
•   Decompression, which is removal of a portion of bone or disc from over or under the nerve root to relieve pinching of the nerve; and
•   Procedures designed to correct and/or stabilize the spine while simultaneously maintaining motion.

MAS — Nerve Monitoring

Our  nerve  monitoring  systems  utilize  electromyography  (EMG),  proprietary  software  hunting  algorithms  and  graphical  user  interfaces  to  provide
surgeons  with  an  enhanced  and  intuitive  nerve  avoidance  system.  Our  systems  function  by  monitoring  changes  in  electrical  signals  across  muscle  groups,
which  allows  us  to  detect  underlying  changes  in  nerve  activity.  Through  the  NVM5  and  NVJJB  platforms  we  give  surgeons  the  option  to  connect  their
instruments  to  a  computer  system  that  provides  discrete,  real-time,  surgeon  directed  and  surgeon  controlled  feedback  about  the  directionality  and  relative
proximity  of  nerves  during  surgery.  Our  systems  analyze  and  then  translate  complex  neurophysiologic  data  into  simple,  useful  information  to  assist  the
surgeon's clinical decision-making process. For example, during a pedicle screw test, in which the integrity of the bone where the implant is placed is tested, if
the insertion of a screw results in a breach of the bone, a red light and corresponding numeric value will result so that the surgeon may reposition the screw to
avoid potential nerve impingement or irritation. If no breach of the bone occurs, a green light and corresponding numeric value will result.

Surgeons can connect their instruments to our nerve monitoring systems, thus creating an interactive set of instruments that enable the safe navigation
through the body's nerve anatomy. The connection is accomplished using a clip that is attached to the instrument, effectively providing the benefits of our
nerve monitoring systems through an instrument already familiar to the surgeon. The systems' proprietary software and easy to use graphical user interface
enables  the  surgeon  to  make  critical  decisions  in  real  time  resulting  in  safer  and  faster  procedures  with  the  potential  for  improved  patient  outcomes.  With
recent additions, the health and integrity of the spinal cord and related nerves can also be assessed using motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and somatosensory
evoked potentials (SSEPs). Both methods of IOM involve applying stimulation and recording the response that must travel along the motor or sensory paths
of the spinal cord.

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Through our IOM subsidiary, Impulse Monitoring, the data from the various nerve monitoring systems, including our own, can be analyzed in real time
by healthcare professionals for additional interpretation of intra-operative information. Adding the value of real time healthcare professional oversight further
improves the safety and reproducibility of the vast array of our spine procedures.

MAS — MaXcess

Our MaXcess system consists of instrumentation, integrated nerve monitoring and specialized implants that provide maximum access to the spine with
minimal soft tissue disruption. MaXcess has a split blade design consisting of three blades that can be positioned to customize the surgical exposure in the
shape  and  size  specific  to  the  surgical  requirements  rather  than  the  fixed  tube  or  two  blade  designs  of  traditional  off  the  shelf  "minimally  invasive"  spine
surgical systems. MaXcess' split blade design also provides customizable access to the spine, which allows surgeons to perform surgical procedures using
instruments that are similar to those used in open procedures but with a smaller incision and less tissue disruption. The ability to use familiar instruments
reduces the learning curve and facilitates the adoption of our products. Our system's illumination of the operative corridor aids in providing surgeons with
better direct visualization of the patient's anatomy, without the need for additional technology or other special equipment such as endoscopes.

Over the years, several improvements to our MaXcess systems have been made, including incorporating integrated neuromonitoring technology and
improving the blade systems. Our MaXcess products are used in the cervical spine for posterior application, the lumbar spine for both decompressions and
transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions (TLIFs), the thoracic region, as the lateral approach has broadened from the lumbar to the thoracic region, as well as
in adult degenerative scoliosis procedures.

MAS — Specialized Implants

We have a number of implants designed to be used with our MAS platform. These implants are used for interbody disc height restoration for fusion and
stabilization  of  the  spine.  Our  implants  are  available  in  a  variety  of  shapes  and  sizes  to  accommodate  specific  approach,  pathology  and  anatomical
requirements of the patient and the particular fusion procedure. Our implants are designed for insertion into the smallest possible space while maximizing
surface area contact for fusion. Our fixation systems have been uniquely designed to be delivered through our MaXcess system to provide stabilization of the
spine. These systems enable minimally disruptive placement of implants and are intended to reduce patient morbidity, often through a single approach.

We have also made significant progress in the last few years on our research and development initiatives related to motion preservation, including our
PCM  and  mechanical  lateral  total  disc  replacement  (XL  TDR®)  products.  The  status  of  our  regulatory  applications  with  the  FDA  related  to  our  motion
preservation products is discussed below under the heading "Development Projects."

The following products and services complement our MAS platform:

Biologics

The  global  biologics  market  in  spine  surgery  consists  of  autograft  (autologous  human  tissue),  allograft  (donated  human  tissue),  a  varied  offering  of
synthetic  products,  stem  cell-based  products,  and  growth  factors.  We  currently  offer  FormaGraft,  a  collagen-based  synthetic  bone  substitute  and  Osteocel
Plus, an allograft cellular matrix designed to mimic the biologic profile of autograft that includes endogenous MCSs and osteoprogenitors to aid in fusion. We
are also in the process of seeking U.S. regulatory clearance for AttraX, a synthetic bone graft material delivered in putty form.

Intra-Operative Monitoring Service

Monitoring the health of the nervous system during spinal surgery has been a key component of NuVasive's strategy of product differentiation since

early in the company's development. Over time surgeon and hospital

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demand for nerve monitoring has increased along with the advancement of technologies and techniques used in IOM. We believe that our proprietary NVJJB
and NVM5 platforms are differentiators in the market and are unique in their ability to provide information about the directionality and proximity of nerves.
With  our  October  2011  acquisition  of  Impulse  Monitoring,  we  believe  we  can  further  leverage  our  platform  of  nerve  monitoring  and  uniquely  meet  the
demands of our surgeon and hospital customers by offering best in class products and IOM services.

Development Projects

We are developing proprietary total disc replacement devices for lateral lumbar spine applications and separately for cervical spine applications. These
devices are intended to allow surgeons to address a patient's pain and dysfunction while maintaining a more natural physiological range of motion compared
with fusion. Commercialization of these devices, including PCM and XL TDR, will require premarket approval rather than 510(k) clearance. In the cervical
spine, the PCM investigational device, a total disc replacement device designed to preserve motion, was submitted for FDA approval in the first quarter of
2010.  If  obtained,  approval  of  PCM  should  further  strengthen  our  cervical  product  offering  and  should  enable  us  to  continue  our  trend  of  gaining  market
share.

Our  lumbar  motion  preservation  development  efforts  include  XL  TDR,  a  mechanical  total  disc  replacement  implanted  through  the  XLIF  approach.

Enrollment in a FDA-approved XL TDR clinical trial in the United States was initiated in 2009 and will continue throughout 2012.

In  addition  to  the  motion  preservation  platforms  previously  mentioned,  we  continue  development  on  a  wide  variety  of  projects  intended  to  broaden
surgical applications such as with tumor, trauma, and deformity, and increase fixation options for greater vertical integration of our MAS techniques. We also
continue expanding our cervical product portfolio to provide for a comprehensive cervical offering that will include further segmentation of both the fixation
and motion preservation markets.

We are no longer pursuing regulatory approval to commercialize NeoDisc®, our embroidery cervical disc replacement device, in the U.S.

Research and Development

Our  research  and  development  efforts  are  primarily  focused  on  developing  further  enhancements  to  our  existing  products,  launching  new  product
categories, as well as developing our total disc replacement products. Our research and development group has extensive experience in developing products to
treat spine pathologies and this group continues to work closely with our clinical advisors and spine surgeon customers to design products that are intended to
improve patient outcomes, simplify techniques, reduce patient trauma and the subsequent hospitalization and rehabilitation times and, as a result, reduce costs
to the healthcare system. In addition to this work, NuVasive is the sole financial supporter of the Society of Lateral Access Surgeons (SOLAS®), a group of
spine surgeons dedicated to the development and expanded application of lateral spine surgery techniques, to collect and assess data to affirm economic and
clinical value.

Sales and Marketing

In  the  United  States,  we  currently  sell  our  products  through  a  combination  of  exclusive  independent  sales  agencies  and  directly-employed  sales
shareowners. Each member of our U.S. sales force is responsible for a defined territory, with our independent sales agents acting as our sole representative in
their respective territories. The determination of whether to engage a directly-employed sales shareowner or exclusive distributor is made on a territory by
territory basis, with a focus on the candidate who brings the best skills and experience. Domestically, the split between directly-employed sales shareowners
and independent sales agents in our sales force is roughly equal. Our international sales force is comprised of directly-employed sales shareowners as well

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as exclusive distributors and independent sales agents. There are many reasons that we believe strongly in an exclusive sales force, none more important than
having a sales force that is properly educated, trained and incentivized to sell and represent only our portfolio of products.

Surgeon Training and Education

We  devote  significant  resources  to  training  and  educating  surgeons  regarding  the  safety  and  reproducibility  of  our  surgical  techniques  and  our
complimentary  instruments  and  implants.  We  maintain  state-of-the-art  cadaver  operating  rooms  and  training  facilities  to  help  promote  adoption  of  our
products at our corporate headquarters in San Diego, California and our facility in Paramus, New Jersey. We continue to train surgeons in the XLIF technique
and  our  other  MAS  platform  products  including:  our  proprietary  nerve  monitoring  systems,  MaXcess,  biologics,  and  specialized  implants.  The  number  of
surgeons trained annually includes first-time surgeons new to our MAS product platform as well as surgeons previously trained on our MAS product platform
who are attending advanced training programs. As its sole financial supporter, we have also helped to establish SOLAS, a group of spine surgeons dedicated
to the development and expanded application of lateral spine surgery techniques that offer significant patient benefits and improved clinical outcomes through
peer-to-peer communication, clinical education efforts, and ongoing research.

Manufacturing and Supply

We rely on third parties for the manufacture of our products, their components and servicing. We currently maintain alternative manufacturing sources
for a majority of our finished goods products. We have and are in the process of identifying and qualifying additional suppliers, on a per product basis, for our
highest  volume  products  to  maintain  consistent  supply  to  our  customers.  Our  outsourcing  strategy  is  targeted  at  companies  that  meet  FDA,  International
Organization  for  Standardization,  or  ISO,  and  quality  standards  supported  by  internal  policies  and  procedures.  Supplier  performance  is  maintained  and
managed through a supplier qualification and corrective action program intended to ensure that all product requirements are met or exceeded. We believe at
our  current  scale  these  manufacturing  relationships  minimize  our  capital  investment,  help  control  costs,  and  allow  us  to  compete  with  larger  volume
manufacturers of spine surgery products.

Following the receipt of products or product components from our third-party manufacturers, we conduct inspection, packaging and labeling, as needed,
at either our San Diego headquarters or our Memphis distribution facility. Under our existing contracts, we reserve the exclusive right to inspect and assure
conformance  of  each  product  and  product  component  to  our  specifications.  In  the  future,  we  may  consider  manufacturing  certain  products  or  product
components internally, if and when demand or quality requirements make it economic or appropriate to do so.

We currently rely on several tissue banks as our suppliers of allograft tissue implants. We rely on one source to supply us with Osteocel Plus, which is
processed  from  allograft.  Like  our  relationships  with  our  device  manufacturing  suppliers,  we  subject  our  tissue  processing  suppliers  to  the  same  quality
criteria in terms of selection, qualification, and verification of processed tissue quality upon receipt of goods, as well as hold them accountable to compliance
with FDA regulation, state requirements, as well as voluntary industry standards such as the American Association of Tissue Banks, or AATB.

We  rely  on  one  exclusive  supplier  of  polyetheretherketone  (PEEK),  which  comprises  our  CoRoent  PEEK  partial  vertebral  body  replacement  and
interbody  product  lines.  We  have  an  exclusive  supply  arrangement  to  supply  our  NVM5  and  NVJJB  neuromonitoring  systems,  and  an  exclusive  supply
arrangement to supply our neuromonitoring equipment outside of the NV platform. We rely on a limited number of suppliers for our motion preserving total
disc replacement device PCM.

We, and our third-party manufacturers, are subject to the FDA's quality system regulations, state regulations, such as the regulations promulgated by the

California Department of Health Services, and

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regulations  promulgated  by  the  European  Union.  For  tissue  products,  we  are  FDA  registered  and  licensed  in  the  States  of  California,  New  York,  Florida,
Maryland  and  Oregon.  For  our  device  implants  and  instruments,  we  are  FDA  registered,  California  licensed,  CE  marked  and  ISO  certified.  CE  is  an
abbreviation for "Conformité Européenne" or European Compliance. Our facility and the facilities of our third-party manufacturers are subject to periodic
announced and unannounced inspections by regulatory authorities, and may undergo compliance inspections conducted by the FDA and corresponding state
agencies.

Surgical Instrument Sets

We seek to deliver surgical instrument sets, including our nerve monitoring systems, on a just in time basis to fulfill our customer obligations to meet
surgery schedules. We do not receive separate economic value specific to the surgical instrument sets from the surgeons or hospitals that utilize them. In most
cases, once the surgery is finished, the surgical instrument sets are returned to us and we prepare them for shipment to meet future surgeries. This strategy is
designed to minimize backlogs, increase asset turns and maximize cash flow. Our pool of surgical equipment that we loan to or place with hospitals continues
to increase as we expand our distribution channels and increase market penetration of our products. These surgical instrument sets are important to the growth
of our business and we anticipate additional investments in our loaner assets.

Intellectual Property

We  rely  on  a  combination  of  patent,  trademark,  copyright,  trade  secret  and  other  intellectual  property  laws,  nondisclosure  agreements  and  other
measures to protect our intellectual property rights. We believe that in order to have a competitive advantage, we must develop and maintain the proprietary
aspects of our technologies. We require our shareowners, consultants and advisors to execute confidentiality agreements in connection with their employment,
consulting or advisory relationships with us. We also require our shareowners, consultants and advisors who we expect to work on our products to agree to
disclose and assign to us all inventions conceived during the work day, using our property or which relate to our business. Despite any measures taken to
protect  our  intellectual  property,  unauthorized  parties  may  attempt  to  copy  aspects  of  our  products  or  to  obtain  and  use  information  that  we  regard  as
proprietary.

Patents

As  of  December  31,  2011,  we  had  110  issued  U.S.  patents,  58  foreign  national  patents,  and  318  pending  patent  applications,  including  252

U.S. applications, 7 international (PCT) applications and 59 foreign national applications. Our issued and pending patents cover, among other things:

•   MAS surgical access and spine systems;
•   Neurophysiology enabled instrumentation and methodology, including pedicle screw test systems, software hunting algorithms, navigated guidance,

and surgical access systems;

•   Implants and related instrumentation and targeting systems;
•   Biologics, including Osteocel Plus and Formagraft; and
•   Motion preservation products.

Our issued patents begin to expire in 2018. We do not believe that the expiration of any single patent is likely to significantly affect our intellectual

property position.

We have undertaken to protect our neurophysiology platform, including our proprietary nerve monitoring systems, through a comprehensive strategy
covering various important aspects of our neurophysiology-enabled instrumentation, including, screw test, software hunting algorithms, navigated guidance,
surgical access and related methodology. We have also undertaken to protect our XLIF surgical technique franchise, including methodology, implants, and
systems used during XLIF procedures.

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The  medical  device  industry  is  characterized  by  the  existence  of  a  large  number  of  patents  and  frequent  litigation  based  on  allegations  of  patent
infringement.  Patent  litigation  can  involve  complex  factual  and  legal  questions  and  its  outcome  is  uncertain.  Our  success  will  depend  in  part  on  our  not
infringing patents issued to others, including our competitors and potential competitors. As the number of entrants into our market increases, the possibility of
future  patent  infringement  claims  against  us  grows.  While  we  take  extensive  efforts  to  ensure  that  our  products  do  not  infringe  other  parties'  patents  and
proprietary rights, our products and methods may be covered by patents held by our competitors. There are numerous risks associated with our intellectual
property. For a complete discussion of these risks, please see the "Risk Factors" section of this Annual Report.

Trademarks

As of December 31, 2011, we had 195 trademark registrations, both domestic and foreign, including the following U.S. trademarks: $ Billion Start-Up,
Absolute  Responsiveness,  Acuity,  Affix,  Armada,  Attrax,  Back  Pact,  Bendini,  Better  Back  Alliance,  Brigade,  CerPass,  CoRoent,  Corpomotion,  Creative
Spine Technology, DBR, Embody, Embrace, ExtenSure, FormaGraft, Gradient Plus, Halo, InStim, I-PAS, Leverage, M5, MAS, MaXcess, NeoDisc, Nerve
Avoidance  Leader,  NeuroVision,  NuVasive,  NVJJB,  Osteocel,  PCM,  SmartPlate,  SOLAS,  SpheRx,  The  Better  Way  Back,  Traverse,  Triad,  VuePoint,  X-
Core, XL TDR, XLIF and XLP. We also had 13 trademark applications pending, both domestic and foreign, including the following trademarks: EasyScreen,
H2, Helix, ILIF, Radian, NVJJB, Osteocel, SOLAS, Speed of Innovation, Traverse, and Precept.

Included in the count above are two registered trademarks for "NeuroVision" which, in 2010, as a result of a jury verdict delivered against us, the U.S.
District Court for the Central District of California ordered, among other things, cancellation of these two registered trademarks. We continue to believe that
the verdict and judgment delivered against us in this case are not supported by the facts or by applicable law and have filed an appeal.

Competition

We are aware of a number of major medical device companies that have developed or plan to develop products for use in surgical alternatives with less

tissue disruption to compete with us.

Our  currently  marketed  products  are,  and  any  future  products  we  commercialize  will  be,  subject  to  intense  competition.  Several  of  our  current  and
potential competitors have substantially greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do, and they may succeed in developing products that
would render our products obsolete or noncompetitive. In addition, these competitors may have significantly greater operating history and reputations than we
do in their respective fields. Our ability to compete successfully will depend on our ability to develop proprietary products that reach the market in a timely
manner, receive adequate reimbursement and are safer, less invasive and less expensive than alternatives available for the same purpose. Because of the size
of the potential market, we anticipate that companies will continue to dedicate significant resources to developing competing products. Below are our primary
competitors grouped by our product categories.

Our  nerve  monitoring  products  compete  with  the  traditional  nerve  monitoring  systems  offered  by  Medtronic  Sofamor  Danek  (Medtronic),  Natus,
Cadwell Laboratories, and VIASYS Healthcare, a division of CareFusion Corporation. We believe our technology competes favorably with these systems on
ease of use for the spine surgeon, with the added advantage that our nerve monitoring systems were designed to support surgeon directed, surgeon controlled
applications  delivering  automated,  real-time  feedback  about  the  directionality  and  relative  proximity  of  nerves.  Medtronic's  NIM-Eclipse  neuromonitoring
system, acquired from Axon, while surgeon directed, requires manual interpretation for neuromonitoring. Our IOM service offering competes with regional
IOM companies as well as in-house hospital services.

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Several companies offer products that compete with our MaXcess system, SpheRx pedicle screw system and implants, including competitive offerings

by DePuy Spine, Inc. (Depuy), a Johnson & Johnson company, Medtronic and Stryker Spine.

Competition  is  intense  in  the  fusion  product  market.  We  believe  that  our  most  significant  competitors  are  Medtronic,  DePuy,  Stryker  Spine  and
Synthes, Inc. (who has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Johnson & Johnson), each of which has substantially greater sales and financial
resources than we do. Medtronic, in particular, has a broad classic fusion product line. We believe our differentiation in the market is an innovative portfolio
of products elegantly delivered through our MaXcess system, as well as through our XLIF approach, complemented by additional innovative and pull-though
products along the entirety of the spine. However, with the introduction of competing lateral techniques, such as Medtronic's DLIF, we face more competition
in the market.

Competition  in  the  motion  preservation  segment  is  increasing,  with  Medtronic,  DePuy,  Stryker  Spine  and  Synthes,  Inc.  all  investing  in  this  rapidly
growing market. In the cervical total disc replacement (TDR) segment, our PCM device, which was submitted for FDA approval in the first quarter of 2010, if
approved,  will  face  competition  from  several  products  that  received  FDA  approval  in  2007  including  Medtronic's  Prestige  and  Bryan  TDRs  as  well  as
Synthes, Inc.'s ProDisc-C TDR.

We also face competition from a significant number of smaller companies with more limited product offerings and geographic reach than our larger
competitors. These companies, who represent intense competition in specified markets, include Globus Medical, Inc., Zimmer Spine, Orthofix International
N.V. (Orthofix), Biomet EBI/Spine, Alphatec Spine, Inc. (Alphatec), K2M, Inc. and others.

Competition in the biologics market is increasing as well. In addition to our larger competitors, which are investing in their biologics platforms, we face

competition from smaller orthobiologics companies such as Orthofix, Alphatec, Nutech Medical, Inc., and the Musculoskelatal Transplant Foundation.

Government Regulation

Our products are medical devices and tissue subject to extensive regulation by the FDA and other regulatory bodies. FDA regulations govern, among

other things, the following activities that we or our partners perform and will continue to perform:

•   product design and development;
•   product testing;
•   product manufacturing;
•   product labeling;
•   product storage;
•   premarket clearance or approval;
•   advertising and promotion; and
•   product sales and distribution.

FDA's Premarket Clearance and Approval Requirements

Unless an exemption applies, each medical device we develop to commercially distribute in the United States will require either prior 510(k) clearance
or prior premarket approval from the FDA. The FDA classifies medical devices into one of three classes. Devices deemed to pose lower risk are placed in
either class I or II, which requires the manufacturer to submit to the FDA a premarket notification requesting permission for

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commercial distribution. This process is known as 510(k) clearance. Some low risk devices are exempt from this requirement. Devices deemed by the FDA to
pose the greatest risk, such as life-sustaining, life-supporting or implantable devices, or devices deemed not substantially equivalent to a previously cleared
510(k) device are placed in class III, requiring premarket approval.

510(k) Clearance Pathway

To  obtain  510(k)  clearance,  a  premarket  notification  must  be  submitted  demonstrating  that  the  proposed  device  is  substantially  equivalent  to  a
previously cleared 510(k) device or a device that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976 for which the FDA has not yet called for the submission
of  premarket  approval  applications.  The  FDA's  510(k)  clearance  pathway  usually  takes  from  three  to  twelve  months  from  the  date  the  application  is
completed, but it can take significantly longer.

After a device receives 510(k) clearance, any modification that could significantly affect its safety or effectiveness, or that would constitute a major
change  in  its  intended  use,  will  require  a  new  510(k)  clearance  or  could  require  premarket  approval.  The  FDA  requires  each  manufacturer  to  make  this
determination  initially,  but  the  FDA  can  review  any  such  decision  and  can  disagree  with  a  manufacturer's  determination.  If  the  FDA  disagrees  with  a
manufacturer's determination, the FDA can require the manufacturer to cease marketing and/or recall the modified device until 510(k) clearance or premarket
approval is obtained. If the FDA requires us to seek 510(k) clearance or premarket approval for any modifications to a previously cleared product, we may be
required  to  cease  marketing  or  recall  the  modified  device  until  we  obtain  this  clearance  or  approval.  Also,  in  these  circumstances,  we  may  be  subject  to
significant regulatory fines or penalties. We have made and plan to continue to make additional product enhancements that we believe do not require new
510(k) clearances.

Premarket Approval (PMA) Pathway

A PMA application must be submitted if the device cannot be cleared through the 510(k) process. A PMA application must be supported by extensive
data  including,  but  not  limited  to,  technical  information,  preclinical  data,  clinical  trial  data,  manufacturing  data  and  labeling  to  demonstrate,  to  the  FDA's
satisfaction, the safety and efficacy of the device for its intended use. Once a complete PMA application is submitted, the FDA begins an in-depth review
which generally takes between one and three years, but may take significantly longer. During this review period, the FDA may request additional information
or  clarification  of  information  already  provided.  Also,  during  the  review  period,  an  advisory  panel  of  experts  from  outside  the  FDA  may  be  convened  to
review  and  evaluate  the  application  and  provide  recommendations  to  the  FDA  as  to  the  approvability  of  the  device.  In  addition,  the  FDA  will  conduct  a
preapproval inspection of the manufacturing facility to ensure compliance with quality system regulations. New PMAs or PMA supplements are required for
significant modifications to the manufacturing process, labeling or design of a device that is approved through the PMA process. A PMA supplement often
requires submission of the same type of information as an original PMA application, except that a supplement is limited to information needed to support any
changes from the device covered by the original PMA application, and may not require as extensive clinical data or the convening of an advisory panel.

Human Cell, Tissue, and Cellular and Tissue Based Products

Our allograft implant products, Triad, H2 and ExtenSure, and our Osteocel Plus products are regulated by the FDA as Human Cell, Tissue, and Cellular
and Tissue Based Products. FDA regulations do not currently require products regulated as minimally manipulated human tissue-based products to be 510(k)
cleared or PMA approved before they are marketed. We are, however, required to register our establishment, list these products with the FDA and comply
with Current Good Tissue Practices for Human Cell, Tissue, and Cellular and Tissue Based Product Establishments. The FDA periodically inspects tissue
processors  to  determine  compliance  with  these  requirements.  Violations  of  applicable  regulations  noted  by  the  FDA  during  facility  inspections  could
adversely affect the continued marketing of our products. We believe we comply with all aspects of the Current Good Tissue Practices, although there can be
no assurance that we will comply, or will comply on a timely basis,

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in  the  future.  Entities  that  provide  us  with  allograft  bone  tissue  are  responsible  for  performing  donor  recovery,  donor  screening  and  donor  testing  and  our
compliance  with  those  aspects  of  the  Current  Good  Tissue  Practices  regulations  that  regulate  those  functions  are  dependent  upon  the  actions  of  these
independent entities.

The procurement and transplantation of allograft bone tissue is subject to U.S. federal law pursuant to the National Organ Transplant Act, or NOTA, a
criminal  statute  which  prohibits  the  purchase  and  sale  of  human  organs  used  in  human  transplantation,  including  bone  and  related  tissue,  for  "valuable
consideration." NOTA permits reasonable payments associated with the removal, transportation, processing, preservation, quality control, implantation and
storage of human bone tissue. With the exception of removal and implantation, we provide services in all of these areas. We make payments to vendors in
consideration for the services they provide in connection with the recovery and screening of donors. Failure to comply with the requirements of NOTA could
result in enforcement action against us.

The procurement of human tissue is also subject to state anatomical gift acts and some states have statutes similar to NOTA. In addition, some states

require that tissue processors be licensed by that state. Failure to comply with state laws could also result in enforcement action against us.

Clinical Trials

A  clinical  trial  is  almost  always  required  to  support  a  PMA  application  and  is  sometimes  required  for  a  510(k)  premarket  notification.  These  trials
generally require approval of a submitted application for an investigational device exemption Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) to the FDA. The IDE
application must be supported by appropriate data, such as animal and laboratory testing results, showing that it is safe to evaluate the device in humans and
that the testing protocol is scientifically sound. The IDE application must be approved in advance by the FDA for a specified number of subjects, unless the
product is deemed a non-significant risk device and eligible for more abbreviated IDE requirements. Clinical trials for a significant risk device may begin
once the IDE application is approved by the FDA and the responsible institutional review boards. Future clinical trials of our motion preservation designs will
likely require that we obtain IDEs from the FDA prior to commencing clinical trials. We filed with the FDA for an IDE on the XL TDR, and were granted an
IDE in 2008. Our clinical trials must be conducted in accordance with FDA regulations and other federal regulations concerning human subject protection and
privacy and must be publicly registered. The results of our clinical trials may not be sufficient to obtain approval of our product. There are numerous risks
associated with conducting such a clinical trial, including the high costs and uncertain outcomes. For a complete discussion of these risks, please see the "Risk
Factors" section of this Annual Report.

Pervasive and Continuing FDA Regulation

After a device is placed on the market, numerous regulatory requirements apply. These include, but are not limited to:
•   quality system regulation, which requires manufacturers to follow design, testing, process control, and other quality assurance procedures;
•   labeling regulations, which prohibit the promotion of products for unapproved or "off-label" uses and impose other restrictions on labeling; and
•   medical device reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the FDA if their device may have caused or contributed to a death

or serious injury or malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if it were to recur.

Failure  to  comply  with  applicable  regulatory  requirements  can  result  in  enforcement  action  by  the  FDA,  which  may  include  any  of  the  following

sanctions:

•   fines, injunctions, and civil penalties;
•   recall or seizure of our products;

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•   operating restrictions, partial suspension or total shutdown of production;
•   refusing our request for 510(k) clearance or premarket approval of new products;
•   withdrawing 510(k) clearance or premarket approvals that are already granted; and
•   criminal prosecution.

We  are  subject  to  unannounced  device  inspections  by  the  FDA  and  the  California  Food  and  Drug  Branch,  as  well  as  other  regulatory  agencies
overseeing the implementation and adherence of applicable state and federal tissue licensing regulations. These inspections may include our subcontractors'
facilities.

Pursuant to FDA regulations, we can only market our products for cleared or approved uses. Although surgeons are permitted to use medical devices
for indications other than those cleared or approved by the FDA based on their medical judgment, we are prohibited from promoting products for such "off-
label" uses.

Healthcare Regulation and Commercial Compliance

The healthcare industry is highly regulated and changes in laws and regulations can be significant. Changes in the law or new interpretation of existing
laws  can  have  a  material  effect  on  our  permissible  activities,  the  relative  costs  associated  with  doing  business  and  the  amount  of  reimbursement  by
government and other third-party payers. The federal government and all states in which we currently operate regulate various aspects of our business. Failure
to comply with these laws could adversely affect our ability to receive reimbursement for our services and subject us and our officers and agents to civil and
criminal penalties.

Anti-kickback Statute:    We are subject to the federal anti-kickback statute which, among other things, prohibits the knowing and willful solicitation,
offer, payment or receipt of any remuneration, direct or indirect, in cash or in kind, in return for or to induce the referral of patients for items or services
covered  by  Medicare,  Medicaid  and  certain  other  governmental  health  programs.  Under  Patient  Protection  and  Affordable  Care  Act,  as  amended  by  the
Health  Care  and  Education  Reconciliation  Act  of  2010,  or  PPACA,  knowledge  of  the  anti-kickback  statute  or  the  specific  intent  to  violate  the  law  is  not
required. Violation of the anti-kickback statute may result in civil or criminal penalties and exclusion from Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare
programs, and according to PPACA, now provides a basis for liability under the False Claims Act. Many states have enacted similar statutes, which are not
limited to items and services paid for under Medicare or a federally funded healthcare program. We believe that our operations materially comply with the
anti-kickback  statutes;  however,  because  these  provisions  are  interpreted  broadly  by  regulatory  authorities,  we  cannot  be  assured  that  law  enforcement
officials or others will not challenge our operations under these statutes.

Federal False Claims Act:    The Federal False Claims Act and, in particular, the False Claims Act's "qui tam" or "whistleblower" provisions allow a
private individual to bring actions in the name of the government alleging that a defendant has made false claims for payment from federal funds. In addition,
various states are considering or have enacted laws modeled after the Federal False Claims Act, penalizing false claims against state funds. If an action is
brought against us, even if it is dismissed with no judgment or settlement, we may incur substantial legal fees and other costs relating to an investigation.
Actions brought under the False Claims Act may result in significant fines and legal fees and distract our management's attention, which would adversely
affect our financial condition and results of operations. We strive to ensure that we meet applicable requirements of the False Claims Act. However, the costs
of defending claims under the False Claims Act, as well as sanctions imposed under the Act, could significantly affect our business, financial condition and
results of operations.

Health  Insurance  Portability  and  Accountability  Act:        Under  the  Health  Insurance  Portability  and  Accountability  Act  of  1996,  or  HIPAA,  as  was
amended in 2005 and in 2009, a covered entity is required to adhere to certain requirements regarding the use, disclosure and security of protected health
information, or PHI. In the past, HIPAA has generally affected us indirectly, as NuVasive is generally neither a Covered Entity nor a

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Business Associate to Covered Entities, except that our provision of IOM services through various subsidiaries may create a Business Associate relationship
and/or  our  Puerto  Rico  subsidiary  may  be  a  Covered  Entity.  Notwithstanding,  in  those  cases  where  patient  data  is  received,  NuVasive  is  committed  to
maintaining the security and privacy of PHI. The potential for enforcement action against us is now greater, as the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) can take action directly against Business Associates. Thus, while we believe we are and will be in compliance with all HIPAA standards,
there is no guarantee that the government will not disagree. Enforcement actions can be costly and interrupt regular operations of our business. Nonetheless,
these new requirements affect only a small portion of our business. We believe the ongoing costs and impacts of assuring compliance with the HIPAA privacy
and security rules are not material to our business.

Foreign  Corrupt  Practices  Act:        The  United  States  and  foreign  government  regulators  have  increased  regulation,  enforcement,  inspections  and
governmental investigations of the medical device industry, including increased United States government oversight and enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt
Practices  Act.  Whenever  the  United  States  or  another  foreign  governmental  authority  concludes  that  we  are  not  in  compliance  with  applicable  laws  or
regulations, such governmental authority can impose fines, delay or suspend regulatory clearances, institute proceedings to detain or seize our products, issue
a recall, impose operating restrictions, enjoin future violations and assess civil penalties against us or our officers or employees, and can recommend criminal
prosecution to the Department of Justice. Moreover, governmental authorities can ban or request the recall, repair, replacement or refund of the cost of any
device or product we manufacture or distribute. We are also potentially subject to the UK Bribery Act, which could also lead to the imposition of civil and
criminal fines. Any of the foregoing actions could result in decreased sales as a result of negative publicity and product liability claims, and could have a
material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Physician Payments Sunshine Act of 2009, or Sunshine Act:    The Sunshine Act was enacted into law in 2010 and requires public disclosure to the
federal government of payments to physicians, including in-kind transfers of value such as free gifts or meals. These requirements all provide for penalties for
non-compliance. Implementation of this law is expected to occur at some point in 2012. This new law, along with individual state reporting requirements,
such as in Massachusetts and Vermont, increases the possibility that a healthcare company may run afoul of one or more of the requirements.

Compliance  Program:        The  federal  government  has  recommended,  in  the  federal  sentencing  guidelines,  that  healthcare  companies  develop  and
maintain an effective compliance program to reduce the likelihood of non-compliance by the company, its employees, agents and contractors. A compliance
program is a set of internal controls established by a company to prevent and/or detect any non-compliant activities and to address properly those issues that
may be discovered. In addition, some states, such as Massachusetts and California now require certain healthcare companies to have a formal compliance
program in place in order to do business within the state. For years, we have maintained a compliance program structured to meet the requirements of the
federal sentencing guidelines for an effective compliance program and the model compliance programs promulgated by HHS over the years and includes, but
is  not  limited  to,  a  Code  of  Ethical  Business  Conduct,  designation  of  a  compliance  officer,  compliance  committee,  policies  and  procedures,  a  confidential
disclosure method (a hotline), and conducting periodic audits to ensure compliance.

Foreign Government Regulation

Sales of medical devices outside the United States are subject to foreign government regulations, which vary substantially from country to country. The

time required to obtain approval by a foreign country may be longer or shorter than that required for FDA approval, and the requirements may differ.

The  European  Union,  which  consists  of  27  countries  in  Europe,  has  adopted  numerous  directives  and  standards  regulating  the  design,  manufacture,
clinical trials, labeling, and adverse event reporting for medical devices. Other countries, such as Switzerland, have voluntarily adopted laws and regulations
that mirror those of the European Union with respect to medical devices. Devices that comply with the requirements of a relevant

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directive  will  be  entitled  to  bear  CE  conformity  marking  and,  accordingly,  can  be  commercially  distributed  throughout  Europe.  The  method  of  assessing
conformity  varies  depending  on  the  class  of  the  product,  but  normally  involves  a  combination  of  self-assessment  by  the  manufacturer  and  a  third-party
assessment  by  a  "Notified  Body."  This  third-party  assessment  consists  of  an  audit  of  the  manufacturer's  quality  system  and  technical  review  of  the
manufacturer's product. We have now successfully passed several Notified Body audits since our original certification in 2001, granting us ISO registration
and allowing the CE conformity marking to be applied to certain of our devices under the European Union Medical Device Directive.

The Japanese government in recent years made revisions to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law (PAL) that made significant changes to the preapproval
regulatory systems. These changes have in part, stipulated that in addition to obtaining a manufacturing or import approval from the Ministry of Health, Labor
and Welfare certain low-risk medical devices can now be evaluated by third-party organizations. Based on the risk-based classification, manufacturers are
provided  three  procedures  for  satisfying  the  PAL  requirements  prior  to  placing  products  on  the  market,  Pre-market  Submission  (Todokede),  Pre-market
Certification (Ninsho) and Pre-market Approval (Shonin). NuVasive intends to market devices in Japan that will be assessed by both government entities and
third party organizations using all three procedures in place for manufacturers. The level of review and time line for medical device approval will depend on
the risk-based classification and subsequent regulatory procedure that the medical device is aligned based on assessment against the Pharmaceutical Affairs
Law. Manufacturers must also obtain a manufacturing or import license from the prefectural government prior to importing medical devices. We will also be
pursuing authorizations required by the prefectural government.

Third-Party Reimbursement

Broadly speaking, payer pushback on spine surgery in the U.S. has increased in the recent past and we believe this has had an overall dampening effect

on spine procedure volumes and prices.

We expect that sales volumes and prices of our products and services will continue to be largely dependent on the availability of reimbursement from
third-party  payers,  such  as  governmental  programs,  for  example,  Medicare  and  Medicaid,  private  insurance  plans  and  managed  care  programs.
Reimbursement  is  contingent  on  established  coding  for  a  given  procedure,  coverage  of  the  codes  by  the  third-party  payers,  and  adequate  payment  for  the
resources used.

Physician coding for procedures is established by the American Medical Association, or AMA. For coding related to spine surgery, the North American
Spine Society, or NASS, is the primary liaison to AMA. In July of 2006 NASS established the proper physician coding for the XLIF procedure by declaring it
to  be  encompassed  in  existing  codes  that  describe  an  anterolateral  approach  to  the  spine.  This  position  was  confirmed  in  a  formal  statement  by  NASS  in
January 2010. Hospital coding is established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS. XLIF is included in the nomenclature for hospital
codes  as  an  additional  descriptor  under  existing  codes.  All  physician  and  hospital  coding  is  subject  to  change  which  could  impact  reimbursement  and
physician practice behavior.

Independent of the coding status, third-party payers may deny coverage based on their own criteria, such as if they feel that a device or procedure is not
well established clinically, is not the most cost-effective treatment available, or is used for an unapproved indication. At various times over the past two years,
certain insurance providers have adopted policies of not providing reimbursement for the XLIF procedure. We have worked with our surgeon customers and
NASS who, in turn, have worked with these insurance providers to supply the information, explanation and clinical data they require to categorize the XLIF
procedure  as  a  procedure  entitled  to  reimbursement  under  their  policies.  At  present,  all  major  insurance  companies  provide  reimbursement  for  XLIF
procedures,  including  Aetna,  CIGNA,  Humana,  and  United  Healthcare  along  with  the  majority  of  the  Blue  Cross  Blue  Shield  Association  independently
operated member companies, including Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), the largest non-investor owned member which operates four Blue Cross
and Blue Shield Plans in the Midwest and Southwest (Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico), each of whom has reversed

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their prior policy of non-coverage. Certain smaller regional carriers may, however, have policies against coverage of XLIF. We will continue to provide the
appropriate  resources  to  patients,  surgeons,  hospitals,  and  insurers  in  order  to  ensure  optimum  patient  care  and  clarity  regarding  XLIF  reimbursement  and
work to remove any and all non-coverage policies. National and regional coverage policy decisions are subject to unforeseeable change and have the potential
to impact physician behavior. For a discussion of these risks, please see the "Risk Factors" section of this Annual Report.

Payment  amounts  are  established  by  government  and  private  payer  programs  and  are  subject  to  fluctuations  which  could  impact  physician  practice
behavior. Third-party payers are increasingly challenging the prices charged for a wide range of medical products and services, including those in spine where
we participate.

In international markets, reimbursement and healthcare payment systems vary significantly by country and many countries have instituted price ceilings
on  specific  product  lines.  There  can  be  no  assurance  that  our  products  will  be  accepted  by  third-party  payers,  that  reimbursement  will  be  available  or,  if
available, that the third-party payers' reimbursement policies will not adversely affect our ability to sell our products profitably.

Particularly  in  the  United  States  where  major  healthcare  reform  provisions  loom,  third-party  payers  must  demonstrate  they  can  improve  quality  and
reduce  costs  and  thus  we  see  an  increase  in  pre-approval/prior  authorizations  and  non-coverage  policies  citing  higher  levels  of  evidence  requirements  for
medical therapies and technologies. In addition, insured individuals are facing increased premiums and higher out of pocket costs for medical coverage which
can lead a patient to delay medical treatment. An increasing number of insured individuals receive their medical care through managed care programs, which
monitor and often require pre-approval of the services that a member will receive. Many managed care programs are paying their providers on a capitated
basis, which puts the providers at financial risk for the services provided to their patients by paying them a predetermined payment per member per month.
The percentage of individuals covered by managed care programs is expected to grow in the United States over the next decade.

We  believe  that  the  overall  escalating  cost  of  medical  products  and  services  has  led  to,  and  will  continue  to  lead  to,  increased  pressures  on  the
healthcare industry to reduce the costs of products and services. There can be no assurance that third-party reimbursement and coverage will be available or
adequate, or that future legislation, regulation, or reimbursement policies of third-party payers will not adversely affect the demand for our products or our
ability to sell these products on a profitable basis. The unavailability or inadequacy of third-party payer coverage or reimbursement could have a material
adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition. For a discussion of these risks, please see the "Risk Factors" section of this Annual
Report.

Shareowners (our employees)

We  refer  to  our  employees  as  shareowners.  As  of  December  31,  2011,  we  had  1,093  shareowners.  In  addition  to  our  shareowners,  we  partner  with
exclusive independent sales agencies and independent distributors who sell our products in the United States and internationally. There are approximately 379
individuals  associated  with  the  exclusive  independent  sales  agencies  and  independent  distributors  with  whom  we  partner.  None  of  our  shareowners  are
represented by a labor union and we believe our shareowner relations are good.

NuVasive Spine Foundation

The  NuVasive  Spine  Foundation,  formerly  known  as  Cheetah  Gives  Back,  is  a  non-profit  organization  that  has  common  management  with  us.  The
NuVasive  Spine  Foundation  is  committed  to  providing  life-changing  spine  surgery  to  individuals  around  the  world  who  have  limited  access  to  medical
treatment  and  to  developing  sustainable  spine  care  programs  and  advancing  spine  surgery  technology  by  providing  surgeons  to  train  and  educate  other
surgeons in disadvantaged communities.

We  are  not  required  to  make  contributions  to  The  NuVasive  Spine  Foundation,  except  for  amounts  pledged.  No  amounts  were  pledged  as  of

December 31, 2011.

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Corporate Information

Our business was incorporated in Delaware in July 1997. Our principal executive offices are located at 7475 Lusk Boulevard, San Diego, California

92121, and our telephone number is (858) 909-1800. Our website is located at www.nuvasive.com.

We  file  our  annual  reports  on  Form  10-K,  quarterly  reports  on  Form  10-Q  and  current  reports  on  Form  8-K,  and  any  amendments  to  those  reports,
electronically  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  (the  Commission).  We  make  these  reports  available  free  of  charge  on  our  website  under  the
investor relations page as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Commission. All such reports were
made available in this fashion during 2011.

This  report  may  refer  to  brand  names,  trademarks,  service  marks  or  trade  names  of  other  companies  and  organizations,  and  these  brand  names,

trademarks, service marks and trade names are the property of their respective holders.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors 

Risk factors which could cause actual results to differ from our expectations and which could negatively impact our financial condition and results of
operations  are  discussed  below  and  elsewhere  in  this  report.  If  any  of  the  following  risks  actually  occurs,  our  business,  financial  condition,  results  of
operations and our future growth prospects could be materially and adversely affected. Under these circumstances, the trading price of our common stock
could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Further, additional risks not currently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial
also may impair our business, operations, liquidity and stock price materially and adversely.

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

Changes to third party reimbursement policies and practices, including non-coverage decisions, can negatively impact our ability to sell our products
and services.

We believe that future reimbursement may be subject to changes in policies and practices, such as more restrictive criteria to qualify for surgery or
reduction in payment amount to hospitals and surgeons for approved surgery, both in the United States and in international markets. Sales of our products and
services will depend on the availability of adequate reimbursement from third party payers. Future legislation, regulation or reimbursement policies of third
party  payers  may  adversely  affect  the  demand  for  our  products  and  services  as  healthcare  providers,  such  as  hospitals  that  purchase  medical  devices  and
services  for  treatment  of  their  patients,  generally  rely  on  third  party  payers  to  reimburse  all  or  part  of  the  costs  and  fees  associated  with  the  procedures
performed  with  these  devices  and  services.  Likewise,  spine  surgeons  rely  primarily  on  third  party  reimbursement  for  the  surgical  fees  they  earn.  Spine
surgeons are unlikely to use our products and services if they do not receive reimbursement adequate to cover the cost of their involvement in the surgical
procedures.

Certain  third  party  payers  have  stated  non-coverage  decisions  concerning  our  technologies  and  services  and  implementation  of  such  policies  could
significantly alter our ability to sell our products. For example, several smaller regional third party payers, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida and
Medica of Minnesota, continue to have reimbursement policies that label XLIF® surgeries as experimental.

To  the  extent  we  sell  our  products  internationally,  market  acceptance  may  depend,  in  part,  upon  the  availability  of  reimbursement  within  prevailing
healthcare payment systems. In international markets, reimbursement and healthcare payment systems vary significantly by country and many countries have
instituted price ceilings on specific product lines.

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We are currently involved in a patent litigation action involving Medtronic, and, if we do not prevail on our appeal of the Medtronic verdict, we could
be liable for substantial damages and might be prevented from making, using, selling, offering to sell, importing or exporting certain of our products.

On  August  18,  2008,  Medtronic  filed  suit  against  NuVasive  in  the  United  States  District  Court  for  the  Southern  District  of  California,  alleging  that
certain of our products infringe, or contribute to the infringement of, U.S. patents owned by Medtronic. Trial in the first phase of the case began on August 20,
2011  and  on  September  20,  2011,  a  jury  delivered  an  unfavorable  verdict  against  us  with  respect  to  three  Medtronic  patents  and  a  favorable  verdict  with
respect to a NuVasive patent. Judgment was entered by the court on September 29, 2011. The jury awarded monetary damages of approximately $660,000 to
NuVasive  which  includes  back  royalty  payments.  Additionally,  the  jury  awarded  monetary  damages  of  approximately  $101.2  million  to  Medtronic  which
includes lost profits and back royalties. Medtronic sought a permanent injunction against us with respect to the sale of our CoRoent XL, MaXcess Retractor
and Helix ACP Cervical Plate. The court denied the motion; provided, however, Medtronic may continue to seek an injunction and may appeal the court's
denial of their request. Additional damages, including interest and potential ongoing royalties may still be awarded. A final appealable judgment is expected
in the coming months. While we intend to timely appeal the unfavorable verdict, we may be required to secure the amount of the judgment, or an even greater
amount at the court's discretion, during the appeals process which could result in a material reduction in the liquidity required to run or grow our business.
Should Medtronic receive an injunction or should the court award a much higher royalty rate in any appeal initiated by Medtronic, our ability to generate
profits and cash flow, and, as a result, to invest in and grow our business, including the investment into new and innovative technologies may suffer.

Pricing pressure from our competitors, hospital customers and insurance providers can negatively impact our ability to sell our products and services.

The  market  for  spine  surgery  products  is  large  and  this  has  attracted  numerous  new  companies  and  technologies,  and  encouraged  more  established
companies  to  intensify  competitive  pressure.  New  entrants  to  our  markets  include  numerous  niche  companies  with  singular  product  focus,  as  well  as
companies owned partially by spine surgeons, who have significant market knowledge and access to the surgeons who use our products. As a result of this
increased competition, we believe there will be continued pricing pressure. In addition, we may experience decreasing prices for our products due to pricing
pressure  experienced  by  our  hospital  customers  from  managed  care  organizations,  insurance  providers  and  other  third  party  payers  and  increased  market
power of our hospital customers as the medical device industry consolidates.

If competitive forces drive down the price we are able to charge for some of our products, and we are not able to counter that pressure as we have
historically with the rapid introduction of new offerings, our profit margins will shrink, which will hamper our ability to generate profits and cash flow, and,
as a result, to invest in and grow our business, including the investment into new and innovative technologies.

Our IOM business exposes us to risks inherent with the sale of services, to which we were not previously exposed as a medical device company.

With the acquisition of Impulse Monitoring in October 2011, we are now selling IOM services that are unique from the sale of our biologics, lumbar,
thoracic,  cervical  and  motion  preservation  products  and  have  applications  outside  of  our  core  business  of  spinal  surgery.  Our  IOM  services  involve
neurophysiologists  located  in  the  operating  room,  working  in  partnership  with  supervising  physicians  who  oversee  and  interpret  neurophysiological  data
gathered via broadband transmission in real-time. Our ability to deliver our IOM services could be severely affected if we fail to manage our relationships
with the supervising physicians and the hospital customers. Any disruption to our technology infrastructure or the Internet could harm our service operations
and our reputation among our customers. Any disruption to our computer systems could adversely impact the performance of our neurophysiologists.

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Impulse Monitoring also engages in direct billing of Medicare and commercial payers for IOM service which brings with it additional risks associated
with  proper  billing  practice  regulations,  HIPPA  compliance,  corporate  practice  of  medicine  laws,  greater  malpractice  exposure  and  new  collections  risk
associated with third party payers.

Due to the breadth of many healthcare laws and regulations, we could be subject to healthcare fraud regulation and enforcement by both the federal
government and the states in which we conduct our business. The laws that may affect our ability to operate include: (i) the federal healthcare programs Anti-
Kickback Law, which prohibits, among other things, persons from knowingly and willfully soliciting, receiving, offering or paying remuneration, directly or
indirectly, in exchange for or to induce either the referral of an individual for, or the purchase, order or recommendation of, any good or service for which
payment may be made under federal healthcare programs such as Medicare or Medicaid, (ii) federal false claims laws which prohibit, among other things,
individuals or entities from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, claims for payment from Medicare, Medicaid, or other third-party payors that
are false or fraudulent, and which may apply to entities like us which provide coding and billing advice to customers, and/or (iii) state law equivalents of each
of the above federal laws, such as anti-kickback and false claims laws which may apply to items or services reimbursed by any third-party payer, including
commercial insurers, many of which differ from their federal counterparts in significant ways, thus complicating compliance efforts.

If our operations are found to be in violation of any of the laws described above or any other governmental regulations that apply to us, we may be
subject  to  penalties,  including  civil  and  criminal  penalties,  damages,  fines  and  the  curtailment  or  restructuring  of  our  operations.  Any  penalties,  damages,
fines, curtailment or restructuring of our operations could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our financial results. The risk of our being
found in violation of these laws is increased by the fact that their provisions are open to a variety of interpretations. Any action against us for violation of
these  laws,  even  if  we  successfully  defend  against  it,  could  cause  us  to  incur  significant  legal  expenses  and  divert  our  management's  attention  from  the
operation of our business.

Health care policy changes, including U.S. health care reform legislation signed in 2010, may have a material adverse effect on us.

In response to perceived increases in health care costs in recent years, there have been and continue to be proposals by the federal government, state
governments, regulators, and third-party payers to control these costs and, more generally, to reform the U.S. health care system. Certain of these proposals
could limit the prices we are able to charge for our products or the amounts of reimbursement available for our products and could limit the acceptance and
availability  of  our  products.  The  adoption  of  some  or  all  of  these  proposals  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  financial  position  and  results  of
operations.

In  March  2010,  President  Obama  signed  into  law  the  Patient  Protection  and  Affordable  Care  Act  and  the  Health  Care  and  Education  Affordability
Reconciliation Act of 2010. The legislation imposes significant new taxes on medical device makers in the form of a 2.3% excise tax on all U.S. medical
device sales beginning in 2013. Under the legislation, the total cost to the medical device industry is expected to be approximately $20 billion over ten years.
This  significant  increase  in  the  tax  burden  on  our  industry  could  have  a  material,  negative  impact  on  our  results  of  operations  and  our  cash  flows.  Other
elements of this legislation, such as comparative effectiveness research, an independent payment advisory board, payment system reforms, including shared
savings pilots, and other provisions, could meaningfully change the way health care is developed and delivered, and may materially impact numerous aspects
of our business.

We are in a highly competitive market segment and face competition from large, well-established medical device manufacturers as well as new market
entrants.

The  market  for  spine  surgery  products  and  procedures  is  intensely  competitive,  subject  to  rapid  change  and  significantly  affected  by  new  product

introductions and other market activities of industry participants. With

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respect to our nerve monitoring systems and IOM services, we compete with Medtronic and VIASYS Healthcare, a division of CareFusion Corporation, both
of  which  have  significantly  greater  resources  than  we  do,  as  well  as  numerous  regional  nerve  monitoring  companies.  With  respect  to  MaXcess®,  our
minimally disruptive surgical system, our largest competitors are Medtronic, DePuy, Synthes, Inc., which has agreed to be acquired by Johnson & Johnson,
and  Stryker  Corporation.  We  compete  with  many  of  the  same  companies  with  respect  to  our  other  products.  We  also  compete  with  numerous  smaller
companies  with  respect  to  our  implant  products,  many  of  whom  have  a  significant  regional  market  presence.  At  any  time,  these  companies  may  develop
alternative treatments, products or procedures for the treatment of spine disorders that compete directly or indirectly with our products.

Many  of  our  larger  competitors  are  either  publicly  traded  or  divisions  or  subsidiaries  of  publicly  traded  companies,  and  enjoy  several  competitive

advantages over us, including:

•   significantly greater name recognition;
•   established relations with a greater number of spine surgeons, hospitals, other healthcare providers and third party payers;
•   larger and more well established distribution networks with significant international presence;
•   products supported by long-term clinical data;
•   greater experience in obtaining and maintaining FDA and other regulatory approvals or clearances for products and product enhancements;
•   more expansive portfolios of intellectual property rights and greater funds available to engage in legal action; and
•   greater financial, cash flow, capital markets access and other resources for product research and development, sales and marketing and litigation.

In  addition,  the  spine  industry  is  becoming  increasingly  crowded  with  new  market  entrants,  including  companies  owned  at  least  partially  by  spine
surgeons (physician owned distributors). Many of these new competitors focus on a specific product or market segment, making it more difficult for us to
expand  our  overall  market  position.  If  these  companies  become  successful,  we  expect  that  competition  will  become  even  more  intense,  leading  to  greater
pricing pressure and making it more difficult for us to expand.

Our future success depends on our strategy of obsoleting our own products and our ability to timely acquire, develop and introduce new products or
product enhancements that will be accepted by the market.

We have the objective of staying ahead of the spine market by obsoleting our own products with new products and enhancements. It is important to our
business that we continue to build upon our product offering to surgeons and hospitals, and enhance the products we currently offer. As such, our success will
depend  in  part  on  our  ability  to  acquire,  develop  and  introduce  new  products  and  enhancements  to  our  existing  products  to  keep  pace  with  the  rapidly
changing spine market. We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully acquire, develop, obtain regulatory approval for or market new products or
that any of our future products or enhancements will be accepted by the surgeons who use our products or the third party payers who financially support many
of  the  procedures  performed  with  our  products.  Additionally,  in  our  quest  to  obsolete  our  own  products,  we  must  effectively  manage  our  inventory,  the
demand  for  new  and  current  products  and  the  regulatory  process  for  new  products  in  order  to  avoid  unintended  adverse  financial  and  accounting
consequences.

If we do not effectively manage our strategy of obsoleting our own products by acquiring or developing new products or product enhancements that we
can  introduce  in  time  to  meet  market  demand  or  if  there  is  insufficient  demand  for  these  products  or  enhancements,  or  if  we  do  not  manage  the  product
transitions well which would result in margin reducing writeoffs for obsolete inventory, our results of operations may suffer.

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If clinical trials of our current or future product candidates do not produce results necessary to support regulatory approval, we will be unable to
commercialize these products.

Several investigational devices in our development pipeline, including our PCM and lateral TDR (XL TDR) devices, will require a PMA submission to
the FDA based on their product classification. A PMA application must be supported by extensive data including, but not limited to, technical, preclinical,
clinical trials, manufacturing and labeling to demonstrate to the FDA's satisfaction the safety and effectiveness of the device for its intended use.

In order to receive regulatory approval for PCM, XL TDR or other devices requiring PMA approval, we must conduct, at our own expense, adequate
and well controlled clinical trials to demonstrate efficacy and safety in humans. Clinical testing is expensive, takes many years and has an uncertain outcome.
Clinical failure can occur at any stage of the testing. Our clinical trials may produce negative or inconclusive results, and we may decide, or regulators may
require us, to conduct additional clinical and/or non-clinical testing. Our failure to adequately demonstrate the efficacy and safety of any of our devices would
prevent receipt of regulatory approval and, ultimately, the commercialization of that device.

Our PCM and XL TDR devices are currently the subject of an IDE clinical study. There is no assurance that these devices will be approved for sale in
the United States by the FDA. The clinical study may prove that the device does not provide the intended benefit or that there are unintended negative side
effects of the device that make it unsafe or not effective. Any failure or delay in obtaining regulatory approval for these devices will hamper our ability to
commercialize the device in the United States and could severely impact the potential return on any investments or could result in future non-cash impairment
charges.

Jurisdictions  outside  of  the  United  States  have  regulatory  schemes  that  differ  from  that  of  the  United  States  in  various  respects.  In  each  jurisdiction
where  we  have  introduced  or  plan  to  introduce  our  products,  we  have  or  intend  to  submit  all  required  information  to  the  relevant  agencies,  perform  all
required  clinical  trials,  and  otherwise  to  comply  with  the  regulatory  schemes  in  non-U.S.  jurisdictions,  but  there  can  be  no  assurances  that  we  will  be
successful in our efforts to comply with these diverse, unfamiliar and sometimes complex laws and regulations, and failure to do so could harm our business.

If our acquisitions are unsuccessful, our business may be harmed.

As part of our business strategy, we have acquired companies, technologies, and product lines to maintain our objectives of developing or acquiring
innovative technologies. In October 2011, we acquired Impulse Monitoring, a provider of IOM services. Acquisitions involve numerous risks, including the
following:

•   the possibility that we will pay more than the value we derive from the acquisition, which could result in future non-cash impairment charges and/or

a dilution of future earnings per share;

•   difficulties in integration of the operations, technologies, personnel, and products of the acquired companies, which may require significant attention

of our management that otherwise would be available for the ongoing development of our business;

•   the applicability of additional laws, regulations and policies that have particular application to our acquisitions, including those relating to patient
privacy, insurance fraud and abuse, false claims, prohibitions against self-referrals, anti-kickbacks, direct billing practices, HIPAA compliance, and
prohibitions against the corporate practice of medicine and fee-splitting;

•   the assumption of certain known and unknown liabilities of the acquired companies;
•   difficulties in retaining key relationships with shareowners (employees), customers, partners and suppliers of the acquired company; and
•   difficulties in operating in different business markets where we may not have historical experience.

Any of these factors could have a negative impact on our business, results of operations or financing position. Further, past and potential acquisitions

entail risks, uncertainties and potential disruptions to our

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business, especially where we have limited experience as a company developing or marketing a particular product or technology or providing professional
IOM  services  (as  is  the  case  with  Impulse  Monitoring  where  we  have  limited  history  providing  professional  IOM  services  prior  to  the  acquisition).  For
example, we may not be able to successfully integrate an acquired company's operations, business processes, technologies, products and services, information
systems  and  personnel  into  our  business.  Acquisitions  may  also  further  strain  our  existing  financial  and  managerial  controls,  and  divert  management's
attention away from our other business concerns.

Our reliance on single source suppliers could limit our ability to meet demand for our products in a timely manner or within our budget.

We rely on third party suppliers and manufacturers to supply and manufacture our products. To be successful, our contract manufacturers must be able
to  provide  us  with  products  and  components  in  substantial  quantities,  in  compliance  with  regulatory  requirements,  in  accordance  with  agreed  upon
specifications, at acceptable cost and on a timely basis. Our anticipated growth could strain the ability of suppliers to deliver an increasingly large supply of
products, materials and components. If we are unable to obtain sufficient quantities of high quality components to meet customer demand on a timely basis,
we could lose customers, our reputation may be harmed and our business could suffer.

We currently use one or two manufacturers for each of our devices or components. Our dependence on one or two manufacturers involves several risks,
including limited control over pricing, availability, quality and delivery schedules. If any one or more of our manufacturers cease to provide us with sufficient
quantities of our components in a timely manner or on terms acceptable to us, cease to manufacture components of acceptable quality or cease to do business
in general, we would have to seek alternative sources of manufacturing. We could incur delays while we locate and engage alternative qualified suppliers and
we might be unable to engage alternative suppliers on favorable terms. Any such disruption or increased expenses could harm our commercialization efforts
and adversely affect our ability to generate revenue. In the event we experience delays, shortages, or stoppages of supply with any supplier, we would be
forced  to  locate  a  suitable  alternative  supplier  which  could  take  significant  time  and  result  in  significant  expense.  Any  inability  to  meet  our  customers'
demands for these products could lead to decreased sales and harm our reputation and result in the loss of customers to our competitors, which could cause the
market price of our common stock to decline.

If we fail to properly manage our anticipated international growth, our business could suffer.

We  have  invested,  and  expect  to  increase  our  investment  for  the  foreseeable  future,  in  our  expansion  into  international  markets.  To  execute  our

anticipated growth in international markets we must:

•   manage the complexities associated with a larger, faster growing and more geographically diverse organization;
•   expand our clinical development resources to manage and execute increasingly global, larger and more complex clinical trials;
•   expand our sales and marketing presence in international markets generally to avoid revenue concentration in a small number of markets that would

subject us to the risk of business disruption as a result of economic or political problems in concentrated locations;

•   upgrade our internal business processes and capabilities (e.g., information technology platform and systems, product distribution and tracking) to

create the scalability and properly handle the transaction volumes that our growing geographically diverse organization demands; and

•   expend time and resources to receive product approvals and clearances to sell and promote products.

We  expect  that  our  operating  expenses  will  continue  to  increase  as  we  continue  to  expand  into  international  markets.  International  markets  may  be
slower than domestic markets in adopting our products and are expected to yield lower profit margins when compared to our domestic operations. We have
only limited experience in expanding into international markets as well as marketing and operating our products and services in such markets.

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Additionally,  our  international  endeavors  may  involve  significant  risks  and  uncertainties,  including  distraction  of  management  from  domestic
operations,  insufficient  revenue  to  offset  expenses  associated  with  our  international  strategy,  and  unidentified  issues  not  discovered  in  our  due  diligence.
Because expansion into international markets is inherently risky, no assurance can be given that such strategies and initiatives will be successful and will not
materially  adversely  affect  our  financial  condition  and  operating  results.  Even  if  our  international  expansion  is  successful,  our  expenses  may  increase  at  a
greater pace than our revenues and our operating results could be harmed.

A  significant  portion  of  our  foreign  subsidiaries'  operating  expenses  are  incurred  in  foreign  currencies.  If  the  U.S.  dollar  weakens,  our  consolidated
operating expenses would increase. Should the U.S. dollar strengthen, our products may become more expensive for our international customers, and as a
result, our results of operations and net cash flows from international operations may be adversely affected, especially if international sales continue to grow
as a percentage of our total sales.

Further,  our  anticipated  growth  internationally  will  place  additional  strain  on  our  suppliers  and  manufacturers,  resulting  in  increased  need  for  us  to
carefully  monitor  quality  assurance.  Any  failure  by  us  to  manage  our  growth  effectively  could  have  an  adverse  effect  on  our  ability  to  achieve  our
development and commercialization goals.

If we fail to obtain, or experience significant delays in obtaining, FDA clearances or approvals for our future products or product enhancements, our
ability to commercially distribute and market our products could suffer.

Our medical devices are subject to rigorous regulation by the FDA and numerous other federal, state and foreign governmental authorities. The process
of obtaining regulatory clearances or approvals to market a medical device, particularly from the FDA, can be costly and time consuming, and there can be no
assurance that such clearances or approvals will be granted on a timely basis, if at all. In particular, the FDA permits commercial distribution of a new medical
device only after the device has received clearance under Section 510(k) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, or is the subject of an approved PMA.

The FDA will clear marketing of a medical device through the 510(k) process if it is demonstrated that the new product is substantially equivalent to
other 510(k)-cleared products. The PMA process is more costly, lengthy and uncertain than the 510(k) clearance process. Additionally, any modification to a
510(k)-cleared device that could significantly affect its safety or efficacy, or that would constitute a major change in its intended use, requires a new 510(k)
clearance or, possibly, a PMA. The FDA may not agree with any of our decisions regarding whether new clearances or approvals are necessary.

Our failure to comply with such regulations could lead to the imposition of injunctions, suspensions or loss of regulatory approvals, product recalls,

termination of distribution, or product seizures. In the most egregious cases, criminal sanctions or closure of our manufacturing facilities are possible.

Pursuant to FDA regulations, we can only market our products for cleared or approved uses. If the FDA determines that our promotional materials or
training  constitutes  promotion  of  an  unapproved  use,  it  could  request  that  we  modify  our  training  or  promotional  materials  or  subject  us  to  regulatory
enforcement actions, including the issuance of a warning letter, injunction, seizure, civil fine and criminal penalties. It is also possible that other federal, state
or foreign enforcement authorities might take action if they consider promotional or training materials to constitute promotion of an unapproved use, which
could result in significant fines or penalties under other statutory authorities. Additionally, surgeons use several of our products for unapproved uses. While
surgeons are permitted by the FDA to use our products for unapproved uses, there is a heightened risk of an enforcement action against us by a governmental
enforcement authority when surgeons engage in that practice.

Foreign governmental authorities that regulate the manufacture and sale of medical devices have become increasingly stringent and, to the extent we
market and sell our products in foreign countries, we may be subject to rigorous regulation in the future. In such circumstances, we would rely significantly on
our foreign

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subsidiaries and independent sales agencies to comply with the varying regulations, and any failures on their part could result in restrictions on the sale of our
products in foreign countries.

The safety of our products is not yet supported by long-term clinical data and our products may therefore prove to be less safe and effective than
initially thought which could subject us to product liability claims.

We  obtained  clearance  to  offer  almost  all  of  our  products  that  require  FDA  clearance  or  approval  through  the  FDA's  510(k)  clearance  process.  The
FDA's 510(k) clearance process is less rigorous than the PMA process and requires less supporting clinical data. As a result, we currently lack the breadth of
published long-term clinical data supporting the safety of our products and the benefits they offer that might have been generated in connection with the PMA
process. For these reasons, spine surgeons may be slow to adopt our products; we may not have comparative data that our competitors have or are generating
and we may be subject to greater regulatory and product liability risks. Further, future patient studies or clinical experience may indicate that treatment with
our products does not improve patient outcomes. Such results would reduce demand for our products, affect our ability to have sustainable reimbursement for
our  products  from  third  party  payers,  significantly  reduce  our  ability  to  achieve  expected  revenues  and  could  prevent  us  from  sustaining  or  increasing
profitability.  Moreover,  if  future  results  and  experience  indicate  that  our  products  cause  unexpected  or  serious  complications  or  other  unforeseen  negative
effects, we could be subject to significant legal liability and harm to our business reputation. The spine medical device market has been particularly prone to
potential product liability claims that are inherent in the testing, manufacture and sale of medical devices and products for spine surgery procedures.

A product liability or other damages claim, product recall or product misuse, regardless of the ultimate outcome, could require us to spend significant
time and money in litigation or to pay significant damages or costs and could seriously harm our business. Currently, we maintain product liability insurance
in  the  amount  of  $10  million.  Any  product  liability  claim  brought  against  us,  with  or  without  merit,  could  result  in  the  increase  of  our  product  liability
insurance rates or the inability to secure coverage in the future. In addition, if our product liability insurance proves to be inadequate to pay a damage award,
we may have to pay the excess out of our cash reserves which may harm our financial condition. If longer-term patient results and experience indicate that our
products  or  any  component  cause  tissue  damage,  motor  impairment  or  other  adverse  effects,  we  could  be  subject  to  significant  liability.  Finally,  even  a
meritless or unsuccessful product liability claim could harm our reputation in the industry, lead to significant legal fees and could result in the diversion of
management's  attention  from  managing  our  business.  A  product  liability  or  other  damages  claim,  product  recall,  or  product  misuse  involving  any  of  our
products could also materially and adversely damage our reputation and affect our ability to attract and retain customers, irrespective of whether or not the
claim or recall was meritorious.

If we or our suppliers fail to comply with the FDA's quality system regulations, the manufacture of our products could be delayed and we may be
subject to an enforcement action by the FDA.

We and our suppliers are required to comply with the FDA's quality system regulations, which cover the methods and documentation of the design,
testing,  production,  control,  quality  assurance,  labeling,  packaging,  storage  and  shipping  of  our  products.  The  FDA  enforces  the  quality  system  regulation
through inspections. If we or one of our suppliers fail a quality system regulations inspection or if any corrective action plan is not sufficient, the manufacture
of our products could be delayed. We have undergone FDA inspections regarding our allograft implant business and FDA inspections regarding our medical
device activities. In connection with these inspections as well as prior inspections, the FDA requested minor corrective actions, which we have implemented.
There can be no assurance the FDA will not subject us to further enforcement action and the FDA may impose additional inspections at any time.

Additionally, we are the legal manufacturer of record for the products that are distributed and labeled by NuVasive, regardless of whether the products
are manufactured by us or our suppliers. Thus, a failure by us or our suppliers to comply with applicable regulatory requirements can result in enforcement
action against us by the FDA, which may include any of the following sanctions:

•   fines, injunctions, and civil penalties;

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•   recall or seizure of our products;
•   operating restrictions, partial suspension or total shutdown of production;
•   refusing our request for 510(k) clearance or premarket approval of new products;
•   withdrawing 510(k) clearance or premarket approvals that are already granted; and
•   criminal prosecution.

Risks Related to Our Financial Results and Need for Financing

We may be unable to grow our revenue or earnings as anticipated, which may have a material adverse effect on our future operating results.

We  have  experienced  rapid  growth  since  our  inception,  and  have  increased  our  revenues  from  $38.4  million  in  2004,  the  year  of  our  initial  public
offering, to $540.5 million in 2011. Our ability to achieve future growth will depend upon, among other things, the success of our growth strategies, which we
cannot assure will be successful. In addition, we may have more difficulty maintaining our prior rate of growth of revenues or recent earnings. Our future
success  will  depend  upon  various  factors,  including  the  strength  of  our  brand  image,  the  market  success  of  our  current  and  future  products,  competitive
conditions  and  our  ability  to  manage  increased  revenues,  if  any,  or  implement  our  growth  strategy.  In  addition,  we  anticipate  significantly  expanding  our
infrastructure and adding personnel in connection with our anticipated growth, which we expect will cause our selling, general and administrative expenses to
increase in absolute dollars and as a percentage of revenue. Because these expenses are generally fixed, particularly in the short-to-medium term, operating
results may be adversely impacted if we do not achieve our anticipated growth.

The current adverse global economic conditions may adversely affect our liquidity and the liquidity of our customers.

At December 31, 2011, we had approximately $342.2 million in cash, cash equivalents and investments in marketable securities. On June 16, 2011, we
entered into an escrow arrangement in connection with the NeuroVision trademark infringement litigation and have transferred $62.5 million of our cash and
investments  into  a  restricted  escrow  account.  On  September  20,  2011,  a  jury  reached  a  verdict  and  awarded  monetary  damages  of  approximately  $101.2
million to Medtronic as part of a verdict against us in conjunction with an ongoing patent lawsuit. While we intend to appeal the verdict, we may be required
to secure the amount of the judgment, or an even greater amount at the court's discretion, during the appeals process or pay a higher royalty rate for the post-
verdict time period than was previously determined, which could result in a material reduction in the liquidity available to run or grow our business.

We  have  historically  invested  our  cash  primarily  in  U.S.  treasuries  and  government  agencies,  corporate  debt,  money  market  funds,  and  commercial
paper  meeting  certain  criteria.  Certain  of  these  investments  are  subject  to  general  credit,  liquidity  and  other  market  risks.  The  general  condition  of  the
financial markets and the economy has exacerbated those risks and may affect the value of our current investments and restrict our ability to access the capital
markets or even our own funds.

The liquidity of our customers and suppliers may also be affected by adverse global economic conditions. If our suppliers experience credit or liquidity
problems, important sources of raw materials or manufactured goods may be affected. If our customers' liquidity and creditworthiness is negatively impacted
by the condition of the economy, our ability to collect on our outstanding invoices and our collection cycles may be adversely affected.

Upon the achievement of certain milestones related to our acquisitions, we may be required to make payments which may affect our liquidity and our
financial results.

In connection with our acquisitions, we may be obligated to make payments in the future upon the achievement of certain milestones. At December 31,

2011, we had $33.0 million in outstanding potential

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milestone obligations under our agreement with the stockholders of Cervitech and could potentially be required to purchase the remaining sixty (60) percent
of Progentix Orthobiology B.V. for an aggregate amount up to $24.0 million. If we are required to make those payments, particularly at a time when we are
experiencing financial difficulty, our liquidity, financial results and financial condition may be adversely affected.

The sale of our 2.75% Senior Convertible Notes due 2017 significantly increased our amount of long-term debt, and our financial condition and
results of operations could be adversely affected if we do not efficiently manage our liabilities.

In June 2011, we issued $402.5 million aggregate principal amount of our 2.75% Senior Convertible Notes due in 2017 (the 2017 Notes). In addition, as
of December 31, 2011, we had approximately $74.3 million remaining under our 2.25% Senior Convertible Notes due in 2013 (the 2013 Notes). As a result of
the  sale  of  the  2017  Notes  and  the  2013  Notes,  we  have  a  substantially  greater  amount  of  long-term  debt  then  we  have  maintained  in  the  past.  Our
maintenance of such increased level of debt could adversely affect our flexibility to take advantage of corporate opportunities and could adversely affect our
financial  condition  and  results  of  operations.  In  addition,  as  the  2013  Notes  mature  and  are  required  to  be  settled  in  cash,  our  overall  liquidity  could  be
adversely affected.

In addition, there are a large number of shares of common stock underlying our 2013 Notes, our 2017 Notes and our Series A Preferred Stock that may

be available for future sale and the sale of these shares may depress the market price of our common stock.

Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property and Litigation

We are currently involved in several additional litigation actions which could cause us to incur significant legal expenses and/or prevent us from
making, using, selling, offering to sell, importing or exporting certain of our products.

In  addition  to  our  ongoing  patent  litigation  with  Medtronic  and  trademark  litigation  with  Neurovision  Medical  Products,  Inc.  (NMP),  on  October  5,
2010,  we  initiated  a  patent  infringement  lawsuit  against  Globus  Medical,  Inc.  (Globus)  to  protect  our  investment  in  our  XLIF  procedure  and  MaXcess
retractor system. The lawsuit against Globus is in its early stages, and the outcome of this litigation is difficult to predict. We have entered into a contingent
fee arrangement which grants our legal counsel the ability to share in the monetary recovery, if any, resulting from prosecution of the lawsuit.

Intellectual property litigation is expensive, complex and lengthy and its outcome is difficult to predict. A court could enter orders that temporarily,
preliminarily or permanently enjoin us or our customers from modeling, using, selling, offering to sell or importing our current or future products, or could
enter an order mandating that we undertake certain remedial activities. We may also be subject to negative publicity due to litigation. Pending or future patent
litigation against us or any strategic partners or licensees may force us or any strategic partners or licensees to stop or delay developing, manufacturing or
selling potential products that are claimed to infringe a third party's intellectual property, unless we develop alternative non-infringing technology or that party
grants  us  or  any  strategic  partners  or  licensees  rights  to  use  its  intellectual  property,  and  may  significantly  divert  the  attention  of  our  technical  and
management personnel. In the event that our right to market any of our products is successfully challenged, or if we fail to obtain a required license or are
unable to design around a patent, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In such cases, we may be
required to obtain licenses to patents or proprietary rights of others in order to continue to commercialize our products. However, we may not be able to obtain
any licenses required under any patents or proprietary rights of third parties on acceptable terms, or at all, and any licenses may require substantial royalties or
other payments by us. Even if any strategic partners, licensees or we were able to obtain rights to the third party's intellectual property, these rights may be
non-exclusive, thereby giving our competitors access to the same intellectual property. Furthermore, if we are found to infringe patent claims of a third party,
we may, among other things, be required to pay damages, including up to treble damages and attorneys' fees and costs, which may be substantial.

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An unfavorable outcome for us in patent or other intellectual property litigation could significantly harm our business if such outcome makes us unable
to commercialize some of our current or potential products or cease some of our business operations. In addition, costs of defense and any damages resulting
from  litigation  may  materially  adversely  affect  our  business  and  financial  results.  Litigation  may  also  harm  our  relationships  with  existing  customers  and
subject us to negative publicity, each of which could harm our business and financial results.

Our ability to protect our intellectual property and proprietary technology through patents and other means is uncertain.

Our success depends significantly on our ability to protect our proprietary rights to the technologies used in our products. We rely on patent protection,
as  well  as  a  combination  of  copyright,  trade  secret  and  trademark  laws,  and  nondisclosure,  confidentiality  and  other  contractual  restrictions  to  protect  our
proprietary technology. However, these legal means afford only limited protection and may not adequately protect our rights or permit us to gain or keep any
competitive  advantage.  For  example,  our  pending  U.S.  and  foreign  patent  applications  may  not  issue  as  patents  at  all  or  not  in  a  form  that  will  be
advantageous to us or may issue and be subsequently successfully challenged by others and invalidated. In addition, our pending patent applications include
claims  to  material  aspects  of  our  products  and  procedures  that  are  not  currently  protected  by  issued  patents.  Both  the  patent  application  process  and  the
process of managing patent disputes can be time consuming and expensive. Competitors may be able to design around our patents or develop products which
provide outcomes which are comparable to ours. Moreover, competitors may challenge our issued patents through the reexamination process (domestically)
and/or opposition proceedings (internationally), such as was done by Medtronic on two of our U.S. patents related to aspects of our XLIF surgical technique.
We asserted these patents against Medtronic as part of our ongoing patent litigation. Patent reexamination was granted by the U.S. Patent Office in each case.
If the U.S. Patent Office cancels or narrows the claims in these patents, it could prevent or hinder us from being able to enforce them against competitors.

Although we have taken steps to protect our intellectual property and proprietary technology, including entering into confidentiality agreements and
intellectual property assignment agreements with our officers, shareowners, consultants and advisors, such agreements may not be enforceable or may not
provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets or other proprietary information in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure or other breaches of the
agreements. To the extent that our shareowners, consultants, or contractors use intellectual property owned by others in their work for us, disputes may arise
as to the rights in related or resulting know-how and inventions. Furthermore, the laws of some foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property
rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States.

In addition, recently enacted changes to the U.S. patent laws, together with proposed changes to the rules of the U.S. Patent Office to comport with the
newly enacted laws may have a significant impact on our ability to protect our technology and enforce our intellectual property rights. Of significance in the
newly  enacted  patent  laws,  the  United  States  has  shifted  from  a  "first  to  invent"  to  a  "first  inventor  to  file"  system.  Consequently,  the  pool  of  prior  art
available to inhibit or limit our ability to obtain issued patents on the technology utilized in our products is expected to expand and the grace period for filing a
patent application will be reduced in some ways. It will be possible for a situation to arise in which a competitor is able to obtain patent rights to technology
which we invented first. Furthermore, the newly enacted patent laws provide for post grant review of issued patents and expanded reexamination proceedings
that may provide our competitors with additional opportunities to challenge the validity of our issued patents.

In  the  event  a  competitor  infringes  upon  our  patent  or  other  intellectual  property  rights,  enforcing  those  rights  may  be  costly,  difficult  and  time

consuming. We may not have sufficient resources to enforce our intellectual property rights or to defend our patents against a challenge.

In  addition,  certain  product  categories,  including  pedicle  screws,  have  been  the  subject  of  significant  patent  litigation  in  recent  years  and  since  we

currently offer pedicle screws in both of our SpheRx and Armada product lines, any related litigation could harm our business.

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The  medical  device  industry  is  characterized  by  the  existence  of  a  large  number  of  patents  and  frequent  litigation  based  on  allegations  of  patent
infringement. It is not unusual for parties to exchange letters surrounding allegations of intellectual property infringement and licensing arrangements. Patent
litigation  can  involve  complex  factual  and  legal  questions  and  its  outcome  is  uncertain.  Any  claim  relating  to  infringement  of  patents  that  is  successfully
asserted against us may require us to pay substantial damages, including treble damages in some cases. Even if we were to prevail, any litigation could be
costly and time-consuming and would divert the attention of our management and key personnel from our business operations. Our success will also depend
in part on our not infringing patents issued to others, including our competitors and potential competitors. If our products are found to infringe the patents of
others,  our  development,  manufacture  and  sale  of  such  potential  products  could  be  severely  restricted  or  prohibited.  In  addition,  our  competitors  may
independently  develop  technologies  similar  to  ours.  Because  of  the  importance  of  our  patent  portfolio  to  our  business,  we  may  lose  market  share  to  our
competitors if we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property rights.

As the number of entrants into our market increases, the possibility of a patent infringement claim against us grows. While we make an effort to ensure
that  our  products  do  not  infringe  other  parties'  rights,  our  products  and  methods  may  be  covered  by  patents  held  by  our  competitors.  In  addition,  our
competitors may assert that future products we may market infringe their patents.

A patent infringement suit brought against us or any of our strategic partners or licensees may force us or such strategic partners or licensees to stop or
delay developing, manufacturing or selling potential products that are claimed to infringe a third party's intellectual property, unless that party grants us or our
strategic partners or licensees rights to use its intellectual property. In such cases, we may be required to obtain licenses to patents or proprietary rights of
others in order to continue to commercialize our products. However, we may not be able to obtain any licenses required under any patents or proprietary rights
of  third  parties  on  acceptable  terms,  or  at  all,  and  any  licenses  may  require  substantial  royalties  or  other  payments  by  us.  Even  if  our  strategic  partners,
licensees or we were able to obtain rights to the third party's intellectual property, these rights may be non-exclusive, thereby giving our competitors access to
the same intellectual property. Ultimately, we may be unable to commercialize some of our potential products or may have to cease some of our business
operations as a result of patent infringement claims, which could severely harm our business.

We are currently involved in a trademark litigation action involving the NeuroVision brand name and, if we do not prevail on our appeal of the verdict,
we could be liable for substantial damages.

A  judgment  in  our  ongoing  trademark  dispute  regarding  the  NeuroVision  brand  name  was  handed  down  by  the  U.S.  District  Court  for  the  Central
District  of  California.  An  unfavorable  jury  verdict  was  delivered  against  us  in  our  use  of  the  NeuroVision  name.  The  verdict,  which  we  are  appealing,
awarded  damages  to  the  plaintiff  of  $60.0  million.  We  sought  emergency  relief  and  on  February  3,  2011,  the  Ninth  Circuit  Court  of  Appeals  stayed
enforcement of the injunction. During pendency of the appeal, we entered into an escrow to secure the amount of the judgment, interest and attorneys' fees.
This could result in a material reduction in the liquidity required to run or grow our business. While this case relates solely to the use of the NeuroVision
brand  name  and  does  not  involve  our  proprietary  neuromonitoring  technology  underlying  the  NeuroVision  system  or  future  products,  it  may  require  us  to
rebrand and re-market the NeuroVision brand name. This could result in a significant impact on our marketing costs and other related financial costs. There is
a chance that the acceptance of a new brand name will be lengthy and may not be well received by our customers. The appeals process could be expensive,
complex  and  lengthy  and  its  outcome  is  difficult  to  predict.  We  may  also  be  subject  to  negative  publicity  due  to  this  trademark  litigation.  The  litigation
required during the appeals process may significantly divert the attention of our technical and management personnel. We are unable to predict the outcome of
our  appeal.  In  the  event  that  we  are  unsuccessful  in  our  appeal,  we  could  be  required  to  pay  significant  damages  which  are  not  covered  under  any  of  our
insurance  plans.  In  the  event  this  outcome  occurred,  our  business,  liquidity,  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations  would  be  materially  adversely
affected.

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We are subject to rigorous governmental regulations regarding the development, manufacture, and sale of our products and we may incur significant
expenses to comply with these regulations and develop products that are compatible with these regulations. In addition, failure to comply with these
regulations could subject us to substantial sanctions which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The  medical  devices  we  manufacture  and  market  are  subject  to  rigorous  regulation  by  the  FDA  and  numerous  other  federal,  state  and  foreign
governmental  authorities,  including  regulations  that  cover  the  composition,  labeling,  testing,  clinical  study,  manufacturing,  packaging,  marketing  and
distribution of our products.

We are required to register with the FDA as a device manufacturer and tissue bank. As a result, we are subject to periodic inspection by the FDA for
compliance with the FDA's Quality System Regulation (QSR) and Good Tissue Practices requirements, which require manufacturers of medical devices and
tissue  banks  to  adhere  to  certain  regulations,  including  testing,  quality  control  and  documentation  procedures.  Our  compliance  with  applicable  regulatory
requirements  is  subject  to  continual  review  and  is  rigorously  monitored  through  periodic  inspections  by  the  FDA.  In  the  European  Community,  we  are
required to maintain certain ISO certifications in order to sell our products, and are subject to periodic inspections by notified bodies to obtain and maintain
these certifications. If we or our suppliers fail to adhere to QSR, ISO or similar requirements, this could delay product production and lead to fines, difficulties
in  obtaining  regulatory  clearances,  recalls  or  other  consequences,  which  in  turn  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  financial  condition,  results  of
operations, or prospects.

Medical  devices  must  receive  FDA  clearance  or  approval  before  they  can  be  commercially  marketed.  In  addition,  the  FDA  may  require  testing  and
surveillance programs to monitor the effects of approved products that have been commercialized, and can prevent or limit further marketing of a product
based upon the results of post-marketing programs. In addition, the federal Medical Device Reporting regulations require us to provide information to the
FDA whenever there is evidence that reasonably suggests that a device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or, if a malfunction were to
occur, could cause or contribute to a death or serious injury. Furthermore, most major markets for medical devices outside the United States require clearance,
approval or compliance with certain standards before a product can be commercially marketed. The process of obtaining regulatory approvals to market a
medical device, particularly from the FDA and certain foreign governmental authorities, can be costly and time-consuming, and approvals may not be granted
for future products or product improvements on a timely basis, if at all. Delays in receipt of, or failure to obtain, approvals for future products or product
improvements  could  result  in  delayed  realization  of  product  revenues  or  in  substantial  additional  costs,  which  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our
business or results of operations or prospects. At any time after approval of a product, the FDA may conduct periodic inspections to determine compliance
with both QSR requirements and/or current Medical Device Reporting regulations. Product approvals by the FDA can be withdrawn due to failure to comply
with regulatory standards or the occurrence of unforeseen problems following initial approval.

Pursuant to FDA regulations, we can only market our products for cleared or approved uses. Although physicians are permitted to use medical devices
for indications other than those cleared or approved by the FDA based on their medical judgment, we are prohibited from promoting products for such off-
label uses. We market our products and provide promotional materials and training programs to physicians regarding the use of our products. Although we
believe our marketing, promotional materials and training programs for physicians do not constitute promotion of unapproved uses of our products, if it is
determined that our marketing, promotional materials or training programs constitute promotion of unapproved uses, we could be subject to significant fines
in addition to regulatory enforcement actions, including the issuance of a warning letter, injunction, seizure and criminal penalty.

Whenever the United States or another foreign governmental authority concludes that we are not in compliance with applicable laws or regulations,
such governmental authority can impose fines, delay or suspend regulatory clearances, institute proceedings to detain or seize our products, issue a recall,
impose operating

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restrictions,  enjoin  future  violations  and  assess  civil  penalties  against  us  or  our  officers  or  employees,  and  can  recommend  criminal  prosecution  to  the
Department of Justice (DOJ). Moreover, governmental authorities can ban or request the recall, repair, replacement or refund of the cost of any device or
product we manufacture or distribute. Any of the foregoing actions could result in decreased sales as a result of negative publicity and product liability claims,
and  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  financial  condition,  results  of  operations  and  prospects.  In  addition  to  the  sanctions  for  noncompliance
described above, commencement of an enforcement proceeding, inspection or investigation could divert substantial management attention from the operation
of our business and have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Any claims relating to our making improper payments or providing improper gifts or benefits to physicians or other potential violations of laws or
regulations governing interactions between us and healthcare professionals and our involvement in federal healthcare programs could be time
consuming and costly.

Our relationship with healthcare professionals, such as physicians, hospitals and those that may market our products (e.g., distributors, etc.), are subject
to scrutiny under various state and federal laws, rules and regulations (e.g., anti-kickback statute, self-referral/Stark laws, false claims, etc.), often referred to
collectively  as  healthcare  fraud  and  abuse  laws.  These  laws  are  broad  in  scope  and  are  subject  to  evolving  interpretation,  which  could  require  us  to  incur
substantial costs to monitor compliance or to alter our practices if they are found not to be in compliance. Violations of these laws may be punishable by
criminal  or  civil  sanctions,  including  substantial  fines,  imprisonment  and  exclusion  from  participation  in  governmental  healthcare  programs.  Despite
implementation of a comprehensive global healthcare compliance program, we cannot provide assurance that any of the healthcare fraud and abuse laws will
not change or be interpreted in the future in a manner which restricts or adversely affects our business activities or relationships with healthcare professionals
nor can we make any assurances that authorities will not challenge or investigate our current or future activities under these laws.

In  recent  years,  both  the  United  States  and  foreign  government  regulators  have  increased  regulation,  enforcement,  inspections  and  governmental
investigations of the medical device industry, including increased United States government oversight and enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
Despite  implementation  of  a  comprehensive  global  healthcare  compliance  program,  we  may  be  subject  to  more  regulation,  enforcement,  inspections  and
investigations by governmental authorities in the future. Whenever the United States or another foreign governmental authority concludes that we are not in
compliance with applicable laws or regulations, such governmental authority can impose fines, delay or suspend regulatory clearances, institute proceedings
to  detain  or  seize  our  products,  issue  a  recall,  impose  operating  restrictions,  exclude  or  debar  us  from  federal  healthcare  programs,  impose  compliance
obligations, enjoin future violations and assess civil penalties against us or our officers or employees, and can recommend criminal prosecution to the DOJ.
Any  of  the  foregoing  actions  could  result  in  decreased  sales  as  a  result  of  negative  publicity,  and  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  financial
condition, results of operations and prospects.

Although  physicians  are  permitted  to  use  medical  devices  for  indications  other  than  those  cleared  or  approved  by  the  FDA  based  on  their  medical
judgment,  we  are  prohibited  from  promoting  products  for  such  off-label  uses.  We  market  our  products  and  provide  promotional  materials  and  training
programs to physicians regarding the use of our products. Although we believe our marketing, promotional materials and training programs for physicians do
not  constitute  promotion  of  unapproved  uses  of  our  products,  if  it  is  determined  that  our  marketing,  promotional  materials  or  training  programs  constitute
promotion  of  unapproved  uses,  we  could  be  subject  to  significant  fines  in  addition  to  regulatory  enforcement  actions,  including  the  issuance  of  a  warning
letter, injunction, seizure and criminal penalty.

In addition to the sanctions for noncompliance described above, commencement of an enforcement proceeding, inspection or investigation could divert
substantial management attention from the operation of our business, as well as could result in a material adverse effect on the market price of our common
stock and on our business, results of operations and financial condition. For example, Synthes, Inc., in 2010, settled with the DOJ

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and  the  Office  of  Inspector  General  (OIG)  for  $22  million  relating  to  allegations  that  it  illegally  tested  bone  cement  on  patients  and,  in  2009,  Guidant
Corporation/Boston Scientific settled with the DOJ and the OIG for $22 million relating to alleged improper payments made to physicians for certain post-
market surveys.

Additionally,  we  must  comply  with  a  variety  of  other  laws,  such  as  the  (i)  HIPAA  and  the  HITECH  Act  which  protects  the  privacy  of  individually
identifiable healthcare information; (ii) the Physician Payment Sunshine Act which requires medical device companies to begin reporting all compensation,
gifts and benefits provided to certain healthcare professionals in 2013; and (iii) the Federal Trade Commission Act and similar laws regulating advertisement
and consumer protections.

We or our suppliers may be the subject of claims for non-compliance with FDA regulations in connection with the processing or distribution of
allograft products.

It  is  possible  that  allegations  may  be  made  against  us  or  against  donor  recovery  groups  or  tissue  banks,  including  those  with  which  we  have  a
contractual relationship, claiming that the acquisition or processing of tissue for allograft products does not comply with applicable FDA regulations or other
relevant statutes and regulations. Allegations like these could cause regulators or other authorities to take investigative or other action against us, or could
cause negative publicity for us or our industry in general. These actions or any negative publicity could cause us to incur substantial costs, divert the attention
of our management from our business, harm our reputation and cause the market price of our shares to decline.

Risks Related to the Securities Markets and Ownership of Our Common Stock

We expect that the price of our common stock will fluctuate substantially, potentially adversely affecting the ability of investors to sell their shares.

The market price of our common stock has been and may continue to be subject to wide fluctuations. For example, the closing price for our stock on the
last day of the past four quarters was: $12.59 on December 31, 2011, $17.06 on September 30, 2011, $32.88 on June 30, 2011 and $25.32 on March 31, 2011.
Fluctuation in the stock price may occur due to many factors, including:

•   general  market  conditions  and  other  factors  related  to  the  economy  or  otherwise,  including  factors  unrelated  to  our  operating  performance  or  the
operating  performance  of  our  competitors.  These  conditions  might  include  people's  expectations,  favorable  or  unfavorable,  as  to  the  likely  unit
growth of the spine sector;

•   negative stock market reactions to the results of litigation;
•   negative publicity regarding spine surgeon's practices or outcomes, whether warranted or not, that cast the sector in a negative light;
•   the introduction of new products or product enhancements by us or our competitors;
•   changes in the availability of third party reimbursement in the United States or other countries;
•   disputes or other developments with respect to intellectual property rights or other potential legal actions;
•   our ability to develop, obtain regulatory clearance or approval for, and market new and enhanced products on a timely basis;
•   quarterly variations in our or our competitor's results of operations;
•   sales of large blocks of our common stock, including sales by our executive officers and directors;
•   announcements of technological or medical innovations for the treatment of spine pathology;
•   changes in governmental regulations or in the status of our regulatory approvals, clearances or applications;
•   the acquisition or divestiture of businesses, products, assets or technology;

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•   litigation, including intellectual property litigation and any associated negative verdicts or ruling;
•   announcements of actions by the FDA or other regulatory agencies; and
•   changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by us or by securities analysts.

Market price fluctuations may negatively affect the ability of investors to sell our shares at consistent prices.

Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents and Delaware law may discourage or prevent a change of control, even if an acquisition
would be beneficial to our stockholders, which could affect our stock price adversely and prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our
current management.

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that could delay or prevent a change of control of our company or changes in our board

of directors that our stockholders might consider favorable. Some of these provisions:

•   authorize the issuance of preferred stock which can be created and issued by the board of directors without prior stockholder approval, with rights

senior to those of the common stock;

•   provide for a classified board of directors, with each director serving a staggered three-year term;
•   prohibit our stockholders from filling board vacancies, calling special stockholder meetings, or taking action by written consent;
•   prohibit our stockholders from making certain changes to our certificate of incorporation or bylaws except with 66 2/3% stockholder approval; and
•   require advance written notice of stockholder proposals and director nominations.

In  addition,  we  are  subject  to  the  provisions  of  Section  203  of  the  Delaware  General  Corporation  Law,  which  may  prohibit  certain  business
combinations  with  stockholders  owning  15%  or  more  of  our  outstanding  voting  stock.  These  and  other  provisions  in  our  certificate  of  incorporation,  our
bylaws and Delaware law could make it more difficult for stockholders or potential acquirers to obtain control of our board of directors or initiate actions that
are opposed by our then-current board of directors, including delay or impede a merger, tender offer, or proxy contest involving our company. Any delay or
prevention of a change of control transaction or changes in our board of directors could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

We do not intend to pay cash dividends.

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in
the operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. In addition, the terms of any future debt
or credit facility may preclude us from paying any dividends. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock will be our stockholders' source of
potential gain for the foreseeable future.

Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

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Item 2.

Properties. 

As of December 31, 2011, we operated the following facilities:

Description of Use
Corporate office and training facilities(1)
Corporate office facilities
Fulfillment and warehouse operations
Office and training facilities
Office facilities
Office Facilities
Office Facilities
Office Facilities
Office Facilities
Office Facilities
Office Facilities
Office Facilities
Office Facilities
Warehouse
Office Facilities

(1) Our corporate headquarters.

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings. 

Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc. Litigation

    Square Footage    

          Location           

Lease Term

145,225     
62,367     
100,000     
63,761     
10,579     
2,073     
2,462     
210     
4,456     
3,712     
1,050     
1,232     
2,700     
4,683     
1,851     

San Diego, CA     From 2008 through 2023
San Diego, CA     From 2004 through 2012
Memphis, TN     Owned

Paramus, NJ     From 2010 through 2020
Columbia, MD      From 2006 through 2017

Puerto Rico      From 2011 to 2014
UK      From 2008 to 2013
Japan      From 2009 to 2012
Singapore      From 2011 to 2014
Australia      From 2009 to 2013
Australia      From 2011 to 2015
Australia      From 2011 to 2015
Germany      From 2009 to 2014
Germany      From 2010 to 2015
Malaysia      From 2011 to 2014

As reported by us previously, Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc. and its related entities (Medtronic), on August 18, 2008, filed a patent infringement
lawsuit against NuVasive in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, alleging that certain of NuVasive's products or methods,
including the XLIF® procedure, infringe, or contribute to the infringement of, twelve U.S. patents. Three of the patents were later withdrawn by Medtronic
leaving the following nine patents in the lawsuit: Nos. 5,860,973; 5,772,661; 6,936,051; 6,936,050; 6,916,320; 6,945,933; 6,969,390; 6,428,542; 6,592,586
assigned  or  licensed  to  Medtronic  (Medtronic  Patents).  Medtronic  is  seeking  monetary  damages  and  a  court  injunction  against  future  infringement  by
NuVasive. NuVasive answered the complaint denying the allegations, and filed counterclaims seeking dismissal of Medtronic's complaint and a declaration
that NuVasive has not infringed and currently does not infringe any valid claim of the Medtronic Patents.

Additionally, NuVasive made counterclaims against Medtronic seeking the following relief: (i) Medtronic being permanently enjoined from charging
that  NuVasive  has  infringed  or  is  infringing  the  Medtronic  Patents;  (ii)  a  declaration  that  the  Medtronic  Patents  are  invalid;  (iii)  a  declaration  that  the
5,860,973 and 5,772,661 patents are unenforceable due to inequitable conduct; and (iv) costs and reasonable attorneys' fees.

NuVasive filed an amended counterclaim on September 4, 2009, alleging that NuVasive's U.S. Patent Nos. 7,207,949; 7,582,058; and 7,470,236 are
infringed  by  Medtronic's  NIM-Eclipse  System  and  accessories  and  Quadrant  products,  and  DLIF  (Direct  Lateral  Interbody  Fusion)  surgical  technique.
Medtronic, on June 23, 2009, filed a request for inter partes reexamination with the Patent Office on NuVasive's U.S. Patent No. 7,207,949. On October 14,
2009, Medtronic filed a request for inter partes reexamination on NuVasive's U.S. Patent No. 7,582,058. The Patent Office granted both requests and issued
rejections of the claims. Both reexaminations are pending.

Given the number of patents asserted in the litigation, the parties agreed to proceed on a limited number of patents. The court determined to proceed
only with patents that are not the subject of active reexamination proceedings. As a result, the first phase of the case included three Medtronic patents and one
NuVasive patent. Trial on the first phase of the case began in August 2011 and on September 20, 2011, a jury from the U.S.

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District  Court,  Southern  District  of  California  delivered  an  unfavorable  verdict  against  NuVasive  with  respect  to  three  Medtronic  patents  and  a  favorable
verdict in favor of NuVasive with respect to one NuVasive patent. Judgment was entered by the Court on September 29, 2011. The jury awarded monetary
damages of approximately $101.2 million to Medtronic which includes lost profits and back royalties. Medtronic's motion for a permanent injunction was
denied  on  January  26,  2012.  Additional  damages,  including  interest  and  potential  ongoing  royalties  may  still  be  awarded,  and  at  December  31,  2011,  the
Company cannot estimate a range of additional potential loss. A final appealable judgment is expected in the coming months. While the Company intends to
timely appeal the unfavorable verdict, in accordance with the authoritative guidance on the evaluation of loss contingencies, during the twelve months ended
December 31, 2011, the Company recorded an accrual for the $101.2 million verdict. In addition, the Company is currently accruing ongoing royalties on
future sales at the royalty rates stated in the jury verdict. The $101.2 million is recorded as a separate line item within operating expenses as the split between
lost profit and royalty amounts are not known. The Company may be required to secure the amount of the judgment, or an even greater amount at the court's
discretion, during the appeals process or pay a higher royalty rate for the post-verdict time period than was previously determined.

With respect to the favorable verdict delivered regarding the NuVasive patent, the jury awarded the Company monetary damages of approximately $0.7
million  for  reasonable  royalty  damages.  In  accordance  with  the  authoritative  guidance  on  the  evaluation  of  gain  contingencies,  this  amount  has  not  been
recorded at December 31, 2011.

Trademark Infringement Litigation

In September 2009, NMP filed suit against NuVasive in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (Case No. 2:09-cv-06988-R-JEM)
alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition. NMP sought cancellation of NuVasive's "NeuroVision" trademark registrations, injunctive relief and
damages based on NMP's common law use of the "Neurovision" mark. On November 23, 2009, the Company denied the allegations in NMP's complaint.
After  trial  of  the  matter,  on  October  25,  2010  an  unfavorable  jury  verdict  was  delivered  against  the  Company  relating  to  its  use  of  the  NeuroVision  trade
name. The verdict awarded damages to NMP of $60.0 million. On January 3, 2011, the Court ordered a judgment be entered in the case in the amount of
$60.0 million, and granted a permanent injunction prohibiting the Company's use of the NeuroVision name for marketing purposes. The Company sought
emergency relief, and on February 3, 2011, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals stayed enforcement of the injunction, and has consolidated this issue with our
appeal of the verdict. During pendency of the appeal, the Company has been required to escrow funds to secure the amount of the judgment, plus interest,
attorneys' fees and costs. On June 16, 2011, the Company entered into an escrow arrangement and transferred $62.5 million of cash and investments into a
restricted  escrow  account.  Any  payment  of  damages  will  be  delayed  while  the  appeals  process  runs  its  course,  which  could  take  up  to  two  years.  The
Company continues to believe that the verdict is not supported by the facts or by applicable law. The Company, based on its own assessment as well as that of
outside counsel, believes that the trial court committed a number of prejudicial legal errors and that these errors were significant, making the possibility of
reversal  of  the  judgment  on  appeal  and/or  a  new  trial  probable.  Accordingly,  at  December  31,  2011,  in  accordance  with  the  authoritative  guidance  on  the
evaluation of contingencies, the Company has not recorded an accrual related to this litigation. The Company may be required to record an expense related to
this damage award in the future.

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures. 

Not applicable.

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PART II

Item 5.

Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 

Common Stock Market Price

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "NUVA." The following table presents the high and low per

share sale prices of our common stock during the periods indicated, as reported on NASDAQ.

2010:
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
2011:
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

$

$

High

Low

$

$

46.83  
46.10  
36.78  
37.87  

  30.43  
34.91  
34.64  
18.22  

26.92  
35.03  
29.13  
22.11  

  24.37  
24.91  
17.05  
11.02  

We had approximately 132 stockholders of record as of January 31, 2012. We believe that the number of beneficial owners is substantially greater than

the number of record holders because a large portion of our common stock is held of record through brokerage firms in "street name."

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, we did not issue any securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended

(the Securities Act).

Pursuant to the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated February 8, 2012, under which we acquired intellectual property and the rights to
future royalty payments, we issued on such date 153,280 shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the Peterson Stock Consideration), to the
Peterson Family LLC in connection with the acquisition of Old Stage Royalties LLC (the OSR Transaction). The Stock Consideration was issued as partial
consideration in the OSR Transaction and equaled the quotient obtained by dividing $2,500,000 by $16.31, the closing sale price of a share of our common
stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market for January 25, 2012, rounded down to the nearest share.

Also, on February 21, 2012, pursuant to the terms of Amendment No 1 to the Consulting Agreement (the Amendment), we issued 161,082 shares of our
common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the MIS Stock Consideration) to MIS MAS Ltd in connection with a royalty buyout arrangement. The MIS Stock
Consideration was issued as partial consideration in the Amendment and equaled the quotient obtained by dividing $2,500,000 by $15.52, the closing sale
price of a share of our common stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market for February 21, 2012, rounded down to the nearest share.

We did not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of either the Peterson Stock Consideration or the MIS Stock Consideration (collectively, the
Stock  Consideration).  The  Stock  Consideration  was  issued  in  reliance  upon  an  exemption  from  registration  under  federal  securities  laws  provided  by
Section  4(2)  of  the  Securities  Act  and/or  Rule  506  of  Regulation  D  promulgated  under  the  Securities  Act,  for  the  issuance  and  exchange  of  securities  in
transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering. The Company does not have an obligation, nor does it anticipate, registering the Stock Consideration
for resale on a registration statement pursuant to the Securities Act.

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We did not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of either the Peterson Stock Consideration or the MIS Stock Consideration (collectively, the
Stock  Consideration).  The  Stock  Consideration  was  issued  in  reliance  upon  an  exemption  from  registration  under  federal  securities  laws  provided  by
Section  4(2)  of  the  Securities  Act  and/or  Rule  506  of  Regulation  D  promulgated  under  the  Securities  Act,  for  the  issuance  and  exchange  of  securities  in
transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering. The Company does not have an obligation, nor does it anticipate, registering the Stock Consideration
for resale on a registration statement pursuant to the Securities Act.

Dividend Policy

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, for development of our

business and do not anticipate that we will declare or pay cash dividends on our capital stock in the foreseeable future.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table provides certain information with respect to all of our compensation plans in effect as of December 31, 2011:

Plan Category
Equity Compensation Plans approved by stockholders
Equity Compensation Plans not approved by stockholders
Total

Number of Securities to
be Issued Upon Exercise
of Outstanding Option,
Warrants and Rights (a)

Weighted Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options Warrants
and Rights (b)

Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation
Plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (a)) (c)

8,084,536(1)   $
—  
8,084,536  

 $

30.29      
—      
  30.29      

1,622,256(2) 

—  
1,622,256  

(1)  Consists  of  shares  subject  to  outstanding  options  and  restricted  stock  units  under  our  1998  Stock  Option/Stock  Issuance  Plan  and  our  2004  Equity

Incentive Plan.

(2)

Consists of shares available for future issuance under our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan and 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. As of December 31,
2011,  an  aggregate  of  121,051  shares  of  common  stock  were  available  for  issuance  under  the  2004  Equity  Incentive  Plan  and  1,501,205  shares  of
common stock were available for issuance under the 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The 2004 Equity Incentive Plan contains a provision for an
automatic  increase  in  the  number  of  shares  available  for  grant  each  January  until  and  including  January  1,  2014,  subject  to  certain  limitations,  by  a
number  of  shares  equal  to  the  least  of:  (1)  4%  of  the  number  of  shares  of  our  common  stock  issued  and  outstanding  on  the  immediately  preceding
December 31, (2) 4,000,000 shares, or (3) a number of shares set by our Board. The 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan contains a provision for an
automatic  increase  in  the  number  of  shares  available  for  grant  each  January  until  and  including  January  1,  2014,  subject  to  certain  limitations,  by  a
number of shares equal to the least of: (1) 1% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding on that date, (2) 600,000 shares, or (3) a lesser
number of shares determined by our Board.

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PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return data on our common stock with the cumulative return of (i) The NASDAQ Stock
Market Composite Index, and (ii) NASDAQ Medical Equipment Index over the five year period ending December 31, 2011. The graph assumes that $100
was invested on December 31, 2006 in our common stock and in each of the comparative indices. The stock price performance on the following graph is not
necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

The  following  graph  and  related  information  shall  not  be  deemed  "soliciting  material"  or  be  deemed  to  be  "filed"  with  the  SEC,  nor  shall  such

information be incorporated by reference into any future filing, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
AMONG NUVASIVE, INC.,
THE NASDAQ COMPOSITE INDEX
AND THE NASDAQ MEDICAL EQUIPMENT INDEX

* $100 invested on 12/31/06 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.

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Item 6.

Selected Financial Data. 

The selected consolidated financial data set forth in the table below has been derived from our audited financial statements. The data set forth below
should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  "Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations"  and  our  audited  financial
statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.

Year Ended December 31,

2011(1)(2)

2010(1)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

2009(1)

2008

2007

Statement of Operations Data:
Total revenues
Gross profit
Consolidated net (loss) income
Net (loss) income attributable to NuVasive, Inc.
Net (loss) income per share attributable to NuVasive, Inc.:
Basic
Diluted

Balance Sheet Data:
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities
Working capital
Total assets
Senior convertible notes
Other long-term liabilities
Noncontrolling interests
Total stockholders' equity

 $

 $
 $

 $

  540,506    $
428,395     
(71,021)    
(69,849)    

  478,237    $
393,098     
76,533     
78,285     

  370,340    $
309,230     
4,437     
5,808     

  250,082    $
211,074     
(27,528)    
(27,528)    

  154,290  
130,522  
(11,265) 
(11,265) 

(1.73)   $
(1.73)   $

1.99    $
1.85    $

0.16    $
0.15    $

(0.77)   $
(0.77)   $

(0.32) 
(0.32) 

December 31,

2011(1)(2)

2010(1)

2009(1)

2008

2007

(In thousands)

342,223    $
384,457     
  1,123,562     
394,019     
17,413     
10,705     
494,045     

  229,690    $
262,795     
802,029     
230,000     
16,821     
11,877     
434,355     

  204,660    $
262,355     
652,820     
230,000     
58,222     
13,629     
296,222     

  223,361    $
256,491     
487,406     
230,000     
24,288     
—     
187,631     

89,698  
  118,188  
225,687  
—  
1,119  
—  
196,578  

(1)

(2)

Consolidated statement of operations and balance sheet data for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 includes the results of Progentix
Orthobiology, B.V., a variable interest entity which is consolidated pursuant to existing guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB).

Consolidated statement of operations and balance sheet data for the year ended December 31, 2011 include Impulse Monitoring from October 7, 2011,
the date of acquisition.

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Item 7.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

Forward-Looking Statements May Prove Inaccurate

You  should  read  the  following  discussion  and  analysis  of  our  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations  in  conjunction  with  the  consolidated
financial  statements  and  the  notes  to  those  statements  included  in  this  report.  This  discussion  and  analysis  may  contain  forward-looking  statements  that
involve  risks  and  uncertainties.  Our  actual  results  may  differ  materially  from  those  anticipated  in  these  forward-looking  statements  as  a  result  of  certain
factors, such as those set forth under heading "Risk Factors," and elsewhere in this report.

Overview

We are a medical device company focused on developing minimally disruptive surgical products and procedures for the spine. Our currently-marketed
product  portfolio  is  focused  on  applications  for  spine  fusion  surgery,  including  biologics,  a  combined  market  estimated  to  exceed  $8.0  billion  globally  in
2012. Our principal product offering includes a minimally disruptive surgical platform called Maximum Access Surgery, or MAS®, as well as an offering of
biologics,  cervical,  motion  preservation  products,  and  Intra-Operative  Monitoring  (IOM)  services.  Our  spine  surgery  product  line  offerings,  which  include
products  for  the  thoracolumbar  spine,  the  cervical  spine,  and  a  set  of  motion  preservation  product  offerings  still  under  development,  are  primarily  used  to
enable  access  to  the  spine  and  to  perform  restorative  and  fusion  procedures  in  a  minimally  disruptive  fashion.  Our  biologic  product  line  offerings  include
allograft,  (donated  human  tissue)  —  Triad  ®,  and  Osteocel  Plus®,  an  allograft  cellular  matrix  containing  viable  mesenchymal  stem  cells,  or  MSCs,
FormaGraft®, a collagen synthetic product used to aid the fusion process, and AttraX®, a synthetic bone graft material, which is still in the process of U.S.
regulatory  clearance,  to  aid  in  spinal  fusion.  Our  recently  acquired  subsidiary,  Impulse  Monitoring,  Inc.  (Impulse  Monitoring)  provides  IOM  services  for
insight  into  the  nervous  system  during  spine  and  other  surgeries.  We  continue  to  focus  significant  research  and  development  efforts  to  expand  our  MAS
product  platform  and  advance  the  applications  of  our  unique  technology  into  procedurally  integrated  surgical  solutions.  We  dedicate  significant  resources
toward training spine surgeons on our unique technology and products. We continue to train surgeons who are new to our MAS product platform as well as
surgeons previously trained on our MAS product platform who are attending advanced training programs.

Our MAS platform, with the unique advantages provided by our nerve monitoring systems, enables an innovative lateral procedure known as eXtreme
Lateral Interbody Fusion, or XLIF®, in which surgeons access the spine for a fusion procedure from the side of the patient's body, rather than from the front or
back. Our MaXcess instruments provide access to the spine in a manner that affords direct visualization and our nerve monitoring systems allow surgeons to
avoid critical nerves.

At various times over the past two years, certain insurance providers have adopted policies of not providing reimbursement for the XLIF procedure. We
have worked with our surgeon customers and NASS who, in turn, have worked with these insurance providers to supply the information, explanation and
clinical  data  they  require  to  categorize  the  XLIF  procedure  as  a  procedure  entitled  to  reimbursement  under  their  policies.  At  present,  all  major  insurance
companies provide reimbursement for XLIF procedures, including Aetna, CIGNA, Humana, and United Healthcare along with the majority of the Blue Cross
Blue  Shield  Association  independently  operated  member  companies,  including  Health  Care  Service  Corporation  (HCSC),  the  largest  non-investor  owned
member which operates four Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans in the Midwest and Southwest (Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico), each of whom
has  reversed  their  prior  policy  of  non-coverage.  Certain  smaller  regional  carriers  may,  however,  have  policies  against  coverage  of  XLIF.  We  cannot  offer
definitive time frames or final outcomes regarding reversal of the non-coverage policies, as the process is dictated by the third-party insurance providers. To
date, we have not experienced significant lack of payment for our procedures based on these policies.

In recent years, we have significantly expanded our product offering relating to procedures in the cervical spine as well as in the area of biologics. Our

cervical product offering now provides a full set of solutions for

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cervical  fusion  surgery,  including  both  allograft  and  CoRoent®  implants,  as  well  as  cervical  plating  and  posterior  fixation  products,  and  a  set  of  motion
preservation product offerings still under development.

We have an active product development pipeline focused on expanding our current fusion product platform as well as products designed to preserve

spinal motion.

Revenues.    To date, the majority of our revenues are derived from the sale of disposables and implants and we expect this trend to continue for the
foreseeable future. We loan our proprietary software-driven nerve monitoring systems and surgical instrument sets at no cost to surgeons and hospitals that
purchase  disposables  and  implants  for  use  in  individual  procedures.  In  addition,  we  place  our  proprietary  software-driven  nerve  monitoring  systems,
MaXcess® and other MAS or cervical surgical instrument sets with hospitals for an extended period at no up-front cost to them. Our implants and disposables
are currently sold and shipped from our primary distribution and warehousing operations facility located in Memphis, Tennessee. We recognize revenue for
disposables or implants used upon receiving acknowledgement of a purchase order from the hospital indicating product use or implantation. In addition, we
sell  an  immaterial  number  of  MAS  instrument  sets,  MaXcess  devices,  and  our  proprietary  software-driven  nerve  monitoring  systems.  To  date,  we  have
derived less than 5% of our total revenues from these sales.

Additionally, we expect monitoring service revenue from IOM services to increase. Monitoring service revenue consists of hospital based revenues and
net patient service revenues and is recorded in the period the service is provided. Hospital based revenues are recorded based upon contracted billing rates.
Net  patient  services  are  billed  to  various  payers,  including  Medicare,  commercial  insurance  companies,  other  directly  billed  managed  healthcare  plans,
employers, and individuals. We report revenues based on the amount expected to be collected.

Sales and Marketing.    Through 2011, substantially all of our operations are located in the United States and substantially all of our sales have been
generated in the United States. We sell our products in the United States through a sales force comprised of exclusive independent sales agents and directly-
employed sales shareowners; both selling only NuVasive products. Our sales force provides a delivery and consultative service to our surgeon and hospital
customers and is compensated based on sales and product placements in their territories. Sales force commissions are reflected in our statement of operations
in  the  sales,  marketing  and  administrative  expense  line.  We  expect  to  continue  to  expand  our  distribution  channel.  We  are  continuing  our  expansion  of
international sales efforts with the focus on European, Asian and Latin American markets. Our international sales force is comprised of directly-employed
sales shareowners as well as exclusive distributors and independent sales agents.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our audited consolidated financial statements, which have
been  prepared  in  accordance  with  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States  (GAAP).  The  preparation  of  these  financial  statements
requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate
our estimates including those related to bad debts, inventories, valuation of goodwill, intangibles and other long-term assets, income taxes, legal proceedings,
and  stock  compensation.  We  base  our  estimates  on  historical  experience  and  on  various  other  assumptions  we  believe  to  be  reasonable  under  the
circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities not readily apparent from other
sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

We  believe  the  following  accounting  policies  to  be  critical  to  the  judgments  and  estimates  used  in  the  preparation  of  our  consolidated  financial

statements.

Revenue  Recognition.        We  follow  the  provisions  of  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  Staff  Accounting  Bulletin  (SAB)  No.  104,  Revenue

Recognition, which sets forth guidelines for the timing of revenue

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recognition based upon factors such as passage of title, installation, payment and customer acceptance. We recognize revenue when all four of the following
criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists; (ii) delivery of the products and/or services has occurred; (iii) the selling price is fixed or
determinable;  and  (iv)  collectability  is  reasonably  assured.  Specifically,  revenue  from  the  sale  of  implants  and  disposables  is  recognized  upon
acknowledgement of a purchase order from the hospital indicating product use or implantation or upon shipment to third party customers who immediately
accept  title.  Revenue  from  the  sale  of  our  instrument  sets  is  recognized  upon  receipt  of  a  purchase  order  and  the  subsequent  shipment  to  customers  who
immediately accept title.

Monitoring service revenue consists of hospital based revenues and net patient service revenues and is recorded in the period the service is provided.
Hospital based revenues are recorded based upon contracted billing rates. Net patient services are billed to various payers, including Medicare, commercial
insurance  companies,  other  directly  billed  managed  healthcare  plans,  employers,  and  individuals.  We  report  revenues  from  contracted  payers,  including
Medicare,  certain  insurance  companies  and  certain  managed  healthcare  plans,  based  on  the  contractual  rate,  or  in  the  case  of  Medicare,  the  published  fee
schedules.  We  report  revenues  from  non-contracted  payers,  including  certain  insurance  companies  and  individuals,  based  on  the  amount  expected  to  be
collected.  The  difference  between  the  amount  billed  and  the  amount  expected  to  be  collected  from  non-contracted  payers  is  recorded  as  a  contractual
allowance  to  arrive  at  net  revenues.  The  expected  revenues  from  non-contracted  payers  are  based  on  the  historical  collection  experience  of  each  payer  or
payer  group,  as  appropriate.  In  each  reporting  period,  we  review  our  historical  collection  experience  for  non-contracted  payers  and  adjust  our  expected
revenues for current and subsequent periods accordingly.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Sales Return Reserve.    We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the
inability  of  our  customers  to  make  required  payments.  The  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  is  reviewed  quarterly  and  is  estimated  based  on  the  aging  of
account  balances,  collection  history  and  known  trends  with  current  customers  and  in  the  economy  in  general.  As  a  result  of  this  review,  the  allowance  is
adjusted  on  a  specific  identification  basis.  An  increase  to  the  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  results  in  a  corresponding  charge  to  sales,  marketing  and
administrative expense. We maintain a relatively large customer base that mitigates the risk of concentration with any one particular customer. However, if
the overall condition of the healthcare industry were to deteriorate, or if the historical data used to calculate the allowance provided for doubtful accounts does
not accurately reflect our customer's future failure to pay outstanding receivables, significant additional allowances could be required.

In addition, we establish a reserve for estimated sales returns that is recorded as a reduction to revenue. This reserve is maintained to account for future
return of products sold in the current period. This reserve is reviewed quarterly and is estimated based on an analysis of our historical experience related to
product returns.

Excess and Obsolete Inventory.    We provide an inventory reserve for estimated obsolescence and excess inventory based upon historical turnover and
assumptions  about  future  demand  for  our  products  and  market  conditions.  Our  allograft  products  have  shelf  lives  ranging  from  two  to  five  years  and  are
subject  to  demand  fluctuations  based  on  the  availability  and  demand  for  alternative  products.  Our  inventory,  which  consists  primarily  of  disposables  and
specialized implants, is at risk of obsolescence following the introduction and development of new or enhanced products. Our estimates and assumptions for
excess and obsolete inventory are reviewed and updated on a quarterly basis. The estimates we use for demand are also used for near-term capacity planning
and inventory purchasing and are consistent with our revenue forecasts. Increases in the reserve for excess and obsolete inventory result in a corresponding
charge to cost of goods sold.

A  stated  goal  of  our  business  is  to  focus  on  continual  product  innovation  and  to  obsolete  our  own  products.  While  we  believe  this  provides  a
competitive edge, it also results in the risk that our products and related capital instruments will become obsolete prior to sale or to the end of their anticipated
useful lives. If we introduce new products or next-generation products, we may be required to dispose of existing inventory prior to the end of its estimated
useful life and/or write off the value or accelerate the depreciation of the capital instruments.

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Accounting for Income Taxes.    Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets
and liabilities and the valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined using the enacted tax
rates in effect for the years in which those tax assets are expected to be realized. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not the future
realization of all or some of the deferred tax assets will not be achieved. The evaluation of the need for a valuation allowance is performed on a jurisdiction-
by-jurisdiction basis, and includes a review of all available positive and negative evidence. Factors reviewed include projections of pre-tax book income for
the foreseeable future, determination of cumulative pre-tax book income after permanent differences, earnings history, and reliability of forecasting. During
the fourth quarter of 2010, we concluded that it was more likely than not that we would be able to realize the benefit of our domestic deferred tax assets in the
future.  We  based  this  conclusion  on  historical  and  projected  operating  performance,  as  well  as  our  expectation  that  our  operations  will  generate  sufficient
taxable income in future periods to realize the tax benefits associated with the deferred tax assets. As a result, we released the valuation allowance on our
domestic deferred tax assets.

As a result of the litigation award accrual totaling $101.2 million recorded in the third quarter of 2011, we evaluated the need for a valuation allowance
on our deferred tax assets by reviewing all available positive and negative evidence. Based on our review, we concluded that it was more likely than not that
we would be able to realize the benefit of our U.S. federal deferred tax assets and our deferred tax assets for all states except California in the future. This
conclusion  was  primarily  based  on  historical  and  projected  operating  performance,  as  well  as  our  expectation  that  our  operations  will  generate  sufficient
taxable  income  in  future  periods  to  realize  the  tax  benefits  associated  with  the  federal  deferred  tax  assets  well  within  the  statutory  carryover  periods.
Accordingly, we did not establish a valuation allowance on our federal or non-California state deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2011.

Based on this same evidence and consideration of the state of California's past and current suspension of the use of net operating loss carryforwards, the
state of California's statutory carryover periods and our apportionment election beginning in 2011, we concluded that it is more likely than not that we will not
be  able  to  utilize  our  California  deferred  tax  assets.  Therefore,  we  established  a  full  valuation  allowance  on  our  California  deferred  tax  assets  as  of
December 31, 2011. Accordingly, the income tax benefit reported for the year ended December 31, 2011, includes income tax expense totaling $4.8 million in
connection with the establishment of this valuation allowance.

We will continue to assess the need for a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets by evaluating both positive and negative evidence that may
exist.  Any  adjustment  to  the  net  deferred  tax  asset  valuation  allowance  would  be  recorded  in  the  income  statement  for  the  period  that  the  adjustment  is
determined to be required.

Valuation of Stock-Based Compensation.    The estimated fair value of stock-based awards exchanged for shareowner (employee) and non-employee
director services are expensed over the requisite service period. Option awards issued to non-employees (excluding non-employee directors) are recorded at
their fair value as determined in accordance with authoritative guidance, and are periodically revalued as the options vest and are recognized as expense over
the related service period.

For  purposes  of  calculating  stock-based  compensation,  we  estimate  the  fair  value  of  stock  options  and  shares  issued  under  the  Employee  Stock
Purchase Plan using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The determination of the fair value of stock-based payment awards utilizing the Black-Scholes
model is affected by our stock price and a number of assumptions, including expected volatility, expected life, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends.
The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of our common stock over the most recent period commensurate with the estimated expected term
of the stock options. The expected life of the stock options is based on historical and other economic data trended into the future. The risk-free interest rate
assumption is based on observed interest rates appropriate for the expected terms of our stock options. The dividend yield assumption is based on our history
and expectation of no dividend payouts.

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If factors change and we employ different assumptions, stock-based compensation expense may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the
past. If there is a difference between the assumptions used in determining stock-based compensation expense and the actual factors which become known over
time,  specifically  with  respect  to  anticipated  forfeitures,  we  may  change  the  input  factors  used  in  determining  stock-based  compensation  costs  for  future
grants. These changes, if any, may materially impact our results of operations in the period such changes are made.

Valuation  of  Goodwill  and  Intangible  Assets.        Our  goodwill  represents  the  excess  of  the  cost  over  the  fair  value  of  net  assets  acquired  from  our
business combinations. Our intangible assets are comprised primarily of acquired technology, in-process research and development, customer relationships,
manufacturing  know-how,  licensed  technology,  supply  agreements,  and  trade  names  and  trademarks.  We  make  significant  judgments  in  relation  to  the
valuation of goodwill and intangible assets resulting from business combinations and asset acquisitions.

The determination of the value of goodwill and intangible assets arising from business combinations and asset acquisitions requires extensive use of
accounting  estimates  and  judgments  to  allocate  the  purchase  price  to  the  fair  value  of  the  net  tangible  and  intangible  assets  acquired,  including  in-process
research and development (IPR&D). Goodwill and IPR&D are not amortized. The value and useful lives assigned to other acquired intangible assets impact
future amortization.

Authoritative  guidance  requires  that  goodwill  and  intangible  assets  with  indefinite  lives  be  assessed  for  impairment  using  fair  value  measurement
techniques on an annual basis or more frequently if facts and circumstance warrant such a review. For purposes of assessing the impairment of goodwill, the
Company estimates the value of the reporting unit using its market capitalization as the best evidence of fair value. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit
exceeds its fair value, then a goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. We performed our annual test of
goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2011, and have determined there has been no impairment of goodwill through December 31, 2011.

Additionally, we tested our indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment, and as a result of reductions in management's estimate of total revenue and
related cash flows principally due to an updated view of the competitive and regulatory landscape in the cervical market, the carrying value of the IPR&D
related to the PCM device exceeded its estimated fair value by $17.6 million. Accordingly, a $17.6 million impairment charge is recorded during the year
ended December 31, 2011.

We evaluate our intangible assets with finite lives for indications of impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
value  may  not  be  recoverable.  Intangible  assets  consist  of  purchased  technology,  trademarks  and  trade  names,  customer  relationships  and  agreements,
manufacturing know-how and other intangibles and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of two to 20 years. Factors that
could  trigger  an  impairment  review  include  significant  under-performance  relative  to  expected  historical  or  projected  future  operating  results,  significant
changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business or significant negative industry or economic trends. If this
evaluation indicates that the value of the intangible asset may be impaired, we make an assessment of the recoverability of the net carrying value of the asset
over its remaining useful life. If this assessment indicates that the intangible asset is not recoverable, based on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of
the  technology  over  the  remaining  amortization  period,  we  reduce  the  net  carrying  value  of  the  related  intangible  asset  to  fair  value  and  may  adjust  the
remaining amortization period. During the year ended December 31, 2011, we recorded an impairment charge of $0.6 million related to developed technology
acquired  from  Cervitech  in  2009.  The  primary  factor  contributing  to  this  impairment  charge  was  the  reduction  in  management's  revenue  estimate  and  the
related decrease to the estimated cash flows for this device.

Significant management judgment is required in the forecasts of future operating results that are used in the discounted cash flow valuation models. It is
possible  that  plans  may  change  and  estimates  used  may  prove  to  be  inaccurate.  If  our  actual  results,  or  the  plans  and  estimates  used  in  future  impairment
analyses, are lower than the original estimates used to assess the recoverability of these assets, we could incur additional impairment charges.

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Legal Proceedings.    We are involved in a number of legal actions involving both product liability and intellectual property disputes. The outcomes of
these legal actions are not within our complete control and may not be known for prolonged periods of time. In some actions, the claimants seek damages as
well as other relief, including injunctions barring the sale of products that are the subject of the lawsuit, that could require significant expenditures or result in
lost revenues. In accordance with authoritative guidance, we record a liability in our consolidated financial statements for these actions when a loss is known
or considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If the reasonable estimate of a known or probable loss is a range, and no amount within
the  range  is  a  better  estimate  than  any  other,  the  minimum  amount  of  the  range  is  accrued.  If  a  loss  is  possible,  but  not  known  or  probable,  and  can  be
reasonably estimated, the estimated loss or range of loss is disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. In most cases, significant judgment
is required to estimate the amount and timing of a loss to be recorded. Our significant legal proceedings are discussed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial
statements included in this Annual Report. While it is not possible to predict the outcome for the matters discussed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial
statements, we believe it is possible that costs associated with them could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated earnings, financial position or
cash flows.

Property and Equipment.    Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line
method based on estimated useful lives. Effective January 1, 2011, we changed the estimated useful lives of certain surgical instrument sets that we loan to or
place with hospitals from three to four years. If we introduce new products or next-generation products, we may be required to dispose of surgical instrument
sets prior to the end of their estimated useful life and/or write off the value or accelerate the depreciation of the these assets. Maintenance and repairs on all
property and equipment are expensed as incurred.

Financial Instruments and Fair Value.    Inputs to valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained
from  independent  sources,  while  unobservable  inputs  reflect  our  market  assumptions.  These  two  types  of  inputs  have  created  the  following  fair-value
hierarchy:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available.

This hierarchy requires us to minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to use observable market data, if available, when determining fair value. We
recognize transfers between levels of this hierarchy based on the fair values of the respective financial instruments at the end of the reporting period in which
the transfer occurred. Changes in fair value are recognized in earnings each period for financial instruments that are carried at fair value.

The  types  of  instruments  that  trade  in  markets  that  are  not  considered  to  be  active,  but  are  valued  based  on  quoted  market  prices,  broker  or  dealer

quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

As more fully discussed in Notes 1 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report, in June 2011, in connection with the
offering  of  the  2017  Notes,  we  entered  into  convertible  note  hedge  transactions,  and  recorded  an  embedded  conversion  derivative  liability  and  derivative
asset. The fair values of these derivatives were determined using an option pricing model based on unobservable inputs and were classified within Level 3.
The significant inputs to the model included our stock price, risk free interest rate, bond yield, credit rating, and expected volatility of our stock price. On
September 28, 2011, upon obtaining stockholder approval to increase the number of authorized shares of our common stock, in accordance with authoritative
literature, the derivative asset and liability were marked to fair value and reclassified to stockholders' equity.

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Certain  contingent  consideration  liabilities  are  classified  within  Level  3  of  the  fair  value  hierarchy  because  they  use  unobservable  inputs.  For  those

liabilities, fair value is determined using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow model, the significant inputs which are not observable in the market.

The above listing is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our accounting policies. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular
transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP. See our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this report, which contain accounting
policies and other disclosures required by GAAP.

Results of Operations

Revenue

Spine Surgery Products
Biologics

Monitoring Service
Total revenue

 $

 $

Year Ended December 31,

2010 to 2011

2009 to 2010

2011

2010

2009

$ Change
(Dollars in thousands)

  % Change

$ Change

  % Change

  431,567    $
99,162     

  387,844    $
90,105     

  309,086    
61,254    

9,777     
540,506    $

288     
478,237    $

—    

370,340    $

  62,269     

13%   $

  107,897     

29% 

Our spine surgery product line offerings, which include products for the thoracolumbar spine and the cervical spine, are primarily used to enable access
to the spine and to perform restorative and fusion procedures in a minimally disruptive fashion. Our biologic product line offerings include allograft (donated
human  tissue),  FormaGraft,  a  collagen  synthetic  product  used  to  aid  the  fusion  process,  and  Osteocel  Plus,  an  allograft  cellular  matrix  containing  viable
mesenchymal  stem  cells,  or  MSCs,  to  aid  in  spinal  fusion.  Our  monitoring  service  line  offering  includes  hospital  based  revenues  and  net  patient  service
revenues related to IOM services performed.

The continued adoption of minimally invasive procedures for spine has led to the continued expansion of our innovative lateral procedure known as
eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion, or XLIF, in which surgeons access the spine for a fusion procedure from the side of the patient's body, rather than from the
front or back. In addition, increased market acceptance in our international markets contributed to the increase in revenues noted for the periods presented. We
expect  continued  adoption  of  our  XLIF  procedure  and  deeper  penetration  into  existing  accounts  and  our  newer  international  markets  as  our  sales  force
executes on the strategy of selling the full mix of our products. However, recent changes in payer and hospital behavior in the United States have created less
predictability  in  the  lumbar  portion  of  the  spine  market  and  impacted  the  overall  spine  market's  growth  rate.  Accordingly,  we  believe  that  our  growth  in
revenue in 2012 will primarily come from market share gains related to the market shift toward less invasive spinal surgery and the benefit of an entire fiscal
year of revenue from our IOM service business as a result of the Impulse Monitoring acquisition.

Our total revenues increased $62.3 million in 2011 compared to 2010 and $107.9 million in 2010 compared to 2009, representing total revenue growth
of 13% and 29%, respectively. Revenue from our Spine Surgery Products increased $43.7 million, or 11%, in 2011 compared to 2010 and $78.8 million, or
25%,  in  2010  compared  to  2009.  Revenue  from  Biologics  increased  $9.1  million,  or  10%,  in  2011  compared  to  2010  and  $28.9  million,  or  47%,  in  2010
compared to 2009. Revenue from Monitoring Services increased $9.5 million, in 2011 compared to 2010, and $0.3 million from zero in 2010 compared to
2009. Total revenues were impacted by small unfavorable changes in price of approximately 1.7% in both 2011 and 2010 as compared to prior years.

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Cost of Goods Sold, excluding amortization of purchased technology

Year Ended December 31,

2010 to 2011

2009 to 2010

2011

2010

2009

$ Change

   % Change

$ Change

   % Change

(Dollars in thousands)

Cost of Goods Sold
% of total revenue

   $

  112,111  

 $

  85,139  

 $

  61,110  

 $

  26,972       

32% 

 $

  24,029       

39% 

21% 

18% 

17% 

Cost of goods sold consists of costs of purchased goods, inventory-related costs and royalty expense as well as the cost of providing IOM service which

includes personnel and physician oversight costs.

Cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenue increased in 2011 over 2010 primarily from an increase in excess and obsolete inventory reserves, from
continued shifts in the geographic mix and from estimated royalty expense accruals associated with the recent judgment in the Medtronic litigation. Cost of
goods  sold  as  a  percentage  of  revenue  increased  slightly  in  2010  over  2009,  primarily  from  the  greater  contributions  to  revenue  from  our  lower  margin
biologics product line, lower margin international businesses and mix shifting within the remainder of the domestic product portfolio.

We expect cost of goods sold, as a percentage of revenue, to increase slightly in 2012 primarily due to the acquisition of Impulse Monitoring, as well as

estimated on-going royalty expense accruals related to the Medtronic litigation.

Operating Expenses

Sales, Marketing and Administrative

Sales, Marketing and Administrative
% of total revenue

   $

  346,757  

 $
64%    

  312,122  

 $
65%    

  254,997  

 $   34,635       

11%   $   57,125       

22% 

69%   

Year Ended December 31,

2010 to 2011

2009 to 2010

2011

2010

2009

  $ Change  
(Dollars in thousands)

   % Change  

  $ Change  

   % Change  

Sales,  marketing  and  administrative  expenses  consist  primarily  of  compensation,  commission  and  training  costs  for  personnel  engaged  in  sales,
marketing and customer support functions; distributor commissions; depreciation expense for surgical instrument sets; shipping costs; surgeon training costs;
shareowner (employee) related expenses for our administrative functions; and third-party professional service fees.

The increases in sales, marketing and administrative expenses principally result from growth in our revenue and the overall growth of the Company,
including:  expenses  that  tend  to  vary  based  on  revenue  such  as  commissions,  depreciation  expense  for  surgical  instrument  sets,  worldwide  sales  force
headcount and shipping; expenses associated with investments in our worldwide infrastructure such as operating systems and real estate; legal expenses; and
non-sales related headcount growth, offset by the decrease in depreciation expense due to the change in useful life of certain surgical instrument sets. As a
percentage  of  revenue,  sales,  marketing  and  administrative  expenses  decreased  in  2011  and  2010  compared  to  the  prior  years  principally  as  a  result  of
increased  operating  leverage  in  our  expenses,  as  well  as  lower  legal  expenses  incurred  on  non-Medtronic  related  litigation,  relative  to  the  13%  and  29%
growth in revenue in 2011 and 2010, respectively, compared to the prior years.

Excluding the impact resulting from a change in an accounting estimate related to the useful life of certain surgical instrument sets in 2011, costs that
tend to vary based on revenue increased $16.4 million and $39.2 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively, compared to the prior years. In 2011 as compared to
2010, the increases are slightly less than our increased revenue growth of approximately 13%, and in 2010 as compared to

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2009, the increases are consistent with our increased revenue growth of approximately 29%. Effective January 1, 2011, we changed the useful life of certain
surgical instrument sets from three to four years. This change, which was accounted for as a change in accounting estimate, resulted in approximately $5.9
million less depreciation expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 than would have been recorded had the useful life of these assets not been extended.

Compensation and other shareowner related expenses for our marketing and administrative support functions increased $12.0 million in 2011 compared
to 2010. This increase is due to increased compensation and other shareowner related expenses resulting from additions to our headcount. Compensation and
other  shareowner  related  expenses  for  our  marketing  and  administrative  support  functions  increased  $5.4  million  in  2010  compared  to  2009  as  increased
compensation and other shareowner related expenses resulting from additions to our headcount were more than offset by a decrease in performance-based
compensation. Stock-based compensation increased $4.6 million and $5.4 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively, compared to prior years, primarily related
to an increase in stock-based awards granted to shareowners associated with the continued increase in headcount.

Acquisition-related costs increased $2.0 million in 2011 as compared to 2010 primarily attributable to changes in the contingent consideration liabilities
incurred in 2011 and expenses incurred in connection with our 2011 acquisition of Impulse Monitoring. Acquisition-related costs decreased $2.7 million in
2010 as compared to 2009 primarily attributable to expenses incurred in connection with our investment in Progentix and acquisition of Cervitech in 2009.

In addition to the items discussed above, legal expenses decreased $0.8 million in 2011 as compared to 2010; however, expenses incurred in 2010 in
connection  with  the  defense  of  the  NeuroVision  trademark  infringement  litigation  were  offset  by  increased  expenses  incurred  in  connection  with  the
Medtronic  litigation  during  2011.  Legal  expenses  increased  $6.3  million  in  2010  as  compared  to  2009  resulting  primarily  from  increased  non-Medtronic
related  litigation  and  legal  activity  including  our  offensive  actions  to  protect  our  intellectual  property  and  defense  costs  incurred  in  connection  with  the
NeuroVision trademark infringement litigation. These increased expenses were partially offset by the recovery of an international receivable in the amount of
$1.5 million in 2010 which had previously been reserved for in 2009, for which no comparable reduction in expenses occurred during the same period in
2011.

During 2009, due to continued growth, we decided to reoccupy the former corporate headquarters facility for which lease termination and other costs
totaling approximately $4.8 million had been recorded in 2008. Accordingly, in 2009, the remaining liability related to lease termination costs of $2.0 million
was reversed and recorded as a reduction of sales, marketing, and administrative expenses.

On a long-term basis, as a percentage of revenue, we expect total sales, marketing and administrative costs to continue to decrease moderately over

time.

Research and Development

Year Ended December 31,

2011 to 2010

2009 to 2010

2011

2010

2009

$ Change

  % Change

  $ Change  

   % Change

Research and Development
% of total revenue

   $

  40,703 

 $
8%    

  43,479 

 $
9%    

(Dollars in thousands)

  37,581 

 $

  (2,776)    

(6)%  $

  5,898       

16%

10%   

Research  and  development  expense  consists  primarily  of  product  research  and  development,  clinical  trial  and  study  costs,  regulatory  and  clinical

functions, and shareowner related expenses.

In the last several years, we have introduced numerous new products and product enhancements that have significantly expanded our MAS platform,
enhanced  the  applications  of  the  XLIF  procedure,  expanded  our  offering  of  cervical  products,  and  moved  closer  to  entering  into  the  growing  motion
preservation market. We

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have  also  acquired  complementary  and  strategic  assets  and  technology,  particularly  in  the  area  of  biologics.  We  are  developing  proprietary  total  disc
replacement  devices  for  lateral  lumbar  spine  applications  and  separately  for  cervical  spine  applications,  which  are  currently  in  different  phases  of  clinical
trials and related studies. We anticipate continuing to incur costs related to such clinical trials and studies through at least 2012.

Compensation and other shareowner related expenses increased $0.9 million in 2011 compared to 2010, which includes expenses totaling $0.3 million
recorded in the year ended December 31, 2011 resulting from the correction of an immaterial error related to the accrual of payroll expenses, and $1.7 million
in 2010 compared to 2009. These increases are primarily due to increased compensation and other shareowner related expenses resulting from additions to our
headcount to support our product development and enhancement efforts, offset by a decrease in performance-based compensation.

In  addition,  expenses  related  to  ongoing  clinical  trial  and  study  related  activities  designed  to  demonstrate  the  value  of  our  emerging  and  existing
technologies decreased $1.9 million in 2011 and increased $2.4 million in 2010, respectively, compared to the prior years. Additionally, expenses increased
$2.0  million  in  2010  as  compared  to  2009  as  a  result  of  expenses  incurred  in  connection  with  a  supply  agreement  related  to  AttraX,  the  product  being
developed by Progentix, with no comparative expense incurred during 2011.

For the foreseeable future, as a percentage of revenue, we expect total research and development costs to remain consistent in support of our ongoing

development and planned clinical trial and study related activities.

Intangible Asset Impairment Charge

Intangible Asset Impairment Charge
% of total revenue

   $

  18,167 

 $   —  

 $   —  

(Dollars in thousands)
  18,167       

 $

3%     —%     —%   

100%   $

  —       

—% 

Year Ended December 31,

2010 to 2011

2009 to 2010

2011

  2010  

  2009  

$ Change

   % Change

  $ Change  

   % Change

Intangible asset impairment charge represents the write down of certain intangible assets to fair value. During the fourth quarter of 2011, we recorded

$18.2 million of impairment charges related to intangible assets acquired from Cervitech in 2009.

Amortization of Intangible Assets

Year Ended December 31,

2010 to 2011

2009 to 2010

2011

2010

2009

  $ Change      % Change

  $ Change      % Change

Amortization of Intangible Assets
% of total revenue

   $

  6,609 

 $
1%    

  5,407 

 $
1%    

(Dollars in thousands)
  1,202      

 $

  5,335 

1%   

22%  $

  72      

1%

Amortization of intangible assets relates to amortization of finite-lived intangible assets acquired. Amortization expense increased $1.2 million in 2011

as compared to 2010 due to additional intangible assets acquired in 2011, and remained relatively constant in 2010 as compared to 2009.

We  expect  expenses  recorded  in  connection  with  the  amortization  of  intangible  assets  to  continue  to  increase  in  absolute  dollars  for  the  foreseeable
future  as  amortization  of  acquired  in-process  research  and  development  commences  once  acquired  research  and  development  projects  reach  technological
feasibility.

Litigation Award

Year Ended December 31,

2010 to 2011

2009 to 2010

2011

2010  

2009  

$ Change

   % Change

$ Change

   % Change

Litigation Award
% of total revenue

   $

  101,200 

19% 

  —  

  $
    —% 

  —  

  $
    —% 

(Dollars in thousands)
  101,200       

  $

100% 

  $

  —       

—% 

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Litigation  award  expenses  represent  the  monetary  damages  awarded  to  Medtronic  during  September  2011  which  includes  lost  profits  and  back

royalties.

Interest and Other Expense, Net

Interest income
Interest expense
Other income (expense), net
Total interest and other expense, net
% of total revenue

 $

 $

Year Ended December 31,

2010 to 2011

2009 to 2010

2011

2010

2009

  $ Change  
(Dollars in thousands)

  % Change  

  $ Change  

  % Change  

832  
(17,933) 
2,078  
  (15,023) 

 $

 $

760  
(6,672) 
(264) 
  (6,176) 

 $
(3)%    

 $
(1)%    

1,507 
(7,116) 
461  
  (5,148) 

 $

  8,847     

143%   $

  1,028     

20% 

(1)%   

Interest and other expense, net, consists principally of interest expense incurred on our outstanding $476.8 million Senior Convertible Notes, offset by
income  earned  on  marketable  securities  and  other  income  (expense)  items.  The  $8.8  million  net  increase  in  total  interest  and  other  expense  in  2011  as
compared to 2010 is principally due to an increase of $11.3 million in interest expense, partially offset by an increase in other income of approximately $2.3
million. The $11.3 million increase in interest expense in 2011 resulted primarily from additional cash and non-cash interest expense associated with the 2017
Notes offering which closed on June 28, 2011. The $2.3 million increase in other income resulted from a $2.4 million net non-cash gain recorded during 2011
related to the changes in the fair values of the derivative asset and liability recorded in connection with the 2017 Notes offering. The $1.0 million net change
in total interest and other expense in 2010 as compared to 2009 is principally due to a decrease of $0.7 million in interest income due to lower interest rates in
2010.

Interest  and  other  expense,  net,  is  expected  to  increase  in  the  foreseeable  future  as  a  result  of  the  additional  cash  and  non-cash  interest  expense

associated with the 2017 Notes offering.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense
Effective income tax (benefit) rate

 $

  (29,043) 

 $
(29)%    

  (50,619) 

 $   1,732 

 $

  21,576     

43%   $

  (52,351)    

(3023)% 

(Dollars in thousands)

(195)%    

28%   

Year Ended December 31,

2010 to 2011

2009 to 2010

2011

2010

2009

  $ Change

  % Change  

$ Change

  % Change  

The  effective  income  tax  benefit  rate  for  2011  was  29%  compared  to  an  effective  benefit  rate  of  195%  in  2010.  As  a  result  of  the  litigation  award
accrual  totaling  $101.2  million  recorded  in  2011,  we  evaluated  the  need  for  a  valuation  allowance  on  our  deferred  tax  assets  by  reviewing  all  available
positive and negative evidence. Based on our review, we concluded that it was more likely than not that we would be able to realize the benefit of our U. S.
federal  deferred  tax  assets  and  our  deferred  tax  assets  for  all  states  except  California  in  the  future.  This  conclusion  was  primarily  based  on  historical  and
projected  operating  performance,  as  well  as  our  expectation  that  our  operations  will  generate  sufficient  taxable  income  in  future  periods  to  realize  the  tax
benefits associated with the federal deferred tax assets well within the statutory carryover periods. Accordingly, we did not establish a valuation allowance on
our federal or non-California state deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2011.

Based on this same evidence and consideration of the state of California's past and current suspension of the use of net operating loss carryforwards, the
state of California's statutory carryover periods and our apportionment election beginning in 2011, we concluded that it is more likely than not that we will not
be able to

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utilize our California deferred tax assets. Therefore, we established a full valuation allowance on our California deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2011.
Accordingly,  the  income  tax  benefit  reported  for  the  2011,  includes  income  tax  expense  totaling  $4.8  million  in  connection  with  the  establishment  of  this
valuation allowance.

In addition, certain future tax deductions will no longer be realized as a result of the repurchase of $155.7 million of our 2013 Notes. Accordingly, the

income tax benefit for 2011 includes a charge totaling $1.8 million, representing the write off of deferred tax assets associated with these future deductions.

Excluding the impact of the establishment of the $4.8 million valuation allowance on our California deferred tax assets, the effective income tax rate for
2011 would have differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% due primarily to state income taxes, net of federal benefit, and non-deductible stock
award compensation.

The 195% income tax benefit for 2010 includes federal, state and foreign income tax expense, offset by the reversal of a valuation allowance totaling
$55.7 million. We generated pre-tax book income in both 2010 and 2009. As a result of this positive earnings trend, three years of cumulative profits and
projected future taxable income, we determined that it was more likely than not that our domestic deferred tax assets would be realized and, accordingly, we
reversed a valuation allowance totaling approximately $72.7 million that was recorded against these deferred tax assets ($17.0 million of the reversal resulted
in a benefit recorded to additional paid in capital). Excluding the impact of this reversal of the valuation allowance, the effective income tax rate for 2010
would  have  differed  from  the  U.S.  federal  statutory  rate  of  35%  due  to  state  income  taxes,  net  of  federal  benefit,  and  non-deductible  stock  award
compensation in 2010.

The effective tax rate for 2009 was approximately 28%, which differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% due primarily to state income taxes,

net of federal benefit, and non-deductible stock award compensation in 2009.

We are subject to audits by federal, state, local, and foreign tax authorities. We believe that adequate provisions have been made for any adjustments
that may result from tax examinations. However, the outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty. Should any issues addressed in our tax audits
be  resolved  in  a  manner  not  consistent  with  management's  expectations,  we  could  be  required  to  adjust  our  provision  for  income  taxes  in  the  period  such
resolution occurs. We will continue to assess the likelihood of realization of our tax credits and other net deferred tax assets. If future events occur that do not
make the realization of such assets more likely than not, a valuation allowance will be established against all or a portion of the net deferred tax assets.

We expect our effective income tax rate to exceed the U.S. federal and state statutory income tax rates primarily due to non-deductible expenses and

foreign losses expected to be incurred by Progentix.

Stock-Based Compensation

The compensation expense that has been included in the statement of operations for all stock-based compensation arrangements was as follows:

Stock-Based Compensation

Sales, Marketing & Administrative
Research & Development
Total Stock-Based Compensation

% of total revenue

Year Ended December 31,

2010 to 2011

2009 to 2010

2011

2010

2009

  $ Change  

   % Change  

  $ Change  

   % Change  

(Dollars in thousands)

   $

   $

29,583  
2,487  
  32,070  

 $

 $

24,945  
3,280  
  28,225  

 $

 $

19,549  
4,244  
  23,793  

 $

  3,845       

14%   $

  4,432       

19% 

6%    

6%    

6%   

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Stock-based compensation related to stock awards is recognized and amortized on an accelerated basis in accordance with authoritative guidance. The
increase  in  stock-based  compensation  of  approximately  $3.8  million  in  2011  as  compared  to  2010  and  $4.4  million  in  2010  as  compared  2009,  can  be
primarily attributed to an increase in the number of awards due to increased headcount year over year for all years presented.

As of December 31, 2011, there was approximately $9.6 million and $15.1 million of unrecognized compensation expense for stock options and RSUs,
respectively, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.6 years and 3.0 years, respectively. In addition, as of
December 31, 2011, there was $3.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense for shares expected to be issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan
which is expected to be recognized through October 2013.

Business Combinations and Asset Acquisitions

Acquisition of Impulse Monitoring, Inc.    In October 2011, we completed the purchase of all of the outstanding shares of Impulse Monitoring for an
initial  payment  of  approximately  $79.7  million  consisting  of  cash  totaling  approximately  $40.5  million  and  the  issuance  of  2,336,200  shares  of  NuVasive
common stock to certain stockholders of Impulse Monitoring. Impulse Monitoring, a company headquartered in Maryland, is a leading provider of outsourced
IOM services to hospitals and became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company upon completion of the acquisition. Of the total estimated purchase price of
$79.7 million, $56.3 million was allocated to goodwill based on management's initial valuation of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
on the date of acquisition.

Investment in Progentix Orthobiology, B.V.    On January 13, 2009, we completed the purchase of forty percent (40%) of the capital stock of Progentix
Orthobiology, B.V., a company organized under the laws of the Netherlands (Progentix), from existing shareholders (the Progentix Shareholders) pursuant to
a  Preferred  Stock  Purchase  Agreement.  NuVasive,  Progentix  and  the  Progentix  Shareholders  also  entered  into  an  Option  Purchase  Agreement  dated
January 13, 2009 (the Option Agreement), whereby (i) the Progentix Shareholders have two separate rights, upon the achievement of pre-defined development
milestones by Progentix or sales milestones by us, to cause us to purchase the remaining sixty percent (60%) of capital stock of Progentix (Remaining Shares)
at pre-defined prices (the Put Options), and (ii) we have the right, upon the occurrence of pre-defined events, to purchase the remaining sixty percent (60%) of
capital  stock  of  Progentix  (the  Call  Option).  We  also  entered  into  a  Distribution  Agreement  with  Progentix  dated  January  13,  2009,  whereby  Progentix
appointed us as its exclusive distributor for certain Progentix products.

In accordance with authoritative guidance issued by the FASB, we determined that Progentix is a variable interest entity and that we are the primary
beneficiary. Accordingly, the financial position and results of operations of Progentix have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the
date of the initial investment. The equity interests in Progentix not owned by us are reported as noncontrolling interests on our consolidated balance sheet.
Losses incurred by Progentix are charged to us and to the noncontrolling interest holders based on their ownership percentage. The Remaining Shares and the
Option Agreement that was entered into between us, Progentix and the Progentix Shareholders are not considered to be freestanding financial instruments as
defined  by  authoritative  guidance.  Therefore  the  Remaining  Shares  and  the  Option  Agreement  are  accounted  for  as  a  combined  unit  in  the  consolidated
financial statements as a redeemable noncontrolling interest that was initially recorded at fair value and classified as mezzanine equity.

On December 30, 2009, we entered into an amendment (the Amendment) to the Option Agreement and the Distribution Agreement with Progentix and
the Progentix Shareholders in connection with the execution of an exclusive supply agreement between us and Ceremed, Inc. The Amendment, among other
things,  extends  by  five  months  the  period  of  time  allotted  for  the  achievement  of  each  of  the  milestones  required  to  trigger  the  Put  Options,  reduces  the
transfer price paid to Progentix by us for the supply of product, and also reduces by up to $14.0 million the purchase price to be paid by us upon execution of
either of the Put Options or the Call Option. As the Remaining Shares and the Option Agreement are accounted for as a combined unit in the consolidated

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financial statements, the Amendment resulted in the retirement of the noncontrolling equity interests originally recorded in January 2009, and in accordance
with authoritative guidance, the noncontrolling equity interests were recorded at fair value as of December 30, 2009, the date of the Amendment. The fair
value of the equity interests issued on December 30, 2009 approximated the carrying value of the noncontrolling equity interests on that date.

Acquisition of Cervitech® Inc.    In May 2009, we purchased Cervitech® Inc., (Cervitech), a New Jersey based company focused on clinical approval of
the PCM® cervical disc system, a motion preserving total disc replacement device, for a purchase price of approximately $79.0 million, consisting of cash
totaling approximately $25.0 million and the issuance of 638,261 shares of NuVasive common stock to certain stockholders of Cervitech and $29.7 million of
contingent  consideration  due  upon  FDA  approval  of  the  PCM  device.  Of  the  total  purchase  price  of  $79.0  million,  $34.8  million  and  $54.5  million  was
allocated to in-process research and development and goodwill, respectively, based on management's valuation of the fair value of the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed on the date of acquisition. This strategic acquisition allows us the potential to accelerate our entry into the growing mechanical cervical
disc replacement market. We submitted a PMA for FDA approval in the first quarter of 2010. Approval, if obtained, should further strengthen our cervical
product offering and will enable us to continue our trend of increasing our market share.

During the fourth quarter of 2011, we determined that the carrying value of the IPR&D and developed technology related to the PCM device acquired

from Cervitech exceeded its estimated fair value by $18.2 million. Accordingly, an impairment charge was recorded.

These  transactions  and  their  impact  to  our  consolidated  statement  of  financial  position  and  results  of  operations  are  fully  described  in  Note  2  to  the

consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.

Liquidity, Cash Flows and Capital Resources

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal sources of liquidity are our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, cash generated from operations and proceeds from

our convertible debt financings issued in March 2008 and June 2011.

In March 2008, we issued $230.0 million principal amount of 2.25% Senior Convertible Notes due 2013 (the 2013 Notes). The net proceeds from the
offering, after deducting the initial purchasers' discounts and costs directly related to the offering, were approximately $208.4 million. We pay 2.25% interest
per annum on the principal amount of the 2013 Notes, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on March 15 and September 15 of each year. During the year
ended December 31, 2011, we repurchased approximately $155.7 million of the 2013 Notes. At December 31, 2011, approximately $74.3 million of the 2013
Notes remain outstanding. Any 2013 Notes not converted prior to March 15, 2013, the maturity date, will be paid in cash.

In  June  2011,  we  issued  $402.5  million  principal  amount  of  the  2.75%  Convertible  Senior  Notes  due  2017  (the  2017  Notes),  which  includes  the
issuance of $52.5 million principal amount upon the exercise of the initial purchasers' option to purchase additional notes. The net proceeds from the offering,
after deducting initial purchasers' discounts and costs directly related to the offering, were approximately $359.2 million. We pay 2.75% interest per annum on
the principal amount of the 2017 Notes. The 2017 Notes mature on July 1, 2017 and may be settled in cash, stock, or a combination thereof, solely at our
election. Interest on the 2017 Notes began accruing in June 2010 and is payable semi-annually each January 1st and July 1st, beginning January 1, 2012.

As more fully discussed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report, we were required to escrow funds to secure
the recent $60.0 million judgment against us in connection with the NeuroVision trademark infringement litigation. On June 16, 2011, we entered into an
escrow arrangement and transferred $62.5 million of cash and investments, representing the $60.0 million judgment amount, plus interest, attorneys' fees and
costs, into a restricted escrow account. These funds are included in restricted cash and investments in our December 31, 2011 consolidated balance sheet.

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Additionally, in connection with the Medtronic litigation, a jury from the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California delivered an unfavorable
verdict to us and awarded monetary damages of approximately $101.2 million to Medtronic. While we intend to appeal the verdict, we may be required to
secure the amount of the judgment, or an even greater amount at the court's discretion, during the appeals process or pay a higher royalty rate for the post-
verdict  time  period  than  was  previously  determined,  which  could  negatively  impact  our  liquidity  and  our  ability  to  invest  in  and  run  our  business  on  an
ongoing basis.

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities was $342.2 million and $229.7 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We believe that
our  existing  cash,  cash  equivalents  and  short-term  marketable  securities  will  be  sufficient  to  meet  our  anticipated  cash  needs  for  the  next  12  months.  Our
future  capital  requirements  will  depend  on  many  factors  including  our  rate  of  revenue  growth,  the  timing  and  extent  of  spending  to  support  development
efforts, the expansion of sales, marketing and administrative activities, the timing of introductions of new products and enhancements to existing products, the
continuing market acceptance of our products and the expenditures associated with possible future acquisitions or other business combination transactions.

We expect that cash provided by operating activities may fluctuate in future periods as a result of a number of factors, including fluctuations in our
operating results and working capital requirements. We have historically invested our cash primarily in U.S. treasuries and government agencies, corporate
debt,  and  money  market  funds.  Certain  of  these  investments  are  subject  to  general  credit,  liquidity  and  other  market  risks.  The  general  condition  of  the
financial markets and the economy has exacerbated those risks and may affect the value of our current investments and restrict our ability to access the capital
markets or even our own funds.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, selected items in our consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):

Cash provided by operating activities
Cash used in investing activities
Cash provided by financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash flows from operating activities

Year Ended December 31,

2011 to 2010

2009 to 2010

2011

2010

2009

$ Change

$ Change

   $

   $

62,965    $
  (201,724)    
209,879     
(225)    
70,895    $

65,827    $
  (45,795)    
7,082     
70     
27,184    $

46,419    $
  (127,903)    
14,458     
121     
(66,905)   $

(2,862)   $
  (155,929)    
202,797     
(295)    
43,711    $

19,408  
  82,108  
(7,376) 
(51) 
94,089  

Cash provided by operating activities was $63.0 million in 2011, compared to $65.8 million in 2010. The $2.9 million decrease in cash provided by
operating activities in 2011 as compared to 2010 is primarily due to an increase in amounts paid for other current assets, including an overpayment of $11.2
million, which was refunded in January 2012, and increased payments related to accounts payable and accrued liabilities, offset by improved collections from
accounts  receivable.  Cash  provided  by  operating  activities  increased  $19.4  million  in  2010  as  compared  with  2009  primarily  due  to  improvement  in  our
profitability profile and an increase in non-cash expenses of depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation. These increases were partially offset by
the non-cash benefit resulting from the reversal of the valuation allowance on our domestic deferred tax assets.

Cash flows used in investing activities

Cash used in investing activities was $201.7 million in 2011, compared to $45.8 million in 2010. The $155.9 million increase in cash used in investing

activities in 2011 as compared to 2010 is primarily due to an

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increase in our net purchases of marketable securities of $102.3 million, an increase in cash used related to the acquisition of Impulse Monitoring of $35.4
million, net of cash acquired, and increased purchases of surgical instrument sets which are deployed to support our increasing revenue volume. Cash used in
investing activities decreased $82.1 million in 2010 as compared with 2009 primarily due to a decrease in cash used for acquisitions and investments in 2010
compared to 2009 as the acquisition of Cervitech, Inc. and our investment in Progentix were completed in 2009 with no comparable investments in 2010, and
a net decrease in our investing activities. These decreases in spending were offset by increased purchases of surgical instrument sets, which are deployed to
support our increasing revenue volume, and increased expenditures in infrastructure related to the addition of our New York facility and expansion of our
Memphis facility.

Cash flows from financing activities

Cash provided by financing activities was $209.9 million in 2011, compared to $7.1 million in 2010. The $202.8 million increase in cash provided by
financing activities in 2011 as compared to 2010 is primarily due to net proceeds totaling approximately $359.2 million from the issuance of 2017 Notes on
June 28, 2011, offset by the repurchase of $154.2 million of our outstanding 2013 Notes. Cash provided by financing activities decreased $7.4 million in 2010
as compared to 2009 primarily due to an increase in cash used for long-term other assets (primarily cash used as collateral for letters of credit), partially offset
by an increase in proceeds from the issuance of common stock.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

Contractual  obligations  and  commitments  represent  future  cash  commitments  and  liabilities  under  agreements  with  third  parties,  including  our  2013
Notes and 2017 Notes (the Senior Convertible Notes), operating leases and other contractual obligations. The following summarizes our long-term contractual
obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

Less Than

Payments Due by Period

Senior Convertible Notes(1)
Operating leases
Capital leases
Royalty obligations
Clinical advisory agreements
Supply agreements
Total

Total

1 Year

1 to 3 Years

4 to 5 Years

After 5 Years

   $

   $

539,650      $
89,645       
1,553       
600       
329       
24,900       
  656,677      $

12,741      $
9,635       
563       
120       
69       
7,400       
  30,528      $

96,783      $
16,415       
987       
240       
130       
17,500       
  132,055      $

22,137      $
15,161       
3       
240       
130       
—       
  37,671      $

407,989  
48,434  
—  
—  
—  
—  
  456,423  

(1)

See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for further discussion of the terms of the Senior Convertible Notes.

The following obligations and commitments are not included in the table above:

In connection with the 2005 acquisition of RSB Spine LLC, we are contingently obligated to make additional consideration payments over a period of

12 years based upon sales of the products derived from Smart Plate®, Gradient CLP and related technology.

In connection with the investment in Progentix, we are contingently obligated to make additional payments of up to $24.0 million.

In connection with the acquisition of Cervitech, we are contingently obligated to make an additional payment up to $33.0 million upon FDA approval

of the PCM device. The milestone payment may be made in cash or a combination of cash and up to half in NuVasive common stock, at our discretion.

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In  connection  with  several  purchase  agreements,  we  are  contingently  obligated  to  make  additional  payments  up  to  $5.9  million  primarily  upon  the

achievement of specified milestones.

We have not included an amount related to uncertain tax benefits or liabilities in the table above because we cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate
regarding the timing of settlements with taxing authorities, if any. As of December 31, 2011, the liability included in the consolidated balance sheets related to
tax uncertainties is immaterial.

The expected timing of payments of the obligations discussed above is estimated based on current information. Timing of payment and actual amounts
paid may be different depending on the time of receipt of services or changes to agreed-upon amounts for some obligations. Amounts disclosed as contingent
or milestone-based obligations depend on the achievement of the milestones or the occurrence of the contingent events and can vary significantly.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have not engaged in any off-balance sheet activities.

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Interest Rate Sensitivity and Risk.    Our exposure to interest rate risk at December 31, 2011 is related to our investment portfolio which consists largely
of debt instruments of high quality corporate issuers and the U.S. government and its agencies. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, we have
assessed that there is no material exposure to interest rate risk arising from our investments. Fixed rate investments and borrowings may have their fair market
value adversely impacted from changes in interest rates. At December 31, 2011, we do not hold any material asset-backed investment securities and in 2011,
we did not realize any losses related to asset-backed investment securities. Based upon our overall interest rate exposure as of December 31, 2011, a change of
10 percent in interest rates, assuming the amount of our investment portfolio remains constant, would not have a material effect on interest expense. Further,
this analysis does not consider the effect of the change in the level of the overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment.

Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our investment portfolio. The primary objective of our investment activities
is  to  preserve  the  principal  while  at  the  same  time  maximizing  yields  without  significantly  increasing  the  risk.  To  achieve  this  objective,  we  maintain  our
portfolio  of  cash  equivalents  and  investments  in  instruments  that  meet  high  credit  quality  standards,  as  specified  in  our  investment  policy.  None  of  our
investments are held for trading purposes. Our policy also limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issue, issuer and type of instrument.

The  following  table  presents  the  carrying  value  and  related  weighted-average  rate  of  return  for  our  investment  portfolio  as  of  December  31,  2011

(dollars in thousands):

Money market funds
Certificates of deposit
Corporate notes
Commercial paper
U.S. government treasury securities
Securities of government-sponsored entities
Total interest bearing instruments

Carrying
Value

121,666  
526  
21,168  
5,000  
44,168  
170,801  
  363,329  

   $

   $

Weighted Average

Rate of Return

0.1% 
0.5% 
0.1% 
—% 
0.1% 
—% 

As of December 31, 2011, the stated maturities of our investments are $191.6 million within one year and $50.1 million from one to two years. These
investments  are  recorded  on  the  balance  sheet  at  fair  market  value  with  unrealized  gains  or  losses  reported  as  a  separate  component  of  accumulated  other
comprehensive income.

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Market Price Sensitive Instruments.    In order to reduce the potential equity dilution, we entered into convertible note hedge transactions (the Hedges)
in connection with the issuance of the Senior Convertible Notes entitling us to purchase our common stock. Upon conversion of our Senior Convertible Notes,
the Hedges are expected to reduce the equity dilution if the daily volume-weighted average price per share of our common stock exceeds the strike price of
the  Hedges.  We  also  entered  into  warrant  transactions  with  the  counterparties  of  the  Hedges  entitling  them  to  acquire  shares  of  our  common  stock.  The
warrant transactions could have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share to the extent that the price of our common stock during a given measurement period
(the quarter or year to date period) at maturity of the warrants exceeds the strike price of the warrants. These transactions are more fully discussed in Note 6 to
the consolidated financial statements.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk.    We have operated mainly in the United States of America, and the majority of our sales since inception have been
made  in  U.S.  dollars.  Accordingly,  we  have  assessed  that  we  do  not  have  any  material  exposure  to  foreign  currency  rate  fluctuations.  However,  as  our
business in markets outside of the United States continues to increase, we will be exposed to foreign currency exchange risk related to our foreign operations.
Fluctuations in the rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies, primarily the euro, the australian dollar and the yen, could adversely affect
our financial results.

Exchange  rate  fluctuations  resulting  from  the  translation  of  the  short-term  intercompany  balances  between  NuVasive,  Inc.,  our  U.S.  entity,  and  our
foreign subsidiaries, are recorded as foreign currency transaction gains or losses and are included in other income (expense) in the consolidated statement of
operations.

We do not currently engage in hedging activities with respect to our foreign currency exchange risk.

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Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 

The consolidated financial statements and supplementary data required by this item are set forth at the pages indicated in Item 15.

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. 

None

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures 

Disclosure  Controls  and  Procedures.        We  maintain  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  that  are  designed  to  ensure  that  information  required  to  be
disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the
timelines  specified  in  the  SEC's  rules  and  forms,  and  that  such  information  is  accumulated  and  communicated  to  our  management,  including  our  Chief
Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer,  as  appropriate,  to  allow  timely  decisions  regarding  required  disclosure.  In  designing  and  evaluating  the
disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide
reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and in reaching a reasonable level of assurance, management necessarily was required to
apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we carried
out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in SEC Rules 13a — 15(e) and 15d —
15(e)) as of December 31, 2011. Based on such evaluation, our management has concluded as of December 31, 2011, the Company's disclosure controls and
procedures are effective.

Management's  Report  on  Internal  Control  over  Financial  Reporting.        Our  management  is  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  adequate
internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting refers to the process
designed by, or under the supervision of, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and effected by our board of directors, management and
other  personnel,  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for  external
purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Management  has  used  the  framework  set  forth  in  the  report  entitled  Internal  Control  —  Integrated  Framework  published  by  the  Committee  of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Management
has  concluded  that  the  Company's  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  was  effective  as  of  December  31,  2011.  Ernst  &  Young  LLP,  the  Company's
independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on the Company's internal control over financial reporting which is included
herein.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.    We are involved in ongoing evaluations of internal controls. In anticipation of the filing of this
Form 10-K, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, with the assistance of other members of our management, performed an evaluation of
any change in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is likely to materially affect,
our internal controls over financial reporting. There has been no change to our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
NuVasive, Inc.

We have audited NuVasive, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control —
Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (the  COSO  criteria).  NuVasive,  Inc.'s
management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control
over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require
that  we  plan  and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  was  maintained  in  all
material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists,
testing  and  evaluating  the  design  and  operating  effectiveness  of  internal  control  based  on  the  assessed  risk,  and  performing  such  other  procedures  as  we
considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A  company's  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a  process  designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal
control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and
fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention
or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation
of  effectiveness  to  future  periods  are  subject  to  the  risk  that  controls  may  become  inadequate  because  of  changes  in  conditions,  or  that  the  degree  of
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, NuVasive, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on

the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance
sheets of NuVasive, Inc. as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 of NuVasive, Inc. and our report dated February 24, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion
thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

San Diego, California
February 24, 2012

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Information. 

Item 9B.    
Other

None.

PART III

Certain information required by Part III is omitted from this report because the Company will file a definitive proxy statement within 120 days after the
end  of  its  fiscal  year  pursuant  to  Regulation  14A  (the  Proxy  Statement)  for  its  annual  meeting  of  stockholders  to  be  held  on  May  24,  2012,  and  certain
information included in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. 

We have adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics for all officers, directors and shareowners. The Code of Conduct and Ethics is available on our website,
www.nuvasive.com,  and  in  our  filings  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission.  We  intend  to  disclose  future  amendments  to,  or  waivers  from,
provisions  of  our  Code  of  Conduct  and  Ethics  that  apply  to  our  Principal  Executive  Officer,  Principal  Financial  Officer,  Principal  Accounting  Officer,  or
Controller, or persons performing similar functions, within four business days of such amendment or waiver.

The other information required by this Item 10 will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this report by reference.

Item 11.

Executive Compensation. 

The information required by this item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this report by reference.

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. 

The information required by this item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this report by reference.

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. 

The information required by this item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this report by reference.

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services. 

The information required by this item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this report by reference.

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. 

(a)

The following documents are filed as a part of this report:

(1)

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010

PART IV

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Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(2)

Financial Statement Schedules: Schedule II — Valuation Accounts

All  other  financial  statement  schedules  have  been  omitted  because  they  are  not  applicable,  not  required  or  the  information  required  is  shown  in  the

financial statements or the notes thereto.

(3)

Exhibits. See subsection (b) below.

(b)

Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:

Exhibit
Number  
2.1†

3.1

3.2
4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

10.1#

10.2#

10.3#

10.4#

10.5#

Description
Share  Purchase  Agreement,  by  and  among  NuVasive,  Inc.  and  the  stockholders  of  Cervitech,  Inc.,  as  listed  therein,  dated  April  22,  2009
(incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-159098) filed with the Commission on May 8, 2009)
Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  filed  with  the  Commission  on
August 13, 2004)
Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 6, 2012)
Indenture, dated March 7, 2008, between the NuVasive Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 9, 2008)
Form  of  2.25%  Convertible  Senior  Note  due  2013  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  filed  with  the
Commission on May 9, 2008)
Registration  Rights  Agreement,  dated  March  7,  2007,  among  NuVasive,  Inc.  and  Goldman,  Sachs  &  Co.,  and  J.P.  Morgan  Securities  Inc.,
related  to  the  2.25%  Convertible  Senior  Notes  due  2013  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  filed  with  the
Commission on May 9, 2008)
Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 16,
2006)
2004  Equity  Incentive  Plan,  as  amended  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Appendix  A  to  our  Definitive  Proxy  Statement  filed  with  the
Commission on April 11, 2007)
Amendment to 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on
November 4, 2011)
Form of Stock Option Award Notice under our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-113344) filed with the Commission on April 8, 2004)
Form  of  Option  Exercise  and  Stock  Purchase  Agreement  under  our  2004  Equity  Incentive  Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Amendment
No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-113344) filed with the Commission on April 8, 2004).
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on
Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 26, 2010)

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Exhibit
Number  
10.6#

10.7#

10.8#   
10.9#

10.10#

10.11#

10.12

10.13#

10.14#

10.15

10.16

10.17

10.18

10.19

10.20

Description
2004  Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Amendment  No.  1  to  our  Registration  Statement  on  Form  S-1  (File
No. 333-113344) filed with the Commission on April 8, 2004)
Amendment  No.  1  to  2004  Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  filed  with  the
Commission on November 7, 2008)
Amendment No. 2 and Amendment No. 3 to 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (filed herewith)
Executive  Employment  Agreement,  dated  as  of  January  2,  2011,  by  and  between  NuVasive,  Inc.  and  Alexis  V.  Lukianov  (incorporated  by
reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 2, 2011)
Form of Compensation Letter Agreement dated March 4, 2011 between NuVasive, Inc. and each of the following: Keith C. Valentine, Patrick
Miles, Jason M. Hannon, Michael J. Lambert, Jeffrey P. Rydin, Tyler P. Lipschultz and Craig E. Hunsaker (incorporated by reference to our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 6, 2011)
Form  of  Indemnification  Agreement  between  NuVasive,  Inc.  and  each  of  our  directors  and  officers  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-113344) filed with the Commission on March 5, 2004)
Sublease,  dated  October  12,  2004,  by  and  between  NuVasive,  Inc.  and  Gateway,  Inc.  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Quarterly  Report  on
Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on November 15, 2004)
Non-Employee Director Cash Compensation (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on
August 5, 2011)
Summary of the 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan and the 2012 Executive Performance Bonus Plan for our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief
Financial  Officer  and  our  other  named  executive  officers  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  filed  with  the
Commission on February 16, 2012)
Lease Agreement for Sorrento Summit, entered into as of November 6, 2007, between the Company and HCPI/Sorrento, LLC. (incorporated by
reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on November 8, 2007)
Purchase Agreement, dated March 3, 2008, among NuVasive, Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co., and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., related to the
2.25%  Convertible  Senior  Notes  due  2013  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  filed  with  the  Commission  on
May 9, 2008)
Confirmation of Call Option Transaction, dated March 3, 2008, to NuVasive, Inc. from Goldman, Sachs & Co. related to the 2.25% Convertible
Senior Notes due 2013 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 9, 2008)
Confirmation of Call Option Transaction, dated March 3, 2008, to NuVasive, Inc. from JPMorgan Chase Bank related to the 2.25% Convertible
Senior Notes due 2013 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 9, 2008)
Confirmation of Warrant Transaction, dated March 3, 2008, to NuVasive, Inc. from Goldman, Sachs & Co. related to the 2.25% Convertible
Senior Notes due 2013 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 9, 2008)
Confirmation of Warrant Transaction, dated March 3, 2008, to NuVasive, Inc. from Goldman, Sachs & Co. related to the 2.25% Convertible
Senior Notes due 2013 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 9, 2008)

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Exhibit
Number  
10.21

10.22

10.23

10.24

10.25

10.26

10.27   
10.28

10.29

10.30

10.31

10.32

10.33

10.34

10.35

Description
Amendment to the Confirmation of Call Option Transaction, dated March 11, 2008, to NuVasive, Inc. from Goldman, Sachs & Co. related to
the 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on
May 9, 2008)
Amendment to the Confirmation of Call Option Transaction, dated March 11, 2008, to NuVasive, Inc. from JPMorgan Chase Bank related to
the 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on
May 9, 2008)
Amendment to the Confirmation of Warrant Transaction, dated March 11, 2008, to NuVasive, Inc. from Goldman, Sachs & Co. related to the
2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on
May 9, 2008)
Amendment to the Confirmation of Warrant Transaction, dated March 11, 2008, to NuVasive, Inc. from JPMorgan Chase Bank related to the
2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on
May 9, 2008)
Certificate of Designations of Series A Participating Preferred Stock filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on June 28, 2011 (incorporated
by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 2011)
Indenture dated as of June 28, 2011 between the Company and the Trustee (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed
with the Commission on June 29, 2011)
Form of 2.75% Convertible Senior Note due 2017 (included in Exhibit 10.23)
Confirmation for base call option transaction dated as of June 22, 2011, between Bank of America, N.A. and the Company (incorporated by
reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 2011)
Confirmation for additional call option transaction dated as of June 24, 2011, between Bank of America, N.A. and the Company (incorporated
by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 2011)
Confirmation for base call option transaction dated as of June 22, 2011, between Goldman, Sachs & Co. and the Company (incorporated by
reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 2011)
Confirmation for additional call option transaction, dated as of June 24, 2011, between Goldman, Sachs & Co. and the Company (incorporated
by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 2011)
Confirmation  for  base  warrant  transaction,  dated  as  of  June  22,  2011,  between  Bank  of  America,  N.A.  and  the  Company  (incorporated  by
reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 2011)
Confirmation for additional warrant transaction, dated as of June 24, 2011, between Bank of America, N.A. and the Company (incorporated
by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 2011)
Confirmation  for  base  warrant  transaction,  dated  as  of  June  22,  2011,  between  Goldman,  Sachs  &  Co.  and  the  Company  (incorporated  by
reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 2011)
Confirmation for additional warrant transaction, dated as of June 24, 2011, between Goldman, Sachs & Co. and the Company (incorporated
by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 2011)

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Exhibit
Number 
10.36†

10.37†

10.38†

10.39

21.1
23.1
31.1
31.2
32.1*

32.2*

101**  
101**  
101**  
101**  
101**  
101**  

Description
Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 13, 2009, among the Company, Progentix Orthobiology, B.V. and the sellers listed on
Schedule A thereto (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 26, 2010)
Option Purchase Agreement, dated January 13, 2009, among the Company, Progentix Orthobiology, B.V. and the sellers listed on Schedule A
thereto (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 26, 2010)
Exclusive  Distribution  Agreement,  dated  January  13,  2009,  between  the  Company  and  Progentix  Orthobiology,  B.V.  (incorporated  by
reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 8, 2009)
Agreement  and  Plan  of  Merger  by  and  among  NuVasive,  Inc.,  Catamaran  Acquisition  Corporation,  Impulse  Monitoring,  Inc.  and  Tullis-
Dickerson & Co., Inc., as Stockholders' Agent, dated September 28, 2011 (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed
with the Commission on October 7, 2011 (file no. 0001193125-11-266851))
List of subsidiaries of NuVasive, Inc.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C.
section 1350
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C.
section 1350
XBRL Instance Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document

†

#

*

**

Certain confidential information contained in this exhibit was omitted by means of redacting a portion of the text and replacing it with an asterisk. We
have filed separately with the Commission an unredacted copy of the exhibit.

Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.

These certifications are being furnished solely to accompany this annual report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, and are not being filed for purposes
of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of NuVasive, Inc., whether made before
or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

Pursuant  to  applicable  securities  laws  and  regulations,  we  are  deemed  to  have  complied  with  the  reporting  obligation  relating  to  the  submission  of
interactive data files in such exhibits and are not subject to liability under any anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws as long as we have
made a good faith attempt to comply with the submission requirements and promptly amend the interactive data files after becoming aware that the
interactive data files fail to comply with the submission requirements. Users of this data are advised that, pursuant to Rule 406T, these interactive data
files are deemed not filed and otherwise are not subject to liability.

64

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Copies of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 24, 2012, and copies of the form of proxy to be

used for such Annual Meeting, will be furnished to the SEC prior to the time they are distributed to the Registrant's Stockholders.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on

its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: February 24, 2012

Date: February 24, 2012

  NUVASIVE, INC.
  By: /s/    Alexis V. Lukianov

Alexis V. Lukianov
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
  By: /s/    Michael J. Lambert

Michael J. Lambert
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Alexis V. Lukianov and
Michael Lambert, jointly and severally, his or her attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for him or her in any and all capacities, to sign any
amendments to this Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact, or his or her substitute or substitutes may do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  this  report  has  been  signed  below  by  the  following  persons  on  behalf  of  the

registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

/s/    Alexis V. Lukianov

Signature

Alexis V. Lukianov

/s/    Michael J. Lambert

Michael J. Lambert

/s/    Jack R. Blair

Jack R. Blair

/s/    Peter C. Farrell

Peter C. Farrell

/s/    Robert J. Hunt

Robert J. Hunt

/s/    Lesley H. Howe

Lesley H. Howe

Title
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
Director

Director

Director

Director

66

Date
February 24, 2012

February 24, 2012

February 24, 2012

February 24, 2012

February 24, 2012

February 24, 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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/s/    Eileen M. More

/s/    Richard W. Treharne

/s/    Peter M. Leddy

Signature

Eileen M. More

Richard W. Treharne

Peter M. Leddy

Title
Director

Director

Director

67

Date
February 24, 2012

February 24, 2012

February 24, 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NUVASIVE, INC.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December  31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

68

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
NuVasive, Inc.

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  of  NuVasive,  Inc.  as  of  December  31,  2011  and  2010,  and  the  related  consolidated
statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011. Our audits also included the
financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require
that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining,  on  a  test  basis,  evidence  supporting  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  financial  statements.  An  audit  also  includes  assessing  the  accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of NuVasive, Inc. at
December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), NuVasive, Inc.'s internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee
of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 24, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

San Diego, California
February 24, 2012

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NUVASIVE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except par value)

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term marketable securities
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $3,430 and $2,573, respectively
Inventory
Deferred tax assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets

ASSETS

Total current assets
Property and equipment, net
Long-term marketable securities
Intangible assets, net
Goodwill
Deferred tax assets, non-current
Restricted cash and investments
Other assets
Total assets

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Accrued payroll and related expenses
Litigation liability
Acquisition-related liabilities

Total current liabilities
Senior Convertible Notes
Long-term acquisition-related liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Other long-term liabilities
Commitments and contingencies
Noncontrolling interests
Stockholders' equity:

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000 shares authorized, none outstanding
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 120,000 and 70,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, 42,455

and 39,528 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively

Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Accumulated deficit
Total stockholders' equity
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

70

December 31,

2011

2010

  $

163,492    $
146,228     
88,350     
119,313     
54,550     
19,904     
591,837     
124,754     
32,503     
108,140     
159,349    
19,857    
68,600     
18,522     

92,597  
86,458  
74,361  
107,577  
4,425  
6,353  
371,771  
102,165  
50,635  
107,121  
103,070  
52,033  
5,529  
9,705  
  $ 1,123,562    $ 802,029  

  $

51,744    $
22,215    
101,200    
32,221    
207,380     
394,019     
—     
3,952     
13,461     

58,995  
17,266  
—  
32,715  
108,976  
230,000  
326  
3,685  
12,810  

10,705     

11,877  

—     

—  

42     
674,790     
477     

40  
545,114  
616  
(181,264)      (111,415) 
434,355  
494,045     
  $  1,123,562    $ 802,029  

 
 
 
  
 
 
  
   
 
  
  
 
   
   
   
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
   
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
  
 
   
  
 
   
   
   
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NUVASIVE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Year Ended December 31,

Revenue
Cost of goods sold (excluding amortization of purchased technology)
Gross profit
Operating expenses:

Sales, marketing and administrative
Research and development
Amortization of intangible assets
Intangible asset impairment charge
Litigation award

Total operating expenses
Interest and other expense, net:

Interest income
Interest expense
Other income (expense), net

Total interest and other expense, net
(Loss) income before income taxes
Income tax (benefit) expense
Consolidated net (loss) income

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net (loss) income attributable to NuVasive, Inc.

Net (loss) income per share attributable to NuVasive, Inc.:

Basic

Diluted

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Basic

Diluted

   $

   $

   $

   $

   $

   $

2011

540,506    $
112,111     
428,395     

346,757     
40,703     
6,609     
18,167     
101,200     
513,436     

832     
(17,933)    
2,078     
(15,023)    
  (100,064)    
(29,043)    
(71,021)   $

(1,172)   $

(69,849)   $

2010
  478,237    $
85,139     
393,098     

2009
  370,340  
61,110  
309,230  

312,122     
43,479     
5,407     
—     
—     
361,008     

760     
(6,672)    
(264)    
(6,176)    
25,914     
(50,619)    
76,533    $

(1,752)   $

78,285    $

254,997  
37,581  
5,335  
—  
—  
297,913  

1,507  
(7,116) 
461  
(5,148) 
6,169  
1,732  
4,437  

(1,371) 

5,808  

0.16  

0.15  

(1.73)   $

(1.73)   $

1.99    $

1.85    $

40,372     

40,372     

39,251     

45,514     

37,426  

38,751  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

71

 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
    
    
    
    
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
    
    
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NUVASIVE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands)

  Accumulated

Common Stock  

Additional

Other

Total

Paid-in

Comprehensive

Accumulated

Stockholders'

Balance at December 31, 2008
Issuance of common stock under employee and director stock option and purchase

plans

Issuance of common stock in connection with acquisitions
Stock-based compensation expense
Tax benefits related to stock-based compensation awards
Comprehensive income:

Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net
Foreign currency translation
Net income attributable to NuVasive, Inc.

Comprehensive income attributable to NuVasive, Inc.
Balance at December 31, 2009
Issuance of common stock under employee and director stock option and purchase

plans

Stock-based compensation expense
Reversal of valuation allowance related to original issue discount, net
Tax benefits related to stock-based compensation awards
Comprehensive income:

Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net
Foreign currency translation
Net income attributable to NuVasive, Inc.

Comprehensive income attributable to NuVasive, Inc.
Balance at December 31, 2010
Issuance of common stock under employee and director stock option and purchase

plans

Issuance of common stock in connection with acquisitions
Stock-based compensation expense
Sale of warrants
Equity component of Senior Convertible Notes
Convertible Note Hedge, net
Tax benefits related to stock-based compensation awards
Comprehensive income:

Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net
Foreign currency translation
Net loss attributable to NuVasive, Inc.

Comprehensive loss attributable to NuVasive, Inc.
Balance at December 31, 2011

  Shares    Amount   
  36,310   $

Capital
36   $ 383,293    $

Income (Loss)  

Deficit

824    
1    
2    
   1,640    
   —     —    
   —     —    

12,555     
64,214     
23,793     
1,902     

(190)  $ (195,508)  $

—     
—     
—     
—     

—     
—     
—     
—     

   —     —    
   —     —    
   —     —    

—     
—     
—     

(494)   
810     
—     

—     
—     
5,808     

  38,774    

39     485,757     

126     

(189,700)   

754    

1    
   —     —    
   —     —    
   —     —    

14,830     
28,225     
16,116     
186     

—     
—     
—     
—     

—     
—     
—     
—     

   —     —    
   —     —    
   —     —    

—     
—     
—     

(6)   
496     
—     

—     
—     
78,285     

  39,528    

40     545,114     

616     

(111,415)   

591     —    
   2,336    
2    
   —     —    
   —     —    
   —     —    
   —     —    
   —     —    

6,852     
39,246     
32,070     
47,898     
49,390     
(46,243)   
463     

   —     —    
   —     —    
   —     —    

—     
—     
—     

  42,455   $   42   $  674,790    $

—     
—     
—     
—     
—     
—    
—     

—     
—     
—     
—     
—     
—     
—     

60     
(199)   
—     

—     
—     
(69,849)   

60  
(199) 
(69,849) 
(69,988) 
  477    $  (181,264)  $   494,045  

Equity
187,631  

12,556  
64,216  
23,793  
1,902  

(494) 
810  
5,808  
6,124  
296,222  

14,831  
28,225  
16,116  
186  

(6) 
496  
78,285  
78,775  
434,355  

6,852  
39,248  
32,070  
47,898  
49,390  
(46,243) 
463  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

72

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

NUVASIVE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

Operating activities:
Consolidated net (loss) income
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Deferred income tax benefit
Amortization of debt discount
Amortization of debt issuance costs
Stock-based compensation
Intangible asset impairment charge
Loss on repurchase of Senior Convertible Notes, net
Gain recognized on change in fair value of derivatives
Lease abandonment (reversal)
Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales return reserve
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventory, net of write-offs
Accretion of contingent consideration
Other non-cash adjustments
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:

Accounts receivable
Inventory
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Litigation liability
Accrued payroll and related expenses

Net cash provided by operating activities
Investing activities:
Cash paid for acquisitions and investments
Purchases of property and equipment
Purchases of marketable securities
Sales of marketable securities
Purchases of restricted investments
Payment for specific rights in connection with supply agreement, net of refund received
Other assets

Net cash used in investing activities
Financing activities:
Proceeds from the sale of warrants
Proceeds from the issuance of convertible debt, net of issuance costs
Purchase of convertible note hedges
Repurchase of 2013 Senior Convertible Notes
Tax benefits related to stock-based compensation awards
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock
Payment of contingent consideration
Other assets

Net cash provided by financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:
Issuance of common stock in connection with acquisitions

Acquisition of property and equipment under capital leases

Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid

Income taxes paid

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

   $

(71,021)    $

76,533     $

4,437  

36,242      
(30,967)     
6,108      
1,816      
32,070      
18,167      
332      
(2,387)     
—      
1,345      
6,028      
980      
5,247      

(9,929)     
(17,170)     
(14,396)     
(3,385)     
101,200      
2,685      

62,965      

36,737      
(53,664)     
—      
1,493      
28,225      
—      
—      
—      
—      
(995)     
1,607      
962      
3,844      

(17,865)     
(18,664)     
(2,105)     
11,596      
—      
(1,877)     

65,827      

29,841  
—  
—  
1,493  
23,793  
—  
—  
—  
(1,997) 
2,211  
2,297  
5  
1,861  

(7,828) 
(23,133) 
6  
5,932  
—  
7,501  

46,419  

(35,375)     
(53,370)     
  (253,210)     
151,966      
(4,536)     
(5,000)     
(2,199)     

(973)     
(45,846)     
  (203,415)     
204,439      
—      
—      
—      

(46,055) 
(32,878) 
  (157,278) 
108,308  
—  
—  
—  

(201,724)     

(45,795)     

(127,903) 

47,898      
391,445      
(80,097)     
(154,164)     
463      
6,852      
(1,800)     
(718)     

209,879      
(225)     

70,895      
92,597      

163,492     $

39,248     $

1,386     $

9,466     $

2,082     $

   $

   $

   $

   $

   $

—      
—      
—      
—      
186      
14,831      
—      
(7,935)     

7,082      
70      

27,184      
65,413      

92,597     $

—     $

—     $

5,175     $

1,133     $

—  
—  
—  
—  
1,902  
12,556  
—  
—  

14,458  
121  

(66,905) 
132,318  

65,413  

64,216  

—  

5,175  

798  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

73

 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

NUVASIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.    Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business.    NuVasive, Inc. (the Company or NuVasive) was incorporated in Delaware on July 21, 1997. The Company is focused on
developing  minimally  disruptive  surgical  products  and  procedures  for  the  spine.  The  Company  began  commercializing  its  products  in  2001.  Its  currently-
marketed  product  portfolio  is  focused  on  applications  for  spine  fusion  surgery,  including  biologics.  Its  principal  product  offering  includes  a  minimally
disruptive surgical platform called Maximum Access Surgery, or MAS®, as well as an offering of biologics, cervical, motion preservation products, and Intra-
Operative  Monitoring  (IOM)  services.  In  the  spine  surgery  market,  the  Company's  currently-marketed  products  are  primarily  used  to  enable  access  to  the
spine  and  to  perform  restorative  and  fusion  procedures  in  a  minimally  disruptive  fashion.  The  Company  continues  to  focus  significant  research  and
development efforts to expand its MAS product platform and advance the applications of its unique technology into procedurally integrated surgical solutions.
The Company dedicates significant resources toward training spine surgeons on its unique technology and products.

The  Company's  primary  business  model  is  to  loan  its  MAS  systems  to  surgeons  and  hospitals  who  purchase  disposables  and  implants  for  use  in
individual  procedures.  In  addition,  for  larger  customers,  the  Company's  proprietary  nerve  monitoring  systems,  MaXcess®  and  surgical  instrument  sets  are
placed with hospitals for an extended period at no up-front cost to them. The Company also offers a range of bone allograft in patented saline packaging,
disposables and spine implants, which include its branded CoRoent® products and fixation devices such as rods, plates and screws. Implants and disposables
are shipped from the Company's inventories. The Company sells an immaterial quantity of MAS instrument sets, MaXcess and nerve monitoring systems to
hospitals.

On  October  7,  2011,  the  Company  completed  the  acquisition  of  Impulse  Monitoring,  Inc.  (Impulse  Monitoring),  a  company  which  provides  IOM
services for insight into the nervous system during spine and other surgeries. The acquisition complements the Company's existing nerve monitoring systems,
which are designed for discreet and directional nerve avoidance and detection, making lateral access to the spine during the XLIF® procedure more safe and
reproducible.

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation.    The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its wholly owned subsidiaries. Additionally, the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and for each of the three years ended
December 31, 2011 include the accounts of a variable interest entity, Progentix Orthobiology, B.V. (Progentix), which is consolidated pursuant to existing
guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).

As a result of the October 2011 acquisition of Impulse Monitoring, the Company maintains a contractual relationship with several physician practices
(PCs) whereby the PCs provide the physician oversight service associated with the IOM services. Pursuant to such contractual arrangements, the Company
provides  management  services  to  the  PCs.  As  of  December  31,  2011,  the  associated  PCs  are  American  Neuromonitoring  Associates,  P.C.;  Pacific
Neuromonitoring  Associates,  Inc.;  Keystone  Neuromonitoring  Associates,  P.C.;  North  Pacific  Neuromonitoring  Associates,  P.C.;  and  Midwest
Neuromonitoring  Associates,  Inc.  Under  the  management  services  agreements,  the  Company  provides  all  non-medical  services  to  the  PCs  in  return  for  a
management fee that is settled on a monthly basis. The management services include management reporting, billing and collections of all charges for medical
services provided and all administrative support to the PCs. Pursuant to existing guidance issued by the FASB, these represent variable interest entities for
which  the  Company  is  the  primary  beneficiary,  and  the  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  the  PCs  from  the  date  of
acquisition.

All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

74

 
 
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NUVASIVE, INC.

Use  of  Estimates.        To  prepare  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  accepted  in  the  United  States  of
America,  management  must  make  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the  amounts  reported  in  the  financial  statements  and  accompanying  notes.  Actual
results could differ from those estimates.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers.    Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit
risk, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term marketable securities and accounts receivable. The Company limits its exposure
to  credit  loss  by  placing  its  cash  and  investments  with  high  credit  quality  financial  institutions.  Additionally,  the  Company  has  established  guidelines
regarding  diversification  of  its  investments  and  their  maturities,  which  are  designed  to  maintain  principal  and  maximize  liquidity.  No  single  customer
represented greater than ten percent of sales for any of the years presented.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments.    The Company's financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term
marketable securities, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, Senior Convertible Notes, and the derivative asset and liability related to its
Senior Convertible Notes.

The carrying amounts of financial instruments such as cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate the
related fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. Marketable securities consist of available-for-sale securities that are reported at fair
value  with  the  related  unrealized  gains  and  losses  included  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss),  a  component  of  stockholders'  equity.  The
estimated fair value of the Senior Convertible Notes is determined by using available market information as of December 31, 2011.

On  June  28,  2011,  the  Company  issued  $402.5  million  principal  amount  of  2.75%  Senior  Convertible  Notes  due  2017  (the  2017  Notes).  Prior  to
September 28, 2011, the 2017 Notes were settleable only in cash. On September 28, 2011, stockholder approval was obtained to increase the number of the
Company's  authorized  shares  of  common  stock  from  70  million  to  120  million.  Prior  to  obtaining  stockholder  approval,  in  accordance  with  authoritative
guidance, the cash conversion feature of the 2017 Notes (the 2017 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative) required bifurcation from the 2017 Notes and was
accounted for as a derivative liability.

In  connection  with  the  issuance  of  the  2017  Notes,  the  Company  entered  into  convertible  note  hedge  transactions  (the  2017  Hedge)  entitling  the
Company  to  purchase  up  to  9,553,096  shares  of  the  Company's  common  stock  at  an  initial  stock  price  of  $42.13  per  share,  each  of  which  is  subject  to
adjustment. Prior to obtaining the stockholder approval to increase the number of the Company's authorized shares of common stock discussed above, the
2017 Hedge was settleable only in cash. In accordance with authoritative guidance, the 2017 Hedge was accounted for as a derivative asset.

In accordance with authoritative guidance, upon obtaining stockholder approval to increase the number of authorized shares of the Company's common
stock, as the Company can now settle the 2017 Notes in cash, stock, or a combination thereof, solely at the Company's election, the derivative liability and
asset were marked to fair value and reclassified to stockholders' equity.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recognized non-cash income of approximately $2.4 million related to the net change in the fair
values of the derivative liability and asset. This $2.4 million consists of a $39.5 million gain related to the change in the fair value of the derivative liability
and  a  loss  of  $37.1  million  related  to  the  change  in  the  fair  value  of  the  derivative  asset.  Gains  and  losses  are  included  as  a  component  of  other  income
(expense), net.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NUVASIVE, INC.

Cash and Cash Equivalents.    The Company considers all highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash and have an original maturity

of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Marketable Securities.    The Company defines marketable securities as income yielding securities that can be readily converted into cash. Marketable
securities consist of certificates of deposit, corporate notes, commercial paper, U.S. government treasury securities, and securities of government-sponsored
entities.

Revenue Recognition.    The Company follows the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 104,
Revenue Recognition, which sets forth guidelines for the timing of revenue recognition based upon factors such as passage of title, installation, payment and
customer acceptance. The Company recognizes revenue when all four of the following criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists;
(ii)  delivery  of  the  products  and/or  services  has  occurred;  (iii)  the  selling  price  is  fixed  or  determinable;  and  (iv)  collectability  is  reasonably  assured.
Specifically, revenue from the sale of implants and disposables is recognized upon acknowledgement of a purchase order from the hospital indicating product
use  or  implantation  or  upon  shipment  to  third  party  customers  who  immediately  accept  title.  Revenue  from  the  sale  of  instrument  sets  is  recognized  upon
receipt of a purchase order and the subsequent shipment to customers who immediately accept title.

Monitoring service revenue consists of hospital based revenues and net patient service revenues and is recorded in the period the service is provided.
Hospital based revenues are recorded based upon contracted billing rates. Net patient services are billed to various payers, including Medicare, commercial
insurance  companies,  other  directly  billed  managed  healthcare  plans,  employers,  and  individuals.  The  Company  reports  revenues  from  contracted  payers,
including  Medicare,  certain  insurance  companies  and  certain  managed  healthcare  plans,  based  on  the  contractual  rate,  or  in  the  case  of  Medicare,  the
published  fee  schedules.  The  Company  reports  revenues  from  non-contracted  payers,  including  certain  insurance  companies  and  individuals,  based  on  the
amount expected to be collected. The difference between the amount billed and the amount expected to be collected from non-contracted payers is recorded as
a contractual allowance to arrive at net revenues. The expected revenues from non-contracted payers are based on the historical collection experience of each
payer or payer group, as appropriate. In each reporting period, the Company reviews the historical collection experience for non-contracted payers and adjusts
the expected revenues for current and subsequent periods accordingly.

Accounts  Receivable  and  Related  Valuation  Accounts.  Accounts  receivable  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  are  presented  net  of

allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns.

The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and, generally, requires no collateral from its customers. The Company
makes  judgments  as  to  its  ability  to  collect  outstanding  receivables  and  provides  an  allowance  for  specific  receivables  if  and  when  collection  becomes
doubtful. Provisions are made based upon a specific review of all significant outstanding invoices as well as a review of the overall quality and age of those
invoices not specifically reviewed. In determining the provision for invoices not specifically reviewed, the Company analyzes historical collection experience
and current economic trends. If the historical data used to calculate the allowance provided for doubtful accounts does not reflect the Company's future ability
to collect outstanding receivables or if the financial condition of customers were to deteriorate, resulting in impairment of their ability to make payments, an
increase in the provision for doubtful accounts may be required.

In  addition,  the  Company  establishes  a  reserve  for  estimated  sales  return  that  is  recorded  as  a  reduction  to  revenue.  This  reserve  is  maintained  to

account for the future return of products sold in the current period. Product returns were not material for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

76

 
 
 
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NUVASIVE, INC.

Inventory.    Inventory consists primarily of purchased finished goods, which includes specialized implants and disposables, and is stated at the lower of
cost or market determined by a weighted average cost method. Approximately $12.2 million and $9.1 million of inventory was held at consigned locations at
December  31,  2011  and  2010,  respectively.  The  Company  reviews  the  components  of  its  inventory  on  a  periodic  basis  for  excess,  obsolete  or  impaired
inventory, and records a reserve for the identified items. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the balance of the allowance for excess and obsolete inventory is
$12.7 million and $6.7 million, respectively.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets.    Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of the tangible and identifiable
intangible assets acquired by the Company. The goodwill recorded as a result of the business combinations in the years presented is not deductible for tax
purposes. Goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets, which consists of in-process research and development acquired, are not amortized. The Company
assesses goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment using fair value measurement techniques on an annual basis or more frequently if facts
and circumstance warrant such a review. For purposes of assessing the impairment of goodwill, the Company estimates the value of the reporting units using
its market capitalization as the best evidence of fair value. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then a goodwill impairment test is
performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, the Company did not record
any impairment charges related to goodwill.

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2011,  the  Company  recorded  an  impairment  charge  of  $17.6  million  related  to  in-process  research  and
development recorded for the PCM® device acquired from Cervitech in 2009. The primary factor contributing to this impairment charge was the reduction in
management's revenue estimate for this device, and the related decrease to the estimated cash flows identified with the impaired assets.

Intangible assets are initially measured at their fair value, determined either by the fair value of the consideration exchanged for the intangible asset, or
the  estimated  discounted  cash  flows  expected  to  be  generated  from  the  intangible  asset.  Intangible  assets  with  a  finite  life,  such  as  acquired  technology,
customer  relationships,  manufacturing  know-how,  licensed  technology,  supply  agreements  and  certain  trade  names  and  trademarks,  are  amortized  on  a
straight-line basis over their estimated useful life, ranging from two to seventeen years. Intangible assets with a finite life are tested for impairment whenever
events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

In  determining  the  useful  lives  of  intangible  assets,  the  Company  considers  the  expected  use  of  the  assets  and  the  effects  of  obsolescence,  demand,
competition,  anticipated  technological  advances,  changes  in  surgical  techniques,  market  influences  and  other  economic  factors.  For  technology  based
intangible assets, the Company considers the expected life cycles of products which incorporate the corresponding technology. Trademarks and trade names
that are related to products are assigned lives consistent with the period in which the products bearing each brand are expected to be sold.

Property, Plant and Equipment.    Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed
using  the  straight-line  method  over  the  estimated  useful  lives  of  the  assets,  ranging  from  three  to  twenty  years.  Maintenance  and  repairs  are  expensed  as
incurred. The Company reviews property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value
of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when estimated future undiscounted cash flows relating to the asset are less than
its carrying amount. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its fair value.

Research and Development.    Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

77

 
 
 
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NUVASIVE, INC.

Product Shipment Costs.    Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling of products are reflected in revenues and are not significant for any
period  presented.  Product  shipment  costs  are  included  in  sales,  marketing  and  administrative  expense  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  statements  of
operations and were $18.8 million, $16.6 million, and $11.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Income  Taxes.        A  deferred  tax  asset  or  liability  is  determined  based  on  the  difference  between  the  financial  statement  and  tax  basis  of  assets  and
liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates which will be in effect when these differences reverse. The Company provides a valuation allowance against
net deferred tax assets unless, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized.

Net  Income  (Loss)  Per  Share.        The  Company  computes  basic  net  (loss)  income  per  share  using  the  weighted-average  number  of  common  shares
outstanding during the period. Diluted net (loss) income assumes the conversion, exercise or issuance of all potential common stock equivalents, unless the
effect  of  inclusion  would  be  anti-dilutive.  For  purposes  of  this  calculation,  common  stock  equivalents  include  the  Company's  stock  options,  unvested
restricted stock units, warrants and the shares to be issued upon the conversion of the Senior Convertible Notes. No shares related to the assumed conversion
of  the  Senior  Convertible  Notes  were  included  in  the  diluted  net  (loss)  income  calculation  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2011  and  2009  because  the
inclusion of such shares would have had an anti-dilutive effect. The shares to be issued upon exercise of all outstanding warrants were excluded from the
diluted net (loss) income calculation for all years presented because the inclusion of such shares would have had an anti-dilutive effect.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share (in thousands, except share data):

Numerator:

Net (loss) income attributable to NuVasive, Inc.
Income impact of assumed conversion of Senior Convertible Notes outstanding
Net (loss) income available to NuVasive, Inc.'s common stockholders

Denominator for basic and diluted net (loss) income per share:

Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic
Dilutive potential common stock outstanding:

Stock options and ESPP
Restricted stock units
Dilutive effect of assumed conversion of Senior Convertible Notes outstanding

Weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted

Basic net (loss) income per share attributable to NuVasive, Inc.

Diluted net (loss) income per share attributable to NuVasive, Inc.

78

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

   $

   $

(69,849)   $
—     
(69,849)   $

78,285      $
5,969       
84,254      $

5,808  
—  
5,808  

40,372     

39,251       

37,426  

—     
—     
—     
   40,372     

944       
178       
5,141       
  45,514       

   $

   $

(1.73)   $

(1.73)   $

1.99      $

1.85      $

1,280  
45  
—  
  38,751  

0.16  

0.15  

 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
    
  
 
  
    
    
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NUVASIVE, INC.

The following weighted outstanding common stock equivalents were not included in the calculation of net (loss) income per diluted share because their

effects were anti-dilutive (in thousands):

Stock Options and RSUs
Warrants
Senior Convertible Notes
Total

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

8,091  
10,009  
8,948  
27,048  

4,100  
5,141  
—  
9,241  

3,123  
5,141  
5,141  
13,405  

Comprehensive (Loss) Income.    Comprehensive (loss) income is defined as the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events
and circumstances from non-owner sources. Comprehensive (loss) income includes unrealized gains or losses on the Company's marketable securities and
foreign currency translation adjustments. The Company has disclosed comprehensive (loss) income as a component of stockholders' equity.

The components of Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, is as follows (in thousands):

Translation adjustments, net of tax
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of tax
Total accumulated other comprehensive income

Comprehensive (loss) income consists of the following (in thousands):

Consolidated net (loss) income
Other comprehensive (loss) income:

Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax
Translation adjustments, net of tax

Total consolidated comprehensive (loss) income
Plus: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to NuVasive, Inc.

December 31,

2011

2010

   $

   $

  408  
69  
477  

   $

   $

  606  
10  
616  

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

   $

(71,021)    $

76,533     $

4,437  

60      
(199)     
(71,160)     
1,172      
  (69,988)    $

(6)     
496      
77,023      
1,752      
  78,775     $

(494) 
810  
4,753  
1,371  
  6,124  

   $

Recently  Adopted  Accounting  Standards.        Effective  January  1,  2010,  the  Company  adopted  a  newly  issued  accounting  standard  which  provides
guidance for the consolidation of variable interest entities and requires an enterprise to determine whether its variable interest or interests give it a controlling
financial interest in a variable interest entity. This amended consolidation guidance for variable interest entities replaces the existing quantitative approach for
identifying  which  enterprise  should  consolidate  a  variable  interest  entity,  which  was  based  on  which  enterprise  is  exposed  to  a  majority  of  the  risks  and
rewards, with a qualitative approach, based on which enterprise has both (1) the power to direct the economically significant activities of the entity and (2) the
obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. The adoption
of this standard did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position. Determination about whether an enterprise
should

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NUVASIVE, INC.

consolidate  a  variable  interest  entity  is  required  to  be  evaluated  continuously  as  changes  to  existing  relationships  or  future  transactions  may  result  in  the
Company consolidating or deconsolidating current or future business arrangements.

In  January  2010,  the  FASB  updated  the  disclosure  requirements  for  fair  value  measurements.  The  updated  guidance  requires  companies  to  disclose
separately  the  investments  that  transfer  in  and  out  of  Levels  1  and  2  and  the  reasons  for  those  transfers.  Additionally,  in  the  reconciliation  for  fair  value
measurements  using  significant  unobservable  inputs  (Level  3),  companies  should  present  separately  information  about  purchases,  sales,  issuances,  and
settlements. The Company adopted the updated guidance in the first quarter of fiscal year 2010, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances,
and  settlements  in  the  Level  3  reconciliation,  which  were  effective  for  the  Company  beginning  in  the  first  quarter  of  fiscal  year  2011.  The  Company  has
updated its disclosures to comply with the updated guidance; however, as this guidance only requires additional disclosures, the adoption of this guidance did
not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Standards.    In September 2011, the FASB updated the accounting guidance related to annual and interim goodwill impairment tests.
The updated accounting guidance allows entities to first assess qualitative factors before performing a quantitative assessment of the fair value of a reporting
unit. If it is determined on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more-likely-than-not less than the carrying amount, the
existing  quantitative  impairment  test  is  required.  Otherwise,  no  further  impairment  testing  is  required.  The  updated  guidance  is  effective  for  the  Company
beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 with early adoption permitted under certain circumstances. The adoption of this accounting guidance will not
have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB updated the disclosure requirements for comprehensive income. The updated guidance requires companies to disclose the total
of  comprehensive  income,  the  components  of  net  income,  and  the  components  of  other  comprehensive  income  either  in  a  single  continuous  statement  of
comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The updated guidance does not affect how earnings per share is calculated or presented.
The updated guidance is effective for the Company retrospectively beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2012. As the guidance only impacts disclosure
requirements, the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Change  in  Accounting  Estimate.        During  the  first  quarter  of  2011,  the  Company  completed  a  review  of  the  estimated  useful  life  of  its  surgical
instrument  sets.  Based  on  historical  useful  life  information,  as  well  as  forecasted  product  life  cycles  and  demand  expectations,  the  useful  life  of  certain
surgical instrument sets was extended from three to four years. In accordance with authoritative guidance, this was accounted for as a change in accounting
estimate and was made on a prospective basis effective January 1, 2011. For the year ended December 31, 2011, depreciation expense, which is included in
sales, marketing and administrative expenses, was lower by approximately $5.9 million than it would have been had the useful life of these assets not been
extended. The effect of this change on basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $0.10 per share.

Reclassifications  and  Adjustments.        Certain  reclassifications  have  been  made  to  the  prior  year  consolidated  financial  statements  to  conform  to  the

current year presentation.

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2011,  the  Company  identified  an  immaterial  error  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended
December  31,  2010  related  to  the  accrual  of  payroll  expenses.  Based  on  a  quantitative  and  qualitative  analysis  of  the  error  as  required  by  authoritative
guidance, management concluded that the correction, which increased expenses by approximately $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, had no
material impact on any of the Company's previously issued financial statements, was immaterial to

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NUVASIVE, INC.

the full year results for 2011 and had no effect on the trend of financial results. Of the $1.3 million, approximately $1.0 million and $0.3 million was charged
to sales, marketing and administrative expenses and research and development expenses, respectively.

2.    Business Combinations

Impulse Monitoring, Inc. Acquisition

On  October  7,  2011  (the  Impulse  Closing  Date),  the  Company  completed  the  purchase  of  all  of  the  outstanding  shares  of  Impulse  Monitoring,  a
Delaware  corporation,  pursuant  to  an  Agreement  and  Plan  of  Merger  dated  September  28,  2011  for  an  initial  payment  of  approximately  $79.7  million
consisting of cash totaling approximately $40.5 million and the issuance of 2,336,200 shares of NuVasive common stock to certain stockholders of Impulse
Monitoring. Impulse Monitoring, a company headquartered in Maryland, provides IOM services for insight into the nervous system during spine and other
surgeries. The acquisition complements the Company's existing nerve monitoring systems, which are designed for discreet and directional nerve avoidance
and detection, making lateral access to the spine during the XLIF procedure more safe and reproducible.

Purchase Price

The acquisition of Impulse Monitoring has been recorded using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with the authoritative guidance for

business combinations.

The estimated initial purchase price is as follows (in thousands):

Cash paid to sellers
Market value of NuVasive common stock issued on Closing Date
Total estimated initial purchase price

   $

   $

  40,500  
39,200  
79,700  

The  preliminary  allocation  of  the  estimated  initial  purchase  price  is  based  on  management's  preliminary  valuation  of  the  fair  value  of  tangible  and
identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the Impulse Closing Date and such estimates are subject to revision. The provisional items
pending  finalization  are  the  valuation  of  the  acquired  intangible  assets,  goodwill,  other  current  assets,  liabilities  assumed,  and  income  tax  related  matters.
Thus, the estimated initial purchase price allocation recorded at December 31, 2011 is preliminary, and is subject to change. The following table summarizes
the allocation of the estimated initial purchase price (in thousands):

Cash
Total other current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Developed technology
Non-compete agreement
Trade name
Customer relationships
Goodwill
Current liabilities
Deferred income tax liabilities, net
Total estimated initial purchase price allocation

Estimated
Fair Value

Estimated Useful
Life

   $

   $

5,100  
7,300  
1,100  
700  
300  
500  
25,100  
56,300  
(8,700) 
(8,000) 
  79,700  

4 years
1 year
3 years
10 years

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Goodwill totaling $56.3 million represents the excess of the estimated initial purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible
assets acquired and is due primarily to increased market penetration from customers and synergies expected from combining the assembled workforce with
the Company's existing IOM workforce. This acquisition was nontaxable and, as a result, there is no tax basis in goodwill. Accordingly, none of the goodwill
associated with the Impulse Monitoring acquisition is deductible for tax purposes.

As  a  result  of  the  acquisition,  the  Company  maintains  a  contractual  relationship  with  several  PCs  whereby  the  PCs  provide  the  physician  oversight
service associated with the IOM services. Pursuant to such contractual arrangements, the Company provides management services to the PCs in return for a
management fee that is settled on a monthly basis. In accordance with authoritative guidance, the Company has determined that the PC's are variable interest
entities. Additionally, pursuant to this guidance, the Company is considered the primary beneficiary of the PCs as the Company has both (1) the power to
direct the economically significant activities of the PCs and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the PCs. Accordingly,
the financial position and results of operations of the PCs have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from the Impulse Closing
Date.  The  liabilities  recognized  as  a  result  of  consolidating  the  PCs,  which  are  not  material,  do  not  represent  additional  claims  on  the  Company's  general
assets. The creditors of the PCs have claims only on the assets of the PCs, which are not material, and the assets of the PCs are not available to the Company.

Results of Operations

The  accompanying  consolidated  statement  of  operations  reflects  the  operating  results  of  Impulse  Monitoring  since  the  date  of  the  acquisition.  The
revenues and amount of loss attributable to Impulse Monitoring included in the Company's consolidated statement of operations from the acquisition date to
December 31, 2011 was $8.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company's consolidated results of operations
include acquisition-related expenses of $1.5 million which are included in sales, marketing and administrative expenses.

The Company has prepared the following unaudited pro forma financial statement information to compare results of the periods presented assuming the
Impulse Monitoring acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2010. These unaudited pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and
do not purport to be an indicator of the results of operations that would have actually resulted had the acquisition occurred at the beginning of each of the
periods presented, or of future results of operations. Assuming the Impulse Monitoring acquisition occurred as of January 1, 2010, the pro forma unaudited
results of operations would have been as follows for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands, except per share data):

Revenue
Net (loss) income attributable to NuVasive, Inc.
Net (loss) income per share — basic
Net (loss) income per share — diluted

Year Ended
December 31,

2011

2010

   $
   $
   $
   $

  570,745  
(67,176) 
(1.59) 
(1.59) 

  $
  $
  $
  $

  510,124  
78,915  
1.90  
1.65  

The  above  pro  forma  unaudited  results  of  operations  do  not  include  pro  forma  adjustments  relating  to  costs  of  integration  or  post-integration  cost

reductions that may be incurred or realized by the Company in excess of actual amounts incurred or realized through December 31, 2011.

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Cervitech

®

 Inc. Acquisition

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NUVASIVE, INC.

On  May  8,  2009  (the  Cervitech  Closing  Date),  the  Company  completed  the  purchase  of  all  of  the  outstanding  shares  of  Cervitech,  a  Delaware
corporation, for an initial payment of approximately $49.0 million consisting of cash totaling approximately $25.0 million and the issuance of 638,261 shares
of NuVasive common stock to certain stockholders of Cervitech. Cervitech, a New Jersey based company, is focused on the clinical approval of the PCM
cervical disc system, a motion preserving total disc replacement device in the United States. This acquisition allows NuVasive the potential to accelerate its
entry into the growing mechanical cervical disc replacement market. In addition to the initial payment, the Company may be obligated to make an additional
milestone payment of $33.0 million if the FDA issues an approval order allowing the commercialization of Cervitech's PCM device in the United States with
an intended use for treatment of degenerative disc disease. The milestone payment may be made in cash or a combination of cash and up to half in NuVasive
common stock, at the Company's discretion. The fair value of the contingent consideration at the Cervitech Closing Date was determined to be $29.7 million
using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow model with the key assumptions being the interest rate, the timing of expected approval and the probability
assigned to the milestone being achieved.

Purchase Price

The acquisition of Cervitech has been recorded using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with the authoritative guidance for business

combinations. The allocation of the purchase price was as follows (in thousands):

Total current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Developed technology
Non-compete agreement
Trade name
In-process research and development
Goodwill
Current liabilities
Deferred income tax liabilities, net
Total purchase price allocation

Estimated Useful

Life
—
—
14 years
2 years
10 years
—

   $

   $

Fair Value

1,233  
59  
700  
100  
700  
34,800  
54,498  
(483) 
(12,615) 
78,992  

Of the total $79.0 million purchase price, $34.8 million and $54.5 million was allocated to in-process research and development (IPR&D) and goodwill,
respectively, based on management's valuation of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the date of acquisition. The IPR&D, which
was capitalized as an indefinite-lived asset, related to the future commercialization of Cervitech's PCM device in the United States with an intended use for
treatment of degenerative disc disease. The projected cash flows utilized in management's valuation of the fair value of the IPR&D acquired were based on
key assumptions such as estimates of revenues and operating profits related to the IPR&D considering its stage of development; the time and resources needed
to complete the development and approval of the related product candidate; the life of the potential commercialized product and associated risks, including the
inherent difficulties and uncertainties in developing a product such as obtaining marketing approval from the FDA and other regulatory agencies; and risks
related to the viability of and potential alternative treatments in any future target markets. The Company submitted a premarket approval application with the
FDA for approval of the PCM cervical disc system in the

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NUVASIVE, INC.

first quarter of 2010, for which an approval date is not predictable. During the fourth quarter of 2011, as a result of reductions in management's estimates of
revenues and related cash flows used in the valuation model, principally due to an updated view of the competitive and regulatory landscape in the cervical
market,  the  carrying  value  of  the  IPR&D  exceeded  its  estimated  fair  value  by  $17.6  million.  Accordingly,  the  Company  recorded  an  impairment  charge
totaling $17.6 million. At December 31, 2011, the remaining cost to reach FDA approval for this device is estimated at approximately $0.3 million.

Goodwill totaling $54.5 million represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and
is  due  primarily  to  increased  market  penetration  from  future  products  and  customers  and  synergies  expected  from  combining  the  PCM  device  with  the
Company's  existing  development  of  motion  preservation  systems.  This  acquisition  was  nontaxable  and,  as  a  result,  there  is  no  tax  basis  in  goodwill.
Accordingly, none of the goodwill associated with the Cervitech acquisition is deductible for tax purposes.

Results of Operations

The accompanying consolidated statement of operations reflects the operating results of Cervitech since the date of the acquisition. The amount of loss
attributable to Cervitech included in the Company's consolidated statement of operations from the acquisition date to December 31, 2009 was $3.3 million.
For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2009,  the  Company's  consolidated  results  of  operations  include  acquisition-related  expenses  of  $1.3  million  which  are
included in sales, marketing and administrative expenses.

Investment in Progentix Orthobiology, B.V.

In 2009, the Company completed the purchase of forty percent (40%) of the capital stock of Progentix, a company organized under the laws of the
Netherlands, from existing shareholders (the Progentix Shareholders) pursuant to a Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement for $10 million in cash (the Initial
Investment). Concurrent with the Initial Investment, NuVasive and Progentix also entered into a Senior Secured Facility Agreement, whereby Progentix may
borrow  up  to  $5.0  million  from  NuVasive  to  fund  ongoing  clinical  and  regulatory  efforts  (the  Loan).  At  December  31,  2011,  the  Company  had  advanced
Progentix  the  full  $5.0  million  in  accordance  with  the  Loan  Agreement.  The  Loan  accrues  interest  at  a  rate  of  six  percent  (6%)  per  year.  Other  than  its
obligations under the Loan Agreement, NuVasive is not obligated to provide additional funding, nor has any additional funding been provided, to Progentix.

Also concurrent with the Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, NuVasive, Progentix and the Progentix Shareholders entered into an Option Purchase
Agreement, as amended (the Option Agreement), whereby NuVasive may be obligated (the Put Option), upon the achievement of an annual sales run rate on
Progentix products in excess of a specified amount between June 14, 2011 and June 13, 2013 (the Option Period), to purchase the remaining sixty percent
(60%) of capital stock of Progentix from its shareholders (the Remaining Shares) for an amount up to $35.0 million, subject to certain reductions, payable in a
combination  of  cash  and  NuVasive  common  stock,  at  NuVasive's  sole  discretion.  In  accordance  with  the  Option  Agreement,  NuVasive  has  the  right  to
purchase  the  Remaining  Shares  (the  Call  Option)  during  the  Option  Period  for  an  amount  up  to  $35.0  million,  subject  to  certain  reductions,  payable  in  a
combination of cash and NuVasive common stock, at NuVasive's sole discretion. Also in accordance with the Option Agreement, an option expired in June
2011  that  could  have  required  NuVasive  to  purchase  the  Remaining  Shares  and  make  additional  milestone-related  payments  totaling  up  to  $70.0  million,
subject to certain adjustments. NuVasive and Progentix also entered into a Distribution Agreement, as amended, whereby Progentix appointed NuVasive as its
exclusive  distributor  for  certain  Progentix  products.  The  Distribution  Agreement  will  be  in  effect  for  a  term  of  ten  years  unless  terminated  earlier  in
accordance with its terms.

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NUVASIVE, INC.

In  accordance  with  authoritative  guidance,  the  Company  has  determined  that  Progentix  is  a  variable  interest  entity  as  it  does  not  have  the  ability  to
finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support and its equity investors will not absorb their proportionate share of expected losses and
will  be  limited  in  the  receipt  of  the  potential  residual  returns  of  Progentix.  Additionally,  pursuant  to  this  guidance,  NuVasive  is  considered  its  primary
beneficiary as NuVasive has both (1) the power to direct the economically significant activities of Progentix and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the
right  to  receive  benefits  from,  Progentix.  Accordingly,  the  financial  position  and  results  of  operations  of  Progentix  have  been  included  in  the  Company's
consolidated  financial  statements  from  the  date  of  the  Initial  Investment.  The  liabilities  recognized  as  a  result  of  consolidating  Progentix  do  not  represent
additional claims on the Company's general assets. The creditors of Progentix have claims only on the assets of Progentix, which are not material, and the
assets of Progentix are not available to NuVasive.

Pursuant to authoritative guidance, the equity interests in Progentix not owned by the Company, which includes shares of both common and preferred
stock, are reported as noncontrolling interests on the consolidated balance sheet of the Company. The preferred stock represents 18% of the noncontrolling
equity interests and provides for a cumulative 8% dividend, if and when declared by Progentix's Board of Directors. As the rights and conversion features of
the  preferred  stock  are  substantially  the  same  as  those  of  the  common  stock,  the  preferred  stock  is  classified  as  noncontrolling  interest  and  shares  in  the
allocation of the losses incurred by Progentix. Losses incurred by Progentix are charged to the Company and to the noncontrolling interest holders based on
their  ownership  percentage.  The  Remaining  Shares  and  the  Option  Agreement  that  was  entered  into  between  NuVasive,  Progentix  and  the  Progentix
Shareholders are not considered to be freestanding financial instruments as defined by authoritative guidance. Therefore the Remaining Shares and the Option
Agreement are accounted for as a combined unit on the consolidated financial statements as a redeemable noncontrolling interest that was initially recorded at
fair value and classified as mezzanine equity.

Pursuant to authoritative guidance, when the embedded Put Option is exercisable and therefore the Remaining Shares considered currently redeemable
(i.e., at the option of the holder), the instrument will be adjusted to its maximum redemption amount. If the embedded Put Option is considered not currently
exercisable (e.g., because a contingency has not been met), and it is not probable that the embedded Put Option will become exercisable, an adjustment is not
necessary  until  it  is  probable  that  the  embedded  Put  Option  will  become  exercisable.  At  December  31,  2011,  the  embedded  Put  Option  was  not  deemed
currently exercisable and therefore the Remaining Shares were not redeemable because the milestones referred to previously had not been met. Furthermore,
at December 31, 2011, the Company concluded it is not probable that the milestones will be met, therefore the Remaining Shares are not expected to become
redeemable. The probability of redemption is reevaluated at each reporting period.

Total  assets  and  liabilities  of  Progentix  as  of  December  31,  2011  included  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheet  are  as  follows  (in

thousands):

Total current assets
Identifiable intangible assets, net
Goodwill
Other long-term assets
Accounts payable & accrued expenses
Other long-term liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities, net
Noncontrolling interests

   $

640  
  15,338  
12,654  
53  
411  
628  
3,318  
10,705  

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NUVASIVE, INC.

The following is a reconciliation of equity (net assets) attributable to the noncontrolling interests (in thousands):

Noncontrolling interests at beginning of period
Less: Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests
Noncontrolling interests at end of period

December 31,

2011

2010

   $

   $

  11,877        $
1,172       
10,705      $

13,629  
1,752  
11,877  

Intangible assets consolidated pursuant to the Progentix investment are included in the Intangible assets, net balance in the consolidated balance sheet

as of December 31, 2011 and consist of the following (in thousands, except years):

Weighted-

Average

Amortization

Intangible

Period

Gross

Accumulated

Assets,

(in years)

Amount

Amortization

Net

2      $
13       
—       
   $

300      $
5,960       
10,640       
  16,900      $

(300)    $
(1,262)     
—  
  (1,562)    $

—  
4,698  
10,640  
  15,338  

Non-competition agreement
Existing technology
In-process research and development
Total Progentix intangible assets

3.    Marketable Securities

Marketable  securities  consist  of  certificates  of  deposit,  corporate  notes,  commercial  paper,  U.S.  government  treasury  securities  and  securities  of
government-sponsored entities. The Company classifies all securities as available-for-sale, as the sale of such securities may be required prior to maturity to
implement  management  strategies.  These  securities  are  carried  at  fair  value,  with  the  unrealized  gains  and  losses  reported  as  a  component  of  other
comprehensive income (loss) in stockholder's equity until realized. A decline in the market value of any marketable security below cost that is determined to
be other-than-temporary will result in a revaluation of its carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the
security is established. No such impairment charges were recorded for any period presented.

Realized gains and losses from the sale of marketable securities, if any, are determined on a specific identification basis. Realized gains and losses and
declines  in  value  judged  to  be  other-than-temporary,  if  any,  on  available-for-sale  securities  are  included  in  other  income  or  expense  on  the  consolidated
statements of operations. Realized gains and losses during the periods presented were immaterial. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the
life  of  the  related  security  as  an  adjustment  to  yield  using  the  straight-line  method  and  are  included  in  interest  income  on  the  consolidated  statements  of
operations. Interest and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in interest income on the consolidated statements of operations.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

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The composition of marketable securities is as follows (in thousands, except years):

December 31, 2011:
Classified as current assets
Certificates of deposit
Corporate notes
Commercial paper
U.S. government treasury securities
Securities of government-sponsored entities

Short-term marketable securities
Classified as non-current assets

Securities of government-sponsored entities

Long-term marketable securities
Classified as restricted investments

U.S. government treasury securities
Securities of government-sponsored entities

Restricted investments
Total marketable securities at December 31, 2011

December 31, 2010:
Classified as current assets
Certificates of deposit
Corporate notes
U.S. government treasury securities
Securities of government-sponsored entities

Short-term marketable securities
Classified as non-current assets
Certificates of deposit
Corporate notes
U.S. government treasury securities
Securities of government-sponsored entities

Long-term marketable securities
Total marketable securities at December 31, 2010

Contractual

Maturity

Gross

Gross

Unrealized

Unrealized

(in Years)

Cost

Gains

Losses

Fair Value

Less than 1    $
Less than 1     
Less than 1     
Less than 1     
Less than 1     

1 to 2     

Less than 2     
Less than 2     

 $

Less than 1    $
Less than 1     
Less than 1     
Less than 1     

1 to 2     
1 to 2     
1 to 2     
1 to 2     

 $

526    $
21,153     
5,000     
32,131     
87,353     
146,163     

32,502     
32,502     

12,017     
50,880     
62,897     
241,562    $

938    $
12,076     
16,550     
56,870     
86,434     

456     
3,123     
4,023     
43,056     
50,658     
  137,092    $

—    $
16     
—     
11     
39     
66     

5     
5     

9     
27     
36     
  107    $

1    $
3     
12     
24     
40     

—     
—     
—     
6     
6     
46    $

—    $
(1)    
—     
—     
—     
(1)    

(4)    
(4)    

—     
(1)    
(1)    
(6)   $

(1)   $
—     
(1)    
(14)    
(16)    

—     
(9)    
—     
(20)    
(29)    
  (45)   $

526  
21,168  
5,000  
32,142  
87,392  
146,228  

32,503  
32,503  

12,026  
50,906  
62,932  
241,663  

938  
12,079  
16,561  
56,880  
86,458  

456  
3,114  
4,023  
43,042  
50,635  
  137,093  

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had no investments that were in a significant unrealized loss position. The Company reviews its investments to
identify and evaluate investments that have an indication of possible other-than-temporary impairment. Factors considered in determining whether a loss is
other-than-temporary  include  the  length  of  time  and  extent  to  which  fair  value  has  been  less  than  the  cost  basis,  the  financial  condition  and  near-term
prospects of the investee, and the Company's intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in
market  value.  The  Company  maintains  an  investment  portfolio  of  various  holdings,  types  and  maturities.  The  Company  does  not  hold  derivative  financial
investments. The Company places its cash investments in instruments that meet high credit quality standards, as specified in its investment policy guidelines.
These guidelines also limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issue, issuer or type of instrument.

87

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

4.    Fair Value Measurements

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NUVASIVE, INC.

The Company measures certain assets and liabilities in accordance with authoritative guidance which requires fair value measurements be classified and

disclosed in one of the following three categories:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available.

Assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The Company reviews the fair
value hierarchy classification on a quarterly basis. Changes in the ability to observe valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of levels for certain assets
or liabilities within the fair value hierarchy. The Company did not have any transfers of assets and liabilities between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value
measurement hierarchy during the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company had one transfer from Level 3 of the fair value measurement hierarchy, as
the liability was paid during the year ended December 31, 2011.

The  fair  values  of  the  Company's  assets  and  liabilities,  which  are  measured  at  fair  value  on  a  recurring  basis,  were  determined  using  the  following

inputs (in thousands):

December 31, 2011:
Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Restricted Investments:

Money market funds
Certificates of deposit
Corporate notes
Commercial paper
U.S. government treasury securities
Securities of government-sponsored entities

Total cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted investments

Contingent Consideration:

Acquisition-related liabilities

December 31, 2010:
Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Restricted Investments:

Money market funds
Certificates of deposit
Corporate notes
U.S. government treasury securities
Securities of government-sponsored entities

Total cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted investments

Contingent Consideration:

Acquisition-related liabilities

Quoted Price in
Active Market
(Level 1)

Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)  

Total

 $

 $

 $

121,666    $
526     
21,168     
5,000     
44,168     
170,801     
363,329    $

121,666    $
526     
—     
—     
44,168     
—     
166,360    $

—    $
—     
21,168     
5,000     
—     
170,801     
  196,969    $

—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  

(32,221)   $

—    $

—    $

(32,221) 

 $

46,144    $
1,394     
15,193     
20,584     
99,922     
 $   183,237    $

46,144    $
1,394     
—     
20,584     
—     
  68,122    $

—    $
—     
15,193     
—     
99,922     
115,115    $

—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  

 $

(33,041)   $

—    $

—    $

  (33,041) 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NUVASIVE, INC.

As a result of analysis of the characteristics of the Company's financial instruments in 2011, the Company determined that certain financial instruments
previously reported as Level 1 for the year ended December 31, 2010, should be classified as Level 2 financial instruments. Accordingly, such amounts have
been reclassified for purposes of presentation herein. These changes in the classification had no effect on the reported fair values of these investments.

The  fair  and  carrying  value  of  the  Company's  Senior  Convertible  Notes  is  discussed  in  Note  6.  The  estimated  fair  value  of  our  term  capital  lease

obligations approximated their carrying values as of December 31, 2011.

Contingent Consideration Liability

In connection with the acquisition of Cervitech in May 2009, the Company is required to pay an additional amount not to exceed $33.0 million in the
event  that  the  PCM  cervical  total  disc  replacement  device  receives  U.S.  Food  and  Drug  Administration  approval.  The  fair  value  of  the  contingent
consideration is determined using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow model, the significant inputs which are not observable in the market. The key
assumptions  in  applying  this  approach  are  the  interest  rate,  the  timing  of  expected  approval  and  the  probability  assigned  to  the  milestone  being  achieved.
Based  on  the  expected  timing  of  the  milestone  being  achieved,  the  estimated  fair  value  of  the  contingent  consideration  increased  to  $31.7  million  at
December 31, 2011. Changes in fair value are recorded in the statement of operations as sales, marketing and administrative expenses.

In connection with an immaterial acquisition in 2010, the Company was required to pay an additional amount not to exceed $3.0 million in the event
three specified milestones are met. The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow model,
the  significant  inputs  of  which  are  not  observable  in  the  market.  The  key  assumptions  in  applying  this  approach  are  the  interest  rate  and  the  probabilities
assigned to the milestones being achieved. During the year ended December 31, 2011, approximately $1.8 million related to two of the specified milestones
was  paid.  Based  on  the  probabilities  assigned  to  the  one  remaining  milestone  being  achieved,  the  estimated  fair  value  of  the  remaining  contingent
consideration totaled approximately $0.5 million at December 31, 2011. Changes in fair value are recorded in the statement of operations as sales, marketing
and administrative expenses.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Prior  to  their  reclassification  to  stockholders'  equity  on  September  28,  2011,  the  2017  Hedge  and  the  2017  Notes  Embedded  Conversion  Derivative
were  classified  as  Level  3  because  these  assets  and  liabilities  were  not  actively  traded  and  were  valued  using  significant  unobservable  inputs.  Significant
inputs to these models were the Company's stock price, risk free interest rate, credit rating, bond yield, and expected volatility of the Company's stock price.
Changes in fair value were recorded in the statement of operations as other income (expense).

89

 
 
 
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NUVASIVE, INC.

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  changes  in  the  estimated  fair  value  of  the  Company's  assets  and  liabilities  measured  on  a  recurring  basis  using

significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands):

Assets:
Fair value measurement at beginning of period
Derivative asset purchased in connection with 2017 Notes
Change in fair value measurement included in operating expenses and other income (expense)
Derivative asset reclassified to stockholders' equity
Fair value measurement at end of period

Liabilities:
Fair value measurement at beginning of period
Contingent consideration liability recorded upon acquisition
Derivative liability recorded in connection with 2017 Notes
Change in fair value measurement included in operating expenses and other income (expense)
Derivative liability reclassified to stockholders' equity
Contingent consideration paid

Fair value measurement at end of period

   $

   $

   $

December 31,

2011

2010

—    $
80,098     
(37,124)    
(42,974)    
—    $

33,041    $
—     
88,900     
(38,530)    
(49,390)    
(1,800)    

—  
—  
—  
—  
—  

30,694  
1,339  
—  
1,008  
—  
—  

   $

   32,221    $

  33,041  

Non-financial assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis

Certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with authoritative guidance. These include
items such as nonfinancial assets and liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination and nonfinancial long-lived asset groups measured at
fair value for an impairment assessment. In general, nonfinancial assets including goodwill, intangible assets and property and equipment are measured at fair
value when there is an indication of impairment and are recorded at fair value only when any impairment is recognized.

During the fourth quarter of 2011, as a result of reductions in management's estimates of revenues and related cash flows used in the valuation models
principally  due  to  an  updated  view  of  the  competitive  and  regulatory  landscape  in  the  cervical  market,  the  carrying  value  of  the  IPR&D  and  developed
technology acquired from Cervitech in 2009 exceeded their estimated fair value by $18.2 million. Accordingly, the Company recorded impairment charges
totaling approximately $18.2 million. The fair value of the IPR&D and developed technology acquired was determined using a discounted cash flow model,
the significant inputs of which are not observable in the market.

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Table of Contents

5.    Balance Sheet Details

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NUVASIVE, INC.

Property and Equipment, net.    Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following (in thousands, except years):

Instrument sets
Machinery and equipment
Computer equipment and software
Leasehold improvements
Furniture and fixtures
Building and improvements
Land

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

   $

Useful
Life
4
5
3
15
3 to 7
20
—     

   $

December 31,

2011

2010

146,818  
15,930  
29,750  
19,133  
7,996  
7,089  
541  
227,257  
(102,503) 
   124,754  

  $

  $

117,760  
12,633  
21,211  
17,854  
7,243  
6,871  
541  
184,113  
(81,948) 
  102,165  

Depreciation  expense  was  $29.6  million,  $28.9  million,  and  $23.4  million  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2011,  2010  and  2009,  respectively.  At
December 31, 2011, assets recorded under capital leases of $1.4 million are included in the machinery and equipment balance. Amortization of assets under
capital leases is included in depreciation expense.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets. Goodwill and intangible assets as of December 31, 2011 consisted of the following (in thousands, except years):

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization:
Purchased technology:

Developed technology
Manufacturing know-how and trade secrets
Trade name and trademarks

Customer relationships

Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization:
In-process research and development
Goodwill
Total intangible assets, net

Weighted-

Average

Amortization

Period

Gross

Accumulated

Intangible

(in years)

Amount

Amortization

Assets, net

11      $
12       
11       
9       
11      $

36,835      $
21,389       
7,400       
37,234       
  102,858      $

(10,537)    $
(6,007)     
(1,501)     
(4,513)     
  (22,558)    $

26,298  
15,382  
5,899  
32,721  
80,300  

27,840  
159,349  
  267,489  

  $

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NUVASIVE, INC.

Goodwill and intangible assets as of December 31, 2010 consisted of the following (in thousands, except years):

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization:
Purchased technology:

Developed technology
Manufacturing know-how and trade secrets
Trade name and trademarks
Customer relationships

Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization:
In-process research and development
Goodwill
Total intangible assets, net

Weighted-

Average

Amortization

Period

Gross

Accumulated

Intangible

(in years)

Amount

Amortization

Assets, net

14      $
12       
14       
13       
14      $

39,975      $
21,104       
6,100       
10,035       
  77,214      $

(7,946)    $
(4,207)     
(956)     
(2,984)     
  (16,093)    $

32,029  
16,897  
5,144  
7,051  
61,121  

46,000  
103,070  
  210,191  

  $

Total expense related to the amortization of intangible assets was $6.6 million, $5.4 million and $5.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2011,
2010 and 2009, respectively. In-process research and development will be amortized beginning on the approval date of the respective acquired products and
will be amortized over the estimated useful life determined at that time.

Total  future  amortization  expense  related  to  intangible  assets  subject  to  amortization  at  December  31,  2011  is  set  forth  in  the  table  below  (in

thousands):

2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Thereafter through 2027
Total future amortization expense

The change to goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2011 is comprised of the following (in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2010, as adjusted
Addition recorded in connection with acquisition
Balance at December 31, 2011

92

$

$

   $

   $

11,421  
11,171  
10,111  
9,472  
9,282  
28,843  
  80,300  

  103,070  
56,279  
159,349  

 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
    
    
    
    
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NUVASIVE, INC.

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities.    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):

Accounts payable
Accrued expenses
Royalties payable
Distributor commissions payable
Amounts payable in connection with supply agreement
Non-income taxes payable
Other

Other Long-Term Liabilities. Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):

December 31,

2011

2010

11,294  
20,929  
7,277  
7,214  
—  
3,672  
1,358  
  51,744  

   $

   $

6,508  
25,989  
2,792  
7,462  
8,000  
7,531  
713  
  58,995  

   $

   $

Deferred rent
Capital lease obligation, non-current
Other

6.    Senior Convertible Notes

December 31,

2011

2010

   $

   $

  12,338  
859  
264  
13,461  

   $

   $

  12,503  
—  
307  
12,810  

The carrying values of the Company's Senior Convertible Notes are as follows (in thousands):

2.75% Senior Convertible Notes due 2017:

Principal amount
Unamortized debt discount

2.25% Senior Convertible Notes due 2013
Total Senior Convertible Notes

2.75% Senior Convertible Notes due 2017

December 31,

2011

2010

   $

   $

402,500  
(82,792) 
319,708  
74,311  
  394,019  

  $

  $

—  
—  
—  
230,000  
  230,000  

In June 2011, the Company issued $402.5 million principal amount of the 2017 Notes, which includes the issuance of $52.5 million principal amount
for the exercise of the initial purchasers' option to purchase additional notes. The net proceeds from the offering, after deducting initial purchasers' discounts
and costs directly related to the offering, were approximately $359.2 million. The 2017 Notes have a stated interest rate of 2.75% and mature on July 1, 2017.
Prior  to  September  28,  2011,  the  date  on  which  stockholder  approval  to  increase  the  number  of  the  Company's  authorized  shares  of  common  stock  from
70 million to 120 million was obtained, the 2017 Notes were settleable only in cash. Subsequent to the receipt of this approval, the 2017 Notes may be settled
in  cash,  stock,  or  a  combination  thereof,  solely  at  the  Company's  election.  It  is  the  Company's  current  intent  and  policy  to  settle  all  conversions  through
combination settlement, which involves repayment of an

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NUVASIVE, INC.

amount  of  cash  equal  to  the  principal  amount  and  any  excess  of  the  conversion  value  over  the  principal  amount  in  shares  of  common  stock.  The  initial
conversion  rate  of  the  2017  Notes  is  23.7344  shares  per  $1,000  principal  amount,  subject  to  adjustment  (which  represents  an  initial  conversion  price  of
approximately $42.13 per share).

Interest on the 2017 Notes began accruing in June 2011 and is payable semi-annually each January 1st and July 1st, beginning January 1, 2012. The fair

value, based on quoted market prices, of the outstanding 2017 Notes at December 31, 2011 is approximately $291.8 million.

Prior to January 1, 2017, holders may convert their notes only under the following conditions: a) During any calendar quarter beginning October 1,
2011,  if  the  reported  sale  price  of  the  Company's  common  stock  for  at  least  20  days  of  30  consecutive  trading  days  ending  on  the  last  trading  day  of  the
immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day; b) During the five business day period in
which  the  trading  price  of  the  2017  Notes  falls  below  98%  of  the  product  of  (i)  the  last  reported  sale  price  of  the  Company's  common  stock  and  (ii)  the
conversion rate on that date; and c) Upon the occurrence of specified corporate events, as defined in the 2017 Notes. From January 1, 2017 and until the close
of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the July 1, 2017, holders may convert their 2017 Notes at any time, regardless of the
foregoing circumstances. The Company may not redeem the 2017 Notes prior to maturity. As of December 31, 2011, the "if-converted" value of the 2017
Notes did not exceed its principal amount and none of the conditions allowing holders of the 2017 Notes to convert had been met.

Other than restrictions relating to certain fundamental changes and consolidations, mergers or asset sales and customary anti-dilution adjustments, the
2017  Notes  do  not  contain  any  financial  covenants  and  do  not  restrict  the  Company  from  paying  dividends  or  issuing  or  repurchasing  any  of  its  other
securities.

In accordance with authoritative guidance, the cash conversion feature of the 2017 Notes (the 2017 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative) required
bifurcation from the 2017 Notes and was initially accounted for as a derivative liability. The fair value of the 2017 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative at
the time of issuance of the 2017 Notes was $88.9 million, and was recorded as the original debt discount for purposes of accounting for the debt component of
the  2017  Notes.  On  September  28,  2011,  upon  obtaining  stockholder  approval  of  the  additional  authorized  shares  of  the  Company's  common  stock,  in
accordance with authoritative literature, the derivative liability was marked to fair value and reclassified to stockholders' equity. The original debt discount
will be recognized as interest expense using an effective interest rate of 8.0% over the term of the 2017 Notes. At December 31, 2011, the net carrying value
of the equity component is $49.3 million.

The interest expense recognized on the 2017 Notes during the year ended December 31, 2011 includes $5.6 million and $6.1 million for the contractual

coupon interest and the accretion of the debt discount, respectively.

In  connection  with  the  offering  of  the  2017  Notes,  the  Company  entered  into  convertible  note  hedge  transactions  (the  2017  Hedge)  with  the  initial
purchasers and/or their affiliates (the Counterparties) entitling the Company to purchase up to 9,553,096 shares of the Company's common stock at an initial
stock price of $42.13 per share, each of which is subject to adjustment. Prior to obtaining the stockholder approval to increase the number of the Company's
authorized common shares discussed above, the 2017 Hedge was settleable only in cash and was accounted for as a derivative asset. The cost of the 2017
Hedge was $80.1 million. On September 28, 2011, upon obtaining stockholder approval of the additional authorized shares of the Company's common stock,
in accordance with authoritative literature, the derivative asset was marked to fair value and reclassified to stockholders' equity. The 2017 Hedge expires on
July 1, 2017. The 2017 Hedge is expected to reduce the potential equity dilution upon conversion of the 2017 Notes if the daily volume-weighted average
price per share of the Company's common stock exceeds the strike price of the 2017 Hedge.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NUVASIVE, INC.

In addition, the Company sold warrants to the Counterparties to acquire up to 477,654 shares of the Company's Series A Participating Preferred Stock
(the  2017  Warrants),  at  an  initial  strike  price  of  $988.51  per  share,  subject  to  adjustment.  Each  share  of  Series  A  Participating  Preferred  Stock  is  initially
convertible into 20 shares of the Company's common stock. The 2017 Warrants expire on various dates from September 2017 through January 2018 and may
be settled in cash or net shares. The Company received $47.9 million in cash proceeds from the sale of the 2017 Warrants, which has been recorded as an
increase in additional paid-in-capital. The 2017 Warrants could have a dilutive effect on the Company's earnings per share to the extent that the price of the
Company's common stock during a given measurement period (the quarter or year-to-date period) exceeds the strike price of the 2017 Warrants.

2.25% Senior Convertible Notes due 2013

In March 2008, the Company issued $230.0 million principal amount of 2.25% unsecured Senior Convertible Notes (the 2013 Notes), which includes
the  subsequent  exercise  of  the  initial  purchasers'  option  to  purchase  an  additional  $30.0  million  aggregate  principal  amount  of  the  2013  Notes.  The  net
proceeds from the offering, after deducting the initial purchasers' discounts and costs directly related to the offering, were approximately $208.4 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company repurchased, in privately negotiated transactions, approximately $155.7 million in principal of
its 2013 Notes. The aggregate purchase price totaled approximately $155.5 million (representing a price of approximately 99.0% of the principal face value of
the 2013 Notes, plus accrued interest). The repurchases were made using a portion of the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2017 Notes. Including the
write off of a portion of the deferred financing costs related to the 2013 Notes, during the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recorded a loss on the
extinguishment of debt of approximately $0.3 million. At December 31, 2011, approximately $74.3 million of the 2013 Notes' original aggregate principal
amount of $230.0 million remains outstanding.

The Company pays 2.25% interest per annum on the principal amount of the 2013 Notes, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on March 15 and
September 15 of each year. Any of the 2013 Notes not converted prior to March 15, 2013, the Maturity Date, will be paid in cash. The fair value, based on
quoted market prices, of the outstanding 2013 Notes at December 31, 2011 is approximately $70.4 million.

The  2013  Notes  are  convertible  into  shares  of  the  Company's  common  stock,  based  on  an  initial  conversion  rate,  subject  to  adjustment,  of  22.3515
shares per $1,000 principal amount of the 2013 Notes (which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $44.74 per share). Holders may convert
their 2013 Notes at their option on any day up to and including the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the Maturity Date. If a fundamental
change to the Company's business occurs, as defined in the 2013 Notes, holders of the 2013 Notes have the right to require that the Company repurchase the
2013 Notes, or a portion thereof, at the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.

In  connection  with  the  offering  of  the  2013  Notes,  the  Company  entered  into  convertible  note  hedge  transactions  (the  2013  Hedge)  with  the  initial
purchasers and/or their affiliates (the 2013 Counterparties) entitling the Company to purchase up to 5.1 million shares of the Company's common stock at an
initial stock price of $44.74 per share, each of which is subject to adjustment. In addition, the Company sold to the 2013 Counterparties warrants to acquire up
to 5.1 million shares of the Company's common stock (the 2013 Warrants), at an initial strike price of $49.13 per share, subject to adjustment. The cost of the
2013 Hedge that was not covered by the proceeds from the sale of the 2013 Warrants was approximately $14.0 million and was recorded as a reduction of
additional paid-in capital as of December 31, 2008. The impact of the 2013 Hedge is

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NUVASIVE, INC.

to raise the effective conversion price of the 2013 Notes to approximately $49.13 per share (or approximately 20.3542 shares per $1,000 principal amount of
the 2013 Notes). The 2013 Hedge is expected to reduce the potential equity dilution upon conversion of the 2013 Notes if the daily volume-weighted average
price per share of the Company's common stock exceeds the strike price of the 2013 Hedge. The 2013 Warrants could have a dilutive effect on the Company's
earnings per share to the extent that the price of the Company's common stock during a given measurement period (the quarter or year to date period) exceeds
the strike price of the 2013 Warrants.

7.    Commitments

Leases

The Company leases office facilities and equipment under various operating and capital lease agreements. The initial terms of these leases range from
three years to 15 years and generally provide for periodic rent increases and renewal options. Certain leases require the Company to pay taxes, insurance and
maintenance. In connection with certain operating leases, the Company has issued irrevocable transferable letters of credit totaling $5.6 million.

For financial reporting purposes, rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Accordingly, rent expense recognized in
excess of rent paid is reflected as a liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Rent expense, including expenses directly associated with the
facility leases, was approximately $9.1 million, $8.1 million, and $6.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

The Company's future minimum annual lease payments under capital and operating leases, including payments for costs directly associated with the

facility leases, for years ending after December 31, 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Thereafter
Total minimum lease payments

Less amount representing interest, 14.7% weighted average interest rate
Present value of obligations under capital leases
Less current portion
Long-term capital lease obligations

Lease Abandonment Charge Reversal

Capital

Operating

Leases

Leases

9,635  
8,792  
7,623  
7,530  
7,631  
48,434  
  89,645  

   $

   $

563     $
563      
424      
3      
—      
—      
1,553     $

(294)   
  1,259    
(400)   
859    

In  August  2008,  the  Company  relocated  its  corporate  headquarters  to  a  two-building  campus  style  complex  in  San  Diego.  In  connection  with  this
relocation, in the third quarter of 2008, the Company recorded a liability for approximately $3.9 million related to lease termination costs in connection with
vacating the Company's

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former  corporate  headquarters.  During  the  third  quarter  of  2009,  due  to  continued  growth,  the  Company  decided  to  reoccupy  the  former  corporate
headquarters facility and accordingly, reversed the remaining lease termination costs liability of $2.0 million. This amount was recorded as a reduction of
sales, marketing, and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2009.

Other Commitments

In connection with the acquisition of RSB, the Company is contingently obligated to make additional annual payments over a period of 12 years based
upon  sales  of  the  products  derived  from  Smart  Plate®  Gradient  CLPtm  and  related  technology.  Through  December  31,  2011,  these  amounts  have  not  been
significant.

In connection with the investment in Progentix as described in Note 2, the Company is contingently obligated to make additional payments of up to

$24.0 million based upon the achievement of specified milestones.

In  connection  with  the  acquisition  of  Cervitech  as  described  in  Note  2,  the  Company  is  contingently  obligated  to  make  additional  payments  up  to
$33.0 million upon FDA approval of the PCM device. The milestone payment may be made in cash or a combination of cash and up to half in NuVasive
common stock, at the Company's discretion.

In connection with several purchase agreements, the Company is contingently obligated to make additional payments up to $5.9 million primarily upon

the achievement of specified milestones.

8.    Stockholders' Equity

Preferred Stock.    There are 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized and none issued or outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 2010.

On June 28, 2011, in connection with the issuance of the 2017 Warrants, the Company amended its Restated Certificate of Incorporation to designate
477,654 shares of the Company's authorized preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, as Series A Participating Preferred Stock (the Series A Preferred
Stock). The Series A Preferred Stock will automatically convert into shares of the Company's common stock.

The holders of Series A Preferred Stock (collectively, the Preferred Holders) are entitled to receive dividends when and if declared by the Board of

Directors. The preferred dividends are payable in preference and in priority to any dividends on the Company's common stock.

Shares of Series A Preferred Stock are convertible into 20 shares of common stock, subject to certain antidilution adjustments. Preferred Holders vote

on an equivalent basis with common stockholders on an as-converted basis.

The Preferred Holders are entitled to receive liquidation preferences at the rate of $648.20 per share. Liquidation payments to the Preferred Holders

have priority and are made in preference to any payments to the holders of common stock.

Stock Option and Restricted Stock Units.    In October 1998, the Company adopted the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan (the 1998 Plan) to grant options to
purchase  common  stock  to  eligible  employees,  non-employee  members  of  the  board  of  directors,  consultants  and  other  independent  advisors  who  provide
services to the Company. Under the 1998 Plan, 4.3 million shares of common stock, as amended, were initially reserved for issuance upon

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NUVASIVE, INC.

exercise of options granted by the Company. The Board of Directors determined the terms of the stock option agreements, including vesting requirements.
Options under the 1998 Plan have a 10-year term and generally vest over a period not to exceed four years from the date of grant. All options granted under
the 1998 Plan allowed for early exercise prior to the option becoming fully vested.

In April 2004, the Board of Directors replaced the 1998 Plan with the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2004 Plan) under which 7 million shares (plus the
remaining shares available for grant under the 1998 Plan) of the Company's common stock are authorized for future issuance, and reserved for purchase upon
exercise of options granted. In addition, the 2004 Plan provides for automatic annual increases in the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder equal
to  the  lesser  of  (i)  4%  of  the  Company's  outstanding  shares  on  the  last  business  day  in  December  of  the  calendar  year  immediately  preceding;
(ii)  4,000,000  shares;  or  (iii)  a  number  of  shares  determined  by  the  Board  of  Directors.  As  of  December  31,  2011,  121,051  shares  remained  available  for
future grant under the 2004 Plan.

The  2004  Plan  provides  for  the  grant  of  incentive  and  non-statutory  stock  options,  restricted  stock  units  (RSUs)  and  rights  to  purchase  stock  to
employees, directors and consultants of the Company. The 2004 Plan provides that incentive stock options will be granted only to employees and are subject
to certain limitations as to fair value during a calendar year. Under the 2004 Plan, the exercise price of incentive stock options must equal at least the fair
value on the date of grant and the exercise price of non-statutory stock options and the issuance price of common stock may be no less than 85% of the fair
value on the date of grant or issuance. The options are exercisable for a period of up to ten years after the date of grant and generally vest 25% one year from
date of grant and ratably each month thereafter for a period of 36 months. The RSUs generally vest 25% per year beginning one year from date of grant. In
addition, the Board of Directors has provided for the acceleration of 50% of the unvested options of all employees upon a change in control and the vesting of
the remaining unvested options for those employees that are involuntarily terminated within a year of the change in control.

Following is a summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2011 under all stock plans (in thousands, except years and per share

amounts):

Weighted-Average

Aggregate

Weighted

Remaining

Intrinsic

Avg.  Exercise

Contractual

Value as of

   Shares  

Price

Term (Years)

December 31, 2011

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

Granted
Exercised
Cancelled

Outstanding at December 31, 2011

Exercisable at December 31, 2011

Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2011

6,118    $
1,155    $
(204)   $
(150)   $
6,919    $

4,819    $

6,867    $

30.59     
26.81     
14.10     
37.81     
30.29       

30.40       

  30.30       

6.61      $

5.84      $

6.59      $

615  

615  

  615  

The aggregate intrinsic value of options at December 31, 2011 is based on the Company's closing stock price on December 31, 2011 of $12.59. The
Company received $2.9 million, $10.7 million and $9.3 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options during the years ended December 31, 2011,
2010  and  2009,  respectively.  The  total  intrinsic  value  of  options  exercised  was  $1.6  million,  $9.8  million,  and  $17.7  million  during  the  years  ended
December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The total fair value of options that vested during the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was
$17.3 million, $16.6 million, and $17.0 million, respectively.

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Restricted Stock Units.    A summary of RSU activity for the period indicated was as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Nonvested at December 31, 2010
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested at December 31, 2011

Weighted

Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

Number of

Shares

586  
805  
(158) 
(67) 
1,166  

  $
  $
  $
  $
  $

34.51  
26.15  
37.14  
32.71  
  28.82  

The total fair value of RSUs that vested during the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $4.3 million, $2.4 million and $0, respectively.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan.    In 2004, the Board of Directors approved the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). The ESPP initially allowed for
the  issuance  of  up  to  100,000  shares  of  NuVasive  common  stock,  increasing  annually  on  December  31  by  the  lesser  of  (i)  600,000  shares;  (ii)  1%  of  the
outstanding shares of NuVasive common stock; or (iii) a lesser amount determined by the Board of Directors. Under the terms of the ESPP, employees can
elect to have up to 15% of their annual compensation, up to a maximum of $25,000 per year withheld to purchase shares of NuVasive common stock. The
purchase price of the common stock is equal to 85% of the lower of the fair market value per share of the common stock on the commencement date of the
two-year  offering  period  or  the  end  of  each  semi-annual  purchase  period.  In  the  years  ended  December  31,  2011,  2010,  and  2009,  228,091,  157,359,  and
106,575  shares,  respectively,  were  purchased  under  the  ESPP  and  approximately  1.5  million  shares  remain  available  for  issuance  under  the  ESPP  as  of
December 31, 2011.

Stock-Based  Compensation.        The  compensation  cost  that  has  been  included  in  the  statement  of  operations  for  all  stock-based  compensation

arrangements was as follows (in thousands):

Sales, marketing and administrative expense
Research and development expense
Total stock-based compensation expense

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

   $

   $

29,583      $
2,487       
  32,070      $

24,945      $
3,280       
  28,225      $

19,549  
4,244  
  23,793  

The Company estimates the fair value of stock options and shares issued to employees under the ESPP using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model on
the date of grant. The fair value of RSUs is based on the stock price on the date of grant. The fair value of equity instruments that are expected to vest are
recognized and amortized on an accelerated basis over the requisite service period. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model incorporates various and highly
sensitive assumptions including expected volatility, expected term and risk-free interest rates. The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the
Company's common stock over the most recent period commensurate with the estimated expected term of the Company's stock options. The expected term of
the Company's stock options is based on historical experience. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the
U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant. The Company has never declared or paid dividends and has no plans to do so in the foreseeable future.

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The weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted and stock purchase rights under the ESPP are as follows:

Stock Options
Volatility
Expected term (years)
Risk free interest rate
Expected dividend yield

ESPP

Volatility
Expected term (years)
Risk free interest rate
Expected dividend yield

Year Ended December 31,

  2011  

  2010  

  2009  

49%  
5.4      
2.1%  
0.0%  

57%  
1.2      
0.2%  
0.0%  

47%  
4.5      
2.4%  
0.0%  

57%  
1.0      
0.4%  
0.0%  

45%  
4.3      
1.6%  
0.0%  

47%  
1.4      
1.6%  
0.0%  

The weighted-average fair value of options granted in the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, was $12.31, $13.53, and $13.28 per share,
respectively.  As  of  December  31,  2011,  there  was  $9.6  million  and  $15.1  million  of  unrecognized  compensation  expense  for  stock  options  and  RSUs,
respectively, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.6 years and 3.0 years, respectively. In addition, as of
December 31, 2011, there was $3.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense for shares expected to be issued under the ESPP which is expected to be
recognized through October 2013.

Common  Stock  Reserved  for  Future  Issuance.        The  following  table  summarizes  common  shares  reserved  for  issuance  at  December  31,  2011  on

exercise or conversion of (in thousands):

Common stock options:

Issued and outstanding
Available for future grant

Available for issuance under the ESPP
Issued and outstanding RSUs
2013 Notes
2017 Notes
Senior Convertible Note warrants

Total shares reserved for future issuance

9.    Income Taxes

6,919  
121  
1,501  
1,166  
2,118  
12,419  
29,388  
53,632  

The (loss) income before income taxes by region is summarized as follows (in thousands):

United States
Foreign
Total (loss) income before income taxes

Year Ended December 31,

   $

   $

2011

2010

2009

(100,179) 
115  
  (100,064) 

  $

  $

34,095  
(8,181) 
  25,914  

  $

  $

13,093  
(6,924) 
   6,169  

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

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The components of income tax (benefit) expense consist of the following (in thousands):

Current income tax expense:

Federal
State
Foreign
Total current
Deferred income tax benefit:

Federal
State
Foreign
Total deferred
Total income tax (benefit) expense

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

   $

   $

  $

300  
     1,524  
100  
1,924  

(33,860) 
2,893  
—  
(30,967) 
(29,043) 

  $

140  
   2,809  
96  
3,045  

(41,429) 
(11,994) 
(241) 
(53,664) 
(50,619) 

  $

  $

715  
1,763  
36  
2,514  

—  
—  
(782) 
(782) 
  1,732  

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2011,  the  total  income  tax  benefit  differs  from  the  statutory  federal  income  tax  rate  (35%)  primarily  due  to  state
income  tax  expense,  stock  compensation  expenses,  and  the  write-off  of  deferred  tax  assets  related  to  tax  original  issue  discount  on  the  convertible  debt
resulting from the debt repurchases which occurred in 2011. In 2011, the Company established a valuation allowance on the California deferred tax assets and
accordingly,  recorded  income  tax  expense  of  $4.8  million.  The  California  deferred  tax  assets  for  which  a  valuation  allowance  has  been  established  were
primarily related to net operating loss carryforwards and credits.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the total income tax benefit differs from the statutory federal income tax rate (35%) primarily due to the release
of the valuation allowance on the Company's domestic net deferred tax assets and due to the provision for state income tax expense. In 2010, the Company
released its valuation allowance on the domestic deferred tax assets and accordingly, recorded an income tax benefit. The income tax benefit resulting from
the release of the valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset associated with the hedge and tax original issue discount on the convertible debt, which totaled
approximately $17.0 million, was recorded as an offset to additional-paid-in-capital (APIC).

These differences are the result of the following items (in thousands):

Provision at statutory rate
Foreign provision in excess of federal statutory rate
State income tax (benefit) expense, net of federal benefit
Permanent differences
Other
Change in valuation allowance
Total income tax (benefit) expense

101

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

   $

   $

(35,022)    $
32  
(1,821)     
3,263  

(55)     

     4,560  
(29,043)    $

  $

     9,070  
443  
(6,041)     
3,379  
1,755  
(59,225)     
(50,619)    $

2,159  
498  
1,146  
3,323  
471  
(5,865) 
  1,732  

 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
   
   
  
 
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
   
   
  
 
   
   
  
 
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
    
   
   
    
    
   
   
    
   
    
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes  and  the  amounts  used  for  income  tax  purposes.  Significant  components  of  the  Company's  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  as  follows  (in
thousands):

Deferred Tax Assets:

Net operating loss carry-forwards
Capitalized assets
Stock based compensation
Original issue discount
General business credit carry-forwards
Litigation accrual
Other

Gross deferred tax assets
Valuation allowance
Net deferred tax assets

Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Capitalized assets
Original issue discount
Acquired intangibles
Deferred tax liabilities
Consolidated net deferred tax assets
Add: Deferred tax liability, net, attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net deferred tax assets

December 31,

2011

2010

26,392     $
—      
27,378      
—      
7,524      
40,528      
10,011      
111,833      
(10,428)     
101,405     $

(10,163)    $
(1,643)     
(19,144)     
(30,950)     
70,455      
1,991      
    72,446     $

30,374  
2,393  
19,790  
8,421  
5,876  
—  
6,837  
73,691  
(3,831) 
69,860  

—  
—  
(17,088) 
(17,088) 
52,772  
1,991  
   54,763  

   $

   $

   $

   $

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considered whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred
tax  assets  will  be  realized.  The  ultimate  realization  of  deferred  tax  assets  is  dependent  upon  the  generation  of  future  taxable  income  during  the  periods  in
which  those  temporary  differences  become  deductible.  During  the  fourth  quarter  of  2010,  the  Company  concluded  that  it  was  more  likely  than  not  that  it
would be able to realize the benefit of the deferred tax assets in the future. As a result, the Company released all of the valuation allowance on the domestic
net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2010.

During the third quarter of 2011 as a result of recording the $101.2 million litigation award, the Company concluded that it was no longer more likely
than  not  that  they  would  be  able  to  realize  the  deferred  tax  assets  attributable  to  the  state  of  California.  As  a  result,  the  Company  established  a  valuation
allowance on the California net deferred tax assets.

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company maintained a full valuation allowance on the net deferred tax assets in the foreign jurisdictions with the
exception  of  Puerto  Rico  and  Malaysia.  The  Company  analyzes  the  realizability  of  the  deferred  tax  assets  each  period  and  concluded  that  the  valuation
allowances currently in place were appropriate as it is more likely than not that they will not be realized.

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At  December  31,  2011,  the  Company  has  federal  net  operating  loss  carryforwards  of  $111.9  million  that  begin  to  expire  in  2017.  In  addition,  the
Company has California net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $39.4 million, which are expected to expire beginning in 2012. Net operating loss
utilization in the Company's California state income tax return is suspended through 2011.

During 2008, NuVasive elected the "with and without method — direct effects only", prescribed in accordance with authoritative guidance, with respect
to  recognition  of  stock  option  excess  tax  benefits  within  APIC  and  will  utilize  continuing  operations  net  operating  losses  to  offset  taxable  income  before
utilization  of  windfall  tax  benefits.  Included  in  the  aforementioned  federal  net  operating  loss  carryforwards  are  $55.5  million  of  excess  tax  benefit
carryforwards related to stock option deduction windfalls that will be realized in APIC following utilization of all continuing operations tax attributes.

At December 31, 2011, the Company has federal research and development (R&D) credit carryforwards of approximately $7.5 million that will begin
to expire in 2017. Additionally, the Company has California R&D credit carryforwards of approximately $5.0 million that can be carried forward indefinitely.

IRC  §382  limits  the  utilization  of  tax  carryforwards  that  arise  prior  to  certain  cumulative  changes  in  a  corporation's  ownership.  During  2009,  the
Company completed a formal IRC §382 study with respect to potential ownership changes and additional limitations were not identified. Previous limitations
due to §382 have been reflected in the deferred tax assets at December 31, 2011. The Company has reviewed its changes in ownership subsequent to the 2009
study and has not identified any additional changes.

In accordance with authoritative guidance, the impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest
amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it
has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

Unrecognized tax benefit at the beginning of the year

Additions from tax positions taken in the current year
Additions from tax positions taken in prior years
Reductions from tax positions taken in prior years
Settlements of tax audits

Unrecognized tax benefit at the end of the year

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

3,930      $
178       
171       
—       
—       
  4,279      $

3,274      $
39       
617       
—       
—       
  3,930      $

981  
—  
2,293  
—  
—  
  3,274  

   $

   $

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, $3.1 million and $2.8 million, respectively, of the Company's total unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would
affect  the  effective  income  tax  rate.  The  Company  does  not  anticipate  there  will  be  a  significant  change  in  unrecognized  tax  benefits  within  the  next
12 months.

The Company's policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. As the unrecognized tax benefits relate
to un-utilized deferred tax assets and because the Company has generated net operating losses since inception for both federal and state income tax purposes
through 2009, no additional tax liability, penalties or interest have been recognized for balance sheet or income statement purposes as of and for the period
ended December, 31, 2011.

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The Company is subject to taxation in the U.S. and various foreign and state jurisdictions. All of the Company's tax years are subject to examination

due to the carry forward of un-utilized net operating losses and R&D credits.

10.    Business Segment and Product Information

The Company's business operates in one segment based upon the Company's organizational structure, the way in which the operations are managed and

evaluated and the lack of availability of separate financial results. Substantially all of the Company's assets and sales are in the United States.

The  Company's  spine  surgery  product  line  offerings,  which  include  thoracolumbar  product  offerings,  cervical  offerings,  and  a  set  of  motion
preservation products still under development, are primarily used to enable access to the spine and to perform restorative and fusion procedures in a minimally
disruptive fashion. The Company's biologic product line offerings includes allograft (donated human tissue), FormaGraft, a collagen synthetic product used to
aid  the  fusion  process,  and  Osteocel  Plus,  an  allograft  cellular  matrix  containing  viable  mesenchymal  stem  cells,  or  MSCs,  to  aid  in  spinal  fusion.  The
Company's monitoring service offering includes IOM services provided. Revenue by product line offerings was as follows (in thousands):

Spine Surgery Products
Biologics
Monitoring Service
Total Revenue

11.    Legal Proceedings

2011

2010

2009

Year Ended December 31,

   $

   $

431,567  
99,162  
9,777  
  540,506  

   $

   $

387,844  
90,105  
288  
  478,237  

   $

   $

309,086  
61,254  
—  
  370,340  

Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc. Litigation

In August 2008, Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc. and its related entities (Medtronic) filed suit against NuVasive in the United States District Court
for the Southern District of California (the Medtronic Litigation), alleging that certain of NuVasive's products infringe, or contribute to the infringement of,
twelve  U.S.  patents  assigned  or  licensed  to  Medtronic.  Three  of  the  patents  were  later  withdrawn  by  Medtronic,  leaving  nine  patents.  NuVasive  brought
counterclaims against Medtronic alleging infringement of certain of NuVasive's patents. The case has been administratively broken into serial phases. The
first  phase  of  the  case  includes  three  Medtronic  patents  and  one  NuVasive  patent.  Trial  on  the  first  phase  of  the  case  began  in  August  2011  and  on
September 20, 2011, a jury from the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California delivered an unfavorable verdict against NuVasive with respect to
three  Medtronic  patents  and  a  favorable  verdict  in  favor  of  NuVasive  with  respect  to  one  NuVasive  patent.  Judgment  was  entered  by  the  Court  on
September  29,  2011.  The  jury  awarded  monetary  damages  of  approximately  $101.2  million  to  Medtronic  which  includes  lost  profits  and  back  royalties.
Medtronic's motion for a permanent injunction was denied on January 26, 2012. Additional damages, including interest and potential ongoing royalties may
still be awarded, and at December 31, 2011, the Company cannot estimate a range of additional potential loss. A final appealable judgment is expected in the
coming months. While the Company intends to timely appeal the unfavorable verdict, in accordance with the authoritative guidance on the evaluation of loss
contingencies,  during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2011,  the  Company  recorded  an  accrual  for  the  $101.2  million  verdict.  In  addition,  the  Company  is
currently accruing ongoing royalties on future sales at the royalty rates stated in the jury verdict. The $101.2 million is recorded as a separate line item within
operating expenses as the split between lost profit and royalty amounts are not known.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NUVASIVE, INC.

The Company may be required to secure the amount of the judgment, or an even greater amount at the court's discretion, during the appeals process or pay a
higher royalty rate for the post-verdict time period than was previously determined.

With respect to the favorable verdict delivered regarding the one NuVasive patent, the jury awarded the Company monetary damages of approximately
$0.7 million for reasonable royalty damages. In accordance with the authoritative guidance on the evaluation of gain contingencies, this amount has not been
recorded at December 31, 2011.

Trademark Infringement Litigation

In  September  2009,  Neurovision  Medical  Products,  Inc.  (NMP)  filed  suit  against  NuVasive  in  the  U.S.  District  Court  for  the  Central  District  of
California (Case No. 2:09-cv-06988-R-JEM) alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition. NMP sought cancellation of NuVasive's "NeuroVision"
trademark registrations, injunctive relief and damages based on NMP's common law use of the "Neurovision" mark. On November 23, 2009, the Company
denied  the  allegations  in  NMP's  complaint.  After  trial  of  the  matter,  on  October  25,  2010  an  unfavorable  jury  verdict  was  delivered  against  the  Company
relating to its use of the NeuroVision trade name. The verdict awarded damages to NMP of $60.0 million. On January 3, 2011, the Court ordered a judgment
be  entered  in  the  case  in  the  amount  of  $60.0  million,  and  granted  a  permanent  injunction  prohibiting  the  Company's  use  of  the  NeuroVision  name  for
marketing  purposes.  The  Company  sought  emergency  relief,  and  on  February  3,  2011,  the  Ninth  Circuit  Court  of  Appeals  stayed  enforcement  of  the
injunction. The Company has appealed the judgment and permanent injunction. During pendency of the appeal, the Company has been required to escrow
funds to secure the amount of the judgment, plus interest, attorneys' fees and costs. On June 16, 2011, the Company entered into an escrow arrangement and
transferred  $62.5  million  of  cash  and  investments  into  a  restricted  escrow  account.  These  funds  are  included  in  restricted  cash  and  investments  on  the
Company's December 31, 2011 consolidated balance sheet. Any payment of damages will be delayed while the appeals process runs its course, which could
take up to two years. The Company continues to believe that the verdict is not supported by the facts or by applicable law. The Company, based on its own
assessment as well as that of outside counsel, believes that the trial court committed a number of prejudicial legal errors and that these errors were significant,
making the possibility of reversal of the judgment on appeal and/or a new trial probable. At December 31, 2011, in accordance with the authoritative guidance
on the evaluation of contingencies, the Company has not recorded an accrual related to this litigation. The Company may be required to record an expense
related to this damage award in the future.

Contingencies

The Company is party to certain claims and legal actions arising in the normal course of business. The Company does not expect any such claims and

legal actions to have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition.

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12.    Quarterly Data (unaudited)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NUVASIVE, INC.

The following quarterly financial data, in the opinion of management, reflects all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary, for

a fair presentation of results for the periods presented (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Total revenues
Gross profit
Consolidated net income (loss)
Net income (loss) attributable to NuVasive, Inc.
Basic net income (loss) per common share attributable to NuVasive, Inc.
Diluted net income (loss) per common share attributable to NuVasive, Inc.

Total revenues
Gross profit
Consolidated net income
Net income attributable to NuVasive, Inc.
Basic net income per common share attributable to NuVasive, Inc.
Diluted net income per common share attributable to NuVasive, Inc.

Year Ended December 31, 2011

First

Second

Third

Fourth

   $

   $

Quarter
  124,466      $
100,940       
1,978       
2,359       
0.06       
0.06       

Quarter
  132,966      $
107,458       
5,022       
5,380       
0.14       
0.13       

Quarter(1)

Quarter(2)

  132,880    $
106,865     
(67,675)    
(67,552)    
(1.69)    
(1.69)    

  150,194  
113,132  
(10,346) 
(10,036) 
(0.24) 
(0.24) 

Year Ended December 31, 2010

First

Second

Third

Fourth

Quarter
  109,087      $
89,644       
706       
1,088       
0.03       
0.03       

Quarter
  119,584      $
98,570       
6,190       
6,723       
0.17       
0.17       

Quarter
  120,262    $
98,682     
8,104     
8,542     
0.22     
0.21     

Quarter(3)

  129,304  
106,202  
61,533  
61,932  
1.57  
1.39  

(1)

(2)

(3)

Consolidated net loss includes a $101.2 million charge resulting from a litigation award.

Consolidated financial results include the results of operations of Impulse Monitoring since the date of acquisition and an $18.2 million impairment
charge resulting from the write down of certain intangible assets.

Consolidated  net  income  includes  an  income  tax  benefit  of  $50.6  million  resulting  primarily  from  the  reversal  of  the  valuation  allowance  on  the
Company's domestic deferred income tax assets.

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SCHEDULE Schedule II: Valuation Accounts

NuVasive, Inc.

Schedule II: Valuation Accounts
(In thousands)

Accounts Receivable Valuation Accounts
Year ended December 31, 2011
Year ended December 31, 2010
Year ended December 31, 2009

Inventory Reserve
Year ended December 31, 2011
Year ended December 31, 2010
Year ended December 31, 2009

Balance at

Balance at

Beginning of Period

   Additions(1)

   Deductions(2)

   Other(3)

End of  Period

   $
   $
   $

  2,573      $
4,163      $
1,952      $

  2,328      $
819      $
2,794      $

  488      $
593      $
583       

     983      $
1,816      $
—      $

  3,430  
2,573  
4,163  

Balance at

Balance at

Beginning of  Period

Additions(4)

Deductions(5)

End of  Period

   $
   $
   $

  6,682      $
5,075      $
2,778      $

  7,241      $
6,093      $
6,507      $

  1,213      $
4,486      $
4,210      $

  12,710  
6,682  
5,075  

(1) Amount represents customer balances deemed uncollectible.
(2) Uncollectible accounts written-off.
(3) Amount represents recoveries received.
(4) Amount represents excess and obsolete reserve recorded to cost of sales.

(5)

Excess and obsolete inventory written-off against reserve.

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Exhibit
Number  
2.1†

3.1

3.2
4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

10.1#

10.2#

10.3#

10.4#

10. 5#

10.6#

10.7#

10.8#   
10.9#

10.10#

Description
Share  Purchase  Agreement,  by  and  among  NuVasive,  Inc.  and  the  stockholders  of  Cervitech,  Inc.,  as  listed  therein,  dated  April  22,  2009
(incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-159098) filed with the Commission on May 8, 2009)
Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on August 13,
2004)
Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 6, 2012)
Indenture, dated March 7, 2008, between the NuVasive Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 9, 2008)
Form of 2.25% Convertible Senior Note due 2013 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission
on May 9, 2008)
Registration  Rights  Agreement,  dated  March  7,  2007,  among  NuVasive,  Inc.  and  Goldman,  Sachs  &  Co.,  and  J.P.  Morgan  Securities  Inc.,
related  to  the  2.25%  Convertible  Senior  Notes  due  2013  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  filed  with  the
Commission on May 9, 2008)
Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 16,
2006)
2004 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to our Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the Commission
on April 11, 2007)
Amendment  to  2004  Equity  Incentive  Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  filed  with  the  Commission  on
November 4, 2011)
Form of Stock Option Award Notice under our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-113344) filed with the Commission on April 8, 2004)
Form of Option Exercise and Stock Purchase Agreement under our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1
to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-113344) filed with the Commission on April 8, 2004).
Form  of  Restricted  Stock  Unit  Award  Agreement  under  our  2004  Equity  Incentive  Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Annual  Report  on
Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 26, 2010)
2004  Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Amendment  No.  1  to  our  Registration  Statement  on  Form  S-1  (File
No. 333-113344) filed with the Commission on April 8, 2004)
Amendment  No.  1  to  2004  Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  filed  with  the
Commission on November 7, 2008)
Amendment No. 2 and Amendment No. 3 to 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (filed herewith)
Executive  Employment  Agreement,  dated  as  of  January  2,  2011,  by  and  between  NuVasive,  Inc.  and  Alexis  V.  Lukianov  (incorporated  by
reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 2, 2011)
Form of Compensation Letter Agreement dated March 4, 2011 between NuVasive, Inc. and each of the following: Keith C. Valentine, Patrick
Miles, Jason M. Hannon, Michael J. Lambert, Jeffrey P. Rydin, Tyler P. Lipschultz and Craig E. Hunsaker (incorporated by reference to our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 6, 2011)

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Exhibit
Number  
10.11#

10.12

10.13#

10.14#

10.15

10.16

10.17

10.18

10.19

10.20

10.21

10.22

10.23

10.24

Description
Form  of  Indemnification  Agreement  between  NuVasive,  Inc.  and  each  of  our  directors  and  officers  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-113344) filed with the Commission on March 5, 2004)
Sublease,  dated  October  12,  2004,  by  and  between  NuVasive,  Inc.  and  Gateway,  Inc.  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Quarterly  Report  on
Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on November 15, 2004)
Non-Employee Director Cash Compensation (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on
August 5, 2011)
Summary  of  2012  Long  Term  Incentive  Plan  and  the  2012  Executive  Performance  Bonus  Plan  for  our  Chief  Executive  Officer,  our  Chief
Financial  Officer  and  our  other  named  executive  officers  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  filed  with  the
Commission on February 16, 2012)
Lease Agreement for Sorrento Summit, entered into as of November 6, 2007, between the Company and HCPI/Sorrento, LLC. (incorporated by
reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on November 8, 2007)
Purchase Agreement, dated March 3, 2008, among NuVasive, Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co., and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., related to the
2.25%  Convertible  Senior  Notes  due  2013  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  filed  with  the  Commission  on
May 9, 2008)
Confirmation of Call Option Transaction, dated March 3, 2008, to NuVasive, Inc. from Goldman, Sachs & Co. related to the 2.25% Convertible
Senior Notes due 2013 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 9, 2008)
Confirmation of Call Option Transaction, dated March 3, 2008, to NuVasive, Inc. from JPMorgan Chase Bank related to the 2.25% Convertible
Senior Notes due 2013 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 9, 2008)
Confirmation of Warrant Transaction, dated March 3, 2008, to NuVasive, Inc. from Goldman, Sachs & Co. related to the 2.25% Convertible
Senior Notes due 2013 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 9, 2008)
Confirmation of Warrant Transaction, dated March 3, 2008, to NuVasive, Inc. from Goldman, Sachs & Co. related to the 2.25% Convertible
Senior Notes due 2013 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 9, 2008)
Amendment to the Confirmation of Call Option Transaction, dated March 11, 2008, to NuVasive, Inc. from Goldman, Sachs & Co. related to
the 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on
May 9, 2008)
Amendment to the Confirmation of Call Option Transaction, dated March 11, 2008, to NuVasive, Inc. from JPMorgan Chase Bank related to the
2.25%  Convertible  Senior  Notes  due  2013  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  filed  with  the  Commission  on
May 9, 2008)
Amendment to the Confirmation of Warrant Transaction, dated March 11, 2008, to NuVasive, Inc. from Goldman, Sachs & Co. related to the
2.25%  Convertible  Senior  Notes  due  2013  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  filed  with  the  Commission  on
May 9, 2008)
Amendment to the Confirmation of Warrant Transaction, dated March 11, 2008, to NuVasive, Inc. from JPMorgan Chase Bank related to the
2.25%  Convertible  Senior  Notes  due  2013  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  filed  with  the  Commission  on
May 9, 2008)

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Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number  
10.25

10.26

10.27   
10.28

10.29

10.30

10.31

10.32

10.33

10.34

10.35

10.36†

10.37†

10.38†

10.39

Description
Certificate of Designations of Series A Participating Preferred Stock filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on June 28, 2011 (incorporated
by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 2011)
Indenture dated as of June 28, 2011 between the Company and the Trustee (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed
with the Commission on June 29, 2011)
Form of 2.75% Convertible Senior Note due 2017 (included in Exhibit 10.23)
Confirmation for base call option transaction dated as of June 22, 2011, between Bank of America, N.A. and the Company (incorporated by
reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 2011)
Confirmation for additional call option transaction dated as of June 24, 2011, between Bank of America, N.A. and the Company (incorporated
by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 2011)
Confirmation  for  base  call  option  transaction  dated  as  of  June  22,  2011,  between  Goldman,  Sachs  &  Co.  and  the  Company  (incorporated  by
reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 2011)
Confirmation for additional call option transaction, dated as of June 24, 2011, between Goldman, Sachs & Co. and the Company (incorporated
by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 2011)
Confirmation  for  base  warrant  transaction,  dated  as  of  June  22,  2011,  between  Bank  of  America,  N.A.  and  the  Company  (incorporated  by
reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 2011)
Confirmation for additional warrant transaction, dated as of June 24, 2011, between Bank of America, N.A. and the Company (incorporated by
reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 2011)
Confirmation  for  base  warrant  transaction,  dated  as  of  June  22,  2011,  between  Goldman,  Sachs  &  Co.  and  the  Company  (incorporated  by
reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 2011)
Confirmation for additional warrant transaction, dated as of June 24, 2011, between Goldman, Sachs & Co. and the Company (incorporated by
reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 2011)
Preferred  Stock  Purchase  Agreement,  dated  January  13,  2009,  among  the  Company,  Progentix  Orthobiology,  B.V.  and  the  sellers  listed  on
Schedule A thereto (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 26, 2010)
Option Purchase Agreement, dated January 13, 2009, among the Company, Progentix Orthobiology, B.V. and the sellers listed on Schedule A
thereto (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 26, 2010)
Exclusive Distribution Agreement, dated January 13, 2009, between the Company and Progentix Orthobiology, B.V. (incorporated by reference
to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 8, 2009)
Agreement  and  Plan  of  Merger  by  and  among  NuVasive,  Inc.,  Catamaran  Acquisition  Corporation,  Impulse  Monitoring,  Inc.  and  Tullis-
Dickerson & Co., Inc., as Stockholders' Agent, dated September 28, 2011 (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed
with the Commission on October 7, 2011 (file no. 0001193125-11-266851))

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Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number 
21.1
23.1
31.1
31.2
32.1*

32.2*

101**  
101**  
101**  
101**  
101**  
101**  

Description

List of subsidiaries of NuVasive, Inc.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C.
section 1350
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C.
section 1350
XBRL Instance Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document

†

#

*

**

Certain confidential information contained in this exhibit was omitted by means of redacting a portion of the text and replacing it with an asterisk. We
have filed separately with the Commission an unredacted copy of the exhibit.

Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.

These certifications are being furnished solely to accompany this annual report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, and are not being filed for purposes
of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of NuVasive, Inc., whether made before
or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

Pursuant  to  applicable  securities  laws  and  regulations,  we  are  deemed  to  have  complied  with  the  reporting  obligation  relating  to  the  submission  of
interactive data files in such exhibits and are not subject to liability under any anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws as long as we have
made a good faith attempt to comply with the submission requirements and promptly amend the interactive data files after becoming aware that the
interactive data files fail to comply with the submission requirements. Users of this data are advised that, pursuant to Rule 406T, these interactive data
files are deemed not filed and otherwise are not subject to liability.

111

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO
2004 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
OF NUVASIVE, INC.

Effective July 22, 2011

Exhibit 10.8

1. The heading for Section 11 shall be amended in its entirety to read as follows:

11. Automatic Restricted Stock Unit Grants to Non-Employee Directors and Non-Employee Director Fee Deferrals.

2. Section 11.1 is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

11.1 Automatic Restricted Stock Unit Grants

Grant Dates. Stock Awards in the form of restricted stock units ("RSUs") shall be granted to Non-Employee Directors on the dates specified

below:

Initial  Grants.  Each  Non-Employee  Director  who  is  first  elected  or  appointed  to  the  Board  at  any  time  on  or  after  July  22,  2011  shall

automatically be granted on the date of such election or appointment 2,833 RSUs (the "Initial RSU Grant").

Annual Grants. Effective July 22, 2011, on the date of each annual stockholders meeting each individual who is to continue to serve as a

Non-Employee Director shall automatically be granted on the date of such meeting 2,833 RSUs (the "Annual RSU Grant").

Annual Grant Proration for New Non-Employee Directors. Effective July 22, 2011, with respect to a Non-Employee Director who is
first  elected  or  appointed  after  the  commencement  of  the  approximately  twelve  (12)  month  period  beginning  on  the  date  of  the  annual
stockholders meeting, such a Non-Employee Director shall receive a prorated Annual RSU Grant equal to the number of RSUs (rounded down to
the nearest whole RSU) determined by multiplying 236.083 by the number of whole months expected until the next annual stockholders meeting.

Vesting of Restricted Stock Unit Grants.

Initial  RSU  Grants.  Initial  RSU  Grants  shall  vest  in  full  two  (2)  years  from  the  date  of  grant  provided  the  Non-Employee  Director

continuously remains a Director of, or a Consultant to, the Company through such two year anniversary

Annual RSU Grants. An Annual RSU Grant described in Section 11.1(a)(ii), shall vest as to 1/12th of the RSU (rounded down to the nearest
whole RSU) per each full succeeding month from the date of grant for so long as the Non-Employee Director continuously remains a Director of, or a
Consultant to, the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the unvested portion of the Annual RSU Grant shall vest in full as of the day immediately
preceding  the  next  annual  meeting  of  stockholders  after  the  date  of  grant  provided  the  Non-Employee  Director  has  remained  a  Director  of,  or  a
Consultant  to,  the  Company  from  the  date  of  grant.  With  respect  to  an  Annual  RSU  Grant  which  is  made  pursuant  to  Section  11.1(a)(iii),  such  an
Award shall vest ratably (rounded down to the nearest whole number of RSUs) over the expected number of whole months from the date of grant until
the next annual stockholders meeting provided the Non-Employee Director continuously remains a Director of, or Consultant to, the Company through
each monthly vesting date; with all of the unvested portion of such an Annual RSU Grant becoming vested in full as of the day immediately preceding
the next annual meeting of stockholders (provided the Non-Employee Director is a Director of, or Consultant to, the Company on such date).

Settlement  of  Automatic  Restricted  Stock  Unit  Grants.  The  settlement  of  vested  Initial  RSU  Grants  and  vested  Annual  RSU  Grants  shall
comply with the applicable provisions of Section 409A of the Code. Subject to the foregoing, all Initial RSU Grants and Annual RSU Grants shall be
settled, to the extent vested, on the earlier of (i) the third anniversary of the date of grant; (ii) the date on which a transaction constituting a "change in
the  ownership  or  effective  control"  of  the  Company  or  in  the  "ownership  of  a  substantial  portion  of  the  assets"  of  the  Company  (as  such  terms  are
defined in Section 409A of the Code) occurs, and (iii) the date on which the Director separates from service (within the meaning of Section 409A).

Board Discretion. The Awards subject to this Section 11.1 are not intended to be the exclusive Awards that may be made to Non-Employee
Directors under this Plan. The Board may, in its discretion, amend the Plan with respect to the terms of Awards herein, may add or substitute other
types of Awards or may temporarily or permanently suspend Awards hereunder, all without approval of the Company's stockholders.

 
3. Section 11.2 is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

11.2. Non-Employee Director Cash Deferral Elections.

Deferral Elections

Effective Date. Effective with respect to the cash portion of Non-Employee Director annual cash retainer fees and cash fees for service on
Board  committees  (the  "Cash  Fees")  that  are  payable  with  respect  to  service  as  a  Director  commencing  with  the  first  annual  meeting  of
stockholders  occurring  after  January  1,  2012,  each  Non-Employee  Director  may  elect,  in  accordance  with  procedures  established  by  the
Company, to defer all or a portion of the Non-Employee Director's Cash Fees.

Deferral Election Deadlines. Any deferral election made pursuant to this Section 11.2 shall satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of
the Code. With respect to newly elected or appointed Non-Employee Directors, an initial deferral election may be made, if at all, prior to the
expiration of thirty (30) days from the effective date of the individual's election or appointment to the Board and shall only apply to that portion
of the Cash Fees which are earned and otherwise payable on or after the effective date of such deferral election. The deferral deadline for all other
Non-Employee Directors shall be December 31 (or such earlier deadline established by the Company) of each year. Such a deferral election shall
apply to the Cash Fees earned with respect to the period commencing on the date of the next succeeding annual stockholders meeting and ending
on the date immediately preceding the next following annual stockholders meeting.

Conversion of Deferred Cash Fees into Restricted Stock Units. The Cash Fees deferred pursuant to Section 11.2(a) shall be converted on the
last  day  of  each  calendar  quarter  into  Restricted  Stock  Units  (the  "Deferred  Stock  Units"  or  "DSUs").  The  number  of  DSUs  (rounded  down  to  the
nearest whole DSU) credited on such date shall equal the total amount of the Cash Fees deferred with respect to that calendar quarter divided by the
Fair Market Value of a Share on the last day of such calendar quarter. DSUs shall be fully vested at all times.

Settlement of Deferred Stock Units. Unless a different settlement date is elected at the time a deferral election is entered into, DSUs shall be
settled on the date which is the earlier of (i) three (3) years from the effective date of the deferral election; and (ii) the date the Non-Employee Director
"separates from service" (as such term is defined by Section 409A of the Code).

 
Compliance with Section 409A of the Code. All elections with respect to the deferral of Cash Fees and the settlement of DSUs shall be made in
accordance  with  such  procedures  as  may  be  adopted  pursuant  to  this  Section  11.2  and  in  compliance  with  the  requirements  of  Section  409A  of  the
Code. In addition, if an individual is a "specified employee" (as defined in Section 409A of the Code) at the time he or she becomes entitled to receive a
distribution  on  account  of  his  or  her  separation  from  service,  such  distribution  shall  be  delayed  to  the  extent  required  to  avoid  the  imposition  of
additional taxes under Section 409A of the Code.

4. Section 11.3 is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

11.3 Certain Transactions and Events

Fundamental Transactions. In the event of a Fundamental Transaction while the Awardee remains a Non-Employee Director, RSUs held by the
Non-Employee Director but not otherwise vested, shall automatically vest in full so that each such RSU shall immediately prior to the effective date of
the Fundamental Transaction, become fully vested.

Change in Control Transactions. In the event of a Change in Control while the Awardee remains a Non-Employee Director, the RSUs held by
the Non-Employee Director but not otherwise vested, shall automatically vest in full so that each such RSU shall, immediately prior to the effective
date of the Change in Control, become fully vested.

Assumption of RSUs and DSUs. Each RSU or DSU which is assumed and not settled in connection with a Fundamental Transaction shall be
appropriately adjusted, immediately after such Fundamental Transaction, to apply to the number and class of securities which would have been issuable
to the Awardee in consummation of such Fundamental Transaction had the RSU been settled immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction. To
the extent the actual holders of the Company's outstanding Common Stock receive cash consideration for their Common Stock in consummation of the
Fundamental Transaction, the successor corporation may, in connection with the assumption of the outstanding RSUs and DSUs granted pursuant to
Section  11,  substitute  one  or  more  shares  of  its  own  common  stock  with  a  fair  market  value  equivalent  to  the  cash  consideration  paid  per  share  of
Common Stock in such Fundamental Transaction.

Adjustments,  Reclassifications,  Etc.  The  grant  of  Awards  pursuant  to  Section  11  shall  in  no  way  affect  the  right  of  the  Company  to  adjust,
reclassify, reorganize or otherwise change its capital or business structure or to merge, consolidate, dissolve, liquidate or sell or transfer all or any part
of its business or assets.

Remaining Plan Terms. The remaining terms of each Award granted pursuant to Section 11 shall, as applicable, be the same as terms in effect
for Awards granted under this Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of Sections 9.4, 10.3, and 10.4 shall not apply to Awards granted
pursuant to Section 11.

 
5. Section 11.4 is hereby deleted in its entirety.

6. For the avoidance of doubt, the amount of Stock Awards set forth in this Amendment reflects all splits and other changes to the Shares subsequent to the
adoption of the 2004 Plan as of the Effective Date.

7. Except as amended by this Amendment, the 2004 Plan shall remain in full force and effect. In addition, except as set forth in the following sentence, the
prior provisions of Section 11 of the 2004 Plan (the "Prior Section 11") shall remain effective with respect to Awards granted prior to the Effective Date
pursuant to the Prior Section 11. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 11.1(e) of the Prior Section 11, with respect to Options previously granted to Non-
Employee Directors under the Prior Section 11, such Options, to the extent that they are outstanding and unexercised as of the Effective Date, shall remain
exercisable (to the extent they are vested) for a period of three (3) years following a Non-Employee Director's cessation of service, but in no event after the
Option Expiration Date.

8. Except as otherwise provided in this Amendment, terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the 2004 Plan.

 
AMENDMENT NO. 3
TO
2004 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
OF NUVASIVE, INC.

Effective May 1, 2012

WHEREAS, the Company has previously adopted the 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (the "2004 ESPP"); and

WHEREAS, this amendment to the 2004 ESPP (this "Amendment") on January 18, 2012 was adopted in accordance with Section 26 of the 2004 ESPP;

NOW THEREFORE, the 2004 ESPP is amended as follows:

1. Effective as of May 1, 2012, Section 10(a) of the 2004 ESPP is amended in its entirety to read as follows:

(a)

The purchase price of the shares is accumulated by regular payroll deductions made during each Offering Period, provided, however, that for the
First  Offering  Period,  the  purchase  price  of  the  shares  shall  be  paid  by  the  eligible  employee  in  cash  on  each  Purchase  date  within  the  First
Offering Period unless the eligible employee elects to purchase such shares through payroll deductions, after the filing of an effective Form S-8
registration  statement  pursuant  to  the  second  sentence  of  Section  7  above,  within  thirty  (30)  days  following  the  First  Offering  Period.  The
deductions are made as a percentage of the participant's compensation in one percent (1%) increments, not less one percent (1%), nor greater than
fifteen percent (15%), or such lower limit set by the Committee. Compensation shall mean base pay, including holiday, vacation, sick, jury duty,
bereavement  and  leave  of  absence  pay,  overtime,  commissions,  bonuses  (as  defined  by  the  Company's  bonus  plan(s)),  guarantee  pay,
supplemental pay and car allowances, provided, however that compensation shall not include any long term disability or workmens compensation
payments,  relocation  payments  or  expense  reimbursement  and  further  provided,  however,  that  for  purposes  of  determining  a  participant's
compensation, any election by such participant to reduce his or her regular cash remuneration under Sections 125 or 401(k) of the Code shall be
treated as if they participant did not make such election. Payroll deductions shall commence of nth first payday of the Offering Period and shall
continue to the end of the Offering Period unless sooner altered or terminated as provided by this Plan.

 
 
 
2. Except as amended by this Amendment, the 2004 ESPP shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

3. Except as otherwise provided in this Amendment, terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the 2004 ESPP.

 
Subsidiaries of NuVasive, Inc.

Exhibit 21.1

Name
Impulse Monitoring, Inc.
Cervitech, Inc.
NuVasive (AUST/NZ) Pty. Ltd.
NuVasive Europe, GmbH
NuVasive Japan KK
NuVasive Malaysia, Sdn, Bhd
NuVasive PR, Inc.
NuVasive Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd.
NuVasive UK Limited

   Jurisdiction of Incorporation
   Delaware
   Delaware
   Australia
   Germany
   Japan
   Malaysia
   Puerto Rico
   Singapore
   United Kingdom

 
Exhibit 23.1

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

(1)  Registration  Statement  (Form  S-3  Nos.  333-127634,  333-127842,  333-130354,  333-131472,  333-138047,  333-140432,  333-159098,  333-160356,
333-175045 and 333-177223) of NuVasive, Inc.,

(2)  Registration  Statement  (Form  S-8  No.  333-116546)  pertaining  to  the  1998  Stock  Option/Stock  Issuance  Plan,  2004  Equity  Incentive  Plan,  and  2004
Employee Stock Purchase Plan of NuVasive, Inc., and

(3) Registration Statement (Form S-8 Nos. 333-149478 and 333-172465) pertaining to the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan and 2004 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan of NuVasive, Inc.;

of  our  reports  dated  February  24,  2012,  with  respect  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  schedule  of  NuVasive,  Inc.  and  to  the  effectiveness  of
internal control over financial reporting of NuVasive, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2011.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

San Diego, California
February 24, 2012

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Exhibit 31.1

I, Alexis V. Lukianov, certify that:

1.

2.

3.

4.

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of NuVasive, Inc.;

Based  on  my  knowledge,  this  report  does  not  contain  any  untrue  statement  of  a  material  fact  or  omit  to  state  a  material  fact  necessary  to  make  the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

Based  on  my  knowledge,  the  financial  statements,  and  other  financial  information  included  in  this  report,  fairly  present  in  all  material  respects  the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

The  registrant's  other  certifying  officer  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as  defined  in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))
for the registrant and have:

a)

b)

c)

d)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to
ensure  that  material  information  relating  to  the  registrant,  including  its  consolidated  subsidiaries,  is  made  known  to  us  by  others  within  those
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

Designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  to  be  designed  under  our
supervision,  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant's  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  presented  in  this  report  our  conclusions  about  the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent
fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially
affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The  registrant's  other  certifying  officer  and  I  have  disclosed,  based  on  our  most  recent  evaluation  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  to  the
registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)

b)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably
likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting.

Date: February 24, 2012

/s/ Alexis V. Lukianov                            
Alexis V. Lukianov
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Exhibit 31.2

I, Michael J. Lambert, certify that:

1.

2.

3.

4.

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of NuVasive, Inc.;

Based  on  my  knowledge,  this  report  does  not  contain  any  untrue  statement  of  a  material  fact  or  omit  to  state  a  material  fact  necessary  to  make  the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

Based  on  my  knowledge,  the  financial  statements,  and  other  financial  information  included  in  this  report,  fairly  present  in  all  material  respects  the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

The  registrant's  other  certifying  officer  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as  defined  in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))
for the registrant and have:

a)

b)

c)

d)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to
ensure  that  material  information  relating  to  the  registrant,  including  its  consolidated  subsidiaries,  is  made  known  to  us  by  others  within  those
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

Designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  to  be  designed  under  our
supervision,  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant's  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  presented  in  this  report  our  conclusions  about  the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent
fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially
affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The  registrant's  other  certifying  officer  and  I  have  disclosed,  based  on  our  most  recent  evaluation  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  to  the
registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)

b)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably
likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting.

Date: February 24, 2012

/s/ Michael J. Lambert                        
Michael J. Lambert
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERTIFICATIONS OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Exhibit 32.1

In  connection  with  the  Annual  Report  of  NuVasive,  Inc.  (the  Company)  on  Form  10-K  for  the  annual  period  ended  December  31,  2011,  as  filed  with  the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Annual Report), I, Alexis V. Lukianov, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company,
certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

1.      The Annual Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.      That information contained in the Annual Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the

Company.

Date: February 24, 2012

/s/ Alexis V. Lukianov
Alexis V. Lukianov
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 
CERTIFICATIONS OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Exhibit 32.2

In  connection  with  the  Annual  Report  of  NuVasive,  Inc.  (the  Company)  on  Form  10-K  for  the  annual  period  ended  December  31,  2011,  as  filed  with  the
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  on  the  date  hereof  (the  Annual  Report),  I,  Michael  J.  Lambert,  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  the  Company,  certify,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

1.      The Annual Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.      That information contained in the Annual Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the

Company.

Date: February 24, 2012

/s/ Michael J. Lambert
Michael J. Lambert
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer