Medtronic completes Spinal Dynamics buy

MINNEAPOLIS (Oct. 18)—Medtronic Inc. has completed its $269.5 million acquisition of Spinal Dynamics Corp., developer of an artificial disc used in back surgery. Spinal Dynamics' cervical disc features a shock-absorbing elastomer that cushions the vertebrae and allows motion of the head and neck. The 50 employee, Seattle-based operation will become an arm of medical device manufacturer Medtronic Sofamor Danek of Memphis, Tenn., a business unit of Medtronic Inc