The spinal devices division of Minnesota-based Medtronic has agreed to pay 12 million dollars to five states for allegedly manipulating medical journal articles to drive up demand for its “Infuse” product by making it appear safer than it actually was. Medtronic denies the allegations. The Star Tribune reports the company is the subject of more than six thousand pending or potential lawsuits by patients. The product is used in spinal-fusion surgery and investigators say Medtronic knew or should have known about safety risks that exceed those of other available therapies.