Project description
A safe, minimally invasive implant for spine stabilisation
Low back pain is a very common health problem worldwide and a major cause of disability. Spinal fusion is a common surgical treatment option. The technique joins two or more vertebrae to stabilise the affected vertebral segment and relieve nerve pain and pressure. Currently, most fusions are supplemented with screws and rods that help construct an external 'bridge' connecting vertebrae. However, this is a costly and highly invasive process, and it can lead to complications. The EU-funded ZygoFix project is developing a proprietary approach to spinal stabilisation and spinal fusion. Its new zLOCK facet fusion system is a fixation device for lumbar spine fusion surgeries that utilises the spine's natural anatomy, allowing for shorter and less invasive surgery that eliminates the use of screws or external constructs.
Objective
Back pain is one of the most common medical problems worldwide. More than 632 million people worldwide suffer from low back pain what becomes a frequent self-limiting condition. When conservative treatments are not effective, surgical intervention is usually sought after to reduce pain and restore quality of life. The most common surgical procedure is the spinal fusion where two or more vertebra are fused together to stabilize the affected vertebral segment, relieve pressure on the nerves and relieve pain. Published estimations have calculated that 699,318 lumbar spinal fusion procedures occurred worldwide in 2017. Current procedures utilize screws and rods to construct an external “bridge” that connects between the vertebrae. This solution is costly, highly invasive and can lead to complications resulting in re-operations when screws are misplaced.
Our new and unique zLOCK Facet Fusion System is a fixation device for lumbar spine fusion surgeries that utilizes the natural anatomy of the spine allowing for shorter and less invasive surgery that doesn’t use screws or external constructs. Our zLOCK system is made with an innovative 3D printing technology to provide a safer implant that fits any facet anatomy (any patient) and a more cost-effective solution for lumbar spinal procedures.
Fields of science
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicineanatomy and morphology
- medical and health sciencesclinical medicinerheumatology
- medical and health sciencesclinical medicinesurgerysurgical procedures
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringmanufacturing engineeringadditive manufacturing
- medical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologyimplants
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinator
2017400 Misgav
Israel
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.