Successful first in human for zLOCK spinal facet joint fixation system

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ZygoFix’s zLOCK implant

The successful start of a first in human clinical study for the zLOCK spinal facet joint fixation system (ZygoFix) has been announced. The clinical study comprised several procedures to date and a six-month follow-up of the first case.

The first case, a fusion procedure using the zLOCK system, was performed on a 67-year-old female suffering from severe back and leg pain. The patient reported a drop in her VAS (Visual Analog Scale of 0-10 for pain measurement) from 9 pre-operation, to 1 one day post-operation and to 0 at six months post-op.

The zLOCK implant is designed as a miniature facet fusion cage to stabilise the segment. Its unique combination of rigid and flexible elements withstands loads and accommodates the anatomy of any facet joint. zLOCK utilises the anatomy of the spine to form a “bridge” between the two adjacent vertebrae, without screws and rods. A percutaneous approach allows placement of zLOCK with only one small incision per side, making it less invasive than the standard pedicle screw procedure.

Attila Schwarcz, vice-chairman and leader of spine surgery, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pecs, Hungary, and principal investigator in ZygoFix’s study, commented, “The zLOCK implantation is a significantly less invasive procedure compared to other posterior spinal stabilisation systems. It appears superior to pedicle screw procedures, since zLOCK has an almost zero risk of causing nerve root injury that can happen in pedicle screw misplacement. Additionally, the zLOCK implant may have the ability to provide better long-term stabilisation due to solid bony fusion of the facet joints.”


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