Zimmer Announces Agreement for Lateral Interbody System

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Zimmer Spine, Inc., a global leader in spine innovation, today announced that the Company has signed an exclusive global distribution agreement for the Lateral Locking Cage (LLC), a first of its kind, minimally invasive lateral interbody cage.  Under the terms of this long-term agreement with Frontier Medical Devices (Marquette, Mich.), Zimmer Spine will exclusively market the LLC to healthcare professionals worldwide. 

Implanted through a minimally invasive lateral approach with dedicated instrumentation, the LLC was designed for the treatment of degenerative disc disease and instability, including grade 1 spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis.   The LLC features a unique locking design that rigidly fastens the cage to the lumbar vertebra, and offers a variety of implant sizes to accommodate a wide range of patient anatomy and pathology.      

"This distribution agreement for the LLC represents Zimmer Spine's entry into lateral access surgeries, one of the fastest growing segments of the global spine market," said Steve Healy, President, Zimmer Spine.  "The combination of the LLC and Zimmer Spine's PathFinder NXT® Minimally Invasive Pedicle Screw System provides surgeons with a complete minimally invasive approach, offering potentially faster surgeries and shorter hospital stays.  For patients, that can mean less postoperative pain and a faster return to normal function." 

"We are excited about our partnership with Zimmer Spine," said Dr. Matthew Songer, President of Frontier Medical and co-inventor of the LLC.  "Commercializing Frontier's novel lumbar product through Zimmer Spine's global sales channel will allow us to bring this technology to a significant surgeon and patient population."

About Zimmer Spine
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Zimmer Spine is a global leader in spine innovation, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for spine patients worldwide by delivering comprehensive surgical solutions, training and clinical support that advance and support surgeons.  Zimmer Spine is a division of Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX:  ZMH), a leading manufacturer and provider of orthopaedic reconstructive, spinal and trauma devices, dental implants, and related surgical products for orthopaedic professionals in over 100 countries.  Founded in 1927 and headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, Zimmer has operations in more than 25 countries.  Zimmer's 2012 sales were approximately $4.5 billion.  The Company is supported by the efforts of more than 9,000 employees worldwide.  For more information, please visit our website at www.zimmer.com. 

About Frontier Medical
Frontier Medical Devices, Inc., a developer of pioneering medical implants, specializes in partnering with large-scale medical device companies to commercialize innovative new products.  Starting from a basic concept design, Frontier Medical guides nascent medical technologies through product development, regulatory approval, manufacturing and sterilization processes.  Frontier Medical Devices is a privately held company located in Marquette, Mich., and its team offers over 100 combined years of experience in developing effective medical device products.  Learn more about our products and services at www.frontiermd.com. 

SOURCE Zimmer Spine, Inc.