Understanding the reason for fusion
When might lumbar fusion be considered?
Lumbar fusion may be discussed when painful movement or instability is associated with conditions such as degenerative disc disease, lumbar spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, trauma, or tumor.
The manufacturer patient brochure also identifies herniated disc and vertebral fracture among diagnoses that may lead to a surgical discussion.
Diagnosis comes first
Back and leg pain can have many causes. A spine specialist must evaluate symptoms, examination findings, and imaging before deciding whether fusion—or a specific fixation method—may be appropriate.
Aurora’s ZIP product line includes interspinous fixation options for different spinal levels.
An alternative fixation approach
How ZIP 51 differs from pedicle screw fixation
ZIP implants are positioned between the spinous processes. Pedicle screw systems instead use screws placed through the vertebral pedicles as anchor points for rods and other hardware.
Manufacturer-supplied ZIP 51 rendering.
Designed for L5-S1
The ZIP 51 implant
ZIP 51 is an interspinous fixation option designed for the lumbosacral junction. Its plates engage the spinous processes while the central barrel can carry bone-graft material.
The device is one part of a fusion procedure. Your surgeon determines the spinal level, implant size, graft material, and whether this approach fits the planned construct.
Procedure overview
What the manufacturer’s patient brochure highlights
The brochure describes ZIP as a minimally invasive procedure. Individual preparation, anesthesia, surgical time, discharge, activity restrictions, and recovery vary and must be discussed with the treating surgeon.
Manufacturer education
See the ZIP procedure
Aurora supplied both a patient animation and a more detailed surgical-technique animation.
Patient animation
A patient-oriented overview of the ZIP procedure.
Surgical-technique animation
A detailed procedural animation supplied by Aurora Spine.
Approved patient resources
Learn more about ZIP 51
Review the manufacturer brochure and current product page, then discuss questions with a qualified spine specialist.
Important information
This information is intended to be general and does not represent medical advice or recommendations. Evaluation and examination by a physician are necessary. Procedures and implants carry risks, and individual results vary. Your physician should explain potential benefits, risks, alternatives, and recovery expectations for your condition.
ZIP, ZIP 51, ZIP GRAFT, and ONE-STEP are trademarks of Aurora Spine. Rx only where applicable.
