Zyga Technology

Zyga Technology, Inc., founded in 2008 by Bob Assell, operated as a medical device company focused on developing minimally invasive surgical solutions for underserved spinal conditions. Based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, the company targeted the significant market of patients suffering from chronic low back pain, which is the second most common cause of disability in U.S. adults.

The company's primary product was the SImmetry® Sacroiliac Joint Fusion System, designed to treat sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, a condition responsible for a substantial percentage of chronic low back pain. The SImmetry system was engineered to facilitate a true SI joint arthrodesis, or fusion, by following established orthopedic principles. Its unique feature was the SImmetry Decorticator, a proprietary instrument that allowed surgeons to prepare the joint by removing cartilage and creating bleeding bone, which is critical for promoting bone growth and achieving a solid fusion. This minimally invasive procedure provided stabilization of the SI joint for conditions like degenerative sacroiliitis and joint disruptions, offering a more permanent solution compared to palliative treatments like steroid injections.

In addition to the SImmetry system, Zyga developed the Glyder® Facet Restoration Device. This non-fusion product was designed to relieve lumbar facet pain while preserving motion, targeting the 31% of chronic low back pain cases originating from the facet joints. The Glyder device received CE Marking in Europe and was undergoing clinical studies in the U.S.

Zyga Technology's business model revolved around the sale of these specialized spinal devices to hospitals and surgical centers. On January 4, 2018, RTI Surgical, Inc. announced its acquisition of Zyga Technology. At the time, Zyga was a private company with approximately $4 million in annual revenue. The acquisition was a strategic move for RTI Surgical to enhance its spine portfolio and accelerate growth in the estimated $100 million U.S. sacroiliac joint fusion market. Subsequently, RTI Surgical's spine business, including the former Zyga assets, underwent further corporate changes, eventually becoming part of Surgalign Holdings, which later sold its biologics and spinal fixation business to Xtant Medical Holdings in 2023 following bankruptcy proceedings.

Keywords: sacroiliac joint fusion, SImmetry system, minimally invasive spine surgery, Glyder Facet Restoration, lumbar spine conditions, degenerative sacroiliitis, facetogenic pain, low back pain treatment, medical device, RTI Surgical acquisition, spine portfolio, arthrodesis, decortication, spinal implants, motion preservation device, surgical solutions, orthopedic principles, SI joint dysfunction, chronic pain management, spinal fixation, medtech