Zimmer (NYSE:ZMH) said it inked an exclusive, long-term deal to distribute the lateral locking cage device made by Frontier Medical Devices for spinal fusion procedures.

The deal brings Zimmer into the lateral access market, Zimmer Spine president Steve Healy said in prepared remarks.

"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," Healy said.

"We are excited about our partnership with Zimmer Spine," added Frontier Medical president Dr. Matthew Songer, co-inventor of the device. "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."