Abstract:
A method spacing spinal elements includes installing a first spinal implant (20) having a sensor (30) associated therewith; selecting a second spinal implant (40, 40) based on measurement data provided by the sensor,- and replacing the first spinal implant with the second spinal implant . The first and second implants may be installed in separate surgical procedures, or during the same surgical procedure, and the implants may be positioned between a superior spinous process (12) and an inferior spinous process (14) and advantageously directly engage the same. The selection of the second implant may be based on the data provided by the sensor and a material property of the second spinal implant, such as its stiffness. The measurement data may correspond to strain or force data. The sensor may be, but is not required to be, embedded in the first spinal implant. A corresponding apparatus is described.
Abstract:
An implant assembly (30, 130) for stabilizing a spinal motion segment includes a flexible spacer member (32, 132) positionable between adjacent transverse processes.
Abstract:
One embodiment of the present application includes: performing a medical procedure on a segment of a patient's spine. This segment includes two vertebrae (40a, 40b) each in contact with a spinal disk (30) positioned in an intervertebral disk space (36). A passage (70) is formed that follows a pathway through the vertebrae (40a, 40b) and the intervertebral disk space (36). This passage (70) extends from an extradiscal opening (72a, 72b) through one of the vertebrae (40a, 40b) along a path that turns to change direction. The tubular device (110) is inserted in the passage (70) and extends through the intervertebral disk space (36). A fluid material is introduced into the tubular device (110) to at least partially fill it to provide a spinal prosthetic structure (136). Other embodiments and inventive aspects include other prosthetic device arrangements, implantation methods, systems, and techniques.
Abstract:
A prosthetic assembly and method of implanting same, according to which a least one cross-bar is secured to the spinal column. A spacer engages the spinous process of a vertebra of the spinal column. The cross-bar is connected to the spacer via an adapter.
Abstract:
A spinal implant (700) and implant control device for treating a spine are provided. An exemplary spinal implant can include an adjustable component (702) and a connector (706) in communication with the adjustable component, wherein the connector is configured for transcutaneous delivery of an agent to the adjustable component in a manner that affects a condition of the adjustable component.
Abstract:
An interspinous spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes includes a flexible, fillable container (e.g., a bag or balloon) for containing a material that is compressible during end use, for example, silicone after curing. The container is impermeable to the material it will be filled with. A structural mesh, for example, made of PET fabric and interwoven shape-memory alloy wire, provides structure for and containment of the container, as well as shape control. The material can be injected into the container through an optional conduit, for example, a one-way valve.
Abstract:
An intervertebral process brace is disclosed and can include a frame that, can support a first vertebral process (500) and a second vertebral process (502). The intervertebral process brace (400) can also include a vertebral process support strap (414) that can span a portion (404) of the frame. The vertebral process support strap can engage the first vertebral process and bind the first vertebral process between the vertebral process support strap and the portion of the frame. The vertebral process support strap may be movable relative to the frame to increase a distance between the first vertebral process and the second vertebral process.
Abstract:
An intercostal spacer device for placement between two adjacent ribs, includes a spacer member and at least one pair of arms that extend from a first end of the spacer member and at least one pair of arms that extend from a second end of the spacer member. The intercostal spacer device may also include a flexible, fillable container for containing an injectable material that is compressible following implantation. The container is impermeable to the material it will be filled with. A structural mesh, for example, made of PET fabric and interwoven shape-memory alloy wire, provides structure for and containment of the container, as well as shape control of the intercostal spacer device. The material can be injected into the container through a conduit. The intercostal spacer device is sized and configured to allow for placement into the intercostal space to produce force for correcting a spinal deformity.
Abstract:
An intercostal spacer device for placement between two adjacent ribs, includes a spacer member and at least one pair of arms that extend from a first end of the spacer member and at least one pair of arms that extend from a second end of the spacer member. The intercostal spacer device may also include a flexible, fillable container for containing an injectable material that is compressible following implantation. The container is impermeable to the material it will be filled with. A structural mesh, for example, made of PET fabric and interwoven shape-memory alloy wire, provides structure for and containment of the container, as well as shape control of the intercostal spacer device. The material can be injected into the container through a conduit. The intercostal spacer device is sized and configured to allow for placement into the intercostal space to produce force for correcting a spinal deformity.
Abstract:
An adjustable interspinous process brace is disclosed and can include a superior component. The superior component can include a superior spinous process bracket that can engage a superior spinous process. Further, the adjustable interspinous process brace can include an inferior component. The inferior component can include an inferior spinous process bracket that can engage an inferior spinous process. Further, the inferior component can be movably engaged with the superior component from a retracted position to an extended position. In the extended position, a distance between the superior spinous process bracket and the inferior spinous process bracket can be increased.