Abstract:
A system for stabilizing the spine, according to which a first dampening member is compressed in response to compressive loads on the spine, and a second dampening member is compressed in response to tensile loads on the spine.
Abstract:
A surgical implantation procedure and a device for performing same according to which an expandable member is inserted between anatomical structures and expanded in one plane to cause relative movement between the structures. The expansion is terminated when the structures are in a predetermined spatial relationship.
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 implant is disclosed and can include a body and a plurality of pellets disposed within the body. The implant can be moved between an unmolded, relaxed configuration wherein the body is not conformed to a bone and a molded, relaxed configuration wherein the body is at least partially conformed to the bone.
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.
Abstract:
A prosthetic device (60) and method of inserting same between adjacent spinal processes, according to which a first member (62) of a relatively flexible material is adapted to extend between the spinal processes; and at least one second member (64, 66) of a relatively stiff material is supported by the first member. According to one embodiment, the second member comprises two u-shaped inserts having spaced legs (64b, 64c, 66b, 66c) which are inserted in grooves (62c, 62d) located in the front and rear face of the first member.
Abstract:
A prosthetic device (40) and a method of implanting same between two vertebrae of a vertebral column to stabilize the column, according to which each vertebrae is engaged by a spacer (42, 44) , and the spacers are connected to permit relative movement between the spacers so that the distance between the spacers can vary to conform with the distance between the vertebrae and accommodate bending movements of the vertebral column.
Abstract:
ABSTRACT Systems and methods for multi-directional stabilization of a spinal column segment (10) are provided. The systems (30, 130, 230, 330, 520) include one or more motion preserving constructs (32, 132, 230, 330, 530) that are engaged to adjacent vertebrae (12, 14) and extend trans-axially between the vertebrae (12, 14) obliquely to the central axis (11) of the spinal column. The systems permit motion of at least a portion of a vertebral level while providing stabilization at least when tensioned. Systems that provide stabilization in compression are also contemplated.
Abstract:
A posterior spinal fixation device or dynamic spinal stabilization device or other orthopedic device includes an active agent-delivery component. The active agent-delivery component has an active agent impregnated therein or adsorbed thereon or otherwise contained therein and is configured to release the active agent locally after the device is implanted in a patient. One preferred type of implant in accordance with the invention is an implant for stabilizing a spinal motion segment that includes a spacer member (30, 132, 236, 432) positionable between adjacent spinous processes or transverse processes or other posterior spinal element, including an implanted anchor element (232, 234).
Abstract:
A posterior spinal fixation device or dynamic spinal stabilization device or other orthopedic device includes an active agent-delivery component. The active agent-delivery component has an active agent impregnated therein or adsorbed thereon or otherwise contained therein and is configured to release the active agent locally after the device is implanted in a patient. One preferred type of implant in accordance with the invention is an implant for stabilizing a spinal motion segment that includes a spacer member (30, 132, 236, 432) positionable between adjacent spinous processes or transverse processes or other posterior spinal element, including an implanted anchor element (232, 234).