Abstract:
Systems and methods for positioning a connecting element adjacent an anatomical structure in minimally-invasive surgical procedures, including an electronic guidance system associated with the connecting element and at least one receiving portion of a tissue anchor that receives the connecting element in the patient. The electronic guidance system includes a processor subsystem to receive signals from the guidance system and provide relative positional data between the connecting element and the at least one receiving portion to aid the surgeon in guiding the connecting element to the receiving portion. In one embodiment, the systems and methods are used in association with positioning a connecting element adjacent the spinal column in minimally-invasive spinal stabilization procedures.
Abstract:
An inter-transverse process spacer device for placement between two adjacent transverse processes, includes a spacer member with deformable first and second ends and may include a connector. The inter-transverse process 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 inter-transverse process spacer device. The material can be injected into the container through a conduit. The inter-transverse process spacer device is sized and configured to allow for placement between adjacent transverse processes to produce a lateral force for correcting a spinal deformity. A method for correcting a spinal deformity using the inter-transverse process spacer device is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A system for treating a spinal condition includes an anterior spinal motion device (54) for an anterior region of a motion segment associated with the pair of vertebrae and a posterior motion preservation device (56,58) for a second region of the motion segment. The anterior spinal motion device may include an elastic material or a motion preserving disc prosthesis having at least one articulating surface.
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 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 fabric mesh, for example, made of PET fabric, provides structure for and containment of the container. The material can be injected into the container through an optional conduit, for example, a one-way valve.
Abstract:
A multi-chamber expandable interspinous process brace (400) is disclosed and can include at least two chambers (402, 404). Each of the at least two chambers can receive an injectable biocompatible material. Further, the multi-chamber expandable interspinous process brace can be moved between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration. In the inflated configuration, the multi-chamber expandable interspinous process brace can engage and support a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process.
Abstract:
A surgical implantation procedure and device according to which an expandable member is inserted between anatomical structures, and is expanded into engagement with the structures. The expansion is terminated when the member is in engagement with the structures.
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).