Abstract:
An insertion tool (100) for positioning intervertebral spacers into disc spaces. The insertion tool has a proximal end (102) and a distal end (104), a T-handle (106) secured to the proximal end (102) and a pair of alignment rails extending from the distal end (104). The insertion tool (100) includes a handle secured to the proximal end of the guide rails (116A, 116B), and a shaft (110) that extends through the handle, whereby the shaft has a threaded portion that extends to the T-handle (106). The insertion tool (100) also includes a blocker (118) that is secured to the distal end of the shaft (110). The blocker (118) includes stop arms that guide the blocker (118) through the guide rails (116A, 116B) and toward the distal end of the shaft. The blocker (118) may be provided in a plurality of different sizes corresponding to the sizes of the implants to be inserted into a disc space. A lock (108) is provided for locking the implant to the shaft (110).
Abstract:
A spinal rod (10) including an elongated flexible component (12) and a reinforcing component (26), the reinforcing component (26) being resistant to damage from compressive forces and disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of the flexible component (12) so as to define at least one compression slot (30).
Abstract:
An instrument for spinal rotation that aligns and holds direct vertebral rotation (DVR) lever arms (21) relative to each other to achieve an initial axial alignment of a segment of vertebrae (1a - 1d) and allows the final DVR rotation by rotating the instrument and lever arms (21) together. A method of direct vertebral rotation that allows rotating the vertebrae (1a - 1d) to be aligned relative to each other, and collectively rotating the vertebrae (1a - 1d) to be aligned relative to adjacent spinal segments by rotating the direct vertebral rotation instrument. A system for direct vertebral rotation having at least two pedicle screws (11). The system also includes at least two levers attachable to the pedicle screws (11) and a clamping instrument (31) configured to clamp the levers.
Abstract:
An intervertebral stabilization device (12, 170) and method is disclosed. The device (12, 170) preferably includes a planar spring (20, 180) enclosed within a housing (22, 172) . The housing (122, 172) is joined to an articulation component (24, 25, 174, 175) at either end, and the articulation components (24, 25, 174, 175) have couplings (28, 178) connectable to anchoring components (19) which are securable to adjacent vertebrae. The planar spring (20, 180) can flex and retract providing relative motion between the adjacent vertebrae. The articulation components (24, 25, 174, 175) are ball and socket joints which allow the entire assembly to flexibly follow the curvature of the spine. A fusion rod (162) with articulation components and couplings (164) at either end may be substituted for the spring device. The couplings enable interchangeability between a fusion rod (162) assembly and spring assembly (12, 170) , so that dynamic stabilization can occur at one vertebral level and fusion at the adjacent vertebral level. An overhung spring assembly (250) with a sideways displaced housing (254) which allows for a shorter pedicle to pedicle displacement is also disclosed.
Abstract:
Anatomic points within the body are projected outside the body through the use of extenders (180, 182, 188). The projected points may then be used for measurement, or to facilitate the selection or configuration of an implant that is to be positioned proximate the anatomic points. Such an implant may be a rod (270) for a posterior spinal fusion system. Pedicle screws (140, 142, 148) may be implanted into pedicles of the spine, and may then serve as anchors for the extenders. The extenders (180, 182, 188) may have rod interfaces (214, 216, 218) that receive the rod (270) in a manner that mimics the geometry of the pedicle screws (140, 142, 148) so that the selected or configured contoured rod (270) will properly fit into engagement with the pedicle screws (140, 142, 148).
Abstract:
A bone fixation assembly and method of fixing bones including a fixation element (16) having a head portion (18), a unitary coupling element (12) and at least one locking element (24). The unitary coupling element includes a first bore adapted to slidably receive the head portion (18) of the fixation element (16) and a second bore adapted to receive a spinal rod (38).
Abstract:
An orthopedic bone plate system having a bone plate (12) for placement adjacent one or more vertebral bodies. The bone plate (12) has a first aperture (40). The bone plate system further includes a sliding element (14) having a top portion (16) and a base portion (15). The system preferably includes a bone fastener (18) which is adapted for connecting the bone plate (12) to a vertebral body. The bone fastener (18) includes a stem (62) and a bone engaging portion (60). The diameter of the stem (62) may be less than a cross section of the sliding element aperture (90) so that the stem (62) may be oriented within the sliding element aperture (90) at a plurality of angles. The system may further include a stopping element (20). The orthopedic bone plate system may also include a locking element (22).
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for cutting spinal implants (14) to a desired length, wherein the spinal implant (14) is supported on a mandrel (12) that rotates while a cutting blade (18) cuts the spinal implant. The apparatus and method accurately size and cut spinal implants to the desired length.
Abstract:
A spinal plating system for vertebral fixation includes a plate (12), a compression screw (18), multiple fixation members (14) and polyaxially adjustable locking rings (16). The plate (12) is shaped to conform to the curvature of the spine and the surfaces of the vertebral bodies. The compression screw (18) fits through an insert, and together they are guided by the plate (12) as the screw is driven into one of the vertebrae, producing compression between the adjacent vertebrae. A retaining lip on the plate prevents backout of the compression screw (18). The polyaxial locking rings (16) can be polyaxially pivoted to attain a desired orientation, and are lockable to the plate (12) to maintain the orientation. The fixation members fit through openings in the polyaxial locking rings (16) and the plate (12) to fix the plate to the vertebrae. Locking the polyaxial locking rings (16) fixes the position of the fixation members relative to the plate (12), and prevents backout of the fixation members (14).
Abstract:
A device for use as a portal in percutaneous minimally invasive surgery performed within a patient's body cavity includes a first elongated hollow tube (94a) having a length adjusted with a self-contained mechanism. The first elongated tube (94a) includes an inner hollow tube (120) and an outer hollow tube (110) and the inner tube (120) is adapted to slide within the outer tube (110) thereby providing the self-contained length adjusting mechanism. This length-adjustment feature is advantageous for percutaneous access surgery in any body cavity. Two or more elongated tubes with adjustable lengths can be placed into two or more adjacent body cavities, respectively. Paths are opened within the tissue areas between the two or more body cavities, and are used to transfer devices and tools between the adjacent body cavities. This system of two or more elongated tubes with adjustable lengths is particularly advantageous in percutaneous minimally invasive spinal surgeries, and provides the benefits of minimizing long incisions, recovery time and post-operative complications.