The invention relates, according to one embodiment, to a graft syringe assembly for delivering bone graft material is disclosed. The graft syringe assembly comprises a syringe subassembly including a syringe barrel having an inner chamber adapted for receiving bone graft material, a plunger adapted for expelling bone graft material from the inner chamber, the plunger slidably received within the inner chamber, and a syringe adapter coupled to the syringe barrel. The graft syringe assembly further comprises a connection subassembly coupled to the syringe adapter, and a delivery tube subassembly coupled to the connection subassembly, wherein the connection subassembly is configured to allow the delivery tube subassembly to rotate relative to the syringe subassembly.
An instrument is provided for use in orthopedic surgery for reduction of a connecting member such as a spinal rod toward an implant such as a bone screw. An embodiment of the instrument includes handle portions that are pivotable relative to each other and biased apart, and arm portions pivotable relative to each other and to the handle portions. Distal portions of the arm portions, which are offset from the arm portions, provide structure for engaging a connecting member and an implant. Squeezing the handle portions force the distal portions of the arm portions together, forcing together the connecting member and the implant. A toothed bar and pawl may be provided to retain the instrument in a squeezed state.
A vertebral column osteosynthesis device of the type comprising at least one cage (1, 13) Containing a bone graft that will be substituted for at least one vertebra and the vertebrae (C2, C4, C7) between which the cage (1, 13) is placed, are fused with at least one anterior plate (17) that will be fixed to the said vertebrae (C2, C4) between which is cased the said case (1,13) or at least one of the said cages (1, 13) is placed, characterized in that the said device also comprises: Means (24, 25) of attachment of the said anterior plate (17) or at least one of the said anterior plates (17) to the cage (1) facing it; Two longitudinal rods (35, 36) that will extend along the vertebral column on each side of the processus spinosus, means of attachment of the ends of the said rods to healthy ends of the patient's skeleton, and means of connection of each rod to the said cage (1, 13) or to at least one of the said cages (1, 13).
Disclosed is a novel device for the vacuum infusion of a porous medical implant contained therein with one or more pharmaceutical substances and a method for the device's use. The device is deformable, and capable of adjusting to the outer contour of a porous medical implant to facilitate packaging, shipping and storage of the implant contained within the device. In addition, the device is unbreakable, easily disposed of after use, maintains the implant in a sterile condition before and after infusion and minimizes the quantity of pharmaceutical substance needed for infusion. Use of the device provides for rapid and complete infusion of a variety of pharmaceutical substances into a porous implant prior to surgery.
A radio frequency identification (RFID) workstation reader for RFID-enabled surgical instruments and surgical instrument trays and a method of using a RFID workstation reader to read RFID-enabled surgical instruments and surgical instrument trays. The system enables individual instruments or a surgical instrument trays containing several surgical instruments to be quickly and efficiently inventoried and tracked. An instrument or instrument tray is placed on the workstation reader. An RF field generated by a plurality of antennae, causes RFID tags embedded in or attached to the instrument or instrument trays to emit a signal containing item specific identification information. The information is received by a control circuit and passed to a computer for data analysis. A status LED is illuminated on the workstation reader based on the results of the data analysis.
An intervertebral prosthesis (20) includes an insert (22) interposed between an upper end plate (24) and a lower end plate (26). A semi-spherical recess (24a) is formed in the lower surface of the upper end plate (24). The upper surface of the lower end plate (26) includes a generally rectanfular recessed area (26a) bounded on its two sides and its end by a groove (26b). An access notch (26c) is formed in the anterior end portion of the end plate (26) that extends from the outer surface of the end plate to the recessed area (26a), and a ramp (26d) is formed at the base of the notch. The insert (22) has a domed upper portion (30) formed integrally with, and extending upwardly from, a substantially rectangular lower portion (32). The domed upper portion (30) fits within the recess (24a) of the end plate (24) with minimal clearance to form an articulating joint, permitting rotational movement between the insert (22) and the end plate (24).
A method and apparatus for performing a calibration and navigation of a member. The member (80) may be calibrated relative to a selected portion, such as a sensor (58) on an instrument (52). The calibrated member (80) may then be navigated with a selected system (10). The calibration technique can be infinitely flexible and not rigid or designed for specific components. Moreover, the calibration may occur when the member is interconnected to an end of the instrument that is non-co-axial with another end of the instrument.
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
An RFID tag (100) that incorporates at least one integral or permanently attached twist-tie fastener (120) for easy attachment, detachment and reattachment to various items to be inventoried is provided. The RFID tag is included at least partially in a protective housing (110) to permit it to be utilized in hostile environments. The twist-tie portion is attached to the tag and preferably is constructed of a braided or single strand wire. One or more visual indicia (112,114)also may be printed on the face of the protective housing.
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
B65B 51/00 - Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures, e.g. twisted bag necks
B65D 63/12 - Joints produced by deformation or tying of ends of elements
G09F 3/14 - Fastening or securing by means not forming part of the material of the label itself by strings, straps, chains, or wires
A side-loading bone anchor is provided, which may be used in cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral areas of the spine or other orthopedic locations. In one embodiment, the anchor includes an anchoring portion and a receiving portion. The anchoring portion is attached to a bone, and is connected to the receiving portion. A rod or other elongated support member is received in the receiving portion in contact with a crown member in the receiving portion and above the anchoring portion. The receiving portion, with or without the rod, may be rotated or pivoted with respect to the anchoring portion, and a set screw is threaded into the receiving portion to lock the rod within the receiving portion.
An ultrasonic instrument (40) having a self tapping connector loosening ingrown bone from an intervertebral implant (12) is disclosed. The intervertebral implant includes first and second endplate assemblies (22, 24) and the first endplate assembly includes an unthreaded aperture (24). The method loosening ingrown bone comprises tapping the unthreaded aperture of the first endplate assembly with the self-tapping connector and passing an ultrasonic energy through the self tapping connector to the first endplate assembly. The method also comprises ultrasonically vibrating the first endplate assembly to break a first portion of the ingrown bone from the intervertebral implant.
An interbody spacer (10) for insertion between vertebral members. The spacer includes a body having posterior and anterior sides (13,14) , and inferior and superior faces (17,18) . The spacer further includes a plurality of teeth (30) to maintain the position of the spacer between the vertebral members. The teeth are aligned in a pattern and have a shape to allow insertion into the space between the vertebral members, and prevent or limit movement once the spacer is positioned in the space.
A vertebral endplate preparation assembly is disclosed for preparing an endplateof a single vertebral body in a vertebral column to receive an implant. The assembly comprises a datum block for connecting to the single vertebral body, measuring instruments, and a cutting guide attached to the datum block. A cutting instrument is used for preparing the endplate, and an instrument coupling assembly is connected between the cutting instrument and the cutting guide. Also disclosed is equipment for distraction.
A system and method to track and manipulate the bony anatomy of a patient. A plurality of fiducials (20) is placed on the bony anatomy of a patient (12) . The relative spatial relationships of the fiducials are scanned and a signal generated before, during and after a surgical procedure. The patient is manipulated according to predetermined relative spatial relationships to provide a successful clinical outcome. The fiducials (20) may be LED devices capable of optical observation or signal-emitting devices capable of spatial relationships in three dimensions. An expert system allows comparison of the relative spatial relationships to historical, healthcare facility and Internet databases to plan and determine clinical success of a patient procedure.
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
A61B 5/103 - Measuring devices for testing the shape, pattern, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
14.
METHODS AND DEVICES FOR EXPLANTATION OF INTERVERTEBRAL DISC IMPLANTS
Methods and devices are provided for the explantation of spinal implants. A cutting tool may be extended into the spinal implant. The spinal implant may be disintegrated into pieces and the pieces removed. For this purpose a device is inserted into an opening in the annulus fibrosis preferably less than 20mm across. In order to disintegrate the implant the device includes a cutting tool wich may comprise a heating element, or a mechnical cutting element such as a blade, hook or pointed probe. The cutting tool is preferably inside a retractable protective sleeve and is preferably battery-powered.
A transformable implantable device is disclosed comprising primary and secondary phases or materials. The secondary phase or material is relatively rigid compared to the primary phase or material and also renders the transformable implantable device relatively rigid compared to the primary phase or material. The secondary phase or material, upon implantation, becomes more flexible, thereby rendering the transformable implantable device more flexible also. The device can be, f. ex., a spinal fixation device, an intervertebral disc implant device, or a spinal ligament repair and reinforcement device.
Nucleus pulposus implants that are resistant to migration in and/or expulsion from an intervertebral disc space are provided. They include a load bearing elastic body surrounded in the disc space by an anchoring, preferably resorbable, biocompatible material which may be in the form of an outer shell. The elastic body may be surrounded by a supporting band. Kits for forming such implants are also provided. The implants may have locking features. The implants have shape memory characteristics which allow short-term deformation without permanent deformation, cracks, tears, breakage or other damage.
An augmentation instrument (150) for attaching a retaining device (34) to a vertebral endplate comprises a drive housing (152) having a distal end portion, a drive mechanism (156) extending through the drive housing and including a flexible shaft portion (166), and an attachment mechanism (172) at the distal end portion of the drive housing. The attachment mechanism is adapted for coupling to the retaining device. The retaining device comprises a buthress plate with a mounting surface (42) and a retaining surface (44). The retaining device is fixed to only one vertebral endplate by a fastener (36), is locatable entirely between the vertebral endplates and prevents migration of a nucleus prosthesis (32) disposed between the vertebral endplates.
Systems and methods are provided that include a plate member (120, 140, 160, 180) engageable to the spinal column with an anchor assembly (20, 320, 420). The anchor assembly (20, 320, 420) includes a coupling member (30, 130, 330, 430) having a post (32, 332, 432) extending through at least one opening of the plate member (120, 140, 160, 180) and an anchor member (70) pivotally captured in a receiver portion (34, 334, 434) of the coupling member (30, 130, 330, 430) below a lower surface of the plate member (120, 140, 160, 180). A locking member (90) secures the plate member (120, 140, 160, 180) to the coupling member (30, 130, 330, 430). The coupling member (30, 130, 330, 430) may include an extended post (332, 432) with a proximal removable portion. The extended post (332, 432) facilitates placement of the plate member (120, 140, 160, 180) in position relative to the anchor assembly (20, 320, 420) when engaged to the patient and may be employed to reduce the plate member (120, 140, 160, 180) toward the anchor assembly (20, 320, 420) when engaged to a vertebra.
Systems and methods are provided that include a plate member (120, 140, 160, 180, 600) engageable to the spinal column with an anchor assembly (20, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720). The anchor assembly (20, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720) includes a coupling member (30, 130, 330, 430, 530, 630) having a post (32, 332, 432, 532, 632, 732) extending through at least one opening of the plate member (120, 140, 160, 180, 600) and an anchor member (70) pivotally captured in a receiver portion (34, 334, 434, 534, 634) of the coupling member (30, 130, 330, 430, 530, 630) below a lower surface of the plate member (120, 140, 160, 180, 600). A locking member (90, 590) secures the plate member (120, 140, 160, 180, 600) to the coupling member (30, 130, 330, 430, 530, 630). A crown (50, 150, 250, 350, 550, 650) in the receiver portion (34, 334, 434, 534, 634) of the coupling member (30, 130, 330, 430, 530, 630) is engaged by the plate member (120, 140, 160, 180, 600) to secure the anchor member (70) in position relative to the coupling member (30, 130, 330, 430, 530, 630).
Interior connecting interbody cage insertional tools, methods and devices are provided wherein the same can be utilized for making placement of interbody cages (11, 100', 200, 200') more accurate, safer and less likely to violate the structural integrity of the interbody cage (11, 100', 200, 200') while providing support to a leading end of the cage (11, 100', 200, 200') as the leading end re-capitulates or distracts the disc space as the cage (11, 100' 200, 200') is inserted.
Nucleus pulposus implants (30) that contain reservoirs (31) for receiving, holding, and releasing therapeutic agents are provided. In one form of the invention, a spinal implant is provided with reservoirs positioned at least partially beneath the external surface of the implant. The reservoirs are provided to receive, hold, and release therapeutic and/or pharmaceutical agents into the surrounding tissues.
A method of treating avascular necrosis ('AVN') comprising administering one or more osteoinductive formulations to the site of AVN disease progression. The method involves the combination of a core decompression technique, followed by the introduction of one or more osteoinductive formulations into the decompression core, and concluding with capping of the ateral aspect of the decompression core with a femoral core cap. The osteoinductive formulations of the invention comprise one or more osteoinductive agents and suitable carrier molecules. The femoral core cap retains the osteoinductive formulation within the decompression core, thereby preventing leakage of the osteoinductive formulation from the decompression core. The method of the invention optionally comprises introduction of autograft or allograft with the osteoinductive formulations of the invention. The method of the invention further optionally comprises incorporation of sustained release compositions to provide extended periods of osteogenesis.
The application discloses a polymeric wrap having one or more osteoinductive formulations, wherein each osteoinductive formulation comprises one or more osteoinductive agent(s). In one embodiment, the osteoinductive formulation(s) is contained within a biodegradable polymer sheet. In another embodiment of the invention, the polymeric wrap comprises at least two or more individual biodegradable polymer sheets or layers optionally comprising osteoinductive formulation(s) comprising at least one osteoinductive agent. The osteoinductive formulations are available in immediate or sustained release formulations. The method further relates to preventing and treating osteolytic lesions formed following implantation of an orthopaedic device or other implant.
An apparatus and method for interrogating and automatically identifying a radio-frequency tagged surgical instrument tray and its contents of RFID-tagged surgical instruments are disclosed. The surgical instrument tray and its contents come into contact with an RF signal transmitted by the RFID reader, and as a result, the RFID tags affixed on the instrument tray and the surgical instruments respond by transmitting back to the RFID reader data pertaining to the history of the surgical instruments. A data terminal, which is connected to the RFID reader, may contain data pertaining to the radio frequency tagged surgical instruments during packaging, and during the return of the surgical instrument trays to the packager, identifies the surgical instruments.
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
A61B 19/02 - Protective casings or covers for appliances or instruments, e.g. boxes or sterile covers; Instrument tables or cupboards; Doctors' bags
G06K 19/077 - Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
25.
INSTRUMENTATION AND METHODS FOR VERTEBRAL DISTRACTION
An instrument for distracting vertebrae includes a shaft assembly and a distraction assembly at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The distraction assembly includes first and second distraction members movable from an unexpanded configuration for insertion toward an expanded configuration to separate the vertebrae. The shaft assembly is movable relative to the distraction assembly to facilitate placement of the distraction assembly in the disc space.
An acetabular cup having one or more osteoinductive formulations, wherein each osteoinductive formulation comprises one or more osteoinductive agent(s). In one embodiment of the invention, the acetabular cup comprises a porous coating into which the osteoinductive formulation is impregnated. In another embodiment of the invention, the acetabular cup comprises microchambers into which the osteoinductive formulation is sealed with a biodegradable or current responsive polymer. The osteoinductive formulations may be available in immediate or sustained release formulations. The invention further relates to preventing and treating osteolytic lesions formed following implantation of an acetabular cup during hip replacement surgery.
An vertebral implant (20) is interposed between two vertebral endplates and comprises a first endplate assembly (22) having a first restraint mechanism extending from a first exterior surface (28) for engaging a first vertebral endplate The implant further comprises a second endplate assembly (24) having a second restraint mechanism (46) extending from a second exterior surface (30) for engaging a second vertebral endplate and a central body articulable between the first and second endplate assemblies. The first restraint mechanism has a shape that matches a contour in the first vertebral endplate.
A force diffusion hook (20) includes a hook element (24) and a connecting member receiving portion (22) for receiving a connecting member (50) to stabilize a spinal column segment. The hook element defines a receptacle (30) for receiving a bony portion. A force diffusion member (60, 70, 80, 90, 100) extends along the receptacle (30) between the hook (24) element and the bony portion (118, 116). The force diffusion member (60, 70, 80, 90, 100) is deformable to distribute load between the bony portion and the hook element.
An instrument (10) is provided for use in orthopedic surgery for reduction of a connecting member (120) such as a spinal rod toward an anchor. The reducing instrument (10) includes an actuating assembly (12), a shaft assembly (14) extending distally from the actuating assembly (12), and a distal engaging assembly (16). The distal engaging assembly (16) includes a pair of arms (80) movable toward and away from one another in response to proximal and distal movement of a reducing member (60) of the shaft assembly (14). The arms (80) are pivotally engageable to the anchor to facilitate alignment of the shaft assembly (14) with the anchor. With the connecting member (120) extending between the arms (80) and also between the reducing member (60) and the anchor, distal movement of the reducing member (60) with the actuating assembly (12) seats the connecting member (120) in the anchor.
A plating system for stabilization of a bony segment includes a plate (10, 10', 40, 90, 120, 120') engageable to at least first and second bony elements. For spinal stabilization, the plate (10, 10', 40, 90, 120, 120') is attached to the antero-lateral portions of at least first and second vertebrae and is structured to facilitate engagement of the plate (10, 10', 40, 90, 120, 120') to the vertebrae from an approach extending in the anterior-posterior directions.
A spinal surgical system (40) includes at least two extenders (50, 150, 250, 500) extending proximally from respective ones of first and second anchors (120, 160, 180) engaged to the spinal column. A connecting member (100) is positionable such that the connecting member (100) extends between the at least two extenders (50, 150, 250, 500). The connecting member (100) is movable distally along the at least two extenders (50, 150, 250, 500) and engageable to the first and second anchors (120, 160, 180).
Spinal surgical systems include a compressor (40, 90) mountable to a first vertebra and positionable relative to a fulcrum (70, 120) mountable to a second vertebra. The compressor (40, 90) and fulcrum (70, 120) are manipulated relative to one another to compress the first and second vertebrae. The systems further include a distractor (140) mountable to a first vertebra and positionable relative to a fulcrum (70, 120) mountable to a second vertebra. The distractor (140) and fulcrum (70, 120) are manipulated relative to one another to distract the first and second vertebrae.
In one embodiment, there is disclosed a surgical instrument (300) for inserting an implant, the surgical instrument including an inserter assembly (312) and a distractor assembly (310).
A measurement instrument (60, 80) is provided with indicia (68, 92) extending therealong. The measurement instrument indicia (68, 92) is correlated with an indicator of a reference instrument. The measurement instrument (60, 80) is positionable adjacent the entry location of a portal (18) into a patient when the reference instrument is in the portal (18.) The indicator of the reference instrument is correlated to a target location in the patient, and a location of the indicator along the indicia (68, 92) provides an indication of the optimal length for a retractor to be positioned in the portal (18).
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
An instrument (400) for inserting an implant is provided. The implant includes a protrusion (52) having a protrusion width (D3) for extending into a portion of a bone structure. The instrument includes an elongated member (402) and a first member (404) connected to the elongated member. The first member is adapted for selectively engaging the implant. The first member has a width (D4) substantially equal to or less than the protrusion width. A second member (406) may be in movable communication with the first member for selectively engaging the implant.
An expandable spinal implant (20) including at least two expandable branch portions (24,26) extending generally along a longitudinal axis (L) and each including a fixed end portion and an opposite movable end portion with the fixed end portions coupled together adjacent a base portion (28) of the implant. A first of the branch portions includes at least one transverse projection having opposite axially-facing outer surfaces (66). A second of the branch portions defines at least one transverse recess (64a) having opposing axially-facing inner surfaces (68). The transverse projection is positioned within and displacable along the transverse recess with the outer surfaces of the projection positioned in close proximity with the inner surfaces of the recess to provide structural support to the implant subsequent to expansion. In one embodiment, the branch portions are separated from one another by at least one slot (60) including a narrow portion that defines the close fitting transverse projection and transverse recess.
A orthopedic fixation system comprising a plate with an outwardly-extending member. A saddle may be mounted on the member and includes spaced-apart arms that form a channel to receive a rod. An engagement member may be mounted within the saddle to prevent escape of the rod. In one embodiment, the engagement member is attached to the saddle to apply a downward force on the rod and an upward force on the saddle to lift the saddle relative to the plate. A method of attaching an orthopedic rod is also included. In one embodiment, a rod is positioned within a channel in the saddle and a downward force is applied against the anchor which results in an upward force on the saddle to lift the saddle relative to the anchor.
A posterior fixation system includes a saddle member and an anchoring member. The anchoring member anchors the saddle member to bone. The saddle member includes a pair of upright portions that define a channel. The saddle member further has a hole therethrough bounded by an inner wall, and the hole forms a lower opening in the saddle member. The lower opening in the saddle member may contain angular cutouts placed symmetrically about the axis of the saddle to increase the allowable angulation of the bone screw in relationship to the axis of the saddle. The channel is adapted to receive an orthopedic rod, and the hole in the saddle member is adapted to receive the anchoring member. The saddle member and the anchoring member can be coupled so as to allow multi-axial movement of the members.
A retention system for maintaining a screw to a vertebral plate. One or more screws extend through apertures within the vertebral plate. A cavity is positioned adjacent to and overlaps into the aperture. A ring is positioned within the cavity and held in position by a cap. The cap attaches to the plate to prevent removal of the ring. The ring is deflectable between a first shape to allow the screw to be inserted and removed from the aperture, and a second shape to prevent screw back-out from the aperture. A method of using the system is also included and comprises positioning the ring within a cavity in the plate, maintaining the position of the ring to the plate by attaching a cap, inserting a screw through the aperture and attaching the plate to a vertebral member, and positioning the ring over the screw head and preventing the screw from backing-out.
A cam spreader having a substantially rigid body with a proximal end defining a handle and a distal end defining a cam. The cam has at least a first lobe, the first lobe having an outer surface in a first quadrant of the cam as viewed in cross section along a longitudinal central axis of the body. At least a portion of the outer surface, or profile, of the curve is mathematically driven and produces a constant incremental lift.
A spinal rod system (10, 110, 310, 510, 560, 610, 660, 710) includes a first rod (12, 112, 212, 312, 512, 562, 612, 662, 712) and a second rod (30, 130, 230, 330, 530, 580, 630, 680, 730) engaged to one another in end-to-end fashion. A coupling mechanism (28, 228, 328, 428, 528, 578, 628, 678, 728) allows the spinal rod system (10, 110, 310, 510, 560, 610, 660, 710) to be assembled with rod portions (14, 32, 114, 132, 214, 232, 314, 332, 514, 532, 564, 582, 614, 632, 664, 682, 714, 732) having the desired characteristics while minimizing the footprint of the coupling arrangement between the first and second rods.
Systems, methods, and kits for treating vertebras of a spine are disclosed. In some embodiments, an implantable medical system for treating vertebras of a spine includes a bone anchor configured to be secured to a vertebra, a wire, and a first elongated member configured to be attached to the bone anchor and the wire. The systems, methods, and kits can be used, for example, to treat C1 and C2 vertebras.
Embodiments of the invention include instrumentation and methods for treatment of a spinal structure or other orthopedic structures. An elongate member including a deformable distal portion having an initial configuration for placement within a spinal structure or other orthopedic structures, and a deformed configuration wherein the distal portion is outwardly deformed is provided. The elongated member may be used to access the interior of the spinal structure or other orthopedic structures and to manipulate tissue within the structure.
Devices, methods and systems for stabilizing at least a portion of the spinal column are provided. Anchors are engageable to vertebra and a stabilization member is engageable between the anchors. The stabilization member includes an elongate tension member and a compression member in a passage of the tension member.
The present disclosure provides improved prosthetic facet joints (20) and a nucleus supplement device (50) for a spinal disc without violating its annulus fibrosus. In one example, a prosthetic facet joint includes: a tip (34) adapted for mating against a superior articular process of an inferior vertebra, and the tip acts as at least a spacer between the superior articular process and an inferior articular process of a superior vertebra; and an body (38) for mating against a hole in the superior vertebra, and the body comprises a surface that is uneven along its entire length. The prosthetic facet joint may comprise a cavity (36) used for delivering a substance to the articular capsule or joint space. In another example, a nucleus supplement device (50) is provided, having the same structure, but larger body. The nucleus supplement device is to be inserted into a vertebral body (V3) so that the tip penetrates the endplate and the substance (72) in the cavity is used to re-pressurize the nucleus pulposus of the spinal disc (74).
A spacer for maintaining separation between adjacent spinous processes has a collapsed and an expanded configuration. The collapsed configuration presents a smaller profile to facilitate minimally invasive implantation of the spacer. An exemplary interspinous spacer (10) includes a blocking member 15 and arms 11, 12, 13 and 14. When the spacer is in its relaxed (expaded) configuration it resembles an 'H', with arms 11, 12 , 13 and 14 being the legs of the H, and blocking member 15 being the crossbar. To use the spacer, the arms are manipulated to be parallel to the blocking member, manipulating the spacer to its collapsed (implantable) configuration. The manipulation makes the spacer assume the shape of an 'I' rather than the shape of an 'H' .
The device (10) includes a disc prothesis or artificial disc (12) having an upper plate (14) and a lower plate (16) . It is understood that the disc is an articulating joint, configured for disposition within an intervertebral space between adjacent berterbral bodies in a human spine, that maintains or restores motion by providing relative bending and rotational motion between the vertebral bodies. A convex-shaped projection (26) extends from the lower plate and engages an articular surface defined by a concave recess (28) formed in the upper plate. A flexible construct (30) extends vertically from the upper plate to the lower plate. The construct is sized so that it is relaxed and not undergoing tension when the disc is in its neutral position. After the upper plate pivots to a certain predermined degree, the construct is tensioned so that it begins to resist or restrict this bending.
A61F 2/00 - Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
A prosthetic device (20) for lateral insertion into an intervertebral space is provided. The device includes a first component (22) for engaging a first vertebral body, a second component (24) for engaging a second vertebral body, and an articulation member positioned between the first and second components. The first and second components each have a length that extends upon cortical bone of opposing sides of an apophyseal ring of the corresponding vertebral body and a width that is smaller than the length. A ratio of length to width for each of the first and second components can be in the range of 1.3:1 to 1.7:1.
A61F 2/00 - Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
patents
