Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080234678 | Rod reducer - A rod reduction instrument for position a rod relative to a seat of a bone anchor in a spinal implant system is provided. The instrument includes three concentric cannulas with circumferentially aligned rod receiving portions formed therein. One cannula is movable with respect to another to lock and unlock the seat of a bone anchor to the rod reduction instrument. The rod to be reduced is positioned inside at least one of the rod receiving portion. One cannula is moved with respect to another to lock the seat of the bone anchor to the rod reduction instrument. Once locked to the bone anchor, the remaining cannula is moved to reduce the distance between the rod and the seat within at least one of the rod receiving portions. The distance between the rod and the seat is reduced until the rod is position inside the seat. A secondary instrument is inserted through a central bore of the rod reduction instrument to introduce a cap and lock the cap to the seat securing the rod to the bone anchor. | 09-25-2008 |
20080249372 | Retractor - The retractor system for use in spinal surgery and other types of surgical procedures that is a simple and efficient solution for minimally invasive access to thoracolumbar spine is disclosed. The fully customizable design allows the surgeon to independently angle the retractor blades and expand the retractor in both cephalad-caudal and medial-lateral directions. With an offering of a range of blade lengths, access can be tailored to the patient's anatomy. Auxiliary instruments such as the retractor inserter, universal hex driver and blade removal instrument allow quick and controlled access to the surgical site. The retractor system provides versatility and control ensuring minimal tissue trauma. | 10-09-2008 |
20080262554 | Dyanamic rod - A dynamic rod implantable into a patient and connectable between two vertebral anchors in adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The dynamic rod fixes the adjacent vertebral bodies together in a dynamic fashion providing immediate postoperative stability and support of the spine. The dynamic rod comprises a first rod portion having a first engaging portion and a second rod portion having a second engaging portion. The first and second rod portions are connected to each other at the first and second engaging portions. The dynamic rod further includes at least one bias element configured to provide a bias force in response to deflection or translation of the first rod portion relative to the second rod portion. The dynamic rod permits relative movement of the first and second rod portions allowing the rod to carry some of the natural flexion and extension moments that the spine is subjected to. | 10-23-2008 |
20080287997 | Interspinous spacer - An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. Each arm has a proximal caming surface and is capable of rotation with respect to the body. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, a threaded shaft of the actuator assembly contacts the caming surfaces of arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms. | 11-20-2008 |
20080294263 | Interspinous spacer - An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. Each arm has a proximal caming surface and is capable of rotation with respect to the body. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, a threaded shaft of the actuator assembly contacts the caming surfaces of arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms. | 11-27-2008 |
20080319550 | Interspinous spacer - An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes is provided. The spacer includes a body and a wing rotatable connected to the body. The wing includes two U-shaped configurations that together define a substantially H-shaped configuration for retaining the spacer between adjacent spinous processes. An actuator assembly is connected to the body and to the wing with the proximal end of the spacer being connectable to a removable driver that is configured to engage the actuator assembly. While connected to the spacer, the driver is rotatable in one direction to deploy the wing from an undeployed to a deployed configuration and in an opposite direction to undeploy the wing. In the deployed configuration, the spacer acts as a space holder opening up the area of the spinal canal, maintaining foraminal height, reducing stress on the facet joints and relieving pain for the patient. | 12-25-2008 |
20090030465 | Dynamic rod - A dynamic rod implantable into a patient and connectable between two vertebral anchors in adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The rod fixes the adjacent vertebral bodies dynamically providing immediate postoperative stability and support of the spine. The rod comprises a first rod portion having a first engaging portion connected to a second rod portion having a second engaging portion. The rod includes at least a one bias element configured to bias a deflection or translation of the first rod portion relative to the second rod portion. The first engaging portion includes at least one side or integral spring formed in the first engaging portion to bias a deflection of the second rod portion relative to the first rod portion. The rod permits relative movement of the first and second rod portions allowing the rod to carry some of the natural flexion and extension moments that the spine is subject to. | 01-29-2009 |
20090036929 | Offset connector for a spinal stabilization rod - An offset connector implantable into a patient and connectable between a vertebral anchor a spinal stabilization rod is provided. The offset connector for connecting a spinal stabilization rod to a bone anchor system is laterally displaced relative to the rod and movable with respect to the bone anchor system until positioned and locked in place. The offset connector includes a stem configured for attachment to the bone anchor system and a rod-receiving portion connected to the stem. The rod-receiving portion is configured to receive at least a portion of the spinal stabilization rod at a location displaced from the bone anchor system. A fastener mechanism configured to secure the spinal stabilization rod to the rod-receiving portion is also provided. | 02-05-2009 |
20090082775 | Spondylolisthesis reduction system and method - A percutaneous spondylolisthesis reduction instrument and method are disclosed for minimally invasive surgery. The spondylolisthesis reduction instrument includes tangs threadingly connected to an upper knob at the proximal end and configured to connect with a tower construct at the distal end. When connected to a tower which is attached to a bone fastener assembly implanted in a vertebral body, rotation of the upper knob retracts the tangs and the connected tower construct and vertebral body to reduce spondylolisthesis. | 03-26-2009 |
20090125047 | Tissue splitter - A tissue splitter for creating a subcutaneous cut is disclosed. The tissue splitter includes a retractable blade located at the distal end. The tissue splitter is configured to be insertable into a slotted cannula that is placed via an incision to a location proximate a patient's spine. An actuator at the proximal end of the instrument projects the blade located at the distal end from its retracted state through the slot of the cannula to an extracted state to subcutaneously cut tissue at a location outside the cannula. The instrument is configured such that the blade is movable inside the slot of the cannula by a distance such that the cut created by the blade remains subcutaneous and does not puncture the skin of the patient. The distance is adjustable for the size and depth of the cut and is limited by an adjustment collar. The tissue splitter is ideally suited for creating a pathway for the subcutaneous insertion and implantation of a spinal stabilization rod between two bone anchors placed in vertebral bodies. | 05-14-2009 |
20090228045 | Dynamic rod - A dynamic rod implantable into a patient and connectable between two vertebral anchors in adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The dynamic rod fixes the vertebral bodies together in a dynamic fashion providing immediate postoperative stability and support of the spine. The dynamic rod comprises a first rod portion and a second rod portion connected together. The dynamic rod further includes at least a one bias element configured to provide a bias force in response to deflection or translation of the first rod portion relative to the second rod portion. The dynamic rod includes a locking construct which advantageously enables the extension and/or angulation of one rod portion with respect to the other rod portion to be reversibly locked in position. The dynamic rod permits relative movement of the first and second rod portions allowing the rod to carry some of the natural flexion and extension moments of the spine. | 09-10-2009 |
20100036423 | Dynamic rod - A dynamic rod implantable into a patient and connectable between two vertebral anchors in adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The dynamic rod fixes the adjacent vertebral bodies together in a dynamic fashion providing immediate postoperative stability and support of the spine. The dynamic rod comprises a first rod portion dynamically connected to a second rod portion at a retainer that has separate chambers for receiving rod portions. One rod portion is configured for longitudinal movement and the other rod portion is configured for polyaxial angulation relative to the retainer. The dynamic rod is configured such that the retainer is located proximate to one of the facet joints when implanted into a patient. The dynamic rod permits relative movement of the first and second rod portions allowing the rod to carry some of the natural flexion, extension and rotation moments of the spine. | 02-11-2010 |
20110144701 | METHODS FOR STABILIZATION OF BONE STRUCTURES - Methods, systems, devices and tools for placing bone stabilization components in a patient are provided. The systems and devices have a reduced number of discrete components that allow placement through small incisions and tubes. More particularly, the present invention is directed to screws for use in systems and methods of treating the spine, which eliminate pain and enable spinal motion, which effectively mimics that of a normally functioning spine. Methods are also provided for installation of the screw and other subject systems. | 06-16-2011 |
20110166610 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STABILIZATION OF BONE STRUCTURES, INCLUDING THOROCOLUMBAR STABILIZATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Methods, systems, devices and tools for placing bone stabilization components in a patient are provided. The systems and devices have a reduced number of discrete components that allow placement through small incisions and tubes. More particularly, the present invention is directed to systems and methods of treating the spine, which eliminate pain and enable spinal motion. Methods are also provided for stabilizing the thorocolumbar spine region and for implanting the disclosed systems. | 07-07-2011 |
20110307016 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STABILIZATION OF BONE STRUCTURES - A dynamic bone stabilization system is provided. The system may be placed through small incisions and tubes. The system provides systems and methods of treating the spine, which eliminate pain and enable spinal motion, which effectively mimics that of a normally functioning spine. Methods are also provided for stabilizing the spine and for implanting the subject systems. | 12-15-2011 |
20120158063 | INTERSPINOUS SPACER - An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes is provided. The spacer includes a body and a wing rotatably connected to the body. The wing includes two U-shaped configurations that together define a substantially H-shaped configuration for retaining the spacer between adjacent spinous processes. An actuator assembly is connected to the body and to the wing with the proximal end of the spacer being connectable to a removable driver that is configured to engage the actuator assembly. While connected to the spacer, the driver is rotatable in one direction to deploy the wing from an undeployed to a deployed configuration and in an opposite direction to undeploy the wing. In the deployed configuration, the spacer acts as a space holder opening up the area of the spinal canal, maintaining foraminal height, reducing stress on the facet joints and relieving pain for the patient. | 06-21-2012 |
20130172932 | INTERSPINOUS SPACER - An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. Each arm has a proximal earning surface and is capable of rotation with respect to the body. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, a threaded shaft of the actuator assembly contacts the earning surfaces of arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms. | 07-04-2013 |
20130172933 | INTERSPINOUS SPACER - An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. Each arm has a proximal caming surface and is capable of rotation with respect to the body. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, a threaded shaft of the actuator assembly contacts the caming surfaces of arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms. | 07-04-2013 |
20140214082 | SPINAL SPACER FOR CERVICAL AND OTHER VERTEBRA, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Spinal spacers for cervical and other vertebra, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A device in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a hook member having a hook positioned to extend in a first direction, a post carried by the hook member and extending axially in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and a cam surface carried by the hook member. An actuator device is movably engaged with the post, and a spinal spacer is pivotably coupled to one of the actuator device and the post. The spinal spacer is axially movable relative to the hook member and has a spacing element in contact with the cam surface to pivot outwardly away from the post as the actuator device moves. | 07-31-2014 |