Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080208262 | Spine plate with bone screw relief area - A spine plate defines a body having a posterior surface or side and an anterior surface or side. The body also has a pair of bone screw bores for each vertebra to which the spine plate will be attached. The bone screw bores extend between the posterior side and the anterior side. A relief area is provided between each pair of bone screw bores in the anterior surface of the body. The relief area opens to both bone screw bores to allow displacement of the bone screw when entering the respective bone screw bore. The relief area also opens to both bone screw bores to permit an instrument to be received therein to remove a bone screw from one of the bone screw bores. | 08-28-2008 |
20080208263 | Spine plate with configured bone screw bores - A single to multi-level spine plate has configured bone screw bores that cooperate with bone screws to retain a bone screw in a determinative position. In one form, the determinative position is a self-capture position wherein the bone screw is retained without the aid of any additional bone screw retention device. In another form, the determinative position is a limited angulation orientation of a bone screw relative to the spine plate. This limited angulation may be different for end plate bone screw bores than for middle plate bone screw bores. The bone screw bores may be configured to prohibit angulation once set. In another form, the determinative position is the reception of a cooperating bone screw at a centroid of the bone screw bore when installed. | 08-28-2008 |
20080243254 | Height adjustable spinal prostheses - Dimensionally adjustable spinal prostheses are adjustable in an axial or superior to inferior dimension such that spinal prostheses may assume variations in height. The height adjustable spinal prostheses are characterized by first and second portions that are configured for adjustable coupling with one another. Spatial adjustment between the first and second portions is provided by an adjustment assembly. The adjustment mechanism preferably, but not necessarily, provides infinite adjustment over a minimum prosthesis height to a maximum prosthesis height. In one form, first and second ends of the height adjustable spinal prostheses are configured to receive an endplate. The endplates aid in attachment and/or anchoring of the spinal prosthesis within the spine. The endplates may be fashioned in various configurations such as circular or anatomical. In one form, the adjustment assembly utilizes rotational motion for varying the axial position of one prosthetic portion relative to the other prosthetic portion. Rotational movement of an adjustment mechanism of the adjustment assembly is translated into axial movement of one prosthetic portion relative to the other prosthetic portion. In another form, the adjustment mechanism is a screw and gearing assembly. In yet another form, the adjustment mechanism is a rack and pinion assembly. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243255 | Radially expandable spinal interbody device and implantation tool - A radially expandable spinal interbody device for implantation between adjacent vertebrae of a spine is deliverable to an implant area in a radially collapsed state having minimum radial dimensions and once positioned is then radially expandable through and up to maximum radial dimensions. The expanded radially expandable spinal interbody device is configured to closely mimic the anatomical configuration of a vertebral face. The radially expandable spinal interbody device is formed of arced, pivoting linkages that allow transfiguration from the radially collapsed minimum radial dimensions through and up to the radially expanded maximum radial dimensions once deployed at the implant site (i.e. between adjacent vertebrae). The pivoting linkages have ends with locking features that inhibit or prevent overextension of the linkages. In one form of the locking features, one end of the linkage includes lobes that form a pocket while the other end of the linkage includes a projection that is adapted to be received in the pocket of the lobes of an adjacent linkage. A kit is also provided including a tool for the implantation and deployment of the spinal interbody device into an intervertebral space. | 10-02-2008 |
20080262622 | Spinal disc prostheses - A spine disc prosthesis mimics a natural human spine disc through use of a structure that duplicates a natural Annulus Fibrosis of the disc to provide translation, extension, flexion, and axial support in like manner to a natural disc. The present spine disc prosthesis achieves this through the use of a first and second disk connected to one another via a flexible annulus fibrosis structure. The flexible annulus fibrosis structure or core is characterized by a plurality of compressible (pliant) strands that are affixed to and extend between the first and second disks. The strands are preferably, but not necessarily, situated on and extend about an outer perimeter of inside surfaces of the two end disks so as to mimic natural contours of an annulus fibrosis of a natural spinal disc. The strands may be formed by various types of biocompatible fibers, braids, cords, bundles or the like and may have a hollow core or a solid core (e.g. PEEK [polyetheretherketone] cores/core strands may also be used). The strands may be situated on the vertical, crossed or in other configurations. The end disks may be formed as to promote fusion with adjoining vertebrae when implanted. The end plate may also include a keel and/or installation structure to allow for implanting the spine disc prosthesis. | 10-23-2008 |
20080300632 | Method of fabricating medical devices and medical devices made thereby - A method of fabricating medical devices and medical devices made from the method of fabricating a medical device, the medical device, without being exhaustive, may be a medical instrument, an implant, a prosthetic, a body support structure or the like. The method includes work-hardening a work-hardenable metal to achieve a desired microstructure of the metal, then fabricating a medical device in accordance with the desired microstructure utilizing the work-hardened metal. In one form, the desired microstructure is an elongated grain structure. The medical device is created from the grain-elongated metal such that the medical device is oriented relative to the plane of grain elongation. In a particular form of the invention, the medical device is a curved spine plate wherein elongated grains of the work hardened metal are oriented in a plane normal to a curvature of the spine plate. Work-hardening includes forging, cold rolling or hot rolling, and annealing prior to use in medical device fabrication. This creates a metal implant stock that has more strength and flexibility in compression and bending than without undergoing the present work-hardening. These properties are exploited in medical device design, fabrication, fabrication orientation and/or the like to create medical devices such as super strong implants. | 12-04-2008 |
20090018586 | Spinal Cross-Connector - A spinal cross-connector is configured for adjustable connection between spinal fixation devices such as spinal fixation rods and allows for adjustment in length or distance between adjacent spinal rod clamping members and provides independent rotational adjustment of the two spinal rod clamping members for individual and independent attachment thereof to adjacent spinal rods of a spinal rod assembly. The cross-connector has first and second connection members that are adjustable in length and rotation relative to one another. A first spinal rod clamping member is provided on an end of the first connection member and defines first and second arced jaws that are adapted to clamp onto a first spinal rod. A second spinal rod clamping member is provided on an end of the second connection member and defines first and second arced jaws that are adapted to clamp onto a second spinal rod. Both the first and second clamping members are rotatable relative to the connection arms and thus provide the rotational adjustment. The individual and independent rotational adjustment of the spinal rod clamping members allows the present cross-connector to adjust to variations in skew between adjacent spinal rods as well as provide the ability to attach to the adjacent spinal rods at various angles between the adjacent spinal rods. | 01-15-2009 |
20090054932 | Resilient Spinal Rod System With Controllable Angulation - A spinal rod/rod system for spinal stabilization is controllably bendable or flexible along its longitudinal axis to achieve a particular radius of curvature, flex, arch or angle of the spinal rod and preserve the achieved angle through a locking mechanism. The spinal rod is controllably bendable through application of a controlled axial force. Such controllable curvature allows for limited movement of the vertebrae connected by the present resilient spinal rod system. The present spinal rod is defined by a multi-component system which includes an inner spring rod and an outer rod tube. An angulation ring is threadedly attached to an end of the spring rod and provides controlled adjustment of the angle or curvature of the spinal rod through axial compression of the spring rod relative to the outer tube. Locking prevents the increase and/or decrease of angulation of the spinal rod. A titanium spacer ring may be provided that is situated between the spring rod and the outer rod tube in order to prevent and/or hinder over angulation. One or more spacer rings may be situated between the spring rod and the outer rod tube axially adjacent each side of the titanium spacer ring that act as an additional spring force in bending, and act as a shock absorber in the axial compression of the of the spinal rod. The rings may be made of various durometers. | 02-26-2009 |
20090069897 | Spinal Interbody Device - A spinal interbody or intravertebral device is provided for fusion and non-fusion spinal applications. The spinal interbody device allows for limited motion between adjacent vertebrae to help preserve normal motion between adjacent vertebrae (superior/inferior vertebrae) relative to the implanted spinal interbody device and limited rotational motion of the spinal interbody device, once implanted. Limitation of motion is achieved through one or more protrusions incorporated into the spinal interbody device. The protrusions preferably, but not necessarily, extend radially from a hub or ball-shaped body of the interbody device. In one form, a single protrusion extends radially about the hub of the interbody device to form a continuous band, ring or base about the hub. In this form, portions of the band may extend radially further from the hub than other portions of the band. Preferably, but not necessarily, in this form the band extends radially a greater distance from the hub in the posterior and anterior directions. In another form, a first protrusion extends radially from one side of the hub while a second protrusion extends radially from another side of the hub. Anchoring means may also be provided for attachment to upper and lower vertebrae. | 03-12-2009 |
20090082808 | Expandable Spinal Spacer - A spinal spacer or stenotic device is expandable, inflated and/or filled in situ or ex vivo through the addition of a biocompatible fill material into the spinal implant once inserted or implanted in like manner to an angioplasty bag. Once implanted, expansion or inflation of the present expandable spinal spacer distracts the spine (creates spacing). The present expandable spinal spacer can operate as an interspinous, interspinous process, or intralaminar spinal spacer. In general the present expandable spinal space creates and/or maintains spacing between vertebrae or components of vertebrae. The present expandable spinal spacer is formed of a generally pliable biocompatible material that is collapsible and expandable/fillable. Preferably, but not necessarily, the biocompatible material is a mesh or weave type material, although other materials may be used. | 03-26-2009 |
20090112318 | Foldable Orthopedic Implant - An orthopedic implant such as a spinal implant is made from a elastic biocompatible material (e.g. polyetheretherketone or PEEK) to provide a hinge that allows portions of the orthopedic implant to be folded into a closed position and to inherently deploy into an open position upon release of a folding bias. Hence, the orthopedic implant can accommodate a minimally invasive surgical procedure since the orthopedic implant can be introduced into the disc space in the closed position through a small-diameter insertion tube and then deploy to a particular height once the implant is released from the insertion tube (i.e. from release of the folding bias). The present implant is preferably, but not necessarily, made by injection molded PEEK. In this manner, the implant components are molded in the open position to cause the open position to be its innate position or form, thus allowing the implant to self-deploy (self-expand) when it is released from the folding bias. | 04-30-2009 |
20090177234 | Spinal Cross-Connector With Spinal Extensor Muscle Curvature - A spinal cross connector is configured for connection between spinal rods and provides allowance or space for spinal extensor muscles once the spinal process has been removed. The cross connector has curved first and second connection members that are adjustable in length and rotation relative to one another. A first clamping member is provided on the first connection member and defines first and second arcuate jaws that are adapted to clamp onto a first spinal rod. A second clamping member is provided on the second connection member and defines first and second arcuate jaws that are adapted to clamp onto a second spinal rod. Both the first and second clamping members are rotatable and thus provide the rotational adjustment. The cross-connector also provides easy in situ sizing and adjustability. | 07-09-2009 |
20090182431 | Spinal Interbody Fusion Cages Providing Variable Anterior/Posterior Profiles - A spinal interbody fusion cage has a body whose anterior/posterior profile may be varied through angular positioning of one or more articulating segments of the body without changing the superior/inferior height of the body. The present spinal interbody fusion cage has N segments or sections wherein at least one segment is articulated relative to another segment via a connection point, pivot or pivot structure such that the anterior/posterior profile is variable through angular positioning of one or more of the segments. The pivot structure may be configured so as to allow unidirectional movement between the connecting segments thereby allowing articulation in one plane or to allow omni-directional movement between the connecting segments thereby allowing articulation in multiple planes. The various forms of the present interbody fusion cage include superior and inferior sides or bone abutment surfaces that have serrations, teeth or similar functioning structures (teeth). The teeth extend between the anterior end and the posterior end. The teeth may take different shapes but are configured to allow insertion of the spinal interbody fusion cage in an anterior-first manner while preventing and/or inhibiting the spinal interbody fusion cage from backing out posteriorly. | 07-16-2009 |
20090210008 | Modular spine plate with projection and socket interface - A modular spine plate is formed of two or more spine plate components that connect to one another through projection and socket interfaces. The projection and socket interfaces may provide for snap fit features that allow locking connectivity between the spine plate components. The modular spine plate components constitute a single end plate component and a single center or middle plate component. The end plate component has a first end plate leg and a second end plate leg. One of the first and second end plate legs includes an end socket while the other of the first and second end plate legs includes an end projection sized to be received in the end socket. The center plate component has a first center plate leg, a second center plate leg, a third center plate leg, and a fourth center plate leg. One of the first and second center plate legs includes a center socket while the other of the first and second center plate legs includes a center projection. To create N-level modular spine components, end plate components may be joined to one another through 180° rotation, center plate components may be joined with end plate components through 180° rotation, and center plate components may be joined with center plate components through 180° rotation with end plate components through 180° rotation. | 08-20-2009 |
20090240292 | Spinal Rod Guide For A Vertebral Screw Spinal Rod Connector Assembly - A spinal rod guide and/or guide assembly is provided for mounting a spinal rod onto a spinal rod holder/connector of a vertebral bone screw. The spinal rod guide is configured to extend between an opening in a patient's body and the spinal rod holder of the vertebral bone screw assembly, to receive a spinal rod therein, and thereafter accurately guide the spinal rod into the spinal rod holder. The spinal rod guide is defined by a first elongated arc portion and a second elongated arc portion to define a guide tube for the introduction and placement of additional spinal rod components onto the spinal rod connector, particularly, but not necessarily, for securing the spinal rod into the spinal rod connector. The elongated arc portions are mountable or initially attached onto a top of a spinal rod holder of a spinal rod bone screw assembly. The elongated arc portions (tube) define first and second longitudinal slots extending from a top of the elongated arc portions to a bottom of the elongated arc portions. The two longitudinal slots are situated such as to be diametrically opposite one another. Each longitudinal slot aligns with a spinal rod slot of the spinal rod holder to thereby allow easy placement of the spinal rod into the spinal rod holder. Thereafter, the defined elongated tube provides direct communication and alignment with the top of the spinal rod holder in order to receive a spinal rod connector drive screw for securing the spinal rod into the spinal rod holder. | 09-24-2009 |
20090248030 | Self-Contained Assembly For Installation of Orthopedic Implant Components Onto an Orthopedic Implant - A self-contained orthopedic implant component assembly provides for concerted or concerted and independent installation of orthopedic components onto an orthopedic implant. The assembly includes a first orthopedic component formation for installation of a first orthopedic component thereof onto the orthopedic implant and a second orthopedic component formation for installation of a second orthopedic component thereof onto the orthopedic implant. The second orthopedic implant formation is carried by the first orthopedic implant formation such that installation of the first orthopedic implant formation into the orthopedic implant at least partially installs the second orthopedic implant formation into the orthopedic implant. One or both of the first and second orthopedic component formations includes a component driver for receipt of installation torque whereby application of rotational torque installs the orthopedic component(s) onto the orthopedic implant. A component driver is detachable from its formation during or after installation of the corresponding orthopedic component depending on form of the self-contained orthopedic implant component assembly. | 10-01-2009 |
20090318970 | Spinal Rod Connectors Configured to Retain Spinal Rods of Varying Diameters - A spinal rod connector is configured to accommodate a range of spinal rod diameters. The present spinal rod connector may take the form of a spinal rod screw head, hook, spinal rod connector or a spinal rod holder. The spinal rod connector has spinal rod reception slots whose sides narrow towards a bottom of the slot. The narrowing of the sides provides a wedging effect such that a spinal rod is wedged into place during locking. The narrowing sides of the slots thus provide for the accommodation of varying rod diameters. The spinal connector also provides significant improvement in spinal rod torsional resistance compared to prior art radial shaped slots. In one form, the spinal rod reception slots are essentially V-shaped. However, other shapes following the principles of the present invention may be used and are contemplated. The width of the slot sides and the rate of curvature of the slot sides thus determine the range of spinal rod diameters that are accommodated by the spinal rod reception slots and therefore the spinal rod connector. | 12-24-2009 |
20090326592 | Posterior Spinal Prosthesis - A posterior spinal prosthesis is configured to cover exposed portions of a spinal column especially, but not necessarily, as a result of a medical spinal procedure and particularly, to provide posterior coverage of an exposed spinal cord, soft tissue, Foramen and/or adipose tissue, associated with one or more vertebrae as a result of the removal the spinous processes and/or the spinous process and laminar hoods from the one or more vertebrae of the spine as a result of a spinal decompression procedure or other reason. A plate forming the prosthesis is connectable to spine rod constructs implanted on lateral sides of the vertebrae and projects in the posterior direction relative to the connection. The plate is generally curved in the superior/inferior direction to provide either a lordotic or kyphotic curvature depending on the portion of the spine to which the prosthesis is utilized. As such, the posterior spinal prosthesis may be used on any portion of the spine such as the cervical vertebrae, the thoracic vertebrae and/or the lumbar vertebrae. The present posterior spinal prosthesis also provides posterior stabilization of the associated vertebrae as well as aiding in preventing post operative soft tissue cavitation at the decompression site. | 12-31-2009 |
20100057114 | PEEK Spinal Mesh and PEEK Spinal Mesh Applicator - A bio-compatible covering such as a mesh is used in spinal applications, such as during spinal surgery, to cover, shroud and/or encapsulate at least a portion of one or more vertebrae and/or inter-vertebral devices. The bio-compatible covering preferably, but not necessarily, is formed of PEEK (polyetheretherketone). A delivery instrument for the present PEEK mesh is also provided that places the PEEK mesh onto spinal surfaces (e.g. vertebra and implants) and then applies fasteners to the PEEK mesh and the spinal surfaces for holding the PEEK mesh to the spinal surfaces. The PEEK mesh delivery instrument is preferably, but not necessarily, a minimally invasive delivery instrument (e.g. laproscopic device). The delivery instrument provides a method of simultaneous installation and anchoring of the PEEK mesh. The mesh may be used to emulate (replace) and/or supplement spinal ligaments particularly after spinal surgery such as spinal implant surgery. The mesh may be used in this manner with respect to and/or for the anterior longitudinal ligament and the posterior longitudinal ligament (i.e. artificial ligament). The mesh may also be used as artificial annulus fibrosus material in order to supplement a patient's natural annuls fibrosus. Alternatively or additionally, the mesh may be used to repair or mend a patient's annulus fibrosus. | 03-04-2010 |
20100063544 | Spinal Rod - A spine or spinal rod has a cross-section defining angled sides that cooperate with a spinal rod opening of a spinal rod holder. In one form, the spine rod has an essentially pentagonal cross-section that thus essentially defines angled sides or side surfaces that interact with the spinal rod holder opening to positively seat the spine rod into the spinal rod holder and prevent spine rod from rotation. In the pentagonal cross-section form, the spine rod has a top or posterior side/side surface, a bottom or anterior side/side surface, a first lateral side/side surface, a second lateral side/side surface, a first angled sub-lateral side/side surface and a second angled sub-lateral side/side surface. The first and second angled sub-lateral sides/side surfaces provide contact with angled sides of the spine rod holder opening. In another form, the spine rod has an essentially V-shaped cross-section that defines sides/side surfaces that interact with the spinal rod holder opening. Preferably, but not necessarily, the spine rod is formed of PEEK. Other bio-compatible materials, however, may be used. | 03-11-2010 |
20100082065 | Spinal Facet Fastener - A spinal implant in the form of a spinal facet fastener is configured to hold, restrict and/or limit flexion and/or extension of a spinal facet joint and/or immobilize movement thereof. The spinal facet fastener is formed with leg segments configured for reception in, on and/or about vertebral bone of a spinal facet joint and a connecting segment that holds the leg segments apart a spaced distance. The spinal facet fastener has surfaces that are configured to abut vertebral bone surfaces of a spinal facet joint to hold, restrict and/or limit flexion and/or extension of the spinal facet joint and/or immobilize movement thereof. In one form, the spinal facet fastener has members that are configured for reception in vertebral bone of the vertebral bone portions that form the spinal facet joint. In this form, the spinal facet fastener may include an anchoring element that is configured for reception between the vertebral bone portions that form the spinal facet joint. In one form, a first leg is configured to abut a surface of an inferior articular process of a first vertebra while a second leg is configured to abut a surface of a superior articular process of a second vertebra that is adjacent the first vertebra. The spinal facet fastener is formed of a biocompatible material such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone) but may be formed of other biocompatible materials such as a biocompatible metal (e.g. titanium or stainless steel). | 04-01-2010 |
20100087926 | Repair System for Spinal Disc Herniation - A repair system for a compromised or herniated spine disc is provided. The repair system includes a spine disc patch to cover the herniation, and hooks, fasteners or the like to attach the spine disc patch to the vertebra surrounding the compromised disc. The repair system also includes an application tool to introduce and deploy the spine disc patch and spine disc patch fasteners to and on the disc herniation site. The spine disc patch is composed of a mesh, screen or the like of a biocompatible material with a perimeter, edge or side portion formed of a resilient biocompatible material. The mesh is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of a flexible but non-resilient biocompatible material. The perimeter is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of a flexible, resilient biocompatible material. In this manner, the spine disc patch may fold, bend, crumple or otherwise be deformed for introduction to the disc herniation site within an application tool, then unfold, expand, spread out, unfurl or otherwise open up at and over the disc herniation site when released from the application tool. The application tool consists of an elongate tube connected to a fixed portion of a handle with a rod, disposed for axial movement within the elongate tube. The rod is connected to a pivoting portion of the handle such that the rod axially moves within the elongate tube when the pivoting portion of the handle is moved. | 04-08-2010 |
20100160981 | Posterior Cervical Cross Connector Assemblies - A spinal cross connector head assembly and a cross connector assembly utilizing the spinal cross connector head assembly are configured for fixation to an existing spinal rod bone screw head. The spinal cross connector head assembly has one or more components which incorporate one or more breakaway portions that aid in the installation of the cross connector head assembly onto a polyaxial spinal rod bone screw assembly. The spinal cross connector assembly includes first and second spinal cross connector head assemblies each of which is configured for fixation to existing, adjacent spinal rod screw heads and connection with a cross connector rod. Each spinal cross connector rod head assembly has a dual breakaway system including a cross connector head component having a breakaway collar that, once detached, provides a polyaxial cross connector head, and a set screw component having a breakaway set screw that, once detached, provides fixation of the orientation of the polyaxial cross connector head relative to the polyaxial spinal rod bone screw head. | 06-24-2010 |
20100228291 | Single-Sided Dynamic Spine Plates - A dynamic spine plate is formed with only a single row of bone screw bores that extend along a generally superior/inferior axis of the spine plate, providing a single-sided dynamic spine plate. The single-sided dynamic spine plate is formed from a plurality of spine plate components that are coupled dynamically to one another. This provides a modular, single-sided dynamic spine plate. The spine plate components are coupled dynamically to one another via socket and projection interfaces, the socket and projections interfaces incorporating resilient coupling and retention structures that allow limited movement of the spine plate components relative to one another. This provides for dynamic extension of the spine plate components relative to one another. The resilient coupling structure connects the spine plate components, providing a self-biased, snap fit coupling of spine plate components. Rotation stabilizers may be provide on the present single-sided dynamic spine plate that provide rotational stability to the spine plate in addition to the bone screws that will attach the spine plate to the vertebrae. | 09-09-2010 |
20100305705 | EXPANDABLE SPINAL INTERBODY AND INTRAVERTEBRAL BODY DEVICES - A device for insertion into a spinal (intervertebral or intravertebral) space is expandable from a first circumference to a second circumference through axial compression of segments of the device, particularly once the device has been properly situated within a vertebral space. The interbody/intravertebral body device is characterized by a plurality of axially stacked, individual segments that are provided on a central insertion and deployment rod. Each segment includes a central plate or body to which are pivotally attached plate or leaf structures. Pivoting of the structures provides a collapsed or unexpanded position of the first circumference and an open or expanded position of the second circumference. | 12-02-2010 |
20100318092 | Instruments For Installing Multi-Section Intervertebral Spinal Implants - Instruments are provided for delivering and installing a multi-section spinal implant in-situ one section at a time by sequential deployment and assembling of the multi-section spinal implant sections into an intervertebral space. An advancement mechanism provides controlled deployment of individual implant sections from the instrument. Each instrument accepts a plurality of implant sections that are stacked on a deployment rod. Activation of the advancement mechanism advances a pusher against a rearward implant section of the implant section stack. This, in turn, advances all or some of the implant sections such that the forward most implant section exits the instrument. As the advancement mechanism is further activated, additional implant sections are deployed from the instrument. In this manner, a multi-section spinal implant of any number of implant sections may be delivered and assembled in situ. In one form, the advancement mechanism comprises an indexing mechanism. In another form, the advancement mechanism comprises a ratchet device provided on and between a trigger and an advancement tube. | 12-16-2010 |
20110178560 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SPINAL ROD INSERTION AND REDUCTION - A guide assembly includes a spinal screw assembly having a bone screw and a spinal rod holder; and a spinal rod guide having first and second elongated arc portions defining a pair of longitudinal slots extending along the first and second arc portions, each of the first and second arc portions further defining at least one recess extending transversely from each of the longitudinal slots, the at least one recess configured to receive at least a portion of a reduction tool to enable reduction of a spinal rod received within the spinal rod holder. | 07-21-2011 |
20110313458 | Spinal Clips For Interspinous Decompression - A spinal clip for creating a potential space within the spinal canal and thus stabilizing the spine without the need for additional spinal components is embodied in different forms. The spinal clips are configured to provide a clamping or holding force against and/or to the spinous processes, transverse processes and/or the lamina of adjacent vertebrae. In one form, the spinous process clips utilize pivoting to effect clamping or holding. In another form, the spinous process clips utilize rotation to effect clamping or holding. Such rotation may be between clamping or holding members or via a screw system. In yet another form, the spinous process clips utilize ratcheting to effect clamping or holding. In a still further form, the spinous process clips utilize expansion to effect clamping or holding. Depending on the form of clamping or holding, the spinous process clips can provide infinite adjustment of the clamping or holding force within an adjustment range, or provide discrete steps or levels of the clamping or holding force. | 12-22-2011 |
20110313466 | Spinal Facet Bone Screw System - A spinal facet bone screw system provides tactile feedback to the user during installation to aid in determining when one or more components of the spinal facet bone screw system have been installed or implanted. The spinal facet bone screw system has a spinal facet screw and a washer. Tactile installation feedback is provided at an interface between a friction surface of the head of the spinal facet screw and a friction surface of the pocket of the washer to determine when the spinal facet screw has reached its full insertion depth. The bottom or undersurface of the washer that abuts a spinal facet bone or other spinal component during installation may be configured and/or textured to further provide tactile installation feedback as between the washer and the bone or other spinal component. | 12-22-2011 |
20120136390 | Spinal Implants For Lumbar Vertebra To Sacrum Fixation - A spinal implant is provided for posterior vertebral stabilization and/or fixation of a lumbar vertebra relative to the pelvis by attachment to the spinous process of a lumbar vertebra and to the sacrum of the pelvis. The posterior spinal implant has a spinous process attachment portion and a sacrum attachment portion formed by a first part having a first spinous process segment and a first sacrum segment and a second part having a second spinous process segment and a second sacrum segment. The first segments are carried on a first arm, while the second segments are carried on a second arm with the first and second arms adjustable relative to each other. The first and second spinous process segments and the first and second sacrum segments each have a plurality of inwardly extending spikes for respectively gripping or clamping against the sides of the spinous process and the sacrum. | 05-31-2012 |
20120277870 | Spinal Interbody Implant With Bone Screw Retention - A spinal interbody implant has a bone screw retention mechanism that prohibits bone screws from backing out after the bone screws are installed. A bone screw retention plate is received in a plate retention area of the implant to provide a barrier that keeps the installed bone screws from backing out of their bone screw pocket. The bone screw retention mechanism consists of a retention plate and a configured plate retention area in a face of the implant body. Retention plate fasteners may be used to retain the configured plate. In one form, the bone screw retention mechanism consists of a retention plate, a configured plate retention area in a face of the implant body, and a retention plate bolt. In another form, the bone screw retention mechanism consists of a retention plate, a configured plate retention area in a face of the implant body, and a retention plate bolt. | 11-01-2012 |
20130018422 | Spinal Rod Connector Assembly - A spinal rod connector assembly for use with a vertebral bone screw has an articulating clamp for 1) fixing an orientation of the spinal rod connector assembly relative to and on the vertebral bone screw, and 2) attaching a separate spinal rod onto the spinal rod connector assembly in concert with one another. The articulating clamp resides in a body of the spinal rod connector assembly and transfers a received downward force laterally to a spinal rod component of the spinal rod connector assembly which is configured to abut the spinal rod and hold the spinal rod between itself and a spinal rod holder of the spinal rod connector assembly. The articulating clamp thus improves the force transfer efficacy of the system. | 01-17-2013 |
20130053887 | Bone Screw Retention in a Spinal Implant - A spinal implant has a mechanism for inhibiting a bone screw used in attaching the spinal implant to the spine from backing out from the spinal implant once the bone screw has been received in the spinal implant. The spinal implant has a bone screw bore defining a bore wall in which is disposed a resilient closed curve band or ring. The resilient closed curve band has a plurality of resilient segments that extend into the bore. Each one of the plurality of resilient segments form a spring that allows a head of a bone screw to ingress there through but prevents the head of the bone screw from egress there from. The resilient closed curve band forms a retention ring that is received in one or more slots, channels, grooves or the like in the bore hole wall. The plurality of resilient segments are formed as arcs, curves and/or configured arcs/curves that extend radially inward from outer arced or curved portions of the retention ring. | 02-28-2013 |
20130060285 | FLEXIBLE AND STATIC INTERSPINOUS/INTER-LAMINAR SPINAL SPACERS - Interspinous/inter-laminar spinal spacers are configured to be placed between bony structures of adjacent vertebrae. In one form, spinal spacers are defined by a unitary body comprising a first contoured plate and a second contoured plate. The first contoured plate comprises first and second wings configured to engage first and second vertebra, and a post extending from the contoured plate and having a bullet nose and an outer surface with a curved portion and a planar portion. The second contoured plate is slidably coupled to the post of the body and comprises first and second wings configured to engage first and second vertebra, a rear portion extending between the first wing and the second wing, and a front portion extending between the first wing and the second wing. The first wing, second wing, rear portion, and front portion define a first bore configured to receive the post. | 03-07-2013 |
20130079880 | ADJUSTABLE SPINE DISTRACTION IMPLANT - An adjustable spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume and/or cross sectional area in the spinal canal and/or neural foramen. The adjustable implant provides a spinal extension inhibitor. The implant includes elliptical or oval shaped adjustable member or spacer for positioning between and adjustably spacing apart the spinous processes. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079883 | RADIALLY EXPANDABLE SPINAL INTERBODY DEVICE AND IMPLANTATION TOOL - A spinal interbody device includes a base link having a first end and a second end, and a linkage including a first link having a first end and a second end and a second link having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first link is coupled to the first end of the base link at a first hinge, the second end of the first link is coupled to the first end of the second link at a second hinge; and the second end of the second link is coupled to the second end of the base link at a third hinge. | 03-28-2013 |
20130158359 | Three-Blade Spinal Retractor - A three-blade spinal retractor utilizes adjustable and lockable translating arms with angulating blades to provide triangulated medial/lateral and cephalad/caudal tissue retraction for spinal surgeries via the adjustably lockable translating arms. A medial/lateral translating arm with an angularly adjustable retraction blade co-acts and cooperates with angularly adjacent first and second cephalad/caudal translating arms with angularly adjustable retraction blades for tissue retraction and surgical site access. A plate having a medial/lateral adjustment system adjustably holds the medial/lateral translating arm, a first cephalad/caudal adjustment system adjustably holding the first cephalad/caudal translating arm and a second cephalad/caudal adjustment system adjustably holding the second cephalad/caudal translating arm. The translating arms each have a blade holder that provides angular adjustment of the blade. Angular adjustment of each blade along with medial/lateral and cephalad/caudal adjustment provides improved preciseness and stability in positioning, tissue distraction, and surgical site access. | 06-20-2013 |
20130197647 | EXPANDABLE SPINAL INTERBODY AND INTRAVERTEBRAL BODY DEVICES - A device for insertion into a spinal (intervertebral or intravertebral) space is expandable from a first circumference to a second circumference through axial compression of segments of the device, particularly once the device has been properly situated within a vertebral space. The interbody/intravertebral body device is characterized by a plurality of axially stacked, individual segments that are provided on a central insertion and deployment rod. Each segment includes a central plate or body to which are pivotally attached plate or leaf structures. Pivoting of the structures provides a collapsed or unexpanded position of the first circumference and an open or expanded position of the second circumference. | 08-01-2013 |
20140135846 | POSTERIOR SPINAL PROSTHESIS - A posterior spinal prosthesis is configured to cover exposed portions of a spinal column especially, but not necessarily, as a result of a medical spinal procedure and particularly, to provide posterior coverage of an exposed spinal cord, soft tissue, Foramen and/or adipose tissue, associated with one or more vertebrae as a result of the removal the spinous processes and/or the spinous process and laminar hoods from the one or more vertebrae of the spine as a result of a spinal decompression procedure or other reason. A plate forming the prosthesis is connectable to spine rod constructs implanted on lateral sides of the vertebrae and projects in the posterior direction relative to the connection. The plate is generally curved in the superior/inferior direction to provide either a lordotic or kyphotic curvature depending on the portion of the spine to which the prosthesis is utilized. As such, the posterior spinal prosthesis may be used on any portion of the spine such as the cervical vertebrae, the thoracic vertebrae and/or the lumbar vertebrae. The present posterior spinal prosthesis also provides posterior stabilization of the associated vertebrae as well as aiding in preventing post operative soft tissue cavitation at the decompression site. | 05-15-2014 |
20140330315 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SPINAL ROD INSERTION AND REDUCTION - A guide assembly includes a spinal screw assembly having a bone screw and a spinal rod holder; and a spinal rod guide having first and second elongated arc portions defining a pair of longitudinal slots extending along the first and second arc portions, each of the first and second arc portions further defining at least one recess extending transversely from each of the longitudinal slots, the at least one recess configured to receive at least a portion of a reduction tool to enable reduction of a spinal rod received within the spinal rod holder. | 11-06-2014 |
20150018883 | FLEXIBLE AND STATIC INTERSPINOUS/INTER-LAMINAR SPINAL SPACERS - Interspinous/inter-laminar spinal spacers are configured to be placed between bony structures of adjacent vertebrae. In one form, spinal spacers are defined by a unitary body comprising a first contoured plate and a second contoured plate. The first contoured plate comprises first and second wings configured to engage first and second vertebra, and a post extending from the contoured plate and having a bullet nose and an outer surface with a curved portion and a planar portion. The second contoured plate is slidably coupled to the post of the body and comprises first and second wings configured to engage first and second vertebra, a rear portion extending between the first wing and the second wing, and a front portion extending between the first wing and the second wing. The first wing, second wing, rear portion, and front portion define a first bore configured to receive the post. | 01-15-2015 |