Adjusting spinal curvature
OwnerDavid Wycliffe Murray, James Wilson-Macdonaldinventors
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Abstract
Devices for adjusting or correcting the curvature of a vertebral column are described. One such device comprises a spring and at least three fixation members for attaching the spring to the vertebral column in at least three different locations. Another such device comprises a plurality of springs, each spring for attaching to at least two attachment locations of the vertebral column, and at least three fixation members for attaching the plurality of springs to the attachment locations of the vertebral column such that the plurality of springs are attached longitudinally along a length of the vertebral column. A method of adjusting the curvature of a vertebral column is also described.
Claims12
A system for correction of a vertebral column having an abnormal curvature, the curvature having a first end, a second end and an apex between the first and second ends, the system comprising:
- a fixation member configured to attach to a vertebra of the vertebral column on a first side of the vertebral column adjacent the apex of the abnormal curvature;
- a first hollow bicortical screw having a first screw head and configured to provide a bore through a second vertebra of the vertebral column adjacent the first end of the abnormal curvature;
- a second hollow bicortical screw having a second screw head and configured to provide a bore through a third vertebra of the vertebral column adjacent the second end of the abnormal curvature;
- and
- a flexible device having a first device end and a second device end;
- wherein the flexible device is configured to thread through the first hollow bicortical screw between the first side of the vertebral column and a second side of the vertebral column, the first device end configured to be fixed to the first screw head on the first side of the vertebral column;
- wherein the flexible device is configured to thread through the second hollow bicortical screw between the first side of the vertebral column and the second side of the vertebral column, the second device end configured to be fixed to the second screw head on the first side of the vertebral column;
- and
- wherein the flexible device is configured to loop around the fixation member and apply a first force to the apex to reduce the abnormal curvature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.