Rod coupling systems and devices and methods of making and using the same

#The present invention relates to orthopedic rod coupler systems, devices, kits, and methods. Examples include a saddle configured to attach to either a bone fastener or a locking cap of the rod coupler system and having a concave portion configured to increase surface area of contact with a rod so as to reduce pressure on the rod, particularly when the rod is tightened within the rod coupler system. Other examples include bone fasteners or caps that themselves are configured to have a concave portion, which increases surface area of contact with a rod. The reduced pressure on the rod enables use of rods of various compositions, including Polyether ether ketone (“PEEK”), without deformation of the rod. The invention also relates to elongate rods having advantageous shapes, configurations, and/or compositions for rod coupler devices, systems and methods.

#Many types of spinal irregularities can cause pain, limit range of motion, or injure the nervous system within the spinal column. These irregularities can result from, without limitation, trauma, tumor, disc degeneration, and disease. Often, these irregularities are treated by immobilizing a portion of the spine. This treatment typically involves affixing a plurality of bone fasteners such as screws and/or hooks to one or more vertebrae and connecting the screws or hooks to an elongate rod that generally extends in the direction of the axis of the spine.

#Treatment for these spinal irregularities often involves using a system of pedicle screws and rods to attain stability between spinal segments. Such systems may provide support or stability to the spinal bone structure, which may promote healing of the bone structures and/or otherwise maintain alignment and spacing of the spinal bone structures. Instability in the spine can create stress and strain on neurological elements, such as the spinal cord and nerve roots. In order to correct this, implants of certain stiffness can be implanted to restore the correct alignment and portion of the vertebral bodies. In many cases, an anchoring member such as a pedicle screw along with a vertical solid member can help restore spinal elements to a pain free situation, or at least may help reduce pain or prevent further injury to the spine.

#Non-limiting example embodiments described herein, with reference to the following accompanying Figures.

#FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a saddle that may be used in example embodiments of the present devices and systems.

#FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a pedicle screw having the saddle of FIG. 1 inserted therein in accordance with embodiments of the present devices and systems.

#The aspects, advantages and/or other features of example embodiments of the invention will become apparent in view of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In describing example embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the embodiments are not intended to be limited to this specific terminology. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments of the present invention are merely exemplary and illustrative and not limiting. Numerous embodiments of modifications thereof are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention and equivalents thereto. It is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

#Unless otherwise noted, technical terms are used according to conventional usage.

#As used herein, “a” or “an” may mean one or more. As used herein, “another” may mean at least a second or more. Furthermore, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms include pluralities and plural terms include the singular.