Spinal fixation support device and methods of using
AssigneeMayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
InventorsChunfeng Zhao, Bradford L. Currier, Fredrick M. Schultz, Kai-Nan An
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Abstract
The invention provides for a spinal fixation support device to be used in conjunction with spinal fixation instrumentation. The invention further provides for methods of using the spinal fixation support device. In addition, the invention provides for a spinal fixation system that includes a spinal fixation support device of the invention and can further include spinal fixation instrumentation.
Claims29
A method for spinal fixation, said method comprising the steps of:
- inserting the distal end of a first pillar into a compromised vertebra, wherein said distal end of said first pillar contacts the lower endplate of the vertebra immediately above said compromised vertebra;
- inserting the distal end of a second pillar into said compromised vertebra, wherein said distal end of said second pillar contacts the upper endplate of the vertebra immediately below said compromised vertebra;
- and
- connecting the proximal ends of said first and second pillars to spinal fixation instrumentation.
A method for reducing anterior compression during spinal fixation, said method comprising the steps of:
- inserting the distal end of a first pillar into a compromised vertebra, wherein said distal end of said first pillar contacts the lower endplate of the vertebra immediately above said compromised vertebra;
- inserting the distal end of a second pillar into said compromised vertebra, wherein said distal end of said second pillar contacts the upper endplate of the vertebra immediately below said compromised vertebra;
- and
- connecting the proximal ends of said first and second pillars to spinal fixation instrumentation.
A spinal fixation system comprising:
- spinal fixation instrumentation comprising one or more longitudinal members, one or more pedicle screws, and one or more connectors for attaching longitudinal members to pedicle screws;
- at least one pillar having a proximal and a distal end;
- at least one connector configured to attach the proximal end of said pillar to said spinal fixation instrumentation.
A spinal fixation support device comprising:
- at least one pillar with a proximal and a distal end, wherein said distal end forms an oblique plane relative to the longitudinal axis of said pillar, wherein said distal end comprises one or more anchoring members to engage an endplate of a vertebra, wherein said proximal end is adapted to engage a connector;
- and
- a connector adapted to simultaneously engage and attach said pillar and spinal fixation instrumentation.
A spinal fixation support system, comprising:
- at least one pillar with a proximal and a distal end, wherein said distal end forms an oblique plane relative to the longitudinal axis of said pillar, wherein said distal end comprises one or more anchoring members to engage an endplate of a vertebra, wherein said proximal end is adapted to engage a connector;
- a connector adapted to simultaneously engage and attach said pillar and spinal fixation instrumentation;
- and
- one or more devices for securing said connector to said pillar and to said spinal fixation instrumentation.
In a spinal fixation system wherein the spinal fixation system comprises spinal fixation instrumentation, wherein said spinal fixation instrumentation comprises one or more longitudinal members, one or more pedicle screws, and one or more connectors for attaching said longitudinal members to said pedicle screws, the improvement comprises:
- at least one pillar with a proximal and a distal end;
- and
- at least one connector to attach the proximal end of said pillar to said spinal fixation instrumentation.
A pillar for use with spinal fixation instrumentation, said pillar having a substantially rod-like structure, said pillar comprising a distal end for engaging a vertebra and a proximal end for engaging spinal fixation instrumentation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.