Dynamic fixation device and method of use
OwnerStephen Ritlandinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A dynamic fixation device is provided that allows the vertebrae to which it is attached to move in flexion within the normal physiological limits of motion, while also providing structural support that limits the amount of translation motion beyond normal physiological limits. The present invention includes a flexible portion and two ends that are adapted for connection to pedicle screws. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the normal axis of rotation of the vertebrae is substantially duplicated by the dynamic fixation device. The flexible portion of the dynamic fixation device can include a geometric shape and/or a hinge portion.
Claims20
An implant device for flexibly linking at least two lumbar vertebra of a spine of a patient using two connectors and two pedicle screws, comprising:
- a rod having a first end and second end, said first end interconnected to a first of the pedicle screws using a first of the two connectors, and said second end interconnected to a second of the pedicle screws using a second of the two connectors;
- and
- a geometric shaped portion positioned between said first end and said second end, wherein said geometric shaped portion elongates during flexion of the spine.
An implant assembly for flexibly linking a first vertebra of a spine to a second vertebra of the spine of a patient, comprising:
- a rod member including at least one geometric shaped portion having a perimeter wall and a hollow interior region, said perimeter wall having an interior surface comprising a sloped face, wherein said sloped face is oriented at an angle, said angle less than about 90 degrees relative to a plane aligned with the posterior side of the geometric shaped portion;
- means for attaching said rod member to the first vertebra and the second vertebra;
- wherein said geometric shaped portion permits flexion of the vertebra when the patient bends their spine.
A dynamic fixation device for flexibly linking a first vertebra of a spine to a second vertebra of the spine of a patient, comprising:
- a first rod member having a posterior surface;
- a second rod member having an anterior surface wherein at least a portion of said anterior surface is oriented opposing at least a portion of said posterior surface of said first rod member;
- a spring situated between said at least a portion of said anterior surface and said at least a portion of said posterior surface;
- means for interconnecting said first rod member to said second rod member;
- and
- means for attaching said first rod member to the first vertebra and attaching said second rod member to the second vertebra.
A dynamic fixation device comprising:
- (a) at least two vertebra attachment points;
- (b) at least two rod members operatively associated with said attachment points and further operatively associated with each other in a manner to accommodate a natural physiologic motion of two adjacent vertebra when said vertebra are undergoing flexion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.