System and method for blocking and/or retaining a prosthetic spinal implant
AssigneeSDGI Holdings, Inc.
InventorHai H. Trieu
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Devices for anchoring and/or blocking spinal implants in an intervertebral disc space are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention the device includes a rigid blocking member having one end unconnected and free to block a spinal implant, and another end attached to a securing member to secure the blocking member to the spine. Methods for using the inventive anchoring/blocking implants are also provided.
Claims54
A method for retaining a prosthetic spinal implant in an intervertebral disc space, said method comprising:
- (a) implanting a prosthetic spinal implant member in an intervertebral disc space;
- (b) providing a first blocking member having an anchoring end and a blocking end, wherein said blocking end is free and unconnected to a prosthetic spinal implant;
- and
- (c) positioning the blocking end of said first blocking member in a position effective to block said prosthetic spinal implant from being expelled from the intervertebral disc space;
- and
- (d) securing the anchoring end of said first blocking member to a vertebra in a manner in which the blocking end of said first blocking member is maintained in a position effective to block said prosthetic spinal implant from being expelled from the intervertebral disc space.
A device for blocking and retaining a spinal implant in an intervertebral disc space, said device comprising a first blocking member having an anchoring end and a blocking end;
- wherein said anchoring end is anchored to a vertebra;
- and
- wherein said blocking end is free and unconnected to a prosthetic spinal implant, and is positioned to block a prosthetic spinal implant from being expelled from an intervertebral disc space.
A method for retaining a prosthetic spinal implant in an intervertebral disc space, said method comprising:
- (a) implanting a prosthetic spinal implant in an intervertebral disc space;
- (b) providing a flexible blocking member having a first anchoring end, a second anchoring end, and a blocking portion, wherein said flexible blocking member is unconnected to said prosthetic spinal implant;
- and
- (c) securing said first anchoring end to a vertebra;
- and
- (d) securing said second anchoring end to a vertebra;
- wherein said securing steps are accomplished in a manner effective to position said blocking portion in a position effective to block said prosthetic spinal implant from being expelled from the intervertebral disc space.
A blocked spinal implant system, comprising:
- (a) a prosthetic spinal implant member implanted in an intervertebral disc space;
- and
- (b) a flexible blocking member having a first anchoring end, a second anchoring end, and a blocking portion;
- wherein said first anchoring end is secured to a first vertebra;
- and
- wherein said second anchoring end is secured to a second vertebra;
- and
- wherein said blocking portion is positioned in a position effective to block said prosthetic spinal implant from being expelled from the intervertebral disc space.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.