Compression-distraction spinal fixation system
AssigneeThe Johns Hopkins University
InventorsRyan M. Kretzer, Bryan W. Cunningham, Jeffrey Gordon
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Compression-distraction spinal fixation systems, and methods of performing compression-distraction spinal fixation, are provided that include screw-rod constructs having a ratcheting mechanism. Bone screws of the screw-rod constructs can have a pawl that engages ratchet teeth on the rod of the screw-rod construct. The bone screw can be ratcheted along the length of the rod to apply distractive or compressive forces.
Claims19
A compression-distraction spinal fixation system comprising:
- at least one bone screw comprising a pawl;
- and
- a toothed rod connected to the at least one bone screw, the toothed rod having a plurality of ratchet teeth;
- wherein the pawl of the at least one bone screw engages the ratchet teeth of the toothed rod.
A method of performing compression-distraction spinal fixation, the method comprising the steps of:
- attaching a first bone screw to a first bony portion of a patient's spine, the first bone screw including a pawl;
- attaching a toothed rod to the first bone screw, the toothed rod including ratchet teeth;
- orienting the pawl of the first bone screw to engage the ratchet teeth of the toothed rod;
- and
- ratcheting the first bone screw along the length of the toothed rod.
A method of altering the distance between spinal vertebrae of a patient, the method comprising the steps of:
- attaching a first bone screw to a first spinal vertebra, the first bone screw comprising a pawl;
- attaching a second bone screw to a second spinal vertebra;
- attaching a toothed rod having ratchet teeth to the first bone screw and the second bone screw;
- orienting the pawl of the first bone screw to engage the ratchet teeth of the toothed rod;
- and
- altering the distance between the first vertebra and the second vertebra;
- and
- maintaining the altered distance between the first vertebra and the second vertebra.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.