Pedicle screw extension alignment
OwnerStephen M. Hanseninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Alignment clamps, extension caps, and systems, with associated methods, for pedicle screw extension alignment in an orthopedic patient are described. An alignment clamp for alignment of pedicle screw extensions includes a clamp having a hollow interior. The clamp can receive a pedicle screw extension through the hollow interior. The clamp includes opposing open ends in communication with the hollow interior. A straightening rod receptacle is on a side of the clamp. The straightening rod receptacle is oriented to receive a straightening rod therethrough. The straightening rod receptacle can be substantially perpendicular to a direction of the clamp through which the pedicle screw extension is receivable.
Claims20
An alignment clamp for alignment of pedicle screw extensions, comprising:
- a clamp having a hollow interior and configured to receive a pedicle screw extension therethrough, the clamp comprising a plurality of opposing open ends in communication with the hollow interior;
- and
- a straightening rod receptacle on a side of the clamp and oriented to receive a straightening rod through the pedicle screw extension receptacle, the straightening rod receptacle being substantially perpendicular to a direction of the clamp through which the pedicle screw extension is receivable.
An extension cap for a pedicle screw extension, comprising:
- an extension cap body;
- a hollow interior formed in the extension cap body;
- an opening in an open end of the extension cap body and in communication with the hollow interior, wherein the opening enables at least partial receipt of the pedicle screw extension into the hollow interior, the open end and an opposite end defining an axial direction;
- an extension arm extending outwardly from a side wall of the extension cap body, the extension arm comprising a proximal end closer to the extension cap body than an opposite distal end;
- and
- a tulip attached to the distal end of the extension arm and configured to receive a contouring rod therein.
A system for pedicle screw extension alignment in an orthopedic patient, comprising:
- a plurality of pedicle screw extensions configured to project a spine contour by extending from a plurality of pedicle screws;
- a plurality of alignment clamps positionable on the plurality of pedicle screw extensions;
- and
- a straightening rod comprising a length sufficient to extend between the plurality of pedicle screw extensions and to be held in position by the plurality of alignment clamps;
- wherein placement of the plurality of alignment clamps over the plurality of pedicle screw extensions and insertion of the straightening rod through the rod receptacles provides vertical alignment of the plurality of pedicle screw extensions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.