Method For Stabilizing A Spine
AssigneesRachiotek, LLC, Yale University
InventorsManohar M. Panjabi, Jens Peter Timm, George Malcolmson, II
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Abstract
Spine stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided in which a single resilient member or spring is disposed on an elongate element that spans two attachment members attached to different spinal vertebrae. The elongate element passes through at least one of the two attachment members, permitting relative motion therebetween, and terminates in a stop or abutment. A second resilient member is disposed on the elongate element on an opposite side of the sliding attachment member, e.g., in an overhanging orientation. The two resilient members are capable of applying mutually opposing urging forces, and a compressive preload can be applied to one or both of the resilient members.
Claims15
A method of stabilizing a pair of adjacent spinal vertebrae, comprising the steps of:
- implanting first and second pedicle screws to the adjacent spinal vertebrae;
- and
- coupling a dynamic stabilization device with respect to said first and second pedicle screws, said dynamic stabilization device including an elongate element that defines an extension region that is bounded by (i) an attachment member associated with the first pedicle screw, and (ii) an abutment member associated with a free end of the elongate element,
- wherein said dynamic stabilization device includes a first dynamic element mounted with respect to said elongate element between said first and second pedicle screws and a second dynamic element mounted with respect to said elongate element in the extension region.
The stabilization method according to claim 17, wherein the first and second dynamic elements comprise axially-oriented springs.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.