Dynamic Fixation Device and Method of Use
OwnerStephen RITLANDinventor
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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.
Claims12
-32. (canceled)
A dynamic fixation device for flexibly linking a first vertebra to an adjacent second vertebra of a spine of a patient using a first connector and a second connector and a first pedicle screw and a second pedicle screw, comprising:
- a rod including a first rod end and second rod end, said first rod end interconnectable to the first pedicle screw using the first connector, and said second rod end interconnectable to the second pedicle screw using the second connector;
- and
- an anterior-posterior rod segment aligned in a substantially anterior-posterior alignment when implanted, the anterior-posterior rod segment interconnected to the first rod end by a first rod arm of said rod, said anterior-posterior rod segment interconnected to said second rod end by a second rod arm of said rod, wherein the first rod arm includes a first segment of joints and the second rod arm includes a second segment of joints, wherein the first segment of joints and the second segment of joints each include a series of recessed portions that alternate between posteriorly oriented recessed portions and anteriorly oriented recessed portions;
- wherein the rod forwardly projects a pivot point that allows the first vertebra to rotate relative to the second vertebra.
A dynamic fixation device for flexibly linking a first vertebra to an adjacent second vertebra of a spine of a patient using a first connector and a second connector and a first pedicle screw and a second pedicle screw, comprising:
- a rod including a first rod end and second rod end, said first rod end interconnectable to the first pedicle screw using the first connector, and said second rod end interconnectable to the second pedicle screw using the second connector;
- and
- an anterior-posterior rod segment aligned in a substantially anterior-posterior alignment when implanted, the anterior-posterior rod segment interconnected to the first rod end by a first rod arm of said rod, said anterior-posterior rod segment interconnected to said second rod end by a second rod arm of said rod, wherein the first rod arm includes a first means for bending and the second rod arm includes a second means for bending;
- wherein the rod forwardly projects a pivot point that allows the first vertebra to rotate relative to the second vertebra.
A dynamic fixation device for flexibly linking at least two 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 interconnectable to a first of the pedicle screws using a first of the two connectors, and said second end interconnectable to a second of the pedicle screws using a second of the two connectors;
- and
- a partially folded portion positioned between said first end and said second end, wherein the partially folded portion comprises a plurality of substantially planar segments interconnected by means of flexible joints, wherein a length of a posterior end of the substantially planar segments is longer that an anterior end of the substantially planar segments, and wherein the partially folded portion is oriented in the anterior posterior direction when implanted and elongates during flexion of the spine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.