Expandable rod system to treat scoliosis and method of using the same
AssigneeEllipse Technologies, Inc.
InventorP. Douglas Kiester
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Correction of a scoliotic curve in a spine comprises the steps of implanting an expanding rod isolated completely under the skin and attached to selected portions of the scoliotic curve of the spine at opposing ends of the rod; and producing a controlled force by means of expansion of the rod over at an extended time period under external control until a desire spinal curve is obtained. An incremental force is generated to stretch the scoliotic curve of the spine between the selected portions where attachment of the rod is defined. The controlled force is provided steadily for at least one month or alternatively 1-3 months. Multiple rods may be employed each associated with a different scoliotic curve of the spine or a different portion of the scoliotic curve.
Claims21
-24. (canceled)
A non-invasively expandable rod system for treating scoliosis comprising:
- a first end configured to be coupled at a first location on a subject's spine;
- a second end configured to be coupled at a second location on the subject's spine;
- a hollow outer member;
- an inner member configured to be telescopically slideable within the hollow outer member;
- a ratchet configured to be adjustable between a first, engaged position and a second, disengaged position, such that the non-invasively expandable rod system is prevented from shortening when the ratchet is in the first, engaged position and is allowed to shorten when the ratchet is in the second, disengaged position;
- and
- a socket for removably receiving a tool into the non-invasively expandable rod system, the tool configured to adjust the ratchet between the first, engaged position and the second, disengaged position.
A non-invasively expandable rod system for treating scoliosis comprising:
- a first end configured to be coupled at a first location on a subject's spine;
- a second end configured to be coupled at a second location on the subject's spine;
- a hollow outer member;
- an inner member configured to be telescopically slideable within the hollow outer member;
- and
- a ratchet configured to be adjustable between a first, engaged position and a second, disengaged position by the use of a separate tool which is insertable into the non-invasively expandable rod system, such that the non-invasively expandable rod system is prevented from shortening when the ratchet is in the first, engaged position and is allowed to shorten when the ratchet is in the second, disengaged position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.