Traction apparatuses and spinal traction systems
AssigneeMayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
InventorBradford L. Currier
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Traction apparatuses can be used to facilitate spinal surgery. For example, this document provides traction apparatuses that engage with the skull of a patient, traction apparatuses that engage with the pelvis of a patient, and cervical traction systems for use in conjunction with the skull and/or pelvis traction apparatuses to facilitate correction of occipito-cervical-thoracic deformities, and to safely position the head during spinal surgery. Additionally, this document provides thoraco-lumbar-pelvic spinal deformity correction apparatuses to manipulate the position of the pelvis in relation to the spine during surgery.
Claims29
A skull traction apparatus comprising:
- a framework;
- a first temporal pin and a second temporal pin, wherein the first and second temporal pins are engaged with the framework to thereby be positioned and orientated so that the first and second temporal pins can be inserted at generally opposing sides of a patient's skull in the region of the patient's temporal bones;
- and
- an occiput pin engaged with the framework, wherein the occiput pin is engaged with the framework to thereby be positioned and orientated so that the occiput pin can be inserted at the occipital area of the patient's skull when the first and second temporal pins are inserted in the region of the patient's temporal bones,
- wherein when each of the first and second temporal pins and the occiput pin are inserted in the patient's skull, the framework is configured for applying a longitudinal force to the patient's spinal column.
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A skull traction device comprising:
- an occipital frame member, the frame member configured and operable for selective attachment to a U-shaped skull traction device that includes pins for engaging with generally opposing sides of a patient's skull in the region of the patient's temporal bones;
- and
- an occiput pin engaged with the occipital frame member, wherein the occiput pin is engaged with the occipital frame member to thereby be positioned and orientated so that the occiput pin can be engaged with the occipital area of the patient's skull when the occipital frame member is attached to the U-shaped skull traction device and when the pins of the U-shaped skull traction device are engaged with the patient's temporal bones.
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A cervical traction system configured for applying a longitudinal force to a patient's spinal column, the system comprising:
- a skull traction apparatus including one or more pins for engaging with the skull of the patient;
- an elongate traction force application member connectable to the skull traction apparatus, wherein, while the traction force application member is in tension and the skull traction apparatus is engaged with the skull of the patient, the longitudinal force is applied to the patient's spinal column;
- and
- an adjustable mechanism engaged with the traction force application member, wherein the adjustable mechanism is adjustable to change a traction angle measured between the traction force application member and horizontal.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.