Formable orthopedic fixation system with cross linking
AssigneeVertelink Corporation
InventorsGeorge P. Teitelbaum, Samuel M. Shaolian, To V. Pham, Thanh Van Nguyen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A subcutaneously assembled in place orthopedic construct is provided, such as for fixation of the spine. The construct includes a first bar and a second bar for attachment to the spine. A crossbar connects the first and second bar, to provide additional structural support. Each of the first bar, the second bar, and the crossbar may be inserted in a minimally invasive procedure, and constructed in place to form the orthopedic device. Each of the first bar, second bar, and crossbar may comprise an inflatable container, adapted for inflation with a hardenable media and cured in place. Methods and delivery structures are also disclosed.
Claims33
A subcutaneously assembled in place orthopedic construct, comprising:
- a first support structure, configured to be attached to the spine;
- a second support structure, configured to be attached to the spine;
- and
- a cross bar, which connects the first support structure to the second support structure to form an orthopedic construct;
- wherein the cross bar is attached to the first and second support structures subcutaneously;
- and
- wherein at least the first support structure comprises:
- an outer wall, defining a cavity therein;
- a plurality of reinforcing fibers in the cavity;
- and
- a hardenable media for bonding with the reinforcing fibers to form the support structure;
- wherein the hardenable media is hardened while the support structure is positioned within the body of a patient to create the orthopedic construct.
A method of treating the spine, comprising the steps of:
- attaching a first support structure to the spine;
- attaching a second support structure to the spine;
- and
- introducing a curable media into at least the first support structure while it is positioned between the spine and a muscle layer
- permitting the curable media in the first support to cure within the body;
- attaching a cross bar to the first and second support structures;
- wherein at least the attaching a cross bar step comprises advancing at least a portion of the cross bar between the spine and a muscle layer.
A subcutaneously assembled in place orthopedic construct, comprising:
- a first support structure, configured to be attached to the spine;
- a second support structure, configured to be attached to the spine;
- and
- a cross bar, which connects the first support structure to the second support structure to form an orthopedic construct;
- wherein the cross bar is attached to the first and second support structures subcutaneously;
- and
- wherein at least the first support structure comprises a media that is hardenable while the support structure is positioned within the body of a patient.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.