Dynamic vertebral column plate system
AssigneeSpinal Simplicity, LLC
InventorHarold Hess
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A vertebral column construct for stabilizing a segment of a vertebral column can include first and second plate segments, and a spring connected between adjacent plate segments. The spring can be adapted and configured to provide a predetermined preload between the first and second plate segments. Such a preload can advantageously enhance fusion across a bone graft. Alternatively, the spring can be adapted and configured to resist, by a predetermined degree, loading between the first and second plate segments. A cam can be provided on one of the first and second plate segments, wherein engagement between the cam and the cam surface prevents dynamic connection between the first and second plates. The cam can be adapted and configured to adjust a preload applied between segments, such as by adjusting tension in the spring.
Claims18
A vertebral column construct for stabilizing a segment of a vertebral column, comprising:
- a first plate segment;
- a second plate segment connected to the first plate segment;
- a U-shaped spring connected between the first and second plate segments, wherein the U-shaped spring having a first end captured in a recess of the first plate segment and a second end captured in a recess of the second plate segment for determining a maximum spacing between the first and second plate segments;
- a cam mounted on the first plate segment to selectively rotate between:
- a locked position against a cam surface on the second plate segment to set a spacing between the first and second plate segments with a static load;
- and an unlocked position so that the spring applies a dynamic compressive force;
- and a unitary plate for spanning the first and second plate segments to enhance stability of the column construct while permitting linear translation of the plate segments, wherein the unitary plate forms a male dovetail that couples to the plate segments in a female dovetail formed in the plate segments.
A vertebral column plate system construct for stabilizing a segment of a vertebral column, the construct comprising:
- a first plate segment;
- a second plate segment connected to the first plate segment;
- a U-shaped spring element connected between adjacent plate segments, adapted and configured for providing a predetermined preload between adjacent plate segments, to enhance spinal fusion, wherein the U-shaped spring having a first end captured in a recess of the first plate segment and a second end captured in a recess of the second plate segment for determining a maximum spacing between the first and second plate segments;
- an upper plate connected to the first and second plate segments to enhance stability of the plate construct while
- permitting linear translation of the plate segments, wherein the upper plate forms a male dovetail that couples to the plate segments in a female dovetail formed in the plate segments;
- and a cam provided on one of the first and second plate segments, moveable between engagement with a cam surface in connection with the other of the first and second plate segments, and disengagement therefrom, wherein engagement between the cam and the cam surface prevents dynamic loading of the spinal segment, between the first and second plates.
A plate construct for spanning across bone to stabilize the bone comprising:
- a first plate segment;
- a second plate segment connected to the first plate segment;
- a U-shaped spring connected between the first and second plate segments to apply a compressive force drawing the first and second plate segments together, wherein the U-shaped spring having a first end captured in a recess of the first plate segment and a second end captured in a recess of the second plate segment for determining a maximum spacing between the first and second plate segments;
- a cam mounted on the first plate segment to selectively rotate between:
- a locked position against a cam surface on the second plate segment to set a spacing between the first and second plate segments with a static load;
- and an unlocked position so that the spring applies a dynamic compressive force;
- and a unitary plate for spanning the first and second plate segments to enhance stability of the plate construct while permitting linear translation of the plate segments, wherein the unitary plate forms a male dovetail that couples to the plate segments in a female dovetail formed in the plate segments.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.