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US 8,298,264 B2Granted
Systems and methods for use in spinal support
AssigneeWarsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
InventorsRandal Betz, Fred J Molz, Jeff R. Justis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for supporting a spine of a person includes forming a pathway in a spine by removing a plurality of portions of a plurality of vertebrae of the spine with the pathway being configured to receive a supporting structure. The supporting structure is inserted into the pathway and through the plurality of vertebrae.
Claims25
A method for use in supporting a spine, the method comprising:
- forming a pathway in a spine by removing a plurality of portions of a plurality of vertebrae of the spine with a supporting structure including a cutting tool on a front end of the supporting structure, the supporting structure comprising a plurality of segments oriented in a non-interconnected state;
- stiffening the supporting structure by orienting the plurality of segments in an interconnected state in the pathway along the plurality of vertebrae to provide structure to the spine to promote a correct curvature of the spine;
- and
- inhibiting movement of the stiffened support structure in the pathway by connecting the supporting structure to an anchor secured to bony structure adjacent the pathway.
1 more element
A spine-supporting structure system comprising:
- a supporting structure for supporting a spine comprising a plurality of segments, each of said plurality of segments having a first end sized and configured to be received within a second end of another segment of said plurality of segments and wherein said plurality of segments are connected to each other to form an elongated shape promoting a correct curvature of the spine, wherein when said segments are connected to each other it causes said support structure to stiffen in said shape;
- wherein the support structure is sized and configured to fit within a pathway formed through a plurality of vertebrae of the spine;
- and
- wherein said supporting structure includes a cutting tool on a front end of said supporting structure, said cutting tool configured to remove a portion of the plurality of vertebrae of the spine to form the pathway;
- wherein said cutting tool is connected to a cord extending through said supporting structure to a rear end of said supporting structure so that said cutting tool is removed through an interior of said support structure after forming the pathway.
2 more elements
A supporting structure system for a spine, the system comprising:
- a plurality of segments configured to form a supporting structure and configured to be inserted into a spinal pathway created in a plurality of vertebrae of the spine;
- a first segment of said plurality of segments having a first end and a second end;
- a second segment of said plurality of segments having a third end and a fourth end;
- said first end engageable with said third end to connect said first segment to said second segment;
- a cord received in a first interior of said first segment and a second interior of said second segment, said cord coupled to said first segment and said second segment and providing stiffness to said first segment and said second segment to support the spine when said plurality of segments is inserted into the spinal pathway;
- and
- a cutting tool located on an end of at least one of said first segment and said second segment to allow the pathway to be created by a user manipulating the system;
- and
- an anchor threadingly engaged to said cord that is engageable to bony structure of the spine to inhibit movement of said support structure when inserted into the spinal pathway.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.