# US 8,465,529 B2 · Apparatus and method for direct vertebral rotation > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,465,529 B2 - Document ID: US8465529B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 12/152,834 - Filed: 2008-05-16 - Published: 2008-11-27 - Granted: 2013-06-18 - Earliest claimed: 2007-05-18 - Assignees: Stryker Spine - Applicants: Andy Wonyong Choi; Michael L. Schmitz; Se-Il Suk - Inventors: Andy Wonyong Choi; Michael L. Schmitz; Se-Il Suk - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8465529B2 ## CPC - A61B 17/7079: {Tools requiring anchors to be already mounted on an implanted longitudinal or transverse element, e.g. where said element guides the anchor motion} - A61B 17/7047: {Clamps comprising opposed elements which grasp one vertebra between them} - A61B 17/7074: {Tools specially adapted for spinal fixation operations other than for bone removal or filler handling (A61B17/7062, A61B17/808, A61B17/8858 take precedence; for spinal image producing devices A61B90/36, A61B34/20; markers A61B90/39)} - A61B 17/7077: {for moving bone anchors attached to vertebrae, thereby displacing the vertebrae} - A61B 17/708: {with tubular extensions coaxially mounted on the bone anchors} - A61B 17/7091: {for applying, tightening or removing longitudinal element-to-bone anchor locking elements, e.g. caps, set screws, nuts or wedges} - A61B 17/86: Pins or screws {or threaded wires; nuts therefor (A61B17/72 take precedence)} - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) ## Abstract An instrument for spinal rotation that aligns and holds direct vertebral rotation (DVR) lever arms relative to each other to achieve an initial axial alignment of a segment of vertebrae and allows the final DVR rotation by rotating the instrument and lever arms together. A method of direct vertebral rotation that allows rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to each other, and collectively rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to adjacent spinal segments by rotating the direct vertebral rotation instrument. A system for direct vertebral rotation having at least two pedicle screws. The system also includes at least two levers attachable to the pedicle screws and a clamping instrument configured to clamp the levers. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method of direct vertebral rotation comprising: attaching pedicle screws to at least two vertebrae of a spine to be aligned, the spine extending along an inferior-superior axis; attaching a lever having a distal end to each of the pedicle screws, the distal ends of the levers deviating from alignment along a line parallel to the inferior-superior axis; positioning the levers between jaws of a direct vertebral rotation instrument; rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to each other by bringing the jaws together towards a closed position, whereby the jaws force the distal ends of the levers into alignment along the line parallel to the inferior-superior axis, wherein each of the jaws includes an inner portion facing towards the other of the jaws, the inner portion including a compliant material configured to conform to at least a portion of the levers when the jaws are in the closed position; and collectively rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to adjacent spinal segments by rotating the direct vertebral rotation instrument while the jaws are in the closed position. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising: latching the jaws together. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the compliant material comprises rubber or a polymer. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The method of claim 2, wherein the direct vertebral rotation instrument has handles configured to be held in a hand. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2) The method of claim 2, wherein the direct vertebral rotation instrument has a hinge configured to connect the jaws. ### Claim 6 (depends on 2) The method of claim 2, wherein the direct vertebral rotation instrument has a lock configured to latch the jaws together. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising: maintaining the position of the vertebrae relative to each other. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the compliant material of the inner portion of each of the jaws defines a substantially planar surface facing towards the other of the jaws. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The method of claim 8, wherein the substantially planar surfaces are substantially parallel to each other when the jaws are in the closed position. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the compliant material of one of the jaws extends substantially parallel to the compliant material of the other of the jaws when the jaws are in the closed position. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein an elongate opening extending along the direct vertebral rotation instrument is defined between the jaws when the jaws are in the closed position, and wherein the compliant material of the inner portion of each of the jaws extends longitudinally along substantially the entire length of the elongate opening. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein, when the jaws are in the closed position, the compliant material of one of the jaws is spaced apart from the compliant material of the other of the jaws so as to define an opening therebetween, the opening being adapted to receive a plurality of the levers therein. ### Claim 13 A method of direct vertebral rotation comprising: attaching pedicle screws to at least two vertebrae to be aligned; attaching a lever to each of the pedicle screws, each of the levers having a distal end; positioning the levers between jaws of a direct vertebral rotation instrument, the direct vertebral rotation instrument having a closed position in which the jaws are substantially parallel to one another and extend along an axis; rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to each other by bringing the jaws together towards the closed position, whereby the jaws force the distal ends of the levers to move from an offset position into an aligned position, wherein the distal ends deviate from alignment along the axis of the direct vertebral rotation instrument in the offset position, and the distal ends lie along the axis of the direct vertebral rotation instrument in the aligned position, and wherein each of the jaws includes an inner portion facing towards the other of the jaws, the inner portion including a compliant material configured to conform to at least a portion of the levers when the jaws are in the closed position; and collectively rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to adjacent spinal segments by rotating the direct vertebral rotation instrument while the jaws are in the closed position. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, further comprising: latching the jaws together. ### Claim 15 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, wherein the direct vertebral rotation instrument has handles configured to be held in a hand. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The method of claim 15, wherein the handles extend perpendicularly to the axis of the direct vertebral rotation instrument. ### Claim 17 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, wherein the compliant material of the inner portion of each of the jaws defines a substantially planar surface facing towards the other of the jaws. ### Claim 18 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, wherein an elongate opening extending along the direct vertebral rotation instrument is defined between the jaws when the jaws are in the closed position, and wherein the compliant material of the inner portion of each of the jaws extends longitudinally along substantially the entire length of the elongate opening.