US 8,506,604 B2 · Method for stabilizing a spinal segment

Abstract

A surgical implant is provided that includes first and second abutment surfaces between which are positioned a force imparting mechanism. A sheath is positioned between the first and second abutment surfaces, and surrounds the force imparting mechanism. The sheath is fabricated from a material that accommodates relative movement of the abutment members, while exhibiting substantially inert behavior relative to surrounding anatomical structures. The sheath is generally fabricated from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, a copolymer of polycarbonate and a urethane, or a blend of a polycarbonate and a urethane. The force imparting member may include one or more springs, e.g., a pair of nested springs. The surgical implant may be a dynamic spine stabilizing member that is advantageously incorporated into a spine stabilization system to offer clinically efficacious results.

Claims27

Dependent claims

A method for stabilizing a spinal segment, comprising:

(a) introducing a first pedicle screw into a first pedicle of a spine;
(b) introducing a second pedicle screw into a second pedicle of the spine;
(c) providing a dynamic stabilization device, including:
(i) a dynamic stabilizing member, (ii) a first dynamic junction for operative association with a first end of the dynamic stabilizing member, and (iii) a second dynamic junction for operative association with a second end of the dynamic stabilizing member;
(d) mounting the first dynamic junction of the dynamic stabilization device with respect to the first pedicle screw;
and
(e) mounting the second dynamic junction of the dynamic stabilization device with respect to the second pedicle screw,
wherein each of the first and second dynamic junctions supports three degrees of rotational freedom;
wherein the dynamic stabilization device enables and provides resistance to relative movement between the first and second pedicles in a first axis;
and
wherein the dynamic stabilizing member exhibits a variable spring rate that is greater when the spine is within a neutral zone than when the spine is outside of the neutral zone.

8 more elements

A method for stabilizing a spinal segment, comprising:

(a) introducing a first pedicle screw into a first pedicle of a spine;
(b) introducing a second pedicle screw into a second pedicle of the spine;
(c) providing a dynamic stabilization device, including:
(i) a dynamic stabilizing member, (ii) a first dynamic junction for operative association with a first end of the dynamic stabilizing member, and (iii) a second dynamic junction for operative association with a second end of the dynamic stabilizing member;
(d) mounting the first dynamic junction of the dynamic stabilization device with respect to the first pedicle screw;
and
(e) mounting the second dynamic junction of the dynamic stabilization device with respect to the second pedicle screw,
wherein each of the first and second dynamic junctions supports three degrees of rotational freedom;
wherein the dynamic stabilization device enables relative movement between the first and second pedicles;
wherein the first spherical element defines a first aperture for receiving a first upwardly extending structure of the first pedicle screw, and wherein the second spherical element defines a second aperture for receiving a second upwardly extending structure of the second pedicle screw;
and
wherein mounting the first dynamic junction of the dynamic stabilization device with respect to the first pedicle screw includes receiving and securing the first upwardly extending structure within the first aperture, and wherein mounting the second dynamic junction of the dynamic stabilization device with respect to the second pedicle screw includes receiving and securing the second upwardly extending structure within the second aperture;
wherein securing the first upwardly extending structure within the first aperture includes deflecting a portion of the first upwardly extending structure, and wherein securing the second upwardly extending structure within the second aperture includes deflecting a portion of the second upwardly extending structure.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method for stabilizing a spinal segment

Life of this patent

Method for stabilizing a spinal segment

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims27