Method for stabilizing a spine
AssigneesYale University, Rachiotek, LLC
InventorsManohar M. Panjabi, Jens P. Timm, George Malcolmson, II
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Spine stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided in which a single resilient member or spring is disposed on an elongate element that spans two attachment members attached to different spinal vertebrae. The elongate element passes through at least one of the two attachment members, permitting relative motion therebetween, and terminates in a stop or abutment. A second resilient member is disposed on the elongate element on an opposite side of the sliding attachment member, e.g., in an overhanging orientation. The two resilient members are capable of applying mutually opposing urging forces, and a compressive preload can be applied to one or both of the resilient members.
Claims14
A method of stabilizing a pair of adjacent spinal vertebrae, comprising the steps of:
- implanting first and second pedicle screws to the adjacent spinal vertebrae;
- and
- coupling a dynamic stabilization device with respect to said first and second pedicle screws, said dynamic stabilization device including an elongate element that defines an extension region that is bounded by (i) an attachment member associated with the first pedicle screw, and (ii) an abutment member associated with a free end of the elongate element,
- wherein said dynamic stabilization device includes no more than two dynamic elements, a first dynamic element mounted with respect to said elongate element between said first and second pedicle screws so as to deliver non-torsional force with respect to the spinal vertebrae and a second dynamic element mounted with respect to said elongate element in the extension region so as to deliver non-torsional force with respect to the spinal vertebrae.
A method of stabilizing a pair of adjacent spinal vertebrae, comprising the steps of:
- implanting first and second pedicle screws to the adjacent spinal vertebrae;
- and
- coupling a dynamic stabilization device with respect to said first and second pedicle screws, said dynamic stabilization device including an elongate element that defines an extension region that is bounded by (i) an attachment member associated with the first pedicle screw, and (ii) an abutment member associated with a free end of the elongate element,
- wherein said dynamic stabilization device includes a first dynamic element mounted with respect to said elongate element between said first and second pedicle screws and a second dynamic element mounted with respect to said elongate element in the extension region;
- and
- wherein said first and second dynamic elements simultaneously apply first and second urging forces with respect to the first and second pedicle screws that have opposite orientations;
- and
- wherein the first dynamic element and the second dynamic element are each mounted with respect to the elongate element so as to deliver non-torsional force with respect to the spinal vertebrae.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.