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US 9,173,681 B2Granted
Alignment system with longitudinal support features
AssigneeK2M, Inc.
InventorSteven J. Seme
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Some embodiments relate to systems, devices, and associated methods for correcting spinal column deformities that help minimize a number of attachment anchors utilized for correction, facilitate use of straight or contoured rods, and/or help promote a more natural, physiologic motion of the spinal column.
Claims16
A method of exerting a force on a spine, the method comprising:
- securing a first rod anchor on a first side of a spine to a first vertebra and securing a second rod anchor on the first side of the spine to a second vertebra;
- receiving a first portion of a first rod in the first rod anchor and a second portion of the first rod in the second rod anchor such that the first portion is substantially constrained against lateral translation and the second portion is substantially constrained against lateral translation, the first and second portions being able to change in pitch and yaw at the first and second rod anchors, respectively, in response to movement of the spine during a correction;
- locating a first stop feature along the first rod at a first position adjacent the first rod anchor and a second stop feature along the first rod at a second position adjacent the second rod anchor;
- imposing a first force on the first rod with the first and second stop features;
- and
- transferring the first force to the first side of the spine.
3 more elements
A method of exerting a distraction force on a spine, the method comprising:
- securing a first rod anchor on a first side of the spine to a first vertebra and a second rod anchor on the first side of the spine to a second vertebra;
- receiving a first portion of a rod in the first rod anchor and a second portion of the rod in the second rod anchor such that the first portion is substantially constrained against lateral translation and the second portion is substantially constrained against lateral translation, the first and second portions being able to change in pitch and yaw at the first and second rod anchors, respectively, in response to movement of the spine during a correction;
- locating a first stop feature along the rod at a first position adjacent the first rod anchor and a second stop feature along the rod at a second position adjacent the second rod anchor;
- and
- imposing a compressive force on the rod with the first and second stop features.
2 more elements
A method of preparing two sides of a spine for a correction, the method comprising:
- securing a first rod anchor on a first side of a spine to a first vertebra and a second rod anchor on the first side of the spine to a second vertebra;
- receiving a first portion of a first rod in the first rod anchor and a second portion of the first rod in the second rod anchor such that the first portion is substantially constrained against lateral translation and the second portion is substantially constrained against lateral translation, the first and second portions being able to change in pitch and yaw at the first and second rod anchors, respectively, in response to movement of the spine during the correction;
- securing a third rod anchor on a second side of the spine to a vertebra independent of the vertebrae to which any rod anchors on the first side of the spine are secured;
- securing a fourth rod anchor on the second side of the spine to a vertebra independent of the vertebrae to which any rod anchors on the first side of the spine are secured;
- receiving a first portion of a second rod in the third rod anchor and a second portion of the second rod in the fourth rod anchor such that the first portion is substantially constrained against lateral translation during the correction and the second portion is substantially constrained against lateral translation during the correction;
- locating a first stop feature along the first rod at a first position adjacent the first rod anchor and a second stop feature along the first rod at a second position adjacent the second rod anchor;
- and
- adjusting an effective length of the first rod to cause the first and second stop features to contact the first and second rod anchors, respectively, and impose a compressive force on the first rod.
5 more elements
A method of preparing two sides of a spine for a correction, the method comprising:
- securing a first rod anchor on a first side of a spine to a first vertebra and a second rod anchor on the first side of the spine to a second vertebra;
- receiving a first portion of a first rod in the first rod anchor and a second portion of the first rod in the second rod anchor such that the first portion is substantially constrained against lateral translation and the second portion is substantially constrained against lateral translation, the first and second portions being able to change in pitch and yaw at the first and second rod anchors, respectively, in response to movement of the spine during the correction;
- securing a third rod anchor on a second side of the spine to a vertebra independent of the vertebrae to which any rod anchors on the first side of the spine are secured;
- securing a fourth rod anchor on the second side of the spine to a vertebra independent of the vertebrae to which any rod anchors on the first side of the spine are secured;
- receiving a first portion of a second rod in the third rod anchor and a second portion of the second rod in the fourth rod anchor such that the first portion is substantially constrained against lateral translation during the correction and the second portion is substantially constrained against lateral translation during the correction;
- locating a first stop feature along the first rod at a first position adjacent the first rod anchor and a second stop feature along the first rod at a second position adjacent the second rod anchor;
- and
- imposing a first force on the first rod with the first and second stop features.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.