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:
- coupling a dynamic stabilization device with respect to a first pedicle screw implanted with respect to a first spinal vertebra and a second pedicle screw implanted with respect to a second adjacent spinal vertebra, said dynamic stabilization device including a flexible elongate element that defines an extension region that is bounded by (i) an attachment member mounted with respect to the first pedicle screw, and (ii) an abutment member mounted with respect to a free end of the flexible elongate element,
- wherein said dynamic stabilization device includes a first dynamic element mounted with respect to said flexible elongate element between said first and second pedicle screws and a second dynamic element mounted with respect to said flexible elongate element in the extension region;
- wherein said flexible elongate element extends through an aperture defined by the attachment member mounted with respect to the first pedicle screw;
- and
- wherein said flexible elongate element provides tensile force to the dynamic stabilization device and flexible guidance to the first dynamic element and the second dynamic element without imparting torsional force with respect to the adjacent spinal vertebrae.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.