US 9,801,663 B2 · Flexible spine components

Abstract

An improved flexible component used for dynamic stabilization of spinal segments for the treatment of vertebrae deformities and injuries and for the replacement of a complete or segment of the body of a vertebra in the spine is described. The flexible component is comprised of a solid, suitable implant material with a longitudinal bore the entire length and an appropriately formed slot which extends spirally around the shaft either continuously or segmentally. The flexible component may be encapsulated, fully or partially, in a suitable implant grade elastomeric resilient material. When used for a dynamic stabilization device, the component is attached to the vertebral bodies by pedicle screws know to those in the art. When used as a vertebral replacement device, attached to the component's opposite ends are members for attachment to the adjacent vertebra that allow for height and angular adjustment.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A spine stabilization system for attachment to vertebral bodies to restore or maintain vertebral motion and provide support to the spinal column comprising an elongated spinal element being:

a. a tube, said tube having a hollow inside core forming an inner diameter, and an exterior wall forming an exterior diameter, said tube having
i. a distal attachment end;
ii. proximal attachment end;
and
iii. at least one flexible center section, said center section being positioned between said distal end and said proximal end, each of said at least one flexible center section having at least one slot with a width of about 0.075 inch to about 0.15 inch extending into said inside core in a serpentine pattern along a helical path at an angle from about 5 degrees to about 20 degrees, along said center section, said serpentine path forming a plurality of interlocking teeth around said each of said at least one flexible center section,
b. at least two attachment members, said at least two attachment members affixing at least said proximal attachment end and said distal attachment end.

3 more elements

A spine stabilization system for attachment to vertebral bodies to restore or maintain vertebral motion and provide support to the spinal column comprising an elongated spinal element being:

a. a tube, said tube said tube having a hollow inside core forming an inner diameter and an exterior wail forming an exterior diameter, said inner diameter ranging from about 15% to about 85% of said exterior diameter and having
i. a distal attachment end;
ii. a proximal attachment end;
and
iii. at least one flexible center section, said center section being positioned between said distal end and said proximal end, each of said at least one flexible center section having at least one slot extending in a generally helical path around and along said each of said at least one flexible center section, said slot has a width of about 2.5% to 20% of the diameter of said spinal element, said helical path has an angle from about 5 degrees to about 20 degrees and has a ratio of amplitude of to pitch in the range of from greater than about 0.1 to about 0.8
b. at least two attachment members, a first of said at least two attachment members affixing to said proximal attachment end and a second of said at least two attachment members affixing to said distal attachment end.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Flexible spine components

Life of this patent

Flexible spine components

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18