Composite material spinal implant

#The present invention in some embodiments thereof, relates to composite material bone implant devices, for example to spinal devices such as pedicle screw constructs, and/or to manufacturing methods for such devices, and/or to surgical instrumentation and procedures used during implantation and removal of the said composite material bone implants.

#Spinal fusion is a common surgery for the treatment of various spinal pathologies. During a spinal fusion, two or more vertebrae are fused together in order to eliminate abnormal motion caused by various pathologies (e.g., degenerative disc). Supplementary bone tissue, either from the patient or a donor, is used in conjunction with the patient' natural bone growth processes, to fuse the vertebrae.

#Improvements in spinal fusion operations were achieved with the introduction of internal fixation devices, which are used as an adjunct to spinal fusion. The fixation device contributes to the stabilization and immobilization of the treated spinal segment, thereby enhancing fusion and reducing pain. One such device is a construct of pedicle screws and rods: two screws are placed into the pedicles of each treated vertebrae, and rods are used to longitudinally connect the screws, using locking elements.

#Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

#In the drawings:

#FIG. 1 illustrates a pedicle screw construct, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

#The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to composite material bone implant devices; mainly, but not limited to, spinal implants such as a pedicle screw construct, and/or to a kit comprising components of a pedicle screw construct and/or to manufacturing methods for such devices, and/or to tools usable with the construct or components thereof, for example tools used during implantation. More particularly, the invention relates to such devices and methods as applied to implant devices constructed of fiber-reinforced polymer matrices.

#Some embodiments of the invention relate to a pedicle screw construct composed of one or more pedicle screws (e.g., two pedicle screws), one or more rods, holding means, such as a collar configured to couple between the rod and the screw, and locking means, for example in the form of a ring configured to fasten the collar over the rod and/or screw. In some embodiments of the invention, the construct is composed of at least four pedicle screws, placed within the pedicles of at least two vertebrae; two rods, connecting said screws along the long axis of the spine; and means to secure the pedicle screws and rods together. In some embodiments, a kit comprising one or more components of the construct is provided, for example including four pedicle screws, two rods, and four locking means, each locking mean including, for example, a collar configured to receive the rod and optionally at least a portion of the screw, and a locking ring positionable over at least a part of the collar. In some embodiments, the kit components are assembled by a physician, before and/or during operation. In some embodiments, components of the construct are assembled externally to the body, for example two or more collars are positioned on the rod prior to insertion into the body. Additionally or alternatively, components are assembled inside the body, for example the collar is positioned over the screw. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, components of the construct such as adapters and/or ring configured on a screw, are assembled during manufacturing.

#An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to coupling a pedicle screw to a rod using a collar, and restraining movement of the rod by radial compression of said collar. In some embodiments, radial compression is applied by elevating a ring over the collar, approximating portions of the collar towards each other to squeeze the rod in between. In some embodiments, one or more components of the collar such as the ring, collar, screw, and/or rod are formed of a reinforced composite material. Optionally, the composite material is elastic enough to allow for a slight deformation of material during locking of the construct, to obtain a closer fit of the collar over the rod and/or over a head of the screw. In some embodiments, the collar comprises an integrated top portion which encircles the rod, the closed top portion effective to transfer and distribute forces, such as forces applied to a more distal portion of the collar, for example radial compression force applied by the ring.