Revision connector for spinal constructs

Abstract

An extender system is configured to couple a vertebral bone anchor that has been previously implanted in a vertebra, or is newly implantable in a vertebra, to an adjacent bone, which can be an additional spinal level or an occiput, for example. The extender system includes an extension member having a body and an engagement member coupled to the body. The extension member defines an aperture extending through the engagement member. A screw is configured to attach the extension member to the vertebral bone anchor. The extension member can be fastened to the adjacent bone.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 187902, filed June 17, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if in their entirety explained in this article. technical field [0003] The present invention relates generally to orthopedics, and more particularly to implants and methods for extending an existing posterior vertebral screw assembly to an additional stage. Background technique [0004] Existing options for modifying and / or extending posterior vertebral screw and rod structures in a patient are limited. Patients who have had previous spinal surgery often develop adjacent vertebral level disorders, which often cause pain and require additional surgery. Such additional spinal surgery typically entails extending existing hardware structures by one or more additional vertebral levels. In this case, the surgeon must decide whether he can 1) extend t...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the problem is that this technique may interfere with some previously asymptomatic levels of the spine and thus cause pain that was not previously present.

Options for adding and replacing hardware are time-consuming, especially if the surgeon is unfamiliar with the patient's existing hardware

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