Spinal stabilization system and method

a stabilization system and spine technology, applied in the field of medical devices, can solve the problems of pain and/or partial or complete loss of mobility, interbody devices alone may not be able to support a portion of the spine sufficiently, and the insertion of the pedicle screw may require highly invasive surgery
US20030040746A1Inactive Publication Date: 2003-02-27ZIMMER SPINE INC
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
ZIMMER SPINE INC
Publication Date
2003-02-27
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

A spinal stabilization system may include a pair of structural members coupled to at least a portion of a human vertebra with connectors. Connectors may couple structural members to spinous processes. Some embodiments of a spinal stabilization system may include fasteners that couple structural members to vertebrae. In some embodiments, a spinal stabilization system provides three points of fixation for a single vertebral level. A fastener may fixate a facet joint between adjacent vertebrae and couple a stabilization structural member to a vertebra. Connectors may couple the structural members to the spinous processes of the vertebrae. Use of a spinal stabilization system may improve the stability of a weakened or damaged portion of a spine. When used in conjunction with an implant or other device, the spinal stabilization system may immobilize vertebrae and allow for fusion of the implant or other device with vertebrae.
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Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 306,765 entitled "Spinal Stabilization System and Method," filed Jul. 20, 2001. The above-referenced provisional application is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention generally relates to the field of medical devices, and more particularly to a system for stabilizing a portion of a spinal column. In an embodiment, the system joins together adjacent spinous processes to stabilize a portion of a spine.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Spinal instability may result from many factors including trauma or degenerative disorders stemming from injuries and / or aging. In some instances, the effects of spinal instability may result in pain and / or partial or complete loss of mobility.

[0006] Several devices and techniques have been developed to restore stability to the spine. For example, interbody devices may be implan...

Claims

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