Spinal plate system for stabilizing a portion of a spine

Abstract

A spinal plate system that maintains intervertebral spacing and spinal stability is provided. In an embodiment, a spinal compression plate may include two or more plates coupled together form an adjustable-length plate. Compression of a spinal compression plate movement may mimic natural settling of bones in a spine and / or distribute at least a portion of a vertebral load to an implant positioned between two vertebrae. Maintaining at least a portion of the vertebral load on an insert may increase bone growth and increase fusion between an implant and surrounding vertebrae.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001] This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 353,272 entitled "SPINAL PLATE SYSTEM FOR STABILIZING A PORTION OF A SPINE" filed on Feb. 1, 2002.[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] The present invention generally relates to bone fixation systems. An embodiment of the invention relates to a compression plate for a spinal fixation system. The compression plate may be installed using an anterior procedure. The compression plate may be used in conjunction with one or more spinal implants that fuse vertebrae together.[0004] 2. Description of Related Art[0005] An intervertebral disc may be subject to degeneration caused by trauma, disease, and / or aging. A degenerated intervertebral disc may have to be partially or fully removed from a spinal column. Partial or full removal of an intervertebral disc may destabilize a spinal column. Destabilization of a spinal column may alter a natural separation distance between adjacent vertebrae. Mainta...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent text describes a spinal plate system for stabilizing a spine and applying a compressive load to a spinal implant. The system includes a compression plate that can be inserted between vertebrae using an anterior approach. The plate can be used in a spinal fixation procedure to stabilize a spine and restore its natural separation distance between vertebrae. The system also includes fasteners and retainers to secure the plate to the vertebrae. The technical effects of the invention include reducing pain and damage to nerves, preventing backout of the spinal implant, and stabilizing the spine. The spinal plate system can be adjusted to accommodate settling and subsidence of the vertebrae while maintaining a compressive load on the spinal implant. The system can be used in various sizes and can be coupled to vertebrae using openings in the plate."

Problems solved by technology

An intervertebral disc may be subject to degeneration caused by trauma, disease, and / or aging.

Partial or full removal of an intervertebral disc may destabilize a spinal column.

Excessive pressure applied to the nerves may cause pain and / or nerve damage.

Fastening systems may attach a spinal plate to vertebrae without allowing fasteners of the fastening systems to back out from the vertebrae.

In some embodiments, a spinal compression plate may compress longitudinally during use; however, the spinal compression plate may be inhibited from expanding longitudinally during use.

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