Vertebral stabilization assembly and method

Abstract

A vertebral stabilization assembly for stabilizing vertebrae is provided. The vertebral stabilization assembly includes a first and a second pedicle screw, a first and second connecting screw, and a connecting member. The first and second pedicle screws each have a shaft provided with a threaded portion operable for threading engagement of the first and second pedicle screws with a first and second vertebra, respectively, each shaft also has an engaging portion. The first and second connecting screws each have a first end adapted to be received by the engaging portions of the first and second pedicle screws, respectively. The connecting member has a first end connected to the first connecting screw and a second end connected to the second connecting screw for stabilization of the first and second vertebra. A guide member for placement of the connecting screw and method for anteriorly stabilizing vertebrae is also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 120, this divisional application claims priority from, and hereby incorporates by reference for all purposes, copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 109,172, entitled Vertebral Stabilization Assembly and Method, naming Paul A. Vaughan as inventor, filed Mar. 28, 2002, which, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 327,118, entitled Vertebral Stabilization Assembly and Method, filed Oct. 3, 2001, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 350,259, entitled Vertebral Stabilization Assembly and Method Having a Modified Pedicle Screw, filed Nov. 2, 2001, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 331,857 entitled Vertebral Stabilization Assembly and Method for Anterior Placement, filed Nov. 20, 2001, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 353,691, entitled Vertebral Stabilization Assembly and Method Having Dual Pedicle Screws, filed Jan. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a vertebral stabilization assembly for stabilizing vertebrae. The assembly includes a first and second pedicle screws, a first and second connecting screw, and a connecting member. The first and second pedicle screws have shafts with threaded portions for engagement with the vertebrae. The first and second connecting screws have engaging portions for connection with the connecting member. The assembly also includes a bore screw for creating a bore opening in the vertebra. The assembly helps stabilize the spine and can be used in spinal surgery procedures."

Problems solved by technology

Spinal problems may be caused by a trauma to the spine received during an accident, excessive strain or stress on the spine from physical activities, a sedentary lifestyle and poor posture that may place abnormal pressure on the spine, disease or a variety of other reasons.

However, posterior fusion requires large posterior muscle dissection to safely implant the pedicle screws and provide for placement of the plate.

Such major muscle damage presents a danger to the patient during surgery from infection and the extensive muscle damage.

Also, additional time is required to perform both extensive anterior and posterior surgical portions.

The added surgical time presents another risk to the patient.

Although anterior fusion avoids the problems associated with the larger posterior fusion, additional problems arise.

Lateral placement requires a significantly more invasive procedure and much greater exposure.

Also, screws anchored laterally through the anterior of the vertebra do not provide the stability of those extending posteriorly through the pedicle and into the vertebral body.

Furthermore, anteriorly-anchored screws do not promote quick and uniform fusion of the bone graft to the vertebra since they do not have the stability of the pedicle fixation.

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