Spinal surgery system and method

Abstract

Apparatus and method for minimally invasive spinal surgery employs an elongated flexible guide element inserted so as to pass in through a first lateral posterior incision, through the spinal column anterior to the spinal cord, and out through a second lateral posterior incision contralateral to said first incision. The guide element is used to guide various elements to a desired position within the spinal column as part of the surgical procedure. Preferably, two hollow rigid tubes rigidly coupled outside the body in converging relation are used to define a working gap within the spinal column through which the guide element passes. This provides a platform for manipulation of tissues and introduction of implants anterior to the spinal cord. Procedures described include reinforcement of a degenerative intervertebral disc and restoration of a damaged vertebral body.

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to spinal surgery and, in particular, it concerns a system and method for performing various minimally invasive spinal surgical procedures. [0002] The past several years have witnessed a multitude of novel ideas and techniques for improved care for patients with spinal conditions. Some of these advances have improved the quality of life of patients suffering from degenerative disk disease with disabling low back pain. The current trend is towards less invasive approaches with less iatrogenic soft-tissue morbidity, as compared to traditional procedures with or without fusion of vertebral bones. [0003] Despite a wide range of procedures performed today as minimally invasive spinal surgery (“MISS”) procedures, there remain fundamental limitations to the available options in a number of respects. Firstly, while a posterior approach is preferred for minimizing iatrogenic soft-tissue morbidity, it has been found di...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0052] There is also provided, according to the teachings of the present invention, a method for restoration of a damaged vertebral body, the method comprising the steps of: (a) employing a directional tissue compression device to apply pressure to a transverse slice of tissue within the vertebral body so as to form a cavity; (b) introducing into the cavity an expandably fillable element and partially inflating the expandably fillable element with a filling material so as to deploy t

Problems solved by technology

Despite a wide range of procedures performed today as minimally invasive spinal surgery (“MISS”) procedures, there remain fundamental limitations to the available options in a number of respects.

Firstly, while a posterior approach is preferred for minimizing iatrogenic soft-tissue morbidity, it h

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