Apparatus and methods for vertebral augmentation using linked expandable bodies

Abstract

Implants and methods for osteopathic augmentation and repositioning of vertebrae may comprise a chain having one or more beads or bodies configured for insertion into a vertebral body. The one or more bodies may be expandable. As the chain is inserted into the vertebral body, it may fill a central portion thereof and can push against the inner sides of the endplates of the vertebral body, thereby providing structural support and tending to restore the vertebral body to its original height. The one or more bodies may have a first configuration dimensioned to pass through a catheter or other introducer, and may expand to a second, larger configuration after insertion into the bone in order to secure the chain within the bone.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60 / 725,773 filed Oct. 12, 2005; 60 / 715,188 filed Sep. 8, 2005; 60 / 728,442 filed Oct. 19, 2005; 60 / 730,909 filed Oct. 27, 2005; 60 / 733,026 filed Nov. 3, 2005; 60 / 722,064 filed Sep. 28, 2005; 60 / 726,835 filed Oct. 13, 2005; 60 / 733,647 filed Nov. 4, 2005; 60 / 753,782 filed Dec. 23, 2005; 60 / 789,956 filed Apr. 5, 2006; and 60 / 748,377 filed Dec. 8, 2005, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 471,169 filed on Jun. 19, 2006.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to surgical implants, and more particularly to minimally invasive apparatus and methods for augmenting and / or repositioning vertebrae and restoring of spinal lordosis. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Vertebral compression fractures, as illustrated in FIG. 1, represent a generally common spinal injury and may result in prolonged disability. These fractures involve collapsing of one or more vert...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017] The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for vertebral augmentation, preferably minimally invasive vertebral augmentation, and repositioning of vertebral bodies. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an implant and method for correction of vertebral fractures and other disorders of the spine. For example, a chain of linked bodies may be inserted into a vertebral body damaged by a vertebral compression fracture. As linked bodies are inserted into a vertebral body, they may fill a central portion of the vertebral body and may push against the inner sides of the endplates of the vertebral body, thereby providing structural support and tending to restore the vertebra to its original height. Additionally, the flexibility of the chain between the linked bodies may lead to a thorough integration of the implant into the bone. The chain may comprise one or more linked bodies that are configured to expand after insertion, e.g., to secure the chain within the vertebral body.

Problems solved by technology

Vertebral compression fractures, as illustrated in FIG. 1, represent a generally common spinal injury and may result in prolonged disability.

Until recently, doctors were limited in how they could treat such compression fractures and related deformities.

However, this procedure may not reposition the fractured bone and therefore may not address the problem of spinal deformity due to the fracture.

Moreover, this procedure requires high-pressure cement injection using low-viscosity cement, and may lead to cement leaks in 30-80% of procedures, according to recent studies.

In rare cases, however, polymethymethacrylate or other cement leaks into the spinal canal or the perivertebral venous system and causes pulmonary embolism, resulting in death of the patient.

Disadvantages of this procedure include the high cost, the repositioning of the endplates of the vertebral body may be lost after the removal of the balloon catheter, and the possible perforation of the vertebral endplates during the procedure.

Such a cement leak may occur through the low resistance veins of the vertebral body or through a crack in the bone which has not been appreciated previously.

The cement may be forced into the low resistance venous system and travel to the lungs or brain resulting in a pulmonary embolism or stroke.

One drawback of this system, however, is that the mesh implant is not well integrated in the vertebral body.

This can lead to relative motion between the implant and vertebral body, and consequently to a postoperative loss of reposition.

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