Methods and devices for spinal fixation element placement

a technology of spinal fixation and element placement, which is applied in the field of spinal fixation element placement methods and devices, can solve the problems of increasing patient trauma and recovery time, significant damage to surrounding tissue and muscle, and undesired lengthening of surgical procedures

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-10-04
DEPUY SPINE INC (US)
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While this procedure offers advantages over prior art invasive techniques, the transverse introduction of the rod can cause significant damage to surrounding tissue and muscle.
Moreover, the use of three separate access sites can undesirably lengthen the surgical procedure, and increase patient trauma and recovery time.

Method used

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  • Methods and devices for spinal fixation element placement
  • Methods and devices for spinal fixation element placement
  • Methods and devices for spinal fixation element placement

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0024] The present invention provides minimally invasive methods and devices for introducing a spinal fixation element into a surgical site in a patient's spinal column. In general, the method involves positioning a spinal fixation element through openings formed in at least two adjacent percutaneous access devices such that the spinal fixation element extends between the at least two adjacent percutaneous access devices in a lengthwise orientation. The spinal fixation element can then be advanced in a distal direction to seat the spinal fixation element in the receiver heads of the adjacent spinal anchors, or to otherwise position the spinal fixation element in relation to the adjacent spinal anchors. A fastening element or other closure mechanism can optionally be applied to each spinal anchor to engage the spinal fixation element within the receiver heads of the adjacent anchors, or to otherwise directly or indirectly connect the spinal fixation element to the anchors.

[0025] Whi...

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PUM

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Abstract

Minimally invasive methods and devices are provided for positioning a spinal fixation element in relation to adjacent spinal anchors. In an exemplary embodiment, the device is a percutaneous access device that can be coupled to a spinal anchor, and the method includes the step of positioning a spinal fixation element through at least one sidewall opening of at least two percutaneous access devices such that the spinal fixation element extends in a lengthwise orientation that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of each percutaneous access device. The spinal fixation element can then be advanced in the lengthwise orientation to seat the spinal fixation element in or adjacent to the receiver heads of at least two adjacent spinal anchors. A fastening element or other closure mechanism can then be applied to each spinal anchor to engage the spinal fixation element within the receiver heads of the adjacent anchors.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 737,537 filed on Dec. 16, 2003 and entitled “Methods and Devices for Spinal Fixation Element Placement,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This application relates to tools for use in spinal surgery, and in particular to minimally invasive methods and devices for introducing a spinal fixation element to one or more spinal anchor sites within a patient's spine. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] For a number of known reasons, spinal fixation devices are used in orthopedic surgery to align and / or fix a desired relationship between adjacent vertebral bodies. Such devices typically include a spinal fixation element, such as a relatively rigid fixation rod, that is coupled to adjacent vertebrae by attaching the element to various anchoring devices, such as hooks, bolts, wires, or screws. The fixation elements can ha...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A61B17/58A61B17/88A61F2/44
CPCA61B17/7079A61B17/7082A61B17/7002A61B17/7091A61B17/7085
Inventor ANDERSON, DAVID GREGROSS, GEORGE JOSEPH
Owner DEPUY SPINE INC (US)
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