Posterior stabilization systems with shared, dual dampener systems

Abstract

Dynamic posterior stabilization systems and methods of stabilizing vertebrae are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include a first bone fastener configured to couple to a first vertebra, a second bone fastener configured to couple to a second vertebra, and a dampener system attached to the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener. The dampener system may include a first dampener set and a second dampener set. Compression of the first dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener. Compression of the first dampener set and the second dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 975,916 entitled “POSTERIOR STABILIZATION SYSTEMS WITH SHARED, DUAL DAMPENER SYSTEMS” filed on Oct. 22, 2007, which is incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]Embodiments of the invention generally relate to functional spinal implant assemblies for insertion into an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae of a human spine and reconstruction of the posterior elements to provide stability, flexibility, and proper biomechanical motion. More specifically, embodiments relate to spinal stabilization systems that include one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]The human spine is a complex mechanical structure including alternating bony vertebrae and fibrocartilaginous discs that are connected by strong ligaments and supported by musculature that extends from the skull to the pelvis and provides axi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent text describes a system for stabilizing the spine by using bone fasteners and a dampener system. The dampener system includes two sets of dampeners that compress when the fasteners move towards each other or away from each other. This compression provides resistance to movement of the spine. The system can also include a dynamic interbody device to further stabilize the spine. The technical effect of this system is improved stability and resistance to movement of the spine."

Problems solved by technology

Genetic or developmental irregularities, trauma, chronic stress, and degenerative wear can result in spinal pathologies for which surgical intervention may be necessary.

Fusing two vertebrae together results in some loss of motion.

Fusing two vertebrae together may also result in the placement of additional stress on one or more adjacent functional spinal units.

The additional stress may cause deterioration of an adjacent functional spinal unit that may result in the need for an additional surgical procedure or procedures.

A challenge of positioning a device between adjacent vertebrae using a posterior approach is that a device large enough to contact the end plates and slightly expand the space must be inserted through a limited space.

This challenge is often further heightened by the presence of posterior osteophytes, which may cause “fish mouthing” of the posterior vertebral end plates and result in very limited access to the disc.

A further challenge in degenerative disc spaces is the tendency of the disc space to assume a lenticular shape, which may require a larger implant than can be easily introduced without causing trauma to adjacent nerve roots.

The size of rigid devices that may safely be introduced into the disc space is thereby limited.

The anterior approach poses significant challenges as well.

Though the surgeon may gain very wide access to the interbody space from the anterior approach, this approach has its own set of complications and limitations.

The spine surgeon has extremely limited access to the nerve roots and no ability to access or replace the facet joints.

Injury to the great vessels may result in massive blood loss, postoperative venous stasis, limb loss, or death.

The anterior approach is more difficult in patients with significant obesity and may be virtually impossible in the face of previous retroperitoneal surgery.

Failure to adequately tension the posterior annulus and ligaments increases the risk of device failure and / or migration.

Yet in the process of placing these devices, the ligaments are overstretched while the devices are forced into the disc space under tension.

Over distraction can damage the ligaments and the nerve roots.

The anterior disc replacement devices currently available or in clinical trials may be too large to be placed posteriorly, and may require over distraction during insertion to allow the ligaments to hold them in position.

A facet joint or facet joints of a functional spinal unit may be subjected to deterioration, disease or trauma that requires surgical intervention.

Disc degeneration is often coupled with facet degeneration, so that disc replacement only may not be sufficient treatment for a large group of patients.

The facet replacement devices may be used in conjunction with anterior disc replacement devices, but the facet replacement devices are not designed to provide a common center of rotation with the anterior disc replacement devices.

The use of an anterior disc replacement device that has a fixed center of rotation contrary to the fixed center of rotation of the facet replacement device may restrict or diminish motion and be counterproductive to the intent of the operation.

The shear forces may apply large moments to the pedicle screws through the rods that result in undesired loosening of the pedicle screws.

The width of fusion devices or dynamic devices that are installed using a posterior approach may be limited by the available insertion space and / or the need to limit retraction of neural structures exiting the vertebrae being stabilized.

Subsidence may be due to small contact area between the vertebra and the device and / or by limited or no contact of the device over cortical bone surrounding the end plate of the vertebra.

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