Systems, Devices and Methods for the Correction of Spinal Deformities

Abstract

Provided herein are systems, devices and methods for the correction of spinal deformities with the use one or more implantable rods configured to apply a corrective force to the spine. Methods of minimally invasive implantation of a corrective system are provided, such as where the corrective system is attached only to the spinous process of one or more vertebral bodies. Various corrective systems as well as components thereof are also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 178,530, filed Jul. 23, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 656,314, filed Jan. 19, 2007, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The subject matter described herein relates generally to the correction of spinal deformities.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Scoliosis is a disease which deforms the spine affecting more girls than boys and manifesting itself during the teen years when significant growth is experienced. Scoliosis generally combines a horizontal torsion and flexion in a frontal plane and develops in three spatial dimensions. As noted, the disease generally begins with the growth phase as it is hypothesized that this is probably due to the rotation of one or two vertebral bodies.[0004]Sufferers of scoliosis are generally treated initially with a rigid corset-lik...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Spinal fusion can oftentimes largely correct a spinal deformity, but can also result in complications, such as when the patient advances into adult life.

Such an invasive procedure can lead to increased blood loss, generation of scar tissue and induces the risk that the vertebral bodies will auto-fuse.

The '831 patent suggests use of a rigid rod that does not allow a patient to flex or extend post-operatively until the corrective rod is removed requiring additional surgery.

Anchoring to the transverse process is also employed which, again, is a major drawback in performing the techniques suggested in the '175 patent.

Further, this device theoretically overcomes the deformity with constant force applied by pre-curved correction members but this does not allow for resultant changes in the deformity or tissue relaxation.

Because of the use of these pre-curved rods, the technique suggested in the '175 patent may actually result in a final deformity completely opposite to the original deformity due to tissue growth and relaxation.

Furthermore, this device risks alteration of the natural biomechanics of the spine by fixing the distance between points of attachment.

However, the mechanical assembly suggested in the '582 patent is appended to an area on each vertebrae between the spinal process and transverse process, which, again, results in significant invasive surgery, (as discussed earlier) and can result in fusion of vertebral bodies in the to-be corrected region.

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