Odontoid bullet

Abstract

Cervical fixation devices, systems and methods for repairing odontoid fractures to the C2 vertebral body, including an anchoring feature that crosses the fracture site to be positioned external to the fractured bone fragment and which provides compressive and radial forces externally to the bone to immobilize the bone fragment(s) for fixation to the main bone structure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 199,961 entitled “ODONTOID BULLET,” filed Jul. 31, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates generally to fixation and anchoring systems for surgical applications and, in particular, relates to an adjustable retaining system for anchoring bone fragments in spine surgery.BACKGROUND[0003]In order to effect natural healing of a fractured bone, the fractured portions of the bone must generally be kept together for a lengthy period of time in order to permit the recalcification and bonding of the fractured portions to the remaining bone. In many cases, adjoining portions of a fractured bone can be repositioned and maintained in an adjacent relationship (to allow healing of the bone) by being clamped together or otherwise attached to one another by means of a pin or a s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods for treating odontoid fractures of the cervical spine. Specifically, a flexible tension member can be utilized in combination with a distal rotating anchor block or "bullet” type fastener and proximal anchor button to desirably compressively secure an odontoid fragment to the remaining bone of the C2 cervical bone. The invention allows for the fixation of odontoid fragments in a desired fashion and applying compressive and / or radial forces across the fracture site. The bullet device can be removed from the anatomy after healing of the injury has occurred. The disclosed devices, systems, and components can be utilized with virtually all manner of odontoid fractures types.

Problems solved by technology

In various areas of the body, such as in the cranium or spinal bones, fracture fixation can often experience a host of special problems and concerns due to the location of the bones, blood vessels, the spinal cord and other nerve tissues (and other anatomy) as well as the significant impact any injury can have on the patient, their rehabilitation and resulting quality of life issues.

These issues can be further impacted by a physician's desire to remove fixation hardware after healing of the underlying anatomy has occurred, where the design of the fixation device and intervening scar tissue formation can potentially complicate and / or obviate subsequent removal of the device.

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