Rod reducer instruments and methods

Abstract

Rod reducers for use in orthopedic surgery are disclosed that include a fastener engaging member and a reducing member coupled together by an actuator assembly. The fastener engaging member can be secured to a fastener engaged to bone or tissue of the patient. The actuator assembly moves the reducing member such that its distal end contacts a rod and moves it toward the fastener.

Description

[0001]This application is a reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 6,440,133 B1, issued on Aug. 27, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth herein. U.S. Pat. No. 6,440,133 B1 matured from U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 898,626, filed Jul. 3, 2001.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention concerns surgical instrumentation for moving one part of a surgical implant into adjacent position or contact with another. In particular, the invention contemplates rod reducer instruments for use in placing or moving an orthopedic rod toward a bone fixation element.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]In the field of orthopedic surgery, and particularly spinal surgery, it is well known to correct an injury, malformation, or other defect by use of an implanted rod affixed to the body part to be corrected. For example, rod systems have been developed for correcting the positioning of and stabilizing the spine, and for facilitating fusion at various levels of the spine. In one such...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention introduces instruments that make rod reduction during orthopedic surgery simpler and more efficient. These instruments eliminate the need for manual force to position the rod, and also facilitate the attachment of the rod to the fastener. This innovation can be used in both open and minimally invasive procedures.

Problems solved by technology

However, such access can be difficult depending on such factors as the malformation to be corrected and the overall physiology of the patient, and can be very difficult in procedures in which surgical invasiveness is to be minimized, as a result of the small ports or incisions of such procedures.

Additionally, with use of mono-axial screws, the physiology of the patient can require that the screw be placed at an angle such that the surgeon would have difficulty accessing and exerting force in the necessary orientation on the rod and / or fixation element.

Consequently, the surgeon is still frequently faced with the task of reducing a rod from an awkward angle.

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