Mounting for retaining reference frame during surgical procedure

Abstract

A mount for retaining a reference frame during a surgical procedure. The mount includes a reference frame connector at a first end of the mount. A handle connector is located at the second end of the mount. The handle connector is configured to receive a head of a handle within the handle connector. The handle connector includes a set screw movable to contact the head to lock the handle connector to the head of the handle. A support bar extends between the reference frame connector and the handle connector.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 342,325, filed May 16, 2022. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a mount for holding a reference frame during a surgical procedure. Background Art

[0004] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] When operating on pediatric patients with deformities such as scoliosis, it is often the case that the pedicles of the vertebral bodies are small, non-existent, or of poor bone quality. Such patients are often treated using surgical navigation techniques that rely on placing a reference frame in the surgical field by mounting the reference frame to the pedicles with a clamp. If the surgeon is unable to use a spinal clamp due to insufficient bone structure, the reference frame must be attached in a different manner. The present disclosure advantageously includes a mount for holding a reference frame during surgery that addresses various needs in the art as explained herein and as will be known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0006] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a mounting member for holding a reference frame during a surgical procedure. The mounting member includes a reference frame connector located at a first end of the mounting member. A handle connector is located at a second end of the mounting member. The handle connector is configured to receive a head of the handle within the handle connector. The handle connector includes a set screw that is movable to contact the head to lock the handle connector to the head of the handle. A support rod extends between the reference frame connector and the handle connector.

[0008] The present disclosure further provides a mounting member for holding a reference frame during a surgical procedure. The mounting member includes a reference frame connector located at a first end of the mounting member. A handle connector is located at a second end of the mounting member. The handle connector has a body defining a receptacle, a distal opening, and a side window adjacent to the distal opening configured to receive a head of the handle. A support rod extends between the reference frame connector and the handle connector.

[0009] The present disclosure also provides a method for performing a navigational surgical procedure. The method includes the following items: fixing a handle to a bone; connecting a mount holding a reference frame to the handle by sliding a handle connector of the mount onto the head of the handle so that the head passes through a side window defined by the body of the handle connector and enters a receptacle defined by the body; tightening a set screw of the handle connector so that the set screw contacts the head of the handle to apply pressure to the head and fix the head in the receptacle; using the reference frame during the navigational surgical procedure; after the use of the reference frame has ended, removing the mount from the handle; and after the mount has been removed from the handle, attaching a bracket to the handle, the bracket being configured to couple with an implant.

[0010] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mount for holding a reference frame during a surgical procedure in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the mounting member;

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the mounting parts;

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a shank connector of a mounting member;

[0016] Figure 5 is used with Figure 1 A perspective view of an alternative set screw that engages the shank connector of the mounting member;

[0017] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary handle, Figure 1 The handle connector of the mounting member is configured to mate with the handle;

[0018] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a stem connector of a stem mating with a bone and a mounting member mating with a head of the stem;

[0019] Figure 8is a perspective view of a mount having a reference frame mounted thereto, the mount connected to a stem that engages a bone of a spine;

[0020] Fig. 9 showing a handle with a bracket disposed thereon and a fastener configured to cooperate with the bracket; and

[0021] Fig.10 is a plan view of a spine and a pair of support rods and a cross connector mounted on the spine with a plurality of handles and brackets.

[0022] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Initial reference Figures 1 to 3 , shows a mount 10 according to the present disclosure. The mount 10 is configured to mount any suitable reference frame relative to the anatomy during a surgical procedure using surgical navigation techniques. Figure 8 An exemplary reference frame 210 is shown. The mount 10 may also be used to mount any other suitable reference frame or other tracking device. For example, the mount 10 may be used with any of the surgical navigation devices and systems described in the following references: U.S. Pat. Nos. RE44,305, 7,697,972, 8,644,907, and 8,842,893; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0199072, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0025] The mount 10 generally includes a reference frame connector 12, a handle connector 14, and a support rod 16 extending between the reference frame connector 12 and the handle connector 14. The support rod 16 may have any suitable shape to support the reference frame 210 in a desired position relative to the handle connector 14 and the anatomical structure to which the mount 10 is mounted.

[0026] Reference frame connector 12 may have any suitable configuration for connecting mount 10 to reference frame 210 or any other suitable reference frame or tracking device. In the example shown, reference frame connector 12 includes a knob 20 having a shaft 22 extending therefrom. Shaft 22 includes a plurality of threads 24 configured to mate with threads of reference frame 210 or an associated bracket. A plurality of teeth 26 are configured to mate with corresponding teeth of reference frame 210 (or an associated bracket) to allow reference frame 210 to be supported in a variety of different rotational positions relative to reference frame connector 12. With particular reference to Figure 3, the reference frame connector 12 includes a housing 28 that defines a first aperture 30 and a second aperture 32. The shaft 22 extends through the first aperture 30 such that the knob 20 and the threads 24 are located on opposite sides of the housing 28. Disposed on the shaft 22 are a first washer 34 and a second washer 36. The support rod 16 is secured within the second aperture 32. Alternatively, the support rod 16 and the housing 28 may be integral, such as in the form of a single unitary structure.

[0027] In the illustrated example, the support rod 16 includes a first portion 40, a second portion 42, and an elbow 44 located between the first portion 40 and the second portion 42. The first portion 40 extends from the housing 28 of the reference frame connector 12. The second portion 42 extends from the handle connector 14, as described in further detail herein. The elbow 44 can be curved or angled to arrange the first portion 40 and the second portion 42 at any suitable angle relative to each other. The elbow 44 is optional, and thus in some applications, the support rod 16 can be linear.

[0028] Continue to refer Figures 1 to 3 And also refer to Figure 4 , the handle connector 14 will now be described in more detail. The handle connector 14 includes a body 50 having a proximal end 52 and a distal end 54 opposite the proximal end 52. A longitudinal axis A extends through the body 50 and through the center of the proximal end 52 and the center of the distal end 54.

[0029] At the distal end 54 is a distal opening 60. The distal opening 60 provides access to a receptacle 62 defined by the body 50. The distal opening 60 is defined by a flange 64 that is generally c-shaped and extends around less than the entire distal opening 60. The body 50 also defines a window 66 located at a side of the body 50 adjacent the flange 64 and the distal opening 60. The window 66 provides access to the receptacle 62 from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. At the window 66 is a recess 68 that is adjacent the flange 64.

[0030] The body 50 further defines a pin hole 70. The pin hole 70 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the body 50 and is offset from the longitudinal axis A. The pin hole 70 is configured to receive a pin 72 (see Figure 3 ) for retaining the set screw 90 within the body 50, as further described herein.

[0031] Adjacent to the body 50 is a side body 80 of the handle connector 14. The side body 80 extends along a longitudinal axis B that is parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the body 50. The side body 80 cooperates with the support rod 16 in any suitable manner. For example, the side body 80 may define a receptacle that receives the second portion 42 of the support rod 16. Alternatively, the second portion 42 may be integral with the side body 80 and be integral therewith.

[0032] The set screw 90 includes a head 92 and a base end 94 opposite the head 92. Distal threads 96 are adjacent to the head 92, and proximal threads 98 are adjacent to the base end 94. Between the distal threads 96 and the proximal threads 98 is an outer surface 110 without threads. The set screw 90 is retained within the body 50 by the pin 72, which seats against the outer surface 110 between the distal threads 96 and the proximal threads 98 when the set screw 90 is seated within the body 50. The set screw 90 can be screwed into the body 50 until the pin 72 contacts the proximal threads 98, and the set screw 90 can be rotated in the opposite direction to move the head 92 away from the distal end 54 until the pin contacts the distal threads 96.

[0033] The distal threads 96 and the proximal threads 98 cooperate with the internal threads of the body 50. Thus, rotation of the set screw 90 in a first direction moves the set screw 90 along the longitudinal axis A toward the distal end 54 of the body 50. Rotation of the set screw 90 in the opposite direction moves the set screw 90 along the longitudinal axis A toward the proximal end 52 of the body 50. The base end 94 may include a plurality of flat surfaces to facilitate engagement between the base end 94 and any suitable tool for rotating the set screw 90. The flat surfaces may also facilitate manual rotation of the set screw 90.

[0034] Figure 5 Another set screw according to the present disclosure is shown at 90'. Set screw 90' is similar to set screw 90, so similar features are present in Figure 5 The same reference numerals are used to identify the set screw 90 , but also include an angular separator (′). The description of set screw 90 also applies to set screw 90 ′, except that head 92 ′ is flat, as opposed to rounded head 92 .

[0035] Figure 6 An exemplary handle (or screw) 120 configured to mate with the handle connector 14 is shown. The handle 120 can be any handle, screw, or fastener suitable for attachment to a bone. In the illustrated example, the handle 120 includes a head 122 and a tip 124. Between the head 122 and the tip 124 are a plurality of threads 126. The head 122 defines a receptacle 128 for mating with a fastener, as further explained herein. The head 122 is configured to mate with the body 50 of the handle connector 14 in any suitable manner.

[0036] Figure 7 The handle 120 is shown being screwed into a bone 150. The bone 150 may be any suitable bone of the patient, such as a vertebra of a spine 152. The mount 10 is connected to the handle 120 by coupling the handle connector 14 to the head 122 of the handle 120. Specifically, after the handle 120 is secured to the bone 150, the body 50 of the handle connector 14 is slid over the head 122 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the body 50 so that the head 122 enters the receptacle 62 through the side window 66. The window 66 allows the body 50 to slide laterally onto the head 122 of the handle 120, which advantageously gives the surgeon more room to work along the midline of the spine 152. A flange 64 is disposed on the underside of the head 122 to limit movement of the body 50 vertically away from the head 122. With the head 122 seated in the receptacle 62, the set screw 90 / 90' is rotated and tightened to move the head 92 (or the head 92' when the set screw 90' is used) into engagement with the head 122 of the handle 120, which further strengthens the engagement between the handle connector 14 and the handle 120.

[0037] Figure 8 A mount 10 is shown for supporting a reference frame 210 during a spinal procedure. The mount 10 is connected to a handle 120 that has been inserted into a bone 150, such as a vertebral body, of a spine 152. The mount 10 may be oriented in any suitable position to optimally position the reference frame 210 for a navigation procedure.

[0038] Once the reference frame 210 is no longer needed, the mount 10 is disconnected from the handle 120. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , a bracket 160 (such as a tulip-shaped head bracket) is connected to the head 122 of the handle 120 by sliding the bracket 160 laterally onto the head 122. Fig.10 A plurality of handles 120 are shown secured to different bones of the spine 152. Each of the handles 120 has a tulip-shaped head bracket 160 connected thereto. The tulip-shaped head bracket 160 is configured to receive an alignment / reinforcement rod 180 within its U-shaped portion 162. The rod 180 is secured in place by screwing a fastener 170 onto the rod 180. The fastener 170 includes a head 172 and threads 174. The threads 174 are configured to cooperate with the internal threads of the tulip-shaped head bracket 160 to lock the rod 180 in place. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , connectors 182 may be coupled to adjacent rods 180 and extend between adjacent rods to further strengthen the assembly.

[0039] The mount 10 is suitable for any relevant surgical procedure, such as but not limited to pediatric patients with scoliosis or other spinal problems. The mount 10 is particularly configured for patients with degenerated or absent sinus processes. The mount 10 is also suitable for initial or revision surgical procedures.

[0040] For the purpose of illustration and description, the foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable and may also be used in selected embodiments, where applicable, even if not specifically shown or described. The same element or feature may be varied in a variety of ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] Exemplary embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Many specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0042] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific example embodiments, and are not intended to be restrictive. As used herein, the singular forms "one", "an", and "said" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "including" and "having" are inclusive, and therefore specify the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as requiring their execution in the specific order discussed or shown, unless clearly determined as an execution order. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps can be adopted.

[0043] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," or "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly engaged to, connected to, or coupled to, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to," another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.) should be interpreted in a similar manner. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0044] Although the term first, second, third etc. can be used in the text to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part. Unless the context clearly indicates, the terms used herein such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the exemplary embodiment, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0045] Spatially relative terms such as "inside", "outside", "below", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship between one element or feature shown in the figure and another element or feature. Spatially relative terms may also be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, the elements described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will then be oriented to be "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the example term "below" can cover both the above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

Claims

1. A mount for holding a reference frame during a surgical procedure, the mount comprising: a reference frame connector located at a first end of the mount; a handle connector at the second end of the mount, the handle connector being configured to receive a head of a handle within the handle connector, the handle connector including a set screw movable to contact the head to lock the handle connector to the head of the handle; and A support rod extends between the reference frame connector and the handle connector.

2. The mount of claim 1, wherein the reference frame connector comprises a knob, a threaded shaft extending from the knob, and a plurality of teeth extending around the threaded shaft.

3. The mounting member of claim 1, wherein the support rod comprises a first portion extending from the reference frame connector, a second portion extending from the handle connector, and an elbow portion between the first portion and the second portion.

4. The mount of claim 3, wherein the first portion is angled relative to the second portion.

5. The mounting member of claim 1, wherein the handle connector comprises a body having a proximal end and a distal end, at which the body defines a distal opening, and the set screw extends through the proximal end into the body.

6. The mount of claim 5, wherein the body further defines a side window adjacent the distal end, at the side window is a recess adjacent the flange at the distal end.

7. The mount of claim 6, wherein the side window is configured to receive the head of the handle by sliding the body over the head in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis extending through the body.

8. The mount of claim 1, wherein the handle connector comprises: a body defining a receptacle configured to receive the head of the handle; and A side body is connected to the support rod, and the side body is offset from the main body.

9. The mount of claim 1, wherein the set screw extends along a longitudinal axis of the body of the shank connector.

10. The mount of claim 9, wherein the longitudinal axis extends parallel to a portion of the support rod connected to the handle connector.

11. The mount of claim 1 , wherein the set screw includes a rounded head.

12. The mount of claim 1, wherein the set screw includes a flat head.

13. A mounting according to claim 1, wherein the handle connector includes a body, the body defining a pin hole extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body and offset from the longitudinal axis of the body, the pin hole being configured to receive a pin, the pin hole being positioned to guide the pin to cooperate with the locking screw to retain the locking screw within the body.

14. A mount for holding a reference frame during a surgical procedure, the mount comprising: a reference frame connector located at a first end of the mount; a handle connector located at the second end of the mount, the handle connector including a body defining a receptacle, a distal opening, and a side window adjacent the distal opening configured to receive a head of a handle; and A support rod extends between the reference frame connector and the handle connector.

15. The mount of claim 14, further comprising a set screw disposed in the body, the set screw being movable along the longitudinal axis of the body to contact the head of the handle to lock the head within the receptacle of the handle connector.

16. The mount of claim 15, wherein the body includes a proximal end and a distal end at the distal opening, the longitudinal axis of the body extending through a radial center of the set screw between the proximal and distal ends.

17. The mount of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of the support rod extends parallel to the longitudinal axis.

18. A method for performing a navigated surgical procedure, the method comprising: securing the stem to the bone; connecting a mount holding a reference frame to the handle by sliding a handle connector of the mount over a head of the handle so that the head passes through a side window defined by a body of the handle connector and into a receptacle defined by the body; tightening a set screw of the handle connector so that the set screw contacts the head of the handle to apply pressure to the head and secure the head in the receptacle; using said reference frame during said navigated surgical procedure; After use of the reference frame has ended, detaching the mounting from the handle; as well as After the mount has been detached from the handle, a bracket is attached to the handle, the bracket being configured to couple with an implant.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising securing the implant to the support, wherein the implant is a spinal rod.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein removing the mount from the shank comprises loosening the set screw from the head of the shank.

Images