Rod reducer with cinch lock

Abstract

A rod reducer includes a base frame, a rod engagement anvil, and a tulip head locking assembly. The tulip head locking assembly includes at least one locking finger and a locking finger driver. The at least one locking finger can actuate relative to the base frame between an unlocked position, an intermediate position, and a locked position. The at least one locking finger can selectively attach the rod reducer to a pedicle screw. The locking driver can drive the at least one locking finger between the unlocked position, the locked position, and the at least one intermediate position. The locking finger driver comprises a cinching lock assembly that can both control a locking force generated by the locking finger driver and a inhibit movement of the locking finger driver relative to the base frame while the at least one locking finger driver is in the at least one intermediate position.

Description

ROD REDUCER WITH CINCH LOCKBACKGROUND

[0001] Spinal fixation systems may be used to surgically fix, adjust, and / or align the spinal column. One type of spinal fixation system employs a spinal rod for supporting the spine and fixing, adjusting, and / or aligning all or portions of the spinal column into a desired orientation. Attachment of the spinal rod to the spinal column has been achieved using a variety of vertebral anchors. Pedicle screws have been used successfully as vertebral anchors. Pedicle screws and connectors in combination with spinal rods can align and correct deformities in the natural spinal alignment as well as repair traumatic injury. In general, a pedicle screw has a head with a receiving opening into which a spinal rod can be secured.

[0002] Rod reducers may be used to help temporarily contain a spinal rod received within an opening of the pedicel screw head, thereby inhibiting the spinal rod from inadvertently disassociating with the opening of the pedicel screw head. Further, rod reducers may be used to actuate a spinal rod into suitable engagement with the receiving opening of the pedicle screw head; while also allowing a fixation means (such as a set screw) to access the head of the anchored pedicel screw in order to couple the spinal rod with the head of the anchored pedicel screw.

[0003] While various kinds of rod reducers have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor(s) has made or used the invention described in the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim this technology, it is believed this technology will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:

[0005] FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of an illustrative rod reducer secured to the head of a pedicle screw anchored to the pedicle of a vertebra, where a spinal fixation rod is associated with the head of the pedicle screw, where a rod engagement anvil of the rod reducer is in a proximal position;

[0006] FIG. IB depicts a perspective view of the rod reducer of FIG. 1 A secured to the head of the pedicel screw of FIG. 1A, where the rod engagement anvil of FIG. 1A is in a distal position to thereby force the spinal fixation rod into a rod seat of the pedicel screw head;

[0007] FIG. 2 depicts an exploded perspective view of a base frame and a tulip head locking assembly of the rod reducer of FIG. 1A;

[0008] FIG. 3 depicts a sectional view of the tulip head locking assembly of FIG. 2, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

[0009] FIG. 4A depicts partial cross-sectional view of the rod reducer of FIG. 1 A detached from, yet adjacent to the anchored pedicle screw of FIG. 1A, where the locking assembly of FIG. 2 is in an unlocked configuration;

[0010] FIG. 4B depicts partial cross-sectional view of the rod reducer of FIG. 1A housing a portion of the tulip head of the anchored pedicle screw of FIG. 1 A, where the locking assembly of FIG. 2 is in the unlocked configuration;

[0011] FIG. 4C depicts partial cross-sectional view of the rod reducer of FIG. 1A secured to the tulip head of the anchored pedicle screw of FIG. 1A, where the locking assembly of FIG. 2 is in a locked configuration;

[0012] FIG. 4D depicts partial cross-sectional view of the rod reducer of FIG. 1A secured to the tulip head of the anchored pedicle screw of FIG. 1A, where the locking assembly of FIG. 2 is in the locked configuration, where the rod engagement anvil of FIG. 1A isactuated into the distal position to thereby force a recently inserted spinal fixation rod into the rod seat of the pedicel screw head;

[0013] FIG. 4E depicts cross-sectional view of the rod reducer of FIG. 1A secured to the tulip head of the anchored pedicle screw of FIG. 1A, where the locking assembly of FIG. 2 is in the locked configuration, where the rod engagement anvil of FIG. 1A in the distal position, where a set screw is attached to the tulip head to thereby attach the spinal fixation rod to the tulip head of the anchored pedicle screw;

[0014] FIG. 4F depicts a cross-sectional view of the rod reducer of FIG. 1A housing the tulip head of the anchored pedicle screw of FIG. 1A, where the locking assembly of FIG. 2 is in the unlocked configuration thereby allowing the rod reducer to be detached from the tulip head;

[0015] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of another illustrative rod reducer;

[0016] FIG. 6 depicts an exploded perspective view of a base frame and a tulip head locking assembly of the rod reducer of FIG. 5;

[0017] FIG. 7 depicts a sectional view of the tulip head locking assembly of FIG. 6;

[0018] FIG. 8A depicts a top plan view of the rod reducer of FIG. 5, where the tulip head locking assembly of FIG. 6 is in a fully locked configuration;

[0019] FIG. 8B depicts a top plan view of the rod reducer of FIG. 5, where the tulip head locking assembly of FIG. 6 is in an unlocked configuration;

[0020] FIG. 9A depicts a cross-sectional view, taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 5, of the tulip head locking assembly of FIG. 6, where a cinch lock of the tulip head locking assembly is engaged with a pivoting lever of the tulip head locking assembly, where the pivoting lever is in a first pivotal position associated with the tulip head locking assembly being in the fully locked configuration;

[0021] FIG. 9B depicts a cross-sectional view, taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 5, of the tulip head locking assembly of FIG. 6, where the cinch lock of FIG. 9A is disengaged with thepivoting lever of FIG. 9A, where the pivoting lever is in the first pivotal position associated with the tulip head locking assembly being in the fully locked configuration;

[0022] FIG. 9C depicts a cross-sectional view, taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 5, of the tulip head locking assembly of FIG. 6, where the cinch lock of FIG. 9A is disengaged with the pivoting lever of FIG. 9A, where the pivoting lever is in a second pivotal position associated with the tulip head locking assembly being in the unlocked configuration;

[0023] FIG. 9D depicts a cross-sectional view, taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 5, of the tulip head locking assembly of FIG. 6, where the cinch lock of FIG. 9A is engaged with the pivoting lever of FIG. 9A, where the pivoting lever is in the second pivotal position associated with the tulip head locking assembly being in the unlocked configuration; and

[0024] FIG. 9E depicts a cross-sectional view, taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 5, of the tulip head locking assembly of FIG. 6, where the cinch lock of FIG. 9A is disengaged with the pivoting lever of FIG. 9A such that the pivoting lever may return to the first pivotal position associated with the tulip head locking assembly being in the locked configuration.

[0025] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the technology may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present technology, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the technology; it being understood, however, that this technology is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description of certain examples of the technology should not be used to limit its scope. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the technology. As will be realized, the technology described herein iscapable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the technology. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0027] I. Illustrative Rod Reducer with Cinch Lock

[0028] During a spinal fixation procedure, an array of pedicle screws (100) may be utilized, where each pedicle screw (100) in the array is anchored to a respective vertebra (V). A spinal fixation rod (120) may be attached to each pedicle screw (100) in the array of pedicle screws (100) to thereby anchor multiple vertebras (V) relative to at least a portion of rod (120). Therefore, while the discussion below is directed toward a single rod reducer (200) shown in conjunction with a single pedicle screw (100) coupled to a spinal fixation rod (120), it should be understood that multiple pedicle screws (100) and respective rod reducers (200) may be utilized to set spinal fixation rod (120) along multiple vertebra (V) in order to align and correct deformities in the natural spinal alignment as well as repair traumatic injury.

[0029] In the current example, pedicle screw (100) includes a shank (102) having a thread (104) helically disposed along a suitable length of shank (102), and a tulip head (106) located at the top of shank (102). Shank (102) and thread (104) are configured to be driven into a pedicle (P) of a vertebra (V) of a patient, thereby anchoring pedicle screw (100) to the respective vertebra (V). Shank (102) and thread (104) may have any suitable dimensions and may be formed of any suitable material as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Further, pedicel screw (100) may have any suitable features, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, configured to be driven by a driving tool (e.g., a manual screwdriver, a powered screwdriver, etc.) in order to drive / anchor shank (102) and thread (104) into the pedicel (P) of a vertebra (V).

[0030] As best shown in FIG. 4A, tulip head (106) includes a pair of tulip arms (108) extending away from shank (102). Together, the first and second tulip arm (108) of the pair of tulip arms (108) define a channel which is dimensioned to house a portion of spinal fixation rod (120). Tulip arms (108) are connected to each other at a rod seat (110)of tulip head (106). Rod seat (110) is dimensioned to receive spinal fixation rod (1 10) in accordance with the teachings herein. In the current example, rod seat (110) includes a complementary profile to that of spinal fixation rod (120).

[0031] An interior of each tulip arm (106) defines internal female threading (112) configured to mesh with a set screw (122) (see FIGS. 4E-4F). As will be described in greater detail below, set screw (122) may be threadedly coupled with female threading (112) when spinal fixation rod (120) is suitably housed within the channel defined by tulip arms (108) and rod seat (110) in order to secure spinal fixation rod (120) to pedicel screw (100).

[0032] Additionally, each tulip arm (108) defines a respective engagement pocket (114) disposed on an outer surface of tulip arm (108). As will be described in greater detail below, engagement pockets (114) are dimensioned to receive a portion of a tulip head locking assembly (230) (see FIG. 2) of rod reducer (200) to enable rod reducer (200) to selectively attach to a respective tulip head (106).

[0033] As mentioned above, rod reducers (200) may be used to temporarily contain a spinal rod (120) with an anchored pedicle screw (100), and then drive the spinal rod (120) into suitable engagement with a head (106) of the anchored pedicle screw (100). In some instances, it may be desirable to secure rod reducer (200) the head (106) of an anchored pedicle screw (100), thereby allowing rod reducers (200) to act as a temporary extension of an anchored pedicle screw (100) and also allowing a surgeon to manipulate an anchored pedicle screw (100) by applying leverage, or other suitable forces, to rod reducer (200).

[0034] FIGS. 1A-1B show an illustrative rod reducer (200) used to assist in securing a spinal fixation rod (120) to a pedicle screw (100). Rod reducer (200) includes a base frame (210), a threaded rod (202) threadably coupled to base frame (210), and a tulip head locking assembly (230) configured to selectively secure rod reducer (200) to a tulip head (106) of pedicle screw (100).

[0035] As best shown in FIG. 2, base frame (210) extends between a proximal end (220)and a distal end (222). Base frame (210) includes a pair of longitudinally extending arms (212) that together define a central opening (214). Each longitudinally extending arm (212) also defines a respective longitudinally extending lock finger housing slot (216) and a pair of obliquely oriented camming slots (218) positioned near distal end (222). Obliquely orients camming slots (218) are in communication with a respective lock finger housing slot (216). As will be described in greater detail below, lock finger housing slot (216) is dimensioned to slidably receive a portion of tulip head locking assembly (230); while obliquely oriented camming slots (218) are configured to drive tulip head locking assembly (230) between an unlocked configuration (see FIGS. 4A-4B and 4F) and a locked configuration (see FIGS. 4C-4E) in response to actuation of the portion of tulip head locking assembly (230) housed within longitudinally extending slots (216).

[0036] Each longitudinally extending arm (212) includes a tulip arm support (215) at distal end (222) which is dimensioned to suitably house a portion of tulip head (106) while tulip head locking assembly (230) is secured to tulip head (106). Tulip arm supports (215) suitably engage tulip heads (106) to transfer forces from rod reducer (200) onto a secured pedicel screw (100), thereby allowing a surgeon to manipulate the positioning of spinal fixation systems when rod reducer (200) is selectively attached to an anchored pedicle screw (100) in accordance with the description herein.

[0037] Longitudinally extending arms (212) terminate proximally into a proximal shoulder (225). A sleeve (224) extends proximally from shoulder (225). Sleeve (224) defines a though hole (228) extending from a proximal end of sleeve (224) and through proximal shoulder (225) such that through hole (228) is in communication with central opening (214) defined by longitudinally extending arms (212). Additionally, sleeve (224) includes an internal female threading (226) that threadedly engages threaded rod (202).

[0038] Threaded rod (202) includes a proximal rotary knob (206) that is located proximal to base frame (210). A portion of threaded rod (202) extends longitudinally within central opening (214) defined by frame (210). A user may rotate threaded rod (202) relative tobase frame (210) via proximal rotary knob (206). Due to the threaded relationship between sleeve (224) and threaded rod (202), such rotation of threaded rod (202) relative to base frame (210) longitudinally actuates threaded rod (202) relative to base frame (210). Therefore, a user may rotate threaded rod (202) in a first angular direction about its long axis in order to drive threaded rod (202) distally relative to base frame (210); and also rotate threaded rod in a second, opposite, angular direction about its long axis in order to drive threaded rod (202) proximally relative to base frame (210).

[0039] A pair of laterally presented rod engagement anvils (204) are located at a distal end of threaded rod (202). Laterally presented rod engagement anvils (204) are slidably disposed on an outer surface of tulip arm supports (215). However, a portion of anvils (204) extend laterally inward and are configured to engage spinal fixation rod (120) in accordance with the description herein. Rod engagement anvils (204) are configured to translate with threaded rod (202) relative to base frame (210), but are rotationally constrained relative to base frame (210) about the longitudinal axis of base frame (210). As shown between FIGS. 1A-1B, when rod reducer (200) is suitably coupled to tulip head (106) and spinal fixation rod (120) is located within the confines of tulip arms (108) and tulip arm supports (215) in accordance with the description herein, a user may rotate threaded rod (202) via knob (206) in order to drive translation of anvils (204) distally. The user may rotate threaded rod (202) such that anvils (204) suitably engage and drive spinal fixation rod (120) into suitable alignment with rod seat (110) of tulip head (106).

[0040] While not shown, it should be understood that a user may gradually actuate anvil (204) from the position shown in FIG. 1A to the position shown in FIG. IB with intermediate pauses therebetween. Such intermediate pauses between actuating anvils (204) from the position shown FIG. 1A to the position shown in FIG. IB may allow a surgeon to make gradual adjustments to other rod reducers (200) coupled to other anchored pedicel screws (100), adjust the alignment of a spinal fixation system as a whole, or for any other suitable reasons as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0041] Threaded rod (202) and laterally presented rod engagement anvils (204) define acentral channel (208) that is dimensioned to provide access to the top of tulip head (106) while spinal fixation rods (120) are driven into the channel defined by tulip head (106) via anvil (204). Therefore, once spinal fixation rod (120) is suitably positioned relative to tulip head (106) and ready to be fixed relative to tulip head (106), a surgeon may insert a set screw (122) (see FIGS. 4D-4F) into central channel (208) and suitably attach set screw (122) to tulip head (106) via threading (112).

[0042] As mentioned above, tulip head locking assembly (230) is configured to selectively secure rod reducer (200) to a tulip head (106) of pedicle screw (100). Tulip head locking assembly (230) allows for a user to control the amount of clamping force imparted on tulip head (106), thereby providing a controllable engagement between rod reducer (200) and an anchored pedicle screw (100). Turning to FIG. 2, tulip head locking assembly (230) of the current example includes two locking fingers (232) each terminating distally into a respective inward facing protrusion (234), a camming body (238) associated with a respective locking finger (232), a translating member (240), a rotating body (250), and a cap (260).

[0043] Locking fingers (232) are slidably and pivotally disposed within a respective lock finger housing slot (216) of a corresponding longitudinally extending arm (212) of base frame (210). As will be described in greater detail below, movement of locking fingers (232) relative to a corresponding longitudinally extending arm (212) drives tulip head locking assembly (230) between an unlocked configuration (see FIGS. 4A-4B and 4F) and a locked configuration (see FIGS. 4C-4E). Inward facing protrusion (234) of each locking finger (232) is dimensioned to fit within a respective engagement pocket (114) of tulip head (106) when tulip arm support (215) suitably houses tulip head (106) and tulip head locking assembly (230) is in the locked configuration (see FIGS. 4C-4E). Engagement between inward facing protrusions (234) and the surfaces defining engagement pocket (114) while tulip head locking assembly (230) is in the locked configuration is configured to selectively attach rod reducer (200) with head (106) of pedicle screw (100) such that rod reducer (200) may be utilized in adjust spinal fixationsystem in accordance with the description herein.

[0044] Each locking finger (232) defines a pin hole (236) dimensioned to receive camming body (238). Camming body (238) is housed within pin hole (236) such that camming body (238) actuates with a respective locking finger (232) relative to base frame (210). When suitably assembled, camming body (238) extends through pin hole (236) of a respective locking finger (232) and within obliquely oriented camming slots (218). Engagement between camming body (238) and obliquely oriented camming slots (218) drives locking fingers (232) between the unlocked configuration (see FIGS. 4A-4B and 4F) and the locked configuration (see FIGS. 4C-4E).

[0045] Translating member (240) includes a pair of legs (242) and a threaded top (244) defining a through hole (246). Legs (242) are each attached to threaded top (244). Threaded top (244) includes threading disposed on an outer surface thereof. Each leg (242) is slidably housed within a respective locking finger housing slot (216), while threaded top (244) is slidably attached to proximal sleeve (224) via through hole (246). Therefore, translating member (240) is configured to translate relative to base frame (210). Additionally, each leg (242) of translating member (240) is pivotally attached to a respective locking finger (232) via a pivot (235). Therefore, translation of translating member (240) relative to base frame (210) also drives movement of locking finger (232) relative to base frame (210) in accordance with the description herein. With legs (242) of translating member (240) being slidably housed within locking finger housing slot (216), translating member (240) is inhibited from rotating relative to base frame (210) about the longitudinal axis of base frame (210).

[0046] Rotating body (250) defines a through hole (256). Additionally, rotating body (250) includes internal threading (254) at least partially defining through hole (256). Turning to FIG. 3, internal threading (254) suitably meshes with the threading of threaded top (244). Rotating body (250) is rotatable about the long axis of base frame (210). Additionally, cap (260) is attached to proximal end of rotating body (250) such that rotating body (250) is inhibited from translating relative to base frame (210) along the long axis. In other words, rotating body (250) is configured to rotate about the longaxis of base frame (210), but is inhibited from translating relative to base frame (210) along the long axis. As will be described in greater detail below, rotation of rotating body (250) relative to translating member (240) is configured to drive tulip head locking assembly (230) between the unlocked configuration (see FIGS. 4A-4B and 4F) and the locked configuration (see FIGS. 4C-4E).

[0047] As mentioned above, translating member (240) is inhibited from rotating relative to base frame (210) about the long axis of base frame (210). Therefore, rotation of rotating body (250) about the long axis of base frame (210) drives translation of translating member (240) relative to base frame (210) due to the engagement between threaded top (244) and internal threading (254). As also mentioned above, translating member (240) is attached to locking fingers (232) via pivot (235) such that translation of translating member (240) drives corresponding translation of locking fingers (232). Therefore, rotation of rotating body (250) about the longitudinal axis of base frame (210) drives translation of both translating member (240) and locking fingers (232) relative to base frame (210). In other words, the rotational position of rotating body (250) determines the longitudinal position of translating member (240) and locking fingers (232) relative to base frame (210).

[0048] In the current example, threaded engagement between rotating body (250) and translating member (240) drives translation of translating member (240) in response to rotation of rotating body (250) about the long axis of base frame (210). However, any other suitable means of driving translation of translating member (240) relative to base frame (210) may be utilized as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0049] As shown between FIGS. 4B-4C as well as FIGS. 4E-4F, translation of locking fingers (232) within slot (216) defined by base frame (210) also drives translation of camming body (238) within obliquely oriented camming slots (218). Engagement between camming slots (218) and camming body (238) drives pivotal movement of locking fingers (232) about pivot (235) between the unlocked configuration (see FIGS. 4A-4B and 4F) the fully locked configuration (see FIGS. 4C-4E), and any number ofsuitable positions between the two. Therefore, a user may rotate rotating body (250) in order to change the position of camming body (238) within obliquely oriented camming slots (218), thereby controlling the pivotal position of locking fingers (232) about pivot (235).

[0050] Additionally, it should be understood that a user may control the degree to which obliquely oriented camming slots (218) drives camming body (238) and locking fingers (232) laterally inward or outward relative to base frame (210) (e.g., laterally inward towards the fully locked configuration or laterally outward towards the unlocked configuration). Therefore, if a user desires to increase or decrease the clamping force locking fingers (232) imparts on tulip head (106), the user may adjust the rotational position of rotation body (250) relative to proximal sleeve (224). It should also be understood that a user may release rotating body (250) and rotating body (250) may substantially maintain its rotational position relative to proximal sleeve (224), thereby maintaining the rotational position of locking fingers (232) as well as the clamping force locking fingers (232) impart on tulip head (106).

[0051] Therefore, the user may utilize tulip head locking assembly (230) as a cinching lock assembly, increasing or decreasing the locking force by further rotation of rotating body (250) in accordance with the description herein. In some instances, rotating body (250) may come with a mechanism configured to lock the rotational position of rotating body (250) relative to proximal sleeve (224) to thereby keep locking fingers (232) in the desired locked configuration (e.g., the desired pivotal position relative to legs (242) about pivot (235)). In other instances, the frictional braking force generated by engagement between threading (254) and threaded top (244) may be sufficient to keep locking fingers (232) in the desired locked configuration, even if a user releases rotating body (250), throughout exemplary use in accordance with the description herein.

[0052] FIGS. 4A-4E show an exemplary use of rod reducer (200) in order to suitably attach to a pedicle screw (100), as well as assist in affixing spinal fixation rod (120) to pedicle screw (100). First as shown in FIG. 4 A, tulip arm supports (215) may be suitably aligned with tulip head (106) in preparation of being inserted over tulip head (106) of ananchored pedicle screw (100). At the moment shown in FIG. 4A, tulip head locking assembly (230) is in the unlocked configuration. Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, with tulip head locking assembly (230) still in the unlocked configuration, the user advance rod reducer (200) toward tulip head (106) such that tulip arm supports (215) suitably house tulip head (106). Additionally, locking fingers (232) and protrusion (234) are adjacent, yet disengaged from a corresponding engagement pocket (114) defined by tulip head (106). Since the rotational position of rotating body (250) controls whether tulip head locking assembly (230) is in the unlocked configuration or the locked configuration, a user may easily maintain tulip head locking assembly (230) in the unlocked position while advancing rod reducer (200) toward tulip head assembly (106) by simply refraining from pivoting rotating body (250) about the long axis of rod reducer (200) relative to translating body (240).

[0053] Next, as shown in FIG. 4C, a user may rotate rotating body (250) in a first angular direction to thereby drive locking fingers (232) laterally inward in accordance with the description herein. The user may rotate rotating body (250) until protrusions (234) are sufficiently engaged with a portion of tulip head (106) defining engagement pocket (114). While protrusions (234) are sufficiently engaged with tulip head (106), tulip head locking assembly (230) is considered in a locked configuration. It should be understood that, while in the locked configuration, the user may rotate rotating body (250) to control and alter the amount of clamping force locking fingers (232) impart on tulip head (106).

[0054] In the locked configuration, a user may release rod reducer (200), and rod reducer (200) may substantially maintain its position and orientation relative to pedicle screw (100). As also shown in FIG. 4C, a user may insert spinal fixation rod (120) into the channel defined by tulip head (106) and actuate anvils (204) to engage spinal fixation rod (120) in accordance with the description herein. Additionally, while in the position shown in FIG. 4C, a user may adjust the position of pedicle screw (100) by imparting forces on rod reducer (200). It should be understood that tulip head locking assembly (230) suitably maintains its locked configuration while such adjustments are made.

[0055] Next, as shown in FIG. 4D, the user may actuate anvils (204) distally to fully seatspinal fixation rod (120) within rod seat (110). Next, as shown in FIG. 4E, the user may insert a set screw (122) through central channel (208) of threaded rod (202) and attach set screw (122) to internal female threaded (112) of tulip head (106), thereby securing spinal fixation rod (120) to an anchored pedicle screw (100).

[0056] Once spinal fixation rod (120) is attached to the anchored pedicle screw (100), a user may rotate rotating body (250) in the second, opposite, angular direction such that locking fingers (232) are pivoted laterally outward into the unlocked configuration. Once tulip head locking assembly (230) is in the unlocked configuration, rod reducer (200) may be removed.

[0057] II. Illustrative Rod Reducer with Cinch Lock Lever

[0058] As mentioned above, suitable means other than threaded engagement between rotating body (250) and translating member (240) may be utilized to drive actuation of locking fingers (232) between the unlocked configuration see FIGS. 4A-4B), the fully locked configuration (see FIGS. 4C-4E), and any number of suitable positions between the two. As also mentioned above, in some instances, tulip head locking assembly (230) may include a mechanism configured to selectively secure locking fingers (232) in the desired locked configuration.

[0059] FIGS. 5-6 show an alternative rod reducer (300) that may be utilized in replacement of rod reducer (200) described above. As will be described in greater detail below, rod reducer (300) includes a tulip head locking assembly (330) configured to selectively secure rod reducer (300) to a tulip head (106) of pedicle screw (100). In the current illustrative example, tulip head locking assembly (330) includes a pivoting lever (350) configured to drive a translating body (340) via engagement between slots (355) and corresponding protrusions (345) to thereby actuate locking fingers (332) between a locked configuration (see FIG. 8A), an unlocked configuration (see FIG. 8B), and any number of suitable positions between the two. Therefore, tulip head locking assembly (330) allows for a user to control the amount of clamping force imparted on tulip head (106), thereby providing a controllable engagement between rod reducer (300) and an anchored pedicle screw (100). As will also be described in greater detail below, rodreducer (300) includes a cinch lock (370) configured to engage suitable portions of pivoting lever (350) to selectively lock the pivotal position of pivoting lever (350) relative to a base frame (310) in order to selectively affix the corresponding position of locking fingers (332) relative to base frame (310). Therefore, cinch lock (370) may be utilized to secure locking fingers (323) in the desired unlocked and / or locked configuration during illustrative use in accordance with the description herein.

[0060] Rod reducer (300) may be substantially similar to rod reducer (200) described above, with differences elaborated herein. Therefore, rod reducer (300) may temporarily secure to the head (106) of an anchored pedicle screw (100), thereby allowing rod reducer (300) to act as a temporary extension of an anchored pedicle screw (100); and allowing a surgeon to manipulate an anchored pedicle screw (100) by applying leverage, or other suitable forces, to rod reducer (300). Further, rod reducer (300) may be used to temporarily contain a spinal rod (120) with an anchored pedicle screw (100), drive the spinal rod (120) into suitable engagement with a head (106) of the anchored pedicle screw (100), and provide access for a surgeon to suitably attach a set screw (122) to tulip head (106) in order to secure a portion of spinal fixation rod (120) to tulip head (106).

[0061] Rod reducer (300) includes a base frame (310), a threaded rod (302) threadedly coupled to base frame (310), and a tulip head locking assembly (330) configured to selectively secure rod reducer (300) to tulip head (106) of pedicle screw (100). Base frame (310) and threaded rod (302) may be substantially similar to base frame (210) and threaded rod (202) described above, with differences elaborated below.

[0062] Base frame (310) extends between a proximal end (320) and a distal end (322). Base frame (310) includes a pair of longitudinally extending arms (312) that together define a central opening (314). Longitudinally extending arms (312) are substantially similar to longitudinally extending arms (212) described above, with differences elaborated herein. As best seen in FIG. 6, each longitudinally extending arm (312) also defines a respective longitudinally extending lock finger housing slot (316) and a pair of obliquely oriented camming slots (318) positioned near distal end (322). Longitudinally extending lock finger housing slot (316) and obliquely oriented camming slots (318) maybe substantially similar to lock finger housing slot (216) and camming slots (218) described above, with differences elaborated herein. Therefore, lock finger housing slots (316) are dimensioned to slidably house a respective locking finger (332) of tulip head locking assembly (330); while obliquely oriented cam slots (318) are configured to engage a camming body (338) to drive locking fingers (332) between the fully locked configuration (see FIG. 8A), the unlocked configuration (see FIG. 8B), and any suitable number of positions between the two. In the current example, each longitudinally extending arm (312) includes a cover plate (317) that also partially defines its respective lock finger housing slots (316). It should be understood that cover plates (317) are entirely optional. Obliquely orients camming slots (318) are in communication with a respective lock finger housing slot (316).

[0063] Each longitudinally extending arm (312) includes a tulip arm support (315) at distal end (322), which may be substantially similair to tulip arm support (215) described above, with differences elaborated herein. Therefore, tulip arm supports (315) are dimensioned to suitably house a portion of tulip head (106) while tulip head locking assembly (330) is secured to tulip head (106) in accordance with the description herein. Tulip arm supports (315) suitably engage tulip heads (106) to transfer forces from rod reducer (300) onto a secured pedicel screw (100), thereby allowing a surgeon to manipulate the positioning of spinal fixation systems when rod reducer (300) is selectively attached to an anchored pedicle screw (100) in accordance with the description herein.

[0064] As best seen in FIG. 6, longitudinally extending arms (312) terminate proximally into a proximal shoulder (325). A sleeve (324) extends proximally from shoulder (325). Proximal shoulder (325) and sleeve (324) may be substantially similar to proximal shoulder (225) and sleeve (224) described above, respectively, with differences elaborated herein. Therefore, sleeve (324) defines a though hole (328) extending from a proximal end of sleeve (324) and through proximal shoulder (325) such that through hole (328) is in communication with central opening (314) defined by longitudinally extending arms (312). Additionally, sleeve (324) includes an internal female threading (326) (see FIGS. 9A-9E) that threadedly engages threaded rod (302).

[0065] Threaded rod (302) is substantially similair to threaded rod (202) described above, with differences elaborated herein. Threaded rod (302) includes a proximal rotary knob (306) that is located proximal to base frame (310). A portion of threaded rod (302) extends longitudinally within central opening (314) defined by frame (310). A user may rotate threaded rod (302) relative to base frame (310) via proximal rotary knob (306). Due to the threaded relationship between sleeve (324) and threaded rod (302), such rotation of threaded rod (302) relative to base frame (310) longitudinally actuates threaded rod (302) relative to base frame (310).

[0066] A pair of laterally presented rod engagement anvils (304) are located at a distal end of threaded rod (302). Laterally presented rod engagement anvils (304) may be substantially similair to anvils (204) described above, with differences elaborated herein. Laterally presented rod engagement anvils (304) are slidably disposed on an outer surface of tulip arm supports (315). However, a portion of anvils (304) extend laterally inward and are configured to engage spinal fixation rod (120) in accordance with the description herein. Rod engagement anvils (304) are configured to translate with threaded rod (302) relative to base frame (310), but are rotationally constrained relative to base frame (310) about the longitudinal axis of base frame (310). When rod reducer (300) is suitably coupled to tulip head (106) and spinal fixation rod (120) is located within the confines of tulip arms (108) and tulip arm supports (315) in accordance with the description herein, a user may rotate threaded rod (302) via knob (306) in order to drive translation of anvils (304) distally. The user may rotate threaded rod (302) such that anvils (304) suitably engage and drive spinal fixation rod (120) into suitable alignment with rod seat (110) of tulip head (106). Similar to threaded rod (202) and anvils (204) described above, it should be understood that a user may gradually actuate anvil (304) with intermediate pauses to allow a surgeon to make gradual adjustments to other rod reducers (300) coupled to other anchored pedicel screws (100), adjust the alignment of a spinal fixation system as a whole, or for any other suitable reasons as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0067] Threaded rod (302) and laterally presented rod engagement anvils (304) define a central channel (308), that may be substantially similar to central channel (208) describedabove, with differences elaborated below. Therefore, central channel (308) is dimensioned to provide access to the top of tulip head (106) while spinal fixation rods (120) are driven into the channel defined by tulip head (106) via anvil (304). Once spinal fixation rod (120) is suitably positioned relative to tulip head (106) and ready to be fixed relative to tulip head (106), a surgeon may insert a set screw (122) (similar to that shown in FIGS. 4D-4F) into central channel (308) and suitably attach set screw (122) to tulip head (106) via threading (112).

[0068] As mentioned above, tulip head locking assembly (330) is configured to (A) selectively secure rod reducer (300) to a tulip head (106) of pedicle screw (100) with a controllable amount of clamping force impart on tulip head (106), and (B) selectively affix the corresponding position of locking fingers (332) relative to base frame (310) to controllably maintain the position of locking fingers (332) relative to base frame (310). Turning to FIGS. 6-7, tulip head locking assembly (330) of the current example includes two locking fingers (332) each terminating distally into a respective inward facing protrusion (334) (see FIG. 7), a camming body (338) associated with a respective locking finger (332), a translating member (340), a pivoting lever (350), a cinch lock (370), and a mounting body (380).

[0069] Locking fingers (332) may be substantially similar to locking fingers (232) described above, with differences elaborated herein. Therefore, locking fingers (332) are slidably and pivotally disposed within a respective lock finger housing slot (316) of a corresponding longitudinally extending arm (313) of base frame (310). Movement of locking fingers (332) relative to a corresponding longitudinally extending arm (312) drives tulip head locking assembly (330) between an unlocked configuration (see FIG. 8B) and a locked configuration (see FIG. 8A). Inward facing protrusion (334) of each locking finger (332) is dimensioned to fit within a respective engagement pocket (114) of tulip head (106) when tulip arm support (315) suitably houses tulip head (106) and tulip head locking assembly (330) is in the locked configuration. Engagement between inward facing protrusions (334) and the surfaces defining engagement pocket (114) while tulip head locking assembly (330) is in the locked configuration is configured to selectively attach rod reducer (300) with head (106) of pedicle screw (100) such that rod reducer(300) may be utilized in adjusting spinal fixation system in accordance with the description herein.

[0070] As best shown in FIG. 7, each locking finger (332) defines a pin hole (336) dimensioned to receive camming body (338). Camming body (338) is housed within pin hole (336) such that camming body (338) actuates with a respective locking finger (332) relative to base frame (310). As best seen in FIGS. 8A-8B, when suitably assembled, camming body (338) extends through pin hole (336) of a respective locking finger (332) and within obliquely oriented camming slots (318). Engagement between camming body (338) and obliquely oriented camming slots (318) drives locking fingers (332) between the unlocked configuration (see FIG. 8B) and the locked configuration (see FIG. 8A) in response to locking fingers (332) moving along a predetermined path within a respective lock finger housing slot (316) defined by base frame (310).

[0071] Translating member (340) includes a pair of legs (342), a collar (344) defining a though hole (346), and a pair of protrusions (345) extending laterally away from an exterior surface of collar (344). Legs (342) are attached to collar (344) and extend distally from collar (344). Each leg (342) is slidably housed within a respective locking finger housing slot (316), while collar (344) is slidably attached to proximal sleeve (324) via through hole (346). Therefore, translating member (340) is configured to translate relative to base frame (310) along a predefined path.

[0072] Additionally, each leg (342) of translating member (340) is pivotally attached to a respective locking finger (332) via a pivot (335). Therefore, translation of translating member (340) relative to base frame (310) also drives movement of locking finger (332) relative to base frame (310) in accordance with the description herein. Movement of translating member (340) along the predefined path drives locking fingers (332) between the unlocked configuration (see FIG. 8B), the locked configuration (see FIG. 8A), and a suitable number of positions between the two configurations. With legs (342) of translating member (340) being slidably housed within locking finger housing slot (316), translating member (340) is inhibited from rotating relative to base frame (310) about the longitudinal axis of base frame (310). Legs (342) and respective locking fingers (332)may be attached to each other via any other suitable means as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0073] As mentioned above, pivoting lever (350) is configured to drive a translating body (340) via engagement between slots (355) and corresponding protrusions (345) to thereby actuate locking fingers (332) between a locked configuration (see FIG. 8A), an unlocked configuration (see FIG. 8B), and any number of suitable positions between the two. Pivoting lever (350) is pivotally coupled to mounting body (380) via pin (365) and pin holes (352, 385). Pivoting lever may pivot about pin (365) relative to base (310) between a first angular position (see FIG. 8A), a second angular position (see FIG. 8B), and a plurality of angular positions therebetween.

[0074] As best shown in FIG. 6, pivoting lever (350) includes a pair of laterally presented surfaces (351) that are connected to each other via a bridge (358). Laterally presented surfaces (351) are spaced apart to receive a portion of mounting body (380). As such, each surface (351) is adjacent to an exterior surface of mounting body (380). As also shown in FIGS. 5 and 8A-8B, each laterally presented surface (351) defines a respective slot (355) that houses a respective protrusion (345) of translating body (340).

[0075] Slots (355) and protrusions (345) interact with each other such that as lever (350) pivots relative to mounting body (380) and base frame (310) in accordance with the description herein, slots (355) drive protrusions (345) (and therefore, translating body (340)) linearly along its predetermined path. As mentioned above, actuation of translating body (340) along its predetermined path drives locking fingers (332) between the locked configuration (see FIG. 8A), the unlocked configuration (see FIG. 8B), and a number of positions therebetween. Therefore, lever (350) may be pivoted about pin (365) in order to control the position of locking fingers (332) such that changing the pivotal position of lever (350) enables a user to control the amount of clamping force imparted on tulip head (106) by locking fingers (332), thereby providing a controllable engagement between rod reducer (300) and an anchored pedicle screw (100). In other words, the pivotal position of lever (350) about pin (365) determines the longitudinal position of translating member (340) and locking fingers (332) relative to base frame (310).

[0076] Lever (350) may be configured to allow a user to easily control the pivotal position of lever (350) relative to pin (365). For example, lever (350) may provide a suitable amount of leverage such that a user may easily pivot lever (350) in accordance with the description herein by using a single hand (e.g., by pressing downward or upward on lever (350) with a thumb).

[0077] As best shown in FIG. 7, pivoting lever (350) also defines a spring bias recess (360) that houses a bias spring (362). Bias spring (362) is interposed between a spring housing recess (390) defined by mounting body (380) and spring bias recess (360) of lever (350). Bias spring (362) is configured to impart a bias force onto lever (350) in order to urge lever (350) to pivot toward the locked configuration (see FIG. 8A). As will be described in greater detail below, a cinch lock (370) may be utilized in order to allow a user to maintain the pivotal position of lever (350) without directly engaging lever (350). Once a user disengaged cinch lock (370) to no locking maintain the pivotal position of lever (350), bias spring (362) may pivot lever (350) toward the locked configuration (see FIG. 8A). Therefore, during illustrative use, a user may easily maintain tulip head locking assembly (330) in the unlocked configuration (see FIG> 8B) (via cinch lock 370)) while initially coupling tulip arm support (315) with tulip head (106) of pedicle screw (100) (in substantially similar manner to that shown in FIGS. 4A-4B); and once a user is ready for tulip head locking assembly (330) to suitably engage tulip head (106) of pedicle screw (100), the user may disengage cinch lock (370) such that bias spring (362) drives locking fingers (332) into engagement with tulip head (106). This may allow a user to easily initially couple rod reducer (300) with pedicle screw (100).

[0078] While slots (355) and protrusion (345) are used in the current illustrative example, lever (350) and translating body (340) may be suitably coupled together using any other suitable connecting mechanisms as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, lever (350) may include a pair of protrusions while translating body (340) includes slots. Further, while pivotal movement of lever (350) about pin (365) is configured to drive linear translation of translating body (340), any other suitable means may be utilized in order to control the clamping force imparted by locking fingers (332) as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of theteachings herein. For example, a rack and pinion mechanism may be utilized to control the clamping force imparted by locking fingers (332). As another example, an offset worm gear may be utilized to control the clamping force imparted by locking fingers (332).

[0079] As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 9A-9E, bridge (358) of lever (350) includes a plurality of locking teeth (354). The plurality of locking teeth (354) and other portions of lever (350) define a mating slot (356) dimensioned to receive a plurality of locking teeth (374) of cinch lock (370). Additionally, cinch lock (370) also defines a mating slot (376) that is dimensioned to house the plurality of locking teeth (354) of lever (350). Therefore, lever (350) and cinch lock (370) include complementary locking teeth (354, 374) and mating slots (356, 376).

[0080] As mentioned above, and as will be described in greater detail below, locking teeth (354, 374) are configured to selectively engage each other such that cinch lock (370) may lock the pivotal position of lever (350) relative to base frame (310) in order to selective affix the corresponding position of locking finger (332) relative to base frame (310). As will also be described in greater detail below, a user may disengage locking teeth (354, 374) from each other and / or forcefully overcome the engagement between locking teeth (354, 374) to thereby pivot lever (350) relative to cinch lock (370) and base frame (310) in order to move locking fingers (332) between the locked configuration (see FIG. 8A), the unlocked configuration (see FIG. 8B), and any number of suitable positions between the two configurations.

[0081] In the current example, cinch lock (370) includes a body (372), locking teeth (374), a pair of laterally extending frame engagement surfaces (377), and a ledge (378). In the current example, body (372) defines a pin hole (375) dimensioned to receive pin (365) in order to couple cinch lock (270) with pin hole (385) defined by mounting body (380). However, cinch lock (370) may be coupled to mounting body (380) using any other suitable coupling as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Alternatively, cinch lock (370) may be integrally formed with mounting body (380).

[0082] As mentioned above, locking teeth (374) are configured to engage complementary locking teeth (354) of lever (350) in order to lock the pivotal position of lever (350) relative to base frame (310). Engagement between teeth (354, 374) may be sufficient to inhibit pivotal movement of lever (350) relative to base frame (310) caused by forces associated with bias spring (362) and / or suitable engagement between locking fingers (332) and the surfaces of tulip arms (108) defining engagement pockets (114) during illustrative use (e.g., when a surgeon uses rod reducer (300) to impart leverage onto pedicle screw (100)).

[0083] Laterally extending frame engagement surface (377) is configured to abut against corresponding engagement surfaces (384) of mounting body (380). Contact between engagement surfaces (377, 384) of cinch lock (370) and mounting body (380) may bias cinch lock (370) toward a locked configuration such that locking teeth (354, 374) of lever (350) and cinch lock (370) are suitably engaged with each other to inhibit pivotal movement of lever (350). In some instances, a user may press downward on ledge (378) (see FIG. 9B) in order to pivot cinch lock (370) about pin (365) such that locking teeth (354, 374) disengage. With locking teeth (354, 374) disengaged, cinch lock (370) may no longer inhibit pivotal movement of lever (350). Therefore, a user and / or bias spring (362) may pivot lever (350) in order to move locking fingers (332) between the locked configuration (see FIG. 8A), the unlocked configuration (see FIG. 8B), and any number of suitable positions between the two configurations. Once lever (350) is in the desired pivotal position, the user may release ledge (378) such that cinch lock (370) is urged back into the locked configuration (i.e., locking teeth (354, 374) engage each other). Cinch lock (370) may be biased toward the locked configuration (i.e. locking teeth (354, 374) engage each other) using any suitable mechanisms as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0084] In some instances, rather than disengaging teeth (354, 374), a user may apply enough force onto lever (350) such that teeth (354, 374) slip relative to each other, thereby allowing lever (350) to pivot in order to move locking fingers (332) in accordance with the description herein.

[0085] Mounting body (380) is fixedly attached to a proximal end (320) of base frame (310) such that mounting body (380) extends proximally from proximal shoulder (325) and houses at least a portion of sleeve (324). Mounting body (380) is configured to suitably receive and / or suitably couple with translating body (340), pivoting lever (350), and cinch lock (370), thereby allowing such components to suitably interact with each other and other suitable components of rod reducer (200) in order to actuate locking fingers (332) between the locked configuration (see FIG. 8A), the unlocked configuration (see FIG. 8B), and a suitable number of positions therebetween. Mounting body (380) may act as a mechanical ground for other components of tulip head locking assembly (330).

[0086] Turning to FIG. 6, mounting body (380) defines a cinch lock recess (382), at least one pin hole (385), a pair of laterally presented openings (386), a central through hole (388), and a spring housing recess (390). Cinch lock recess (382) is dimensioned to house at least a portion of cinch lock (370) such that locking teeth (374) of cinch lock (370) may suitably interact with locking teeth (354) of pivoting lever (350). Mounting body (380) also includes a pair of cinch lock engagement surfaces (384) that are configured to interact with laterally extending frame engagement surface (377) (see FIG. 6) of cinch lock (370). As mentioned above, contact between lock engagement surfaces (384) of mounting body (380) and frame engagement surfaces (377) of cinch lock (370) may bias cinch lock (370) toward a locked configuration, thereby inhibiting pivotal movement of pivoting lever (350) which in turn inhibits movement of locking fingers (332).

[0087] Central through hole (388) extends along the length of mounting body (380) such that sleeve (324) of base frame (310) is housed within central through hole (388) and such that threaded rod (302) extends through central through hole (388). Additionally, collar (344) of translating body (340) is slidably disposed within central through hole (388) such that collar (344) is interposed between an interior surface of mounting body (380) and an exterior surface of sleeve (324).

[0088] Central through hole (388) is in communication with laterally presented openings(386). In the current example, protrusions (345) of translating body (340) extend througha respective laterally presented opening (386), thereby allowing protrusions (345) to suitably engage pivoting lever (350) in accordance with the description herein. Laterally presented openings (386) are dimensioned a suitable length in order to accommodate movement of protrusions (345) relative to mounting body (380) to thereby allow translating body (340) to drive locking fingers (332) between the unlocked (see FIG. 8B) and locked configurations (see FIG. 8A).

[0089] FIGS. 9A-9E show an illustrative use of tulip head locking assembly (330). It should be understood that tulip head locking assembly (330) may be utilized in during illustrative use of rod reducer (200, 300) in accordance with the description herein. First, as shown in FIG. 9A, tulip head locking assembly (330) is in the locked configuration with locking teeth (374) of cinch lock (370) suitably engaged with complementary locking teeth (354) of pivoting lever (350). Therefore, it should be understood that engagement between locking teeth (374, 354) inhibit pivoting lever (350) from inadvertently pivoting out of the locked configuration shown in FIG. 9A.

[0090] As mentioned above, during illustrative use of rod reducer (300), a user may desire to selectively couple tulip head (106) of pedicle screw (100) with rod reducer (300). In such instances, a user may desire to acuate locking fingers (332) into the unlocked configuration (see FIG. 8B) in order to allow locking fingers (332) to suitably receive tulip head (106). In such instances, as shown in FIG. 9B, a user may push downward on ledge (378) of cinch lock (370) in order to disengage locking teeth (354, 374). Next, as shown in FIG. 9C, with locking teeth (354, 374) suitably disengaged, a user may then pivot lever (350) upwardly in order to transition tulip head locking assembly (330) from the locked configuration (see FIG. 8A) into the unlocked configuration (see FIG. 8B) (or any other suitable position of lever (350) as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein).

[0091] Next, as shown in FIG. 9D, once pivoting lever (350) reaches the desired position (e.g., a position associated with locking finger (332) being in the unlocked configuration), the user may release ledge (378) such that locking teeth (374) of cinch lock (370) return into suitable engagement with locking teeth (354) of lever (350). As mentioned above,in some instances, a user may not be required to pivot cinch lock (370), but may pivot lever (350) with suitable force in order to force locking teeth (354, 374) to slip relative to each other in order to pivot lever (350). Regardless, as the moment shown in FIG. 9D, tulip head locking assembly (330) is in the unlocked configuration such that locking fingers (332) may be inserted over tulip head (106) in accordance with the description herein.

[0092] With cinch lock (370) suitable engage with lever (350) while tulip head locking assembly (330) is in the unlocked configuration, a user may easily maintain tulip head locking assembly (330) in the unlocked configuration while advancing rod reducer (300) toward tulip head assembly (106) by simply refraining from pressing downward on cinch lock (370). Once rod reducer (300) is suitably advanced over tulip head (106), a user may press downward on ledge (378) such that locking teeth (354, 374) disengage each other as shown in FIG. 9E. As such, the biasing force provided by spring (362) may pivot lever (350) back toward the position associated with locking fingers (332) being in the locked configuration. As such, locking fingers (332) may be driven into suitable engagement with tulip head assembly (106).

[0093] It should be understood that a user may follow the same steps shown in FIGS. 9A- 9D in order to decouple a rod reducer (300) that is already selectively coupled to a tulip head assembly (106) of a pedicle screw (100).

[0094] III. Illustrative Combinations

[0095] The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage of any claims that may be presented at any time in this application or in subsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are being provided for nothing more than merely illustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred to in the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or features referred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitly indicated as such at a later date by the inventors or bya successor in interest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in this application or in subsequent filings related to this application that include additional features beyond those referred to below, those additional features shall not be presumed to have been added for any reason relating to patentability.

[0096] Example 1

[0097] A rod reducer, comprising: (a) a base frame; (b) a rod engagement anvil slidably coupled with the base frame, wherein the rod engagement anvil is configured to actuate between a proximal position and a distal position; and (c) a tulip head locking assembly, comprising: (i) at least one locking finger configured to actuate relative to the base frame between an unlocked position, an intermediate position, and a locked position, wherein the intermediate position is located between the unlocked position and the locked position, wherein the at least one locking finger is configured to selectively attach the rod reducer to a pedicle screw in the locked position, and (ii) a locking finger driver configured to move relative to the base frame in order to driver the at least one locking finger between the unlocked position, the locked position, and the intermediate position, wherein the locking finger driver comprises a cinching lock assembly configured to both: (A) control a locking force generated by the locking finger driver, and (B) inhibit movement of locking finger driver relative to base frame while the at least one locking finger is in the intermediate position.

[0098] Example 2

[0099] The rod reducer of Example 1, wherein the locking finger driver comprises a translating body configured to translate along a predefined path in order to drive the at least one locking finger between the unlocked position and the locked position.

[0100] Example 3

[0101] The rod reducer of either Example 1 or 2, wherein the base frame defines an obliquely oriented slot, wherein the at least one locking finger is configured to engage the obliquely oriented slot in order to transition between the unlocked position and the locked position.- 21 -

[0102] Example 4

[0103] The rod reducer of any one or more of Examples 1 through 3, wherein the locking finger driver further comprises a rotating body configured to rotate relative to the base frame in order to drive translation of the locking finger driver along the predefined path.

[0104] Example 5

[0105] The rod reducer of Example 4, wherein the base frame defines a longitudinal axis, wherein the rotating body is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the base frame.

[0106] Example 6

[0107] The rod reducer of Example 5, wherein the rotating body and the translating body are threadably coupled to each other via a first thread associated with the rotating body and a second thread associated with the translating body.

[0108] Example 7

[0109] The rod reducer of Example 6, wherein cinching lock assembly comprises the first thread and the second thread.

[0110] Example 8

[0111] The rod reducer of Example 7, wherein the rotating body is inhibited from translating relative to the base frame.

[0112] Example 9

[0113] The rod reducer of any one or more of Examples 1 through 8, further comprising a threaded rod threadably coupled with the base frame, wherein the threaded rod is coupled with the rod engagement anvil.

[0114] Example 10

[0115] The rod reducer of Example 9, wherein the base frame comprises a proximal sleeve, wherein the threaded rod extends through the proximal sleeve.

[0116] Example 1 1

[0117] A rod reducer, comprising: (a) a base frame comprising a tulip arm support configured to operatively engage a pedicle screw; (b) a rod engagement anvil slidably coupled with the base frame, wherein the rod engagement anvil is configured to actuate between a proximal position and a distal position; and (c) a tulip head locking assembly, comprising: (i) a pair of locking fingers configured to actuate relative to the base frame between an unlocked position, a locked position, and at least one intermediate position located between the unlocked position and the locked position, wherein the pair of locking fingers is configured to selectively attach the rod reducer to a pedicle screw in the locked position, and (ii) a locking finger driver configured to move relative to the base frame in order to drive the pair of locking fingers between the unlocked position, the locked position, and the at least one intermediate position, wherein the locking finger driver comprises a cinching lock assembly configured to both: (A) control a locking force generated by the locking finger driver, and (B) selectively inhibit movement of locking finger driver relative to base frame while pair of locking fingers is in the unlocked position.

[0118] Example 12

[0119] The rod reducer of Example 11, wherein the locking finger driver comprises a translating body configured to translate along a predefined path in order to drive the pair of locking fingers between the unlocked position and the locked position.

[0120] Example 13

[0121] The rod reducer of Example 12, wherein the locking finger driver further comprises a lever configured to pivot relative to the base frame in order to drive translation of the translating body.

[0122] Example 14

[0123] The rod reducer of Example 13, wherein the lever defines a slot, wherein the translating body comprises a protrusion housed within the slot.

[0124] Example 15

[0125] The rod reducer of either Example 13 or 14, wherein the cinching lock assembly comprises a cinch lock configured to engage the lever to thereby inhibit pivotal movement of the lever relative to the base frame.

[0126] Example 16

[0127] The rod reducer of Example 15, wherein the cinch lock comprises a first plurality of teeth, wherein the lever comprises a second plurality of teeth.

[0128] Example 17

[0129] The rod reducer of either Example 15 or 16, wherein the cinch lock is pivotal relative to the base frame.

[0130] Example 18

[0131] The rod reducer of any one or more of Example 15 through 17, wherein the lever is biased toward the locked position.

[0132] Example 19

[0133] A rod reducer, comprising: (a) a base frame; (b) a rod engagement anvil slidably coupled with the base frame, wherein the rod engagement anvil is configured to actuate between a proximal position and a distal position; and (c) a tulip head locking assembly, comprising: (i) a pedicle screw engagement body configured to actuate relative to the base frame between an unlocked position, a locked position, and at least one intermediate position located between the unlocked position and the locked position, wherein the pedicle screw engagement body is configured to selectively attach the rod reducer to a pedicle screw in the locked position, and (ii) a driver configured to move relative to the base frame in order to driver the pedicle screw engagement body between the unlocked position, the locked position, and the at least one intermediate position, wherein the driver comprises a cinching lock assembly configured to selectively inhibit movement of the driver relative to base frame while the at least one locking finger is in the unlocked position and the intermediate position.

[0134] Example 20

[0135] The rod reducer of Example 19, wherein the cinching lock assembly comprises a plurality of teeth.

[0136] IV. Miscellaneous

[0137] It should also be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The above-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0138] It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0139] Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understoodnot to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Claims

I / we claim:

1. A rod reducer, comprising:(a) a base frame;(b) a rod engagement anvil slidably coupled with the base frame, wherein the rod engagement anvil is configured to actuate between a proximal position and a distal position; and(c) a tulip head locking assembly, comprising:(i) at least one locking finger configured to actuate relative to the base frame between an unlocked position, an intermediate position, and a locked position, wherein the intermediate position is located between the unlocked position and the locked position, wherein the at least one locking finger is configured to selectively attach the rod reducer to a pedicle screw in the locked position, and(ii) a locking finger driver configured to move relative to the base frame in order to driver the at least one locking finger between the unlocked position, the locked position, and the intermediate position, wherein the locking finger driver comprises a cinching lock assembly configured to both:(A) control a locking force generated by the locking finger driver, and(B) inhibit movement of locking finger driver relative to base frame while the at least one locking finger is in the intermediate position.

2. The rod reducer of claim 1, wherein the locking finger driver comprises a translating body configured to translate along a predefined path in order to drive the at least one locking finger between the unlocked position and the locked position.

3. The rod reducer of claim 2, wherein the base frame defines an obliquely oriented slot, wherein the at least one locking finger is configured to engage the obliquely oriented slot in order to transition between the unlocked position and the locked position.

4. The rod reducer of claim 3, wherein the locking finger driver further comprises a rotating body configured to rotate relative to the base frame in order to drive translation of the locking finger driver along the predefined path.

5. The rod reducer of claim 4, wherein the base frame defines a longitudinal axis, wherein the rotating body is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the base frame.

6. The rod reducer of claim 5, wherein the rotating body and the translating body are threadably coupled to each other via a first thread associated with the rotating body and a second thread associated with the translating body.

7. The rod reducer of claim 6, wherein cinching lock assembly comprises the first thread and the second thread.

8. The rod reducer of claim 7, wherein the rotating body is inhibited from translating relative to the base frame.

9. The rod reducer of claim 1, further comprising a threaded rod threadably coupled with the base frame, wherein the threaded rod is coupled with the rod engagement anvil.

10. The rod reducer of claim 9, wherein the base frame comprises a proximal sleeve, wherein the threaded rod extends through the proximal sleeve.

11. A rod reducer, comprising:(a) a base frame comprising a tulip arm support configured to operatively engage a pedicle screw;(b) a rod engagement anvil slidably coupled with the base frame, wherein the rod engagement anvil is configured to actuate between a proximal position and a distal position; and(c) a tulip head locking assembly, comprising:(i) a pair of locking fingers configured to actuate relative to the base frame between an unlocked position, a locked position, and at least one intermediate position located between the unlocked position and the locked position, wherein the pair of locking fingers is configured to selectively attach the rod reducer to a pedicle screw in the locked position, and(ii) a locking finger driver configured to move relative to the base frame in order to drive the pair of locking fingers between the unlocked position, the locked position, and the at least one intermediate position, wherein the locking finger driver comprises a cinching lock assembly configured to both:(A) control a locking force generated by the locking finger driver, and(B) selectively inhibit movement of locking finger driver relative to base frame while pair of locking fingers is in the unlocked position.

12. The rod reducer of claim 11, wherein the locking finger driver comprises a translating body configured to translate along a predefined path in order to drive the pair of locking fingers between the unlocked position and the locked position.

13. The rod reducer of claim 12, wherein the locking finger driver further comprises a lever configured to pivot relative to the base frame in order to drive translation of the translating body.

14. The rod reducer of claim 13, wherein the lever defines a slot, wherein the translating body comprises a protrusion housed within the slot.

15. The rod reducer of claim 13, wherein the cinching lock assembly comprises a cinch lock configured to engage the lever to thereby inhibit pivotal movement of the lever relative to the base frame.

16. The rod reducer of claim 15, wherein the cinch lock comprises a first plurality of teeth, wherein the lever comprises a second plurality of teeth.

17. The rod reducer of claim 15, wherein the cinch lock is pivotal relative to the base frame.

18. The rod reducer of claim 15, wherein the lever is biased toward the locked position.

19. A rod reducer, compri si ng :(a) a base frame;(b) a rod engagement anvil slidably coupled with the base frame, wherein the rod engagement anvil is configured to actuate between a proximal position and a distal position; and(c) a tulip head locking assembly, comprising:(i) a pedicle screw engagement body configured to actuate relative to the base frame between an unlocked position, a locked position, and at least one intermediate position located between the unlocked position and the locked position, wherein the pedicle screw engagement body is configured to selectively attach the rod reducer to a pedicle screw in the locked position, and(ii) a driver configured to move relative to the base frame in order to driver the pedicle screw engagement body between the unlocked position, the locked position, and the at least one intermediate position, wherein the driver comprises a cinching lock assembly configured to selectively inhibit movement of the driver relative to base frame while the at least one locking finger is in the unlocked position and the intermediate position.

20. The rod reducer of claim 19, wherein the cinching lock assembly comprises aplurality of teeth.

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