103 results about "Spine procedure" patented technology

A retractor is provided for performing spinal surgery with a minimal approach, and which spares the lumbar muscles from surgical disruption. A preferred embodiment includes a blade having first and second faces wherein the faces are positioned substantially transverse to one another, and wherein at least one of the faces has a tapered width. Alternatively, both the first and second faces are tapered. Additionally, a third face positioned transverse to the first face and substantially parallel to the third face may be incorporated into the retractor. The second face also preferably includes at least one tooth, and more preferably, a plurality of teeth at its distal end for laterally engaging an articular process of a vertebra of the spine.

A method of determining the size and trajectory of screws in pedicles during surgery, comprising generating a three-dimensional image of the bony spine; hollowing out the vertebra in the image with cortical wall thicknesses selected by a surgeon; determining the isthmus within each pedicle; generating a straight line starting at the center of the isthmus and extending in opposite directions so that it is positioned concentrically within the pedicle without touching the walls thereof, the line terminating inside the vertebral body a predetermined distance from the anterior inner cortical wall and extending outwardly in the opposite direction to penetrate the posterior pedicle cortex; expanding the line concentrically and radially to a cross sectional size that is less than that of the isthmus, the line being expanded into a cylinder that stops growing when any portion thereof contacts the inner cortical wall of the hollowed out vertebral body; and calculating pedicle screw size and trajectory based on the cylinder.

The present invention relates generally to a device of and a method for correcting spinal deformities, such as scoliosis and kyphosis. The invention employs the superelasticity or pseudoelasticity, such as found in a nickel-titanium alloy, to provide a continuous, predictable, and controllable correction force and to achieve a gradual and full correction. The correction force can be exerted on the deformed spine either at the time of the spine surgery or after the surgery or both, to afford a full or substantially full correction. The continuous and controllable correction force of the present invention is safer than an instantaneous and large correction force applied only at the time of surgery. Additionally, the continuous and controllable correction force is capable of gradually and fully correcting the spinal deformities without any post-operative manipulation of the correction device or re-operation.