681 results about "Spinous process" patented technology

A spinal stabilization system may include a pair of structural members coupled to at least a portion of a human vertebra with connectors. Connectors may couple structural members to spinous processes. Some embodiments of a spinal stabilization system may include fasteners that couple structural members to vertebrae. In some embodiments, a spinal stabilization system provides three points of fixation for a single vertebral level. A fastener may fixate a facet joint between adjacent vertebrae and couple a stabilization structural member to a vertebra. Connectors may couple the structural members to the spinous processes of the vertebrae. Use of a spinal stabilization system may improve the stability of a weakened or damaged portion of a spine. When used in conjunction with an implant or other device, the spinal stabilization system may immobilize vertebrae and allow for fusion of the implant or other device with vertebrae.

A fixation device for use in association with ALIF procedures includes a couple of spaced plates having integral spikes on facing surfaces thereof for pressing into spinal processes of adjacent vertebrae. One of the plates has a spherical socket which captures a spherical head end of a post whose other end is received through an aperture in the other plate. The socket mounting is arranged to enable the post to pivot therein for at least two degrees of freedom to a limited extent, enabling angulation between the two plates so as to accommodate the different thicknesses and orientations of the spinal processes on adjacent vertebrae. The reception of the post in the second plate enables adjustment of spacing between the plates to accommodate effective installation of the assembly on the spinal processes by a compression instrument, and permanent reliable maintenance of that spacing following removal of the compression instrument. The cross-sectional configuration of the post and a receiver aperture in the plate inhibits rotation of the plate relative to the post about the post axis, and a set screw in the apertured plate engages a flat on the post fixing the inter-plate space as adjusted.

Surgical implants are configured for placement posteriorly to a spinal canal between vertebral bodies to distract the spine and enlarge the spinal canal. In the preferred embodiments the device permits spinal flexion while limiting spinal extension, thereby providing an effective treatment for treating spinal stenosis without the need for laminectomy. The invention may be used in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. Numerous embodiments are disclosed, including elongated, length-adjustable components coupled to adjacent vertebral bodies using pedicle screws. The preferred embodiments, however, teach a device configured for placement between adjacent vertebral bodies and adapted to fuse to the lamina, facet, spinous process or other posterior elements of a single vertebra. Various mechanisms, including shape, porosity, tethers, and bone-growth promoting substances may be used to enhance fusion. The tether may be a wire, cable, suture, or other single or multi-filament member. Preferably, the device forms a pseudo-joint in conjunction with the non-fused vertebra. Alternatively, the device could be fused to the caudal vertebra or both the cranial and caudal vertebrae.

Implantable devices are provided for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae and the lumbosacral region of a patient. The devices can comprise an interspinous flexible spacer body having a substantially U-shape comprising a superior section, inferior section, and a midsection extending therebetween. The superior and / or inferior sections can include a pair of lateral walls configured to engage a spinous process of a vertebra. Fixation caps can be provided for securing a spinous process of a vertebra to the flexible spacer body. To secure the flexible spacer body between the lumbar vertebra and an adjacent vertebra, an anchor assembly is provided. Also provided are methods of using the implantable devices to stabilize a patient's spine.

Systems and method in accordance with embodiment of the present invention can includes a distractible implant comprising a distracting insert and a body having a first part and a second part adapted to be positioned between adjacent spinous processes of cervical vertebrae. The distracting insert can be inserted into cavities of the body, thereby urging apart the first part and second part, and distracting the adjacent spinous processes.

Systems and methods for treating spinal stenosis insert a guide element percutaneously into proximity with the adjacent spinous processes. The systems and methods direct an implant device over the guide element to a position resting between the adjacent spinous processes. The device is sized and configured to distend the adjacent spinous processes. The implant device itself can be variously constructed. It can, e.g., possess threaded lands and / or a notched region in which a spinous process can rest. The implant device has a lumen to accommodate passage of the guide element, so that the device can be passed percutaneously over the guide element for implantation between adjacent spinous processes.

An apparatus includes a first clamp having a first end and a second end. The second end of the first clamp is configured to engage a first spinous process. A second clamp has a first end and a second end. The second end of the second clamp is configured to engage a second spinous process spaced apart from the first spinous process. A connector is coupled to the first end of the first clamp and the first end of the second clamp.

The invention relates to an intervertebral implant including a wedge which is inserted between two spinous processes and has two opposite grooves in which said spinous processes engage, which grooves have substantially parallel axes, and each of which grooves is defined by two flanges. The wedge has at least one central opening between said two grooves and said central opening passes completely through said wedge along an axis Ac substantially parallel to the axes Ag1 and Ag2 of said grooves, which renders said wedge elastically deformable.

A device for separating a first bone from a second bone is disclosed. The device can be an expandable orthopedic jack. The device can be used to treat spinal stenosis. The device can be deployed between adjacent spinous processes and then increased in height to reduce pressure on nearby nerves. Methods for using the device are also disclosed.

A method of providing an interspinous spacer between adjacent spinous processes includes: (a) providing a spacer that is configurable to a collapsed configuration and to an expanded configuration, where the collapsed configuration presents an implantation profile that is at least 10% smaller than the corresponding profile when the spacer is in its expanded configuration; (b) causing the spacer to assume its collapsed configuration; (c) introducing the spacer into a medical patient while the spacer is in its collapsed configuration; and (d) allowing the spacer to assume its expanded configuration while positioned between adjacent spinous processes in a medical patient.

A method of treating spine disease including the steps of removing at least a portion of a natural facet joint from a vertebral body; implanting an intervertebral disc prosthesis and replacing the portion of the natural facet joint with a facet joint prosthesis. The removed facet portion may be a cephalad or a caudal facet or both. The replacing step may include the step of attaching the facet joint prosthesis to the vertebral body, such as at or near a pedicle and / or spinous process. The invention also provides spinal prostheses to treat spine disease. The spinal prostheses include an intervertebral disc prosthesis and a facet joint prosthesis having artificial facet joint structure adapted and configured to replace a removed portion of the natural facet joint (cephalad, caudal or both).

This invention resides in an apparatus for inhibiting full extension between upper and lower vertebral bodies, thereby preventing pain and other complications associated with spinal movement. In the preferred embodiment, the invention provides a generally transverse member extending between the spinous processes and lamina of the upper and lower vertebral bodies, thereby inhibiting full extension. Various embodiments of the invention may limit spinal flexion, rotation and / or lateral bending while preventing spinal extension. In the preferred embodiment, the transverse member is fixed between two opposing points on the lower vertebral body using pedicle screws, and a cushioning sleeve is used as a protective cover. The transverse member may be a rod or cable, and the apparatus may be used with a partial or full artificial disc replacement. To control spinal flexion, rotation and / or lateral bending one or more links may be fastened to an adjacent vertebral body, also preferably using a pedicle screw. Preferably a pair of opposing links are used between the upper and lower vertebral bodies for such purposes.

Systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can include an implant comprising a spacer for defining a minimum space between adjacent spinous processes, a distraction guide for piercing and distracting an interspinous ligament during implantation, and a binder for limiting or preventing flexion motion of the targeted motion segment. The binder can be secured to a brace associated with the implant during implantation by a capture device. In one embodiment, the capture device includes a fixed piece extending from the brace and a slidable piece associated with the fixed piece. A fastener can be rotated to pinch the binder between the slidable piece and a wall of the brace, securing the binder. A physician need not know the length of the binder prior to implantation, reducing the time required to perform a procedure.

The invention relates to an intervertebral implant comprising a spacer designed to be applied between two spinous processes of two vertebrae. The spacer comprises: two elements (10, 12) made of a first material, and each presenting a first end (10a, 12a) and a second end (10b, 12b), said first end (10a, 12a) being securable to a spinous process; and a connection piece (14) made of a second material of greater elastic deformability than said first material, said connection piece interconnecting said second ends (10b, 12b) of said two elements (10, 12) so that the stresses that are exerted on said two elements (10, 12) are damped, and said connection piece enabling said intervertebral implant to limit and brake the relative movements of said vertebrae.

A system for dynamic stabilization of the spine includes a bone engaging fastener configured to be anchored in a vertebra and a deflectable element mounted on the fastener. The deflectable element or bumper is configured and arranged to contact a portion of an adjacent vertebra, such as the facet, during extension of the spine, while offering no resistance during flexion. In certain embodiments, a cable may be fastened to the bone engaging fastener and arranged to contact a portion of the adjacent vertebra, such as the spinous process, during flexion of the spine. In one surgical technique of the invention, a contralateral approach is used to introduce the bone engaging fastener through the deflectable element and into the vertebra.

Systems, apparatus, and methods for treating spinal tissue and other body structures in open and endoscopic spine surgery to relieve symptoms, such as neck or back pain. In particular, the present invention provides methods for the controlled heating of various tissues in or around the vertebral column, including various interspinous tissues, such that spinal ligaments and cartilage surrounding the vertebrae and the facet joints are shrunk or tightened to stabilize the vertebral column of a patient. Thermal energy is applied to the target tissue in a subablation mode of an electrosurgical system to cause shrinkage of the tissue, thereby stiffening the interspinous tissue and stabilizing the vertebral column. In an exemplary embodiment, a high frequency RF voltage can be applied between one or more active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to heat a target interspinous tissue to within a temperature range at which irreversible shrinkage of the tissue occurs.

An embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention can include an implant having a spacer with a thickness and a wing, wherein a first configuration of the wing has a first height substantially similar to the thickness and wherein the wing is adapted to be selectably arranged in a second configuration such that the wing has a second height greater than the first height. A periphery of the implant has a shape generally conformal with a shape of an inner surface of a cannula and a cross-sectional diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the cannula. The cannula is inserted such that a proximal end of the cannula is arranged between the adjacent spinous processes. The implant is then urged into position between the adjacent spinous processes by way of the cannula, and subsequently arranged in a second configuration to fix the implant in position.

Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and / or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes extending from vertebrae of a targeted motion segment. The implant can be positioned between the adjacent spinous processes and once positioned, the distraction guide can be arranged in a second configuration. When arranged in a second configuration, the distraction guide can act as a second wing. The first wing and the second wing can limit or block movement of the implant along a longitudinal axis of the implant.

The present invention is an interspinous process implant with a selectably expandable spacer that can be placed between adjacent spinous processes.

A prosthetic replacement for a posterior element of a vertebra comprising portions that replace the natural lamina and the four natural facets. The prosthetic replacement may also include portions that replace one or more of the natural spinous process and the two natural transverse processes. If desired, the prosthesis replacement may also replace the natural pedicles. A method for replacing a posterior element of a vertebra is also provided.

A spinal implant system for restricting flexion of a spine includes an elongate band proportioned to engage at least two spinous processes. During use, the band is positioned engaging the spinous processes at a spinal segment of interest, where it restricts flexion at the segment. The length and tension of the band may be adjustable following to implantation using percutaneous or transcutaneous means.

Methods and systems for occipital-cervical spinal fixation. A plate configured for attachment to the occipital bone has two arms extending out from either side, which turn downwards parallel to one another. A first bend is disposed in the arms, such that the arms extend down from the occipital bone behind the spinous process of the C1 and C2 vertebrae, upon installation. A second bend in the arms allows attachment to the C2 vertebra. The system may be dimensioned for pediatric installation. A bone graft material may be held in place between the cervical vertebrae and the skull by installing a cable to the installed system to retain the bone graft material in place. Methods and kits for occipital-cervical spinal fixation are also disclosed.

An implant for positioning between the spinous processes of cervical vertebrae include first and second wings for lateral positioning and a spacer located between the adjacent spinous processes. The implant can be positioned using minimally invasive procedures without modifying the bone or severing ligaments. The implant is shaped in accordance with the anatomy of the spine.