6348 results about "Vertebra" patented technology

Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted, a hollow sleeve having teeth at one end is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve. Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted to restore the normal angular relationship of the vertebrae adjacent to that disc space. An extended outer sleeve having extended portions capable of maintaining the vertebrae distracted in their normal angular relationship is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve.

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 spinal implant for intervertebral disc replacement. The implant is formed from two hemicylindrical elements, each engaging one of an adjacent pair of vertebrae. An articulating ball-and-socket joint between the two elements resists compression and lateral movement between the vertebra, but allows pivotal movement, thereby preserving mobility. Fusion chambers are provided for allowing bone ingrowth to fuse the elements to the vertebrae. Biocompatible, bioreabsorbable struts, shims, fillers and/or end caps are provided for temporary stabilization of the first and second hemicylindrical elements. Bone chips removed from the vertebrae during implantation or bone growth stimulators can be inserted into the fusion chamber or otherwise applied to the implant to enhance bone ingrowth.

Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. Dynamic bias devices and reinforcement devices are disclosed, which may be used individually or in combination, to eliminate nerve impingement associated with the damaged disc, and/or to reinforce the damaged disc, while permitting relative movement of the vertebrae adjacent the damaged disc.

A system for intersomatic fusion and setting of vertebrae. The system includes at least one open internal cage arranged for receiving spongy bone or bone substitute and is designed to be interposed between two vertebrae during diskectomy. The cage (1) includes on its anterior face (5) an external element forming a plate (12) extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the insertion plane of the cage (1), and has at each of its ends an anchor device (13,14) adapted for anchoring to at least two adjacent vertebrae to be secured to each other by the cage (1). The system can be separated into two parts, the cage and the plate.

A rod-shaped implant element (1, 100, 101, 102, 300) is disclosed for the connection of bone anchoring elements, Each bone anchoring element has an anchoring section (12) to be anchored in the bone and a receiver member (13) to be connected to the rod-shaped implant element The rod-shaped implant element has at least one rigid section (7, 8) that is configured to be placed in the receiver member (13). It also has a flexible section (9, 90, 900, 902) that is adjacent to the rigid section. The flexible section and the rigid section are formed in one piece. Also disclosed is a stabilization apparatus using a rod-shaped implant element and at least two of the bone anchoring elements. The stabilization apparatus can limit the movement of two vertebrae or parts of a bone in relation to each other in a defined manner.

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.

Systems and devices for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The systems include a superior component for attachment to a superior vertebra of a spinal motion segment and an inferior component for attachment to an inferior vertebral of a spinal motion segment. The interconnection between the two components enables the spinal motion segment to move in a manner that mimics the natural motion of the spinal motion segment. Methods are also provided for stabilizing the spine and for implanting the subject systems.

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.

There is shown a system and method for reducing the difficulty in percutaneous placement of a spine stabilization brace by coupling the brace to a pedicle screw in a single assembly. The brace-screw assembly is delivered along with an anchor extension through a cannula for anchoring in the vertebrae pedicle. The anchor extension becomes a cannula for working on the brace from the exterior of the patient, as constructed with a slot opening along two sides. Once the screw portion of the brace-screw assembly is locked in place with respect to the first vertebra, the proximal end of the brace is below the skin line. The brace is then repositioned so that the proximal end leaves the cannula through one slot and is captured by a corresponding slot positioned in a second cannula coupled to a second anchor. Once captured, the proximal end of the brace is guided by the second cannula to a receptacle positioned in the second vertebra.

An apparatus, method and system for treating spinal conditions by moving or spatially fixing at least one vertebra relative to another vertebra. The invention includes a link member the ends of which are configured to be secured to adjacent vertebrae and which are offset from a central portion of the link member. The link members can be in the form of a C-shaped or V-shaped rod or plate to form the offset. The offset provides increased bone volume that can be used for grafts or fusion. Attachment structure in the form of bone screws, bolts, or hook members are provided to secure the link members to respective vertebrae or other bones. A plurality of link members can be connected in chain-like fashion to connect multiple points on a plurality of vertebrae or other bones even though those points are nonlinear. In another aspect of the invention, a multi-directional attachment member is provided and may be used with the link members to form a spinal implant or external bone fixation system.

A prosthesis for the replacement of a diseased or traumatized facet of a mammalian vertebra includes a surface that articulates with another prosthetic facet or a natural facet, a portion that replaces at least a bony portion of the diseased or traumatized spine facet which is to be replaced, and an element to attach the prosthesis to the vertebra in a manner that does not require attachment to or abutment against the posterior arch. A method of installing the prosthesis includes the steps of resecting at least a portion of a facet and attaching the prosthesis in a manner that does not require attachment or abutment against the posterior arch.

An intervertebral implant, an installation tool, and related methods are provided for ensuring a minimum distance between two vertebrae. The implant can comprise a pair of opposing body portions and an expansion component. The expansion component can rotate relative to the body portions in order to urge a head portion thereof against one or more inclined contact surfaces of at least one of the body portions. In this manner, the body portions can be separated, thereby increasing a height of the implant. The installation tool can comprise a plurality of components that can be moved relative to each other to facilitate expansion or contraction of the implant.

Exemplary spinal fixation devices, systems, and method are provided for stabilizing vertebrae in a patient's spine. In one exemplary embodiment, methods and devices are provided for coupling one or more bone anchors, such as hooks, screws, etc., and/or one or more spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, cables, plates, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, a cross connector is provided for connecting and stabilizing two bone anchors, a bone anchor and a spinal fixation element, or a bone anchor and bone.

An articulating spinal implant for intervertebral disc replacement. The articulating spinal implant is formed from two elements, each engaging one of an adjacent pair of vertebra. Articulation features between the two elements resist compression and lateral movement between the vertebra, but allow the adjacent vertebra to articulate about an instantaneous axis of rotation.