U.S. patent application number 11/788763 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-10 for spine distraction implant.
This patent application is currently assigned to St. Francis Medical Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to John J. Flynn, Ken Y. Hsu, Henry A. Klyce, John A. Markwart, Steven T. Mitchell, Charles J. Winslow, Scott A. Yerby, James F. Zucherman.
Application Number | 20080086212 11/788763 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46328673 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080086212 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zucherman; James F. ; et
al. |
April 10, 2008 |
Spine distraction implant
Abstract
A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with
spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in
the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a
spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion. An
interspinous process implant with a selectably expandable spacer
can be placed between adjacent spinous processes. a device
implanted between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae of
the spine can be used for relieving pain associated with the
vertebrae and surrounding tissues and structures by maintaining
and/or adding distraction between adjacent vertebrae. A tissue
expander can be adapted to move from a first insertion position,
for ease of implantation between spinous processes, to a second
retention position that prevents displacement of the implant. An
embodiment of a system 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.
Inventors: |
Zucherman; James F.; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Hsu; Ken Y.; (San Francisco, CA)
; Winslow; Charles J.; (Walnut Creek, CA) ; Klyce;
Henry A.; (Piedmont, CA) ; Yerby; Scott A.;
(Montara, CA) ; Flynn; John J.; (West Milford,
NJ) ; Mitchell; Steven T.; (Pleasant Hill, CA)
; Markwart; John A.; (Castro Valley, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FITZPATRICK CELLA (MEDTRONIC)
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
NEW YORK
NY
10112-3800
US
|
Assignee: |
St. Francis Medical Technologies,
Inc.
Concord
CA
94520
|
Family ID: |
46328673 |
Appl. No.: |
11/788763 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11092862 |
Mar 29, 2005 |
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11788763 |
Apr 19, 2007 |
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09842819 |
Apr 26, 2001 |
7201751 |
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11092862 |
Mar 29, 2005 |
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09579039 |
May 26, 2000 |
6451019 |
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09842819 |
Apr 26, 2001 |
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09473173 |
Dec 28, 1999 |
6235030 |
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09579039 |
May 26, 2000 |
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09179570 |
Oct 27, 1998 |
6048342 |
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09473173 |
Dec 28, 1999 |
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08958281 |
Oct 27, 1997 |
5860977 |
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09179570 |
Oct 27, 1998 |
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08778093 |
Jan 2, 1997 |
5836948 |
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08958281 |
Oct 27, 1997 |
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10684847 |
Oct 14, 2003 |
7306628 |
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11788763 |
Apr 19, 2007 |
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11003555 |
Dec 3, 2004 |
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11788763 |
Apr 19, 2007 |
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11389002 |
Mar 24, 2006 |
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11788763 |
Apr 19, 2007 |
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60421921 |
Oct 29, 2002 |
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60565910 |
Apr 28, 2004 |
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60672402 |
Apr 18, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
623/17.11 ;
606/90 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/7068 20130101;
A61B 17/7071 20130101; A61B 17/7065 20130101; A61B 17/66 20130101;
A61K 31/37 20130101; A61B 2017/00557 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
623/017.11 ;
606/090 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/44 20060101
A61F002/44; A61B 17/58 20060101 A61B017/58 |
Claims
1.-21. (canceled)
22. An interspinous device for stabilizing at least one spinal
motion segment comprising: a first vertebra having a first spinous
process and a second vertebra having a second spinous process, the
device comprising: an expandable member having an unexpanded
configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the expandable
member in an expanded configuration has a size and shape configured
for positioning between and providing distraction of the first and
second spinous processes.
23. The device of claim 22, wherein the expandable member is a
non-compliant balloon.
24. The device of claim 22, wherein the expandable member is a
compliant balloon.
25. The device of claim 22, wherein the expandable member comprises
a mesh material.
26. The device of claim 25, wherein the mesh material is coated
with a non-porous material.
27. The device of claim 22, wherein the expandable member has a
substantially H-shaped configuration.
28. The device of claim 22, wherein the expandable member comprises
polyurethane.
29. The device of claim 22, further comprising at least one tab for
anchoring the expandable member to the spinous processes.
30. The device of claim 29, further comprising a tether attached to
the at least one tab.
31. The device of claim 22, further comprising at least one tether
attached to the expandable member.
32. The device of claim 22, wherein the expandable member has a
port for coupling to a source of an expansion medium.
33. The device of claim 22, wherein the port comprises a one-way
valve mechanism.
34. The device of claim 22, wherein the expandable member is
inflatable.
35. The device of claim 22, further comprising an expansion medium
contained within the interior of the expandable member when in an
expanded configuration.
36. The device of claim 22, further comprising at least one marker
on a surface of the expandable member.
37. A system for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment
comprising: a first vertebra having a first spinous process and a
second vertebra having a second spinous process, the system
comprising: an expandable member having an unexpanded configuration
and an expanded configuration, wherein the expandable member in an
expanded configuration has a size and shape configured for
positioning between and providing distraction of the first and
second spinous processes, wherein the expandable member has a port;
and an expansion medium fillable within the interior of the
expandable member via the port.
38. The system of claim 37, further comprising at least one anchor
for securing the expandable member to the spinal motion
segment.
39. The system of claim 38, wherein the at least one anchor is a
screw configured for securing the expandable member to a spinous
process.
40. The system of claim 37, wherein the expansion medium comprises
polyurethane.
41. A kit for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment
comprising: a first vertebra having a first spinous process and a
second vertebra having a second spinous process wherein a spinous
ligament extends between the first and second spinous processes,
the kit comprising: at least one expandable member having an
unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the
at least one expandable member in an expanded configuration has a
size and shape configured for positioning between and providing
distraction of the first and second spinous processes; and a
cannula configured for percutaneous delivery to a target site
within the spinal motion segment wherein the expandable member is
deliverable through the cannula when in an unexpanded
configuration.
42. The kit of claim 41, further comprising instructions for
implanting the expandable member between the first and second
spinous processes.
43. A method for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment
comprising: a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra, the
method comprising: providing the device of claim 1; forming an
opening in the spinous ligament; positioning the expandable member
within the opening wherein the expandable member is in the
unexpanded configuration; and expanding the expandable member to
the expanded configuration wherein the first and second vertebrae
are distracted a selected distance.
44. The method of claim 43, wherein the expanding comprises
inflating the expandable member with air.
45. The method of claim 44, the expanding further comprises filling
the expandable member with a flowable medium.
46. The method of claim 43, wherein the steps of forming,
positioning and expanding are performed through a percutaneous
penetration in the patient's skin.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein the steps of forming,
positioning and expanding are performed through a cannula
positioned within the percutaneous penetration.
48. The method of claim 43, further comprising anchoring the
expandable member to one or both of the spinous processes.
49. The method of claim 43, wherein the expandable member has a
volume in the expanded configuration, the method further comprising
adjusting the volume of the expandable member.
50. The method of claim 49, further comprising reducing the volume
of the expandable member and removing the expandable member
subsequent to reducing the volume.
51. A method for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment
comprising: a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra, the
method comprising: forming an opening in the spinous ligament;
positioning an expandable member within the opening wherein the
expandable member is in an unexpanded configuration; and
selectively expanding the expandable member to an expanded
configuration wherein the first and second vertebrae are distracted
a selected distance.
52. An interspinous device for stabilizing at least one spinal
motion segment comprising: a first vertebra having a first spinous
process and a second vertebra having a second spinous process, the
device comprising: an expandable member having an unexpanded
configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the expandable
member in the unexpanded configuration has a size configured for
positioning between the first and second spinous process and in the
expanded configuration provides distraction of the first and second
spinous processes, wherein the expandable member is mechanically
actuatable from the unexpanded configuration to the expanded
configuration.
53. The device of claim 52, wherein the expandable member comprises
a plurality of parallel struts.
54. The device of claim 53, wherein the plurality of struts are
affixed between two opposing hubs.
55. The device of claim 52, wherein the expandable member comprises
a coiled band.
56. The device of claim 55, wherein the coiled band comprises inner
and outer ends which are connectable to each other.
57. The device of claim 52, wherein the expandable member comprises
a plurality of nested portions.
58. The device of claim 52, wherein the expandable member has a
spherical configuration.
59. The device of claim 52, wherein the expandable member has an
elliptical configuration.
60. The device of claim 52, wherein the expandable member has a
disk configuration.
61. The device of claim 52, wherein the expandable member is
self-expanding.
62. A system for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment
comprising: a first vertebra having a first spinous process and a
second vertebra having a second spinous process, the system
comprising: an expandable member having an unexpanded configuration
and an expanded configuration, wherein the expandable member in the
unexpanded configuration has a size configured for positioning
between the first and second spinous process and in the expanded
configuration provides distraction of the first and second spinous
processes, wherein the expandable member is mechanically actuatable
from the unexpanded configuration to the expanded configuration;
and means for mechanically actuating the expandable member.
63. The system of claim 62, wherein said mechanical actuation means
is a guide wire.
64. A method for stabilizing a vertebrae relative to another
vertebrae, the method comprising: introducing an expandable
interspinous device to laterally of an interspinous space of the
vertebrae; expanding the interspinous device; and inserting the
interspinous device within the interspinous space.
65. The method of claim 64, further comprising: distracting the
interspinous space prior to inserting the interspinous device.
66. The method of claim 65, wherein the distracting comprises
introducing a device within the interspinous space and expanding
the distracting device.
67. The method of claim 66, wherein the distracting device is a
balloon.
68. The method of claim 66, wherein the distracting device is a
mechanical device.
69. The method of claim 67, wherein the distracting device is
introduced on one side of the interspinous space and the expandable
interspinous device is introduced on the opposite side of the
interspinous space.
70. The method of claim 67, wherein the distracting device and the
expandable interspinous device are introduced on the same side of
the interspinous space.
71. A kit for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment
comprising: a first vertebra having a first spinous process and a
second vertebra having a second spinous process, the kit
comprising: the interspinous device of claim 52; and a cannula
configured for percutaneous delivery to a target site within the
spinal motion segment wherein the expandable member is deliverable
through the cannula when in an unexpanded configuration.
72. The kit of claim 71, further comprising instructions for
implanting the expandable member between the first and second
spinous processes.
73. A method for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment
comprising a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra, the method
comprising: providing the device of claim 52; forming an opening in
the spinous ligament; positioning the expandable member within the
opening wherein the expandable member is in the unexpanded
configuration; and expanding the expandable member to the expanded
configuration wherein the first and second vertebrae are distracted
a selected distance.
74. The method of claim 73, wherein the expanding comprises
mechanical actuation.
75. The method of claim 73, wherein the steps of forming,
positioning and expanding are performed through a percutaneous
penetration in the patient's skin.
76. The method of claim 75, wherein the steps of forming,
positioning and expanding are performed through a cannula
positioned within the percutaneous penetration.
77. The method of claim 73, further comprising anchoring the
expandable member to one or both of the spinous processes.
78. An interspinous device for stabilizing at least one spinal
motion segment comprising: a first vertebra having a first spinous
process and a second vertebra having a second spinous process, the
device comprising: an axial dimension and a radial dimension
substantially transverse to the axial dimension, wherein the axial
dimension is greater when the device is in an undeployed
configuration and the radially dimension is greater when the device
is in a deployed configuration.
79. The interspinous device of claim 78, wherein the axial
dimension is defined by a central member and the radial dimension
is defined at least in part by a plurality of radially expandable
members.
80. The interspinous device of claim 79, comprising a first strap
extending between a first pair of the radially expandable members
and a second strap extending between a second pair of the radially
expandable members.
81. The interspinous device of claim 79, wherein the radially
expandable members comprise linkages.
82. The interspinous device of claim 79, wherein the radially
expandable members comprise deformable struts.
83. The interspinous device of claim 79, wherein the radially
expandable members comprise a compressible material.
84. A system for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment
comprising: a first vertebra having a first spinous process and a
second vertebra having a second spinous process and an interspinous
space defined between the first and second spinous processes, the
system comprising: the interspinous device of claim 78; and a
device for delivering the interspinous device in the undeployed
state within the interspinous processes and for axially reducing
and radially expanding the device from the undeployed state to the
deployed state.
85. The system of claim 84, wherein the interspinous device is
configured for delivery by the delivery device through a midline
incision.
86. A method for stabilizing a vertebrae relative to another
vertebrae wherein the vertebrae define an interspinous space, the
method comprising: introducing the interspinous device of claim 78
within the interspinous space when in the undeployed state; and
radially expanding and axially shortening the device to engage with
the spinous processes.
87. The method of claim 86, further comprising forming an incision
along the midline above the interspinous space, wherein the
introducing the interspinous device comprises inserting the device
within the midline incision.
88. An interspinous device for stabilizing at least one spinal
motion segment comprising: a first vertebra having a first spinous
process and a second vertebra having a second spinous process, the
device comprising: a tubular member having a length and a diameter
and being deployable from a first configuration to a second
configuration, wherein one of the length and the diameter of the
tubular member in the first configuration is changed when the
tubular member is in the second configuration.
89. The device of claim 88 wherein the length of the tubular member
in the first configuration is greater than the length of the
tubular member in the second configuration.
90. The device of claim 88 wherein the diameter of the tubular
member in the second configuration is greater than the diameter of
the tubular member in the first configuration.
91. The device of claim 88 further comprising a retaining member
circumferentially positioned about a portion of the length of the
tubular member, wherein the diameter of the retained portion of the
tubular member is less than the diameter of the unretained portion
of the tubular member when the tubular member is in the second
configuration.
92. The device of claim 91 wherein the diameter of the retained
portion of the tubular member in the second configuration is
sufficient to distract the first and second vertebrae relative to
each other when the device is operably implanted between the first
and second spinous processes.
93. The device of claim 91, wherein the retaining member is
positioned about a central portion of the tubular member.
94. The device of claim 88, further comprising a core member
positionable within the tubular member; and first and second hubs
configured for coupling with a first end of the core member and a
second end of the core member, respectively.
95. The device of claim 94, wherein the at least one of the hubs is
configured to translate axially over the core member.
96. The device of claim 94, wherein the core member comprises
segments of length which are removable from the core member.
97. The device of claim 88, wherein the tubular member comprises a
polymer material.
98. The device of claim 88, wherein the retaining member comprises
a braided or mesh material.
99. The device of claim 88, wherein a luminal surface of the
tubular member is contoured.
100. A system for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment
comprising: a first vertebra having a first spinous process and a
second vertebra having a second spinous process, the system
comprising: the interspinous device of claim 88; and a device for
delivering the interspinous device when in the first configuration
between the first and second spinous process and for deploying the
interspinous device in the second configuration.
101. The system of claim 98 wherein the delivery device comprises:
an elongated shaft having a detachable distal end configured for
insertion into the tubular member of the interspinous device; and a
handle mechanism for moving the elongated shaft wherein the
movement causes the tubular member to be deployed from the first
configuration to the second configuration.
102. A method for stabilizing a vertebrae relative to another
vertebrae wherein the vertebrae define an interspinous space, the
method comprising: introducing the interspinous device of claim 88
within the interspinous space when in the first configuration; and
deploying the interspinous device to the second configuration.
103. A device for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment
comprising a first vertebra having a first spinous process and a
second vertebra having a second spinous process, the device
comprising: an undeployed configuration having an axial dimension
and a radial dimension substantially transverse to the axial
dimension; and a deployed configuration having an axial dimension
and a radial dimension substantially transverse to the axial
dimension; wherein the radial dimension of the undeployed
configuration is less than the radial dimension in the deployed
configuration.
104. The device of claim 103, wherein the axial dimension of the
undeployed configuration is greater than the axial dimension in the
deployed configuration.
105. The interspinous device of claim 103, wherein the radial
dimension is defined at least in part by a plurality of radially
expanding members.
106. The device of claim 105, wherein the radially expanding
members comprise deformable struts.
107. The device of claim 105, wherein the radially expanding
members comprise linkages.
108. The device of claim 105, comprising a first bracket extending
between a first pair of the radially expandable members and a
second bracket extending between a second pair of the radially
expandable members.
109. The device of claim 107, wherein the brackets each comprise a
substantially rigid central portion and two substantially flexible
lateral portions.
110. The device of claim 103, wherein the device in the undeployed
has a cylindrical shape.
111. The device of claim 103, wherein the device in the deployed
has a "X" shape.
112. A system for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment
comprising: a first vertebra having a first spinous process and a
second vertebra having a second spinous process and an interspinous
space defined between the first and second spinous processes, the
system comprising: the device of claim 103; and a device for
delivering the device in the undeployed configuration within the
interspinous processes and for radially expanding the device from
the undeployed configuration to the deployed configuration.
113. The system of claim 112, wherein the device is configured for
delivery by the delivery device through a midline incision.
114. A method for stabilizing a vertebra relative to another
vertebra wherein the vertebrae define an interspinous space
therebetween, the method comprising: introducing the device of
claim 103 within the interspinous space when in the undeployed
configuration; and radially expanding the device to selectively
distract the spinous processes.
115. The method of claim 114, further comprising forming an
incision along the midline above the interspinous space, wherein
the introducing the interspinous device comprises inserting the
device within the midline incision.
116. A posterior element distraction system for implantation at a
spinal motion segment comprising a superior vertebra, an inferior
vertebra, each vertebra comprising a posterior element comprising a
spinous process, laminal portions and a set of facet joints, and
further comprising an interspinous space between the spinous
processes, the system comprising: at least one lateral member for
positioning on a side of the spinal motion segment and outside the
interspinous space, wherein the at least one lateral member has an
unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration; and first
and second transverse members extending transversely from the at
least one lateral member, wherein when the system is operatively
implanted at a spinal motion segment and the at least one lateral
member is in an expanded configuration, the transverse members are
caused to contact a portion of either the superior or inferior
posterior elements thereby providing distraction between the
superior and inferior posterior elements.
117. The system of claim 116, wherein the system comprises two
lateral members for positioning on opposite sides of spinal motion
segment.
118. The system of claim 117, wherein each transverse member is a
strap extending between the two lateral members.
119. The system of claim 117, further comprising a meshing about
the two lateral members.
120. The system of claim 116, wherein the system comprises only one
lateral member.
121. The system of claim 116, wherein the at least one lateral
member comprises a balloon configuration.
122. The system of claim 117, wherein the at least one lateral
member comprises a strut configuration.
123. The system of claim 118, wherein the at least one lateral
member comprises a balloon and a strut.
124. The system of claim 116, wherein the transverse members have a
pre-formed configuration.
125. The system of claim 116, wherein the transverse members have a
flexible configuration.
126. A system for implanting the system of claim 116, the
implantation system comprising: a temporary distraction device
having an expanded configuration and an unexpanded configuration
and further configured for insertion within the interspinous space,
wherein upon expansion of the device, the superior and inferior
vertebrae are distracted from each other.
127. The system of claim 126, further comprising: a working channel
for delivering the temporary distraction device and the posterior
distraction system, wherein the temporary distraction device is
deliverable in an unexpanded configuration.
128. The system of claim 127, wherein the temporary distraction
device and the posterior distraction system are deliverable
simultaneously to the spinal motion segment.
129. The system of claim 126, wherein the temporary distraction
device comprises a balloon.
130. A method for distracting at least a portion of a spinal motion
segment comprising: a superior vertebra, an inferior vertebra, each
vertebra comprising a posterior element comprising a spinous
process, laminal portions and a set of facet joints, and further
comprising an interspinous space between the spinous processes, the
method comprising: inserting an expandable member laterally of the
spinal motion segment; and expanding the expandable member thereby
distracting the superior vertebra and the inferior vertebra
relative to each other.
131. The method of claim 130, further comprising: inserting two
transverse members within the interspinous space.
132. The method of claim 130, wherein the distraction between the
vertebrae is along the longitudinal axis of the spine.
133. The method of claim 130, wherein the distraction between the
vertebrae is rotational.
134. A method for distracting at least a portion of a spinal motion
segment comprising: a superior vertebra, an inferior vertebra, each
vertebra comprising: a posterior element comprising a spinous
process, laminal portions and a set of facet joints, and further
comprising an interspinous space between the spinous processes, the
method comprising: distracting the superior vertebra and the
inferior vertebra relative to each other until a desired amount of
distraction is achieved; inserting an implantable expandable member
within the interspinous space; and expanding the implantable
expandable member to contact the spinous processes thereby
maintaining the distraction achieved.
135. The method of claim 134, wherein the distracting comprises
using another expandable member positionable within the
interspinous space; and wherein the other expandable member is
removed subsequent to the expanding of the implantable expandable.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/092,862, filed on Mar. 29, 2005; is
a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/842,819, filed
on Apr. 26, 2001, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,201,751; which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/579,039, filed on May 26, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,451,019;
which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/473,173, filed on Dec. 28, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,235,030;
which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/179,570, filed on Oct.
27, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,342; which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
08/958,281, filed on Oct. 27, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,977;
which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
08/778,093, filed on Jan. 2, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,948.
[0002] The present application is also a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/684,847, filed on Oct. 14,
2003; which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/421,921, filed on Oct. 29, 2002; both entitled "Interspinous
Process Apparatus and Method with a Selectably Expandable
Spacer."
[0003] The present application is also a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/003,555, filed on Dec. 3, 2004;
which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/565,910, filed on Apr. 28, 2004.
[0004] The present application is also a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/389,002, filed on Mar. 24,
2006; which claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/672,402, filed Apr. 18, 2005; both entitled "Interspinous
Process Implant Having Deployable Wings and Method of
Implantation."
[0005] All of the above-listed references are incorporated herein
by reference.
STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED
RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0006] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO A "SEQUENCE LISTING," A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK
[0007] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The spinal column is a bio-mechanical structure composed
primarily of ligaments, muscles, vertebrae and intervertebral
disks. The bio-mechanical functions of the spine include: (1)
support of the body, which involves the transfer of the weight and
the bending movements of the head, trunk, and arms to the pelvis
and legs, (2) complex physiological motion between these parts, and
(3) protection of the spinal cord and the nerve roots.
[0009] As the present society ages, it is anticipated that there
will be an increase in adverse spinal conditions which are
characteristic of older people. By way of example, with aging comes
increases in spinal stenosis (including but not limited to central
canal and lateral stenosis), the thickening of the bones which make
up the spinal column and facet arthropathy. Spinal stenosis results
in a reduction foraminal area (i.e., the available space for the
passage of nerves and blood vessels) which compresses the cervical
nerve roots and causes radicular pain. Humpreys, S. C. et al.,
Flexion and traction effect on C5-C6 foraminal space, Arch. Phys.
Med. Rehabil., vol. 79 at 1105 (September 1998). Another symptom of
spinal stenosis is myelopathy, which results in neck pain and
muscle weakness. Id. Extension and ipsilateral rotation of the neck
further reduces the foraminal area and contributes to pain, nerve
root compression and neural injury. Id.; Yoo, J. U. et al., Effect
of cervical spine motion on the neuroforaminal dimensions of human
cervical spine, Spine, vol. 17 at 1131 (Nov. 10, 1992). In
contrast, neck flexion increases the foraminal area. Humpreys, S.
C. et al., at 1105.
[0010] Spinal stenosis is characterized by a reduction in the
available space for the passage of blood vessels and nerves. Pain
associated with such stenosis can be relieved by medication and/or
surgery. Of course, it is desirable to eliminate the need for major
surgery for all individuals and in particular for the elderly.
[0011] Accordingly, there needs to be developed procedures and
implants for alleviating such condition which are minimally
invasive, can be tolerated by the elderly and can be performed
preferably on an outpatient basis.
[0012] This invention also relates to an apparatus and method for
adjustably distracting the spinous process of adjacent
vertebrae.
[0013] In addition, there are a variety of other ailments that can
cause back pain in patients of all ages. For these ailments it is
also desirable to eliminate such pain without major surgery.
[0014] Accordingly, there is a need for a method for alleviating
such conditions that is minimally invasive, can be tolerated by
patients of all ages (in particular, the elderly), can be performed
on an out-patient basis, and allows adjustments both during and
after surgery to minimize patient discomfort. There is a further
need for an apparatus with which to apply the method.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention is directed to providing a minimally
invasive implant and method for alleviating discomfort associated
with the spinal column.
[0016] The present invention provides for apparatus and method for
relieving pain by relieving the pressure and restrictions on the
aforementioned blood vessels and nerves. Such alleviation of
pressure is accomplished in the present invention through the use
of an implant and method which distract the spinous process of
adjacent vertebra in order to alleviate the problems caused by
spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy and the like. While the
implant and method particularly address the needs of the elderly,
the invention can be used with individuals of all ages and sizes
where distraction of the spinous process would be beneficial.
[0017] In one aspect of the invention, an implant is provided for
relieving pain comprising a device positioned between a first
spinous process and a second spinous process. The device includes a
spinal column extension stop and a spinal column flexion
non-inhibitor.
[0018] In another aspect of the invention, the implant is
positioned between the first spinous process and the second spinous
process and includes a distraction wedge that can distract the
first and second spinous processes as the implant is positioned
between the spinous processes.
[0019] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the implant
includes a device which is adapted to increasing the volume of the
spinal canal and/or the neural foramen as the device is positioned
between adjacent spinous processes.
[0020] In yet a further aspect of the present invention, a method
is presented for relieving pain due to the development of, by way
of example only, spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy. The method
is comprised of the steps of accessing adjacent first and second
spinal processes of the spinal column and distracting the processes
a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal
canal in order to relieve pain. The method further includes
implanting a device in order to maintain the amount of distraction
required to relieve such pain.
[0021] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the method
includes implanting a device in order to achieve the desired
distraction and to maintain that distraction.
[0022] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the implant
includes a first portion and a second portions. The portions are
urged together in order to achieve the desired distraction. In
still a further aspect of the invention, the implant includes a
distracting unit and a retaining unit. The distracting unit
includes a body which can be urged between adjacent spinous
processes. The body includes a slot. After the distracting unit is
positioned, the retaining unit can fit into the slot of the
retaining unit and be secured thereto.
[0023] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the implant
includes a first unit with a central body. A sleeve is provided
over the central body and is at least partially spaced from the
central body in order to allow for deflection toward the central
body.
[0024] In a further aspect of the invention, the implant includes a
first unit having a central body with a guide and a first wing,
with the first wing located at first end of the body. The guide
extends from a second end of the body located distally from the
first wing. The implant further includes a sleeve provided over
said central body. The sleeve is at least partially spaced from the
central body in order to allow for deflection of the sleeve toward
the central body. The implant further includes a second wing and a
device for securing the second wing to the first unit, wherein the
sleeve is located between the first and second wings.
[0025] In yet another aspect of the invention, an implant system
includes a cylindrical sleeve which is inwardly deflectable. The
system further includes an insertion tool which includes an
insertion guide, a central body, a stop and a handle. The guide and
the stop extend from opposite sides of the central body and the
handle extend from the stop. A sleeve fits over the guide and
against the stop preparatory to being positioned between the two
adjacent vertebrae with the insertion tool.
[0026] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the implant
includes central body and first and second wings and a means for
selectively positioning one of the first and second wings relative
to the other in order to accommodate spinous processes of different
sizes.
[0027] In yet still a further aspect of the invention, the implant
includes a sleeve which is rotatable relative to the wings of the
implant in order to be able to accommodate the anatomical structure
of spinous processes.
[0028] In yet still a further aspect of the invention, the sleeve
is formed from bar stock comprised of a super-elastic material.
[0029] Other implants and methods within the spirit and scope of
the invention can be used to increase the volume of the spinal
canal thereby alleviating restrictions on vessels and nerves
associated therewith, and pain.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an embodiment of an implant of the
invention which is adjustable in order to select the amount of
distraction required. FIG. 1 depicts the implant in a more extended
configuration than does FIG. 2.
[0031] FIGS. 3a and 3b depict side and end views of a first forked
and of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0032] FIGS. 4a and 4b depict side sectioned and end views of an
interbody piece of the implant of FIG. 1.
[0033] FIGS. 5a and 5b depict side and end views of a second forked
end of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0034] FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 depict apparatus and method for
another embodiment of the present invention for creating
distraction between adjacent spinous processes.
[0035] FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 depict yet a further embodiment of the
invention for creating distraction between adjacent spinous
processes.
[0036] FIGS. 14 and 15 depict a further apparatus and method of an
embodiment of the invention for creating distraction.
[0037] FIGS. 16, 16a, and 17 depict yet another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0038] FIGS. 18, 19, and 20 depict yet a further apparatus and
method of the present embodiment.
[0039] FIGS. 21 and 22 depict still a further embodiment of the
present invention.
[0040] FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 depict another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0041] FIGS. 26, 27, and 28 depict another embodiment of the
invention.
[0042] FIGS. 29 and 30 depict side elevational views of differently
shaped implants of embodiments of the present invention.
[0043] FIGS. 31, 32, and 33 depict various implant positions of an
apparatus of the present invention.
[0044] FIGS. 34 and 35 depict yet another apparatus and method of
the present invention.
[0045] FIGS. 36, 37, and 38 depict three different embodiments of
the present invention.
[0046] FIGS. 39 and 40 depict yet another apparatus and method of
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] FIGS. 41, 42, and 43 depict yet further embodiments of an
apparatus and method of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 44 is still a further embodiment of an implant of the
invention.
[0049] FIG. 45 is yet another depiction of an apparatus and method
of the invention.
[0050] FIGS. 46 and 47 depict still a further apparatus and method
of an embodiment of the invention.
[0051] FIGS. 48, 49, 50, and 51 depict yet a further apparatus and
method of the invention.
[0052] FIGS. 52, 53, 54, 55a, and 55b depict another apparatus and
method of the invention.
[0053] FIGS. 56, 57, and 58 depict yet a further apparatus and
method of the invention.
[0054] FIGS. 59 and 60 depict still a further embodiment of the
invention.
[0055] FIG. 61 depict another embodiment of the invention.
[0056] FIGS. 62 and 63 depict yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0057] FIGS. 64 and 65 depict still a further embodiment of the
present invention.
[0058] FIG. 66 depicts another embodiment of the invention.
[0059] FIGS. 67 and 68 depict yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0060] FIGS. 69, 70, 71, and 71a depict a further embodiment of the
present invention.
[0061] FIGS. 72 and 73 depict still another embodiment of the
invention.
[0062] FIGS. 74, 75, 76, 77, and 78 depict still other embodiments
of the invention.
[0063] FIGS. 79, 80, 80a, 81, 82, 83, 83a, 84, 85, 86, and 87
depict still a further embodiment of the present invention.
[0064] FIGS. 88, 89, 90, and 91 depict yet another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0065] FIGS. 92, 92a, 92b, 93, 93a, 93b, 93c, 93d, 94, 94a, 94b,
95, 95a, and 96, depict still a further embodiment of the present
invention wherein a sleeve is provided which is capable of
deflecting response to relative motion between the spinous
processes.
[0066] FIG. 97 depicts still another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0067] FIG. 98 depicts yet a further embodiment of the present
invention.
[0068] FIGS. 99 and 100 depict still another embodiment of the
present invention including an insertion tool.
[0069] FIGS. 101, 102, 102a, 103, 104, 105, 106, and 107 depict
still a further embodiment of the present invention.
[0070] FIGS. 108, 109, and 110 depict still another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0071] FIGS. 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, and 117 depict yet
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0072] FIG. 118 depicts a graph showing characteristics of a
preferred material usable with several of the embodiments of the
present invention.
[0073] FIGS. 119a and 119b depict side and plan views of still a
further embodiment of the present invention.
[0074] FIGS. 120a and 120b depict side and plan views of the second
wing which can be used in conjunction with the embodiment of the
invention of FIGS. 119a and 119b.
[0075] FIGS. 121a and 121b depict side and plan views of the first
wing and central body of the embodiment of the invention depicted
in FIGS. 119a and 119b.
[0076] FIGS. 122a, 122b, and 122c depict top, side and end views of
a guide which is a portion of the embodiment of the invention of
FIGS. 119a and 119b.
[0077] FIGS. 123a and 123b depict an end view and a cross-sectioned
view respectfully of the sleeve of the embodiment of the invention
of FIGS. 119a and 119b.
[0078] FIGS. 124a, 124b, and 124c depict a view of the embodiment
of the invention of FIGS. 119a and 119b taken through line 124-124
in FIG. 119b shown in with the sleeve in various positions relative
to a first wing.
[0079] FIG. 125 depicts an alternative embodiment of the invention
as depicted in FIGS. 119a and 119b.
[0080] FIG. 126 depicts yet a further alternative embodiment of the
invention depicted in FIGS. 119a and 119b.
[0081] FIG. 127 depicts yet a further embodiment of the invention
as depicted in FIGS. 119a and 119b.
[0082] FIG. 128 is still a further embodiment of the invention as
depicted in FIG. 93a.
[0083] FIG. 129 depicts still a further embodiment of the invention
as depicted in FIGS. 119a and 119b.
[0084] FIG. 130A is a front plan view of one embodiment of an
apparatus with a selectably expandable spacer.
[0085] FIG. 130B is a left side view of the apparatus of FIG.
130A.
[0086] FIG. 130C is a front plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 130A
including a selectably expandable spacer, a main body and a first
wing.
[0087] FIG. 130D is a left side view of the second wing of the
apparatus of FIG. 130A.
[0088] FIG. 130E is a front plan view of the second wing of the
apparatus of FIG. 130A.
[0089] FIG. 130F is an end view of the selectably expandable spacer
of the apparatus of FIG. 130A.
[0090] 131A is a right side view of an embodiment of the selectably
adjustable spacer in an unexpanded position.
[0091] FIG. 131B is a right side view of an embodiment of the
selectably adjustable spacer in a fully FIG. 132A is a right side
cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the selectably adjustable
spacer in an unexpanded position.
[0092] FIG. 132B is a left side cross-sectional view of an
embodiment of the selectably adjustable spacer in a fully expanded
position.
[0093] FIG. 133 is a front side view of an embodiment of the
selectably adjustable spacer.
[0094] FIG. 134A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
selectably adjustable spacer.
[0095] 134B is a back view of another embodiment of the spacer
similar to that shown in FIG. 134A with a mechanism for allowing
the spacer to expand.
[0096] FIG. 135A is a right side view of an alternative embodiment
of the selectably expandable spacer with a jack expansion mechanism
in an unexpanded position.
[0097] FIG. 135B is a right side view of an alternative embodiment
of the selectably expandable spacer with a jack expansion mechanism
in a fully expanded position.
[0098] FIG. 136 is a block diagram demonstrating the steps for
performing the method.
[0099] FIG. 137 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the implant
of the invention, in a first insertion position.
[0100] FIG. 138 is a top-down view of the embodiment of the implant
of the invention depicted in FIG. 137 in the first insertion
position.
[0101] FIG. 139 is a side view of the embodiment of the implant of
the invention depicted in FIG. 137 in a second retention
position.
[0102] FIG. 140 illustrates a top-down view of an embodiment of the
implant of the invention, the implant positioned under a spinous
process of the spine with the tissue expander in the second
retention position.
[0103] FIG. 141 depicts a side view of an alternative embodiment of
the implant of the invention in a first insertion position.
[0104] FIG. 142 depicts a side view of the alternative embodiment
of the implant of the invention illustrated in FIG. 141, in a
second retention position.
[0105] FIG. 143 depicts a top view of yet another embodiment of the
implant of the invention, in a first insertion position.
[0106] FIG. 144 depicts a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
145 of the implant of the invention, in a second retention
position.
[0107] FIG. 145 depicts a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 143 in
a deployed position between spinous processes.
[0108] FIG. 146 depicts a flow diagram of a method of insertion of
an implant of the invention.
[0109] FIG. 147 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an
implant in accordance with the present invention having a spacer, a
distraction guide, and a wing with an elliptical cross-section.
[0110] FIG. 148 is an end view of the implant of FIG. 147.
[0111] FIG. 149 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an
implant in accordance with the present invention having a wing with
a teardrop-shaped cross-section.
[0112] FIG. 150 is an end view of a second wing for use with the
implant of FIG. 149.
[0113] FIG. 151 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an
implant in accordance with the present invention having a rotatable
spacer and a wing with an elliptical cross-section.
[0114] FIG. 152 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an
implant in accordance with the present invention having a rotatable
spacer with two wings that are teardrop-shaped in
cross-section.
[0115] FIG. 153 depicts the axis of rotation of the implant of FIG.
152 as seen from an end view.
[0116] FIG. 154 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an
implant in accordance with the present invention having a wing that
is truncated at a posterior end.
[0117] FIG. 155A is an end view of the implant of FIG. 154.
[0118] FIG. 155B is a truncated second wing for use with the
implant of FIG. 155A.
[0119] FIG. 156 is a plan view of an embodiment of an implant in
accordance with the present invention wherein a screw is used to
secure a second wing to the spacer.
[0120] FIG. 157 is a perspective view of the second wing of FIG.
156.
[0121] FIG. 158 is a perspective view of the implant of FIG.
156.
[0122] FIG. 159A is a front view of a second wing for use with some
embodiments of implants of the present invention having a flexible
hinge mechanism for securing the second wing to an implant.
[0123] FIG. 159B is a side-sectional view of the second wing of
FIG. 159A.
[0124] FIG. 160A is a plan view of an embodiment of an implant for
use with the second wing of FIGS. 159A and 159B.
[0125] FIG. 160B is a front view of the second wing of FIGS. 159A
and 159B.
[0126] FIG. 161A is a top view of an embodiment of an implant in
accordance with the present invention positioned between spinous
processes of adjacent cervical vertebrae.
[0127] FIG. 161B is a top view of the implant of FIG. 161A showing
wing orientation.
[0128] FIG. 162 is a top view of two such implants of the invention
of FIGS. 161A and 161B, positioned in the cervical spine.
[0129] FIG. 163 is a side view of two implants of the invention
positioned in the cervical spine, with stops or keeps at the
proximal ends of the spinous processes.
[0130] FIG. 164A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of an implant in accordance with the present invention having a
first wing and a second wing that can be deployed after arranging
the implant between adjacent spinous processes.
[0131] FIG. 164B is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 164B
in a deployed configuration.
[0132] FIG. 165A is a posterior view of the implant of FIGS. 164A
and 164B positioned between adjacent spinous processes in an
undeployed configuration.
[0133] FIG. 165B is a posterior view of the implant of FIGS. 164A
and 164B positioned between adjacent spinous processes in a
deployed configuration.
[0134] FIG. 166A is a perspective view of still another embodiment
of an implant in accordance with the present invention having a
first wing and a second wing that can be deployed after arranging
the implant between adjacent spinous processes.
[0135] FIG. 166B is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 166A
in a deployed configuration.
[0136] FIG. 167 is a posterior view of the implant of FIGS. 166A
and 166B positioned between adjacent spinous processes in a
deployed configuration.
[0137] FIG. 168A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of an implant in accordance with the present invention having a
first wing and a second wing that can be deployed after arranging
the implant between adjacent spinous processes.
[0138] FIG. 168B is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 168A
in a partially deployed configuration.
[0139] FIG. 168C is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 168A
in a fully deployed configuration.
[0140] FIG. 169A is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 168A
including a cannula within which the implant is disposed for
insertion into desired location between adjacent spinous
processes.
[0141] FIG. 169B is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 168A
in a partially deployed configuration.
[0142] FIG. 169C is a perspective close-up view of the implant of
FIG. 168A showing hinged structures connected by cords.
[0143] FIG. 170 illustrates an embodiment of a method for
implanting an interspinous implant as shown in FIGS. 147-163 in
accordance with the present invention.
[0144] FIG. 171 illustrates an embodiment of a method for
implanting an interspinous implant as shown in FIGS. 164A-167
having deployable first and second wings in accordance with the
present invention.
[0145] FIG. 172 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a method
for implanting an interspinous implant as shown in FIGS. 168A-169B
having deployable first and second wings by way of a cannula
inserted between adjacent spinous processes in accordance with the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0146] A first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1-5a,
5b. Implant 20 includes first and second forked ends 22 and 24,
each defining a saddle 26, 28 respectively. The forked ends 22, 24
are mated using an interbody piece 30. As can be seen in FIGS. 3a,
3b, the first forked end 22 includes a threaded shaft 32 which
projects rearwardly from the saddle 26. The threaded shaft 32 fits
into the threaded bore 34 (FIG. 4a) of the interbody piece 30.
[0147] The second forked end 24 (FIGS. 5a, 5b) includes a smooth
cylindrical shaft 36 which can fit into the smooth bore 38 of the
interbody piece 30.
[0148] FIG. 1 shows the implant 20 in a fully extended position,
while FIG. 2 shows the implant in an unextended position. In the
unextended position, it can be seen that the threaded shaft 32 of
the first forked end 22 fits inside the hollow cylindrical shaft 36
of the second forked end 24.
[0149] For purposes of implantation between adjacent first and
second spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant 20 is
configured as shown in FIG. 2. The first and second spinous
processes are exposed using appropriate surgical techniques and
thereafter, the implant 20 is positioned so that saddle 26 engages
the first spinous process, and saddle 28 engages the second spinous
process. At this point, the interbody piece 30 can be rotated by
placing an appropriate tool or pin into the cross holes 40 and upon
rotation, the saddle 26 is moved relative to the saddle 28. Such
rotation spreads apart or distracts the spinous processes with the
resultant and beneficial effect of enlarging the volume of the
spinal canal in order to alleviate any restrictions on blood
vessels and nerves.
[0150] It is noted that this implant as well as the several other
implants described herein act as an extension stop. That means that
as the back is bent backwardly and thereby placed in extension the
spacing between adjacent spinous processes cannot be reduced to a
distance less than the distance between the lowest point of saddle
26 and the lowest point of saddle 28. This implant, however, does
not inhibit or in any way limit the flexion of the spinal column,
wherein the spinal column is bent forward.
[0151] Preferably, such a device provides for distraction in the
range of about 5 mm to about 15 mm. However, devices which can
distract up to and above 22 mm may be used depending on the
characteristics of the individual patient.
[0152] With all the ligaments (such as the superspinous ligament)
and tissues associated with the spinous processes left intact, the
implant 20 can be implanted essentially floating in position in
order to gain the benefits of the aforementioned extension stop and
flexion non-inhibitor. If desired, one of the saddles 26 can be
laterally pinned with pin 29 to one of the spinous processes and
the other saddle can be loosely associated with the other spinous
processes by using a tether 31 which either pierces or surrounds
the other spinous process and then is attached to the saddle in
order to position the saddle relative to the spinous process.
Alternatively, both saddles can be loosely tethered to the adjacent
spinous process in order to allow the saddles to move relative to
the spinous processes.
[0153] The shape of the saddles, being concave, gives the advantage
of distributing the forces between the saddle and the respective
spinous process. This ensures that the bone is not resorbed due to
the placement of the implant 20 and that the structural integrity
of the bone is maintained.
[0154] The implant 20 in this embodiment can be made of a number of
materials, including but not limited to, stainless steel, titanium,
ceramics, plastics, elastics, composite materials or any
combination of the above. In addition, the modulus of elasticity of
the implant can be matched to that of bone, so that the implant 20
is not too rigid. The flexibility of the implant can further be
enhanced by providing additional apertures or perforations
throughout the implant in addition to the holes 40 which also have
the above stated purpose of allowing the interbody piece 30 to be
rotated in order to expand the distance between the saddle 26,
28.
[0155] In the present embodiment, it is understood that the spinous
processes can be accessed and distracted initially using
appropriate instrumentation, and that the implant 20 can be
inserted and adjusted in order to maintain and achieve the desired
distraction. Alternatively, the spinous process can be accessed and
the implant 20 appropriately positioned. Once positioned, the
length of the implant can be adjusted in order to distract the
spinous processes or extend the distraction of already distracted
spinous processes. Thus, the implant can be used to create a
distraction or to maintain a distraction which has already been
created.
[0156] The placement of implants such as implant 20 relative to the
spinous process will be discussed hereinbelow with other
embodiments. However, it is to be noted that ideally, the implant
20 would be placed close to the instantaneous axis of rotation of
the spinal column so that the forces placed on the implant 20 and
the forces that the implant 20 places on the spinal column are
minimized.
[0157] Further, it is noted that during the actual process of
installing or implanting the implant 20, that the method uses the
approach of extending the length of the implant 20 a first amount
and then allowing the spine to creep or adjust to this distraction.
Thereafter, implant 20 would be lengthened another amount, followed
by a period where the spine is allowed to creep or adjust to this
new level of distraction. This process could be repeated until the
desired amount of distraction has been accomplished. This same
method can be used with insertion tools prior to the installation
of an implant. The tools can be used to obtain the desired
distraction using a series of spinal distraction and spine creep
periods before an implant is installed.
[0158] The embodiment of the invention shown in the above FIGS. 6,
7, 8, 9 and 10 includes distraction or spreader tool 50 which has
first and second arms 52, 54. Arms 52, 54 are pivotal about pivot
point 56 and releasable from pivot point 56 in order to effect the
implantation of implant 58. As can be seen in FIG. 6, in
cross-section, the arms 52, 54 are somewhat concave in order to
cradle and securely hold the first spinous process 60 relative to
arm 52 and the second spinous process 62 relative to arm 54. The
distraction tool 50 can be inserted through a small incision in the
back of the patient in order to address the space between the first
spinous process 60 and the second spinous process 62. Once the tool
50 is appropriately positioned, the arms 52, 54 can be spread apart
in order to distract the spinous processes. After this has
occurred, an implant 58 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, or of a design
shown in other of the embodiments of this invention, can be urged
between the arms 52, 54 and into position between the spinous
processes. After this occurs, the arms 52, 54 can be withdrawn from
the spinous processes leaving the implant 58 in place. The implant
58 is urged into place using a tool 64 which can be secured to the
implant 58 through a threaded bore 66 in the back of the implant.
As can be seen in FIG. 10, the implant 58 includes saddles 68 and
70 which cradle the upper and lower spinous processes 60, 62 in
much the same manner as the above first embodiment and also in much
the same manner as the individual arms of the tool 50. The saddles
as described above tend to distribute the load between the implant
and the spinous processes and also assure that the spinous process
is stably seated at the lowest point of the respective saddles.
[0159] Another embodiment of the apparatus and method of the
invention is shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13. In this embodiment, the
spreader or distraction tool 80 includes first and second arms 82,
84 which are permanently pivoted at pivot point 86. The arms
include L-shaped ends 88, 90. Through a small incision, the
L-shaped ends 88, 90 can be inserted between the first and second
spinous processes 92, 94. Once positioned, the arms 82, 84 can be
spread apart in order to distract the spinous processes. The
implant 96 can then be urged between the spinous processes in order
to maintain the distraction. It is noted that implant 96 includes
wedged surfaces or ramps 98, 100. As the implant 96 is being urged
between the spinous processes, the ramps further cause the spinous
processes to be distracted. Once the implant 96 is fully implanted,
the full distraction is maintained by the planar surfaces 99, 101
located rearwardly of the ramps. It is to be understood that the
cross-section of the implant 96 can be similar to that shown for
implant 58 or similar to other implants in order to gain the
advantages of load distribution and stability.
[0160] In FIGS. 14 and 15, yet another embodiment of the invention
is depicted. In this embodiment, the implant 110 includes first and
second conically shaped members 112, 114. Member 112 includes a
male snap connector 116 and member 114 includes a female snap
connector 118. With male snap connector 116 urged into female snap
connector 118, the first member 112 is locked to the second member
114. In this embodiment, a distraction or spreader tool 80 could be
used. Once the spinous process has been spread apart, an
implantation tool 120 can be used to position and snap together the
implant 110. The first member 112 of implant 110 is mounted on one
arm and second member 114 is mounted on the other arm of tool 120.
The member 112, 114 are placed on opposite sides of the space
between adjacent spinous processes. The members 112, 114 are urged
together so that the implant 110 is locked in place between the
spinous processes as shown in FIG. 15. It is to be noted that the
implant 110 can also be made more self-distracting by causing the
cylindrical surface 122 to be more conical, much as surface 124 is
conical, in order to hold implant 110 in place relative to the
spinous processes and also to create additional distraction.
[0161] An alternative embodiment of the implant can be seen in
FIGS. 16 and 17. This implant 130 includes first and second members
132, 134. In this particular embodiment, the implants are held
together using a screw (not shown) which is inserted through
countersunk bore 136 and engages a threaded bore 138 of the second
member 134. Surfaces 139 are flattened (FIG. 17) in order to carry
and spread the load applied thereto by the spinous processes.
[0162] The embodiment of implant 130 is not circular in overall
outside appearance, as is the embodiment 110 of FIGS. 14 and 15. In
particular, with respect to the embodiment of implant 130 of FIGS.
16 and 17, this embodiment is truncated so that the lateral side
140, 142 are flattened with the upper and lower sides 144, 146
being elongated in order to capture and create a saddle for the
upper and lower spinous processes. The upper and lower sides, 144,
146 are rounded to provide a more anatomical implant which is
compatible with the spinous processes.
[0163] If it is desired, and in order to assure that the first
member 132 and the second member 134 are aligned, key 148 and
keyway 150 are designed to mate in a particular manner. Key 148
includes at least one flattened surface, such as flattened surface
152, which mates to an appropriately flattened surface 154 of the
keyway 150. In this manner, the first member is appropriately mated
to the second member in order to form appropriate upper and lower
saddles holding the implant 130 relative to the upper and lower
spinous processes.
[0164] FIG. 16a depicts second member 134 in combination with a
rounded nose lead-in plug 135. Lead-in plug 135 includes a bore 137
which can fit snugly over key 148. In this configuration, the
lead-in plug 135 can be used to assist in the placement of the
second member 134 between spinous processes. Once the second member
134 is appropriately positioned, the lead-in plug 135 can be
removed. It is to be understood that the lead-in plug 135 can have
other shapes such as pyramids and cones to assist in urging apart
the spinous processes and soft tissues in order to position the
second member 134.
[0165] The implant 330 as shown in FIG. 18 is comprised of first
and second mating wedges 332 and 334. In order to implant these
wedges 332, 334, the spinous processes are accessed from both sides
and then a tool is used to push the wedges towards each other. As
the wedges are urged towards each other, the wedges move relative
to each other so that the combined dimension of the implant 330
located between the upper and lower spinous processes 336, 338
(FIG. 20), increases, thereby distracting the spinous processes. It
is noted that the wedges 332, 334 include saddle 340, 342, which
receiving the spinous processes 336, 338. These saddles have the
advantages as described hereinabove.
[0166] The first or second wedges 332, 334 have a mating
arrangement which includes a channel 344 and a projection of 346
which can be urged into the channel in order to lock the wedges
332, 334 together. The channel 334 is undercut in order to keep the
projection from separating therefrom. Further, as in other devices
described herein, a detent can be located in one of the channel and
the projection, with a complimentary recess in the other of the
channel and the projection. Once these two snap together, the
wedges are prevented from sliding relative to the other in the
channel 344.
[0167] While the above embodiment was described with respect to
wedges, the wedges could also have been designed substantially as
cones with all the same features and advantages.
[0168] The implant 370 is comprised of first and second distraction
cone 372, 374. These cones are made of a flexible material. The
cones are positioned on either side of the spinous processes 376,
378 as shown in FIG. 21. Using appropriate tool as shown
hereinabove, the distraction cones 372, 374 are urged together. As
they are urged together, the cones distract the spinous processes
as shown in FIG. 22. Once this has occurred, an appropriate screw
or other type of fastening mechanism 380 can be used to maintain
the position of the distraction cones 372, 374. The advantage of
this arrangement is that the implant 370 is self-distracting and
also that the implant, being flexible, molds about the spinous
processes as shown in FIG. 22.
[0169] In FIGS. 23 and 24, another embodiment of the implant 170 is
depicted. This implant is guided in place using an L-shaped guide
172 which can have a concave cross-section such as the
cross-section 52 of retraction tool 50 in FIG. 6 in order to cradle
and guide the implant 170 in position. Preferably a small incision
would be made into the back of the patient and the L-shaped guide
tool 172 inserted between the adjacent spinous processes. The
implant 170 would be mounted on the end of insertion tool 174 and
urged into position between the spinous processes. The act of
urging the implant into position could cause the spinous processes
to be further distracted if that is required. Prior to the
insertion of the L-shaped guide tool 172, a distraction tool such
as shown in FIG. 13 could be used to initially distract the spinous
processes.
[0170] Implant 170 can be made of a deformable material so that it
can be urged into place and so that it can somewhat conform to the
shape of the upper and lower spinous processes. This deformable
material would be preferably an elastic material. The advantage of
such a material would be that the load forces between the implant
and the spinous processes would be distributed over a much broader
surface area. Further, the implant would mold itself to an
irregular spinous process shape in order to locate the implant
relative to spinous processes.
[0171] With respect to FIG. 25, this implant 176 can be inserted
over a guide wire, guide tool or stylet 178. Initially, the guide
wire 178 is positioned through a small incision to the back of the
patient to a position between the adjacent spinous processes. After
this has occurred, the implant is threaded over the guide wire 178
and urged into position between the spinous processes. This urging
can further distract the spinous processes if further distraction
is required. Once the implant is in place, the guide tool 178 is
removed and the incision closed. The insertion tools of FIGS. 23
and 24 can also be used if desired.
[0172] As can be seen in FIGS. 29 and 30, the implants 210, 212,
can have different shapes when viewed from the side. These implants
are similar to the above-referenced implants 58 (FIG. 8) and 204
(FIG. 28). These implants have cross-sections similar to that shown
in FIG. 10 which includes saddles in order to receive and hold the
adjacent spinous processes.
[0173] As can be seen in FIGS. 31, 32 and 33, these implants can be
placed in different positions with respect to the spinous process
214. Preferably as shown in FIG. 33, the implant 210 is placed
closest to the lamina 216. Being so positioned, the implant 210 is
close to the instantaneous axis of rotation 218 of the spinal
column, and the implant would experience least forces caused by
movement of the spine. Thus, theoretically, this is the optimal
location for the implant.
[0174] As can be seen in FIGS. 31 and 32, the implant can be placed
midway along the spinous process (FIG. 32) and towards the
posterior aspect of the spinous process (FIG. 31). As positioned
shown in FIG. 31, the greatest force would be placed on the implant
210 due to a combination of compression and extension of the spinal
column.
[0175] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 34 and
35. In these figures, implant 220 is comprised of a plurality of
individual leaves 222 which are substantially V-shaped. The leaves
include interlocking indentations or detents 224. That is, each
leaf includes an indentation with a corresponding protrusion such
that a protrusion of one leaf mates with an indentation of an
adjacent leaf. Also associated with this embodiment is an insertion
tool 226 which has a blunt end 228 which conforms to the shape of
an individual leaf 222. For insertion of this implant into the
space between the spinous processes as shown in FIG. 29, the
insertion tool 226 first insert a single leaf 220. After that has
occurred, the insertion tool then inserts a second leaf with the
protrusion 224 of the second leaf snapping into corresponding
indentation made by the protrusion 224 of the first leaf. This
process would reoccur with third and subsequent leaves until the
appropriate spacing between the spinous processes was built up. As
can be seen in FIG. 29, the lateral edges 229 of the individual
leaves 222 are slightly curved upwardly in order to form a saddle
for receiving the upper and lower spinous processes.
[0176] The embodiments of FIGS. 36, 37 and 38 which include
implants 230, 232, and 234 respectively, are designed in such a
manner so the implant locks itself into position once it is
properly positioned between the spinous processes. Implant 220 is
essentially a series of truncated cones and includes a plurality of
ever expanding steps 236. These steps are formed by the conical
bodies starting with the nose body 238 followed there behind by
conical body 240. Essentially, the implant 234 looks like a fir
tree placed on its side.
[0177] The implant 230 is inserted laterally throughout the opening
between upper and lower spinous processes. The first body 238
causes the initial distraction. Each successive conical body
distracts the spinous processes a further incremental amount. When
the desired distraction has been reached, the spinous processes are
locked into position by steps 236. At this point, if desired, the
initial nose body 238 of the implant and other bodies 240 can be
broken, snapped or sawed off if desired in order to minimize the
size of the implant 230. In order for a portion of the implant 230
to be broken or snapped off, the intersection between bodies such
as body 238 and 240, which is intersection line 242, would be
somewhat weaken with the appropriate removal of material. It is
noted that only the intersection lines of the initial conical
bodies need to be so weakened. Thus, intersection line 244 between
the bodies which remain between the spinous processes would not
need to be weaker, as there would be no intention that the implant
would be broken off at this point.
[0178] FIG. 37 shows implant 232 positioned between upper and lower
spinous processes. This implant is wedge-shaped or triangular
shaped in cross-sectioned and includes bore pluralities 245 and
246. Through these bores can be placed locking pins 248 and 250.
The triangular or wedged-shaped implant can be urged laterally
between and thus distract the upper and lower spinous processes.
Once the appropriate distraction is reached, pins 248, 250 can be
inserted through the appropriate bores of the bore pluralities 245
and 246 in order to lock the spinous processes in a V-shaped valley
formed by pins 248, 250 on the one hand and the ramped surface 233,
235 on the other hand.
[0179] Turning to FIG. 38, the implant 234 has a triangular-shaped
or wedge-shaped body similar to that shown in FIG. 32. In this
embodiment, tab 252, 254 are pivotally mounted to the triangular
shaped body 234. Once the implant 234 is appropriately positioned
in order to distract the spinous processes to the desired amount,
the tabs 252, 254 rotate into position in order to hold the implant
234 in the appropriate position.
[0180] In the embodiment of FIGS. 39 and 40, cannula 258 is
inserted through a small incision to a position between upper and
lower spinous processes. Once the cannula is properly inserted, an
implant 260 is pushed through the cannula 258 using an insertion
tool 262. The implant 260 includes a plurality of ribs or
indentation 264 that assist in positioning the implant 2260
relative to the upper and lower spinal processes. Once the implant
260 is in position, the cannula 258 is withdrawn so that the
implant 260 comes in contact with and wedges between the spinous
processes. The cannula 258 is somewhat conical in shape with the
nose end 266 being somewhat smaller than the distal end 268 in
order to effect the insertion of the cannula into the space between
the spinous processes.
[0181] Further, a plurality of cannula can be used instead of one,
with each cannula being slightly bigger than one before. In the
method of the invention, the first smaller cannula would be
inserted followed by successively larger cannula being placed over
the previous smaller cannula. The smaller cannula would then be
withdrawn from the center of the larger cannula. Once the largest
cannula is in place, and the opening of the skin accordingly
expanded, the implant, which is accommodated by only the larger
cannula, is inserted through the larger cannula and into
position.
[0182] The precurved implant 270 in FIGS. 41 and 42, and precurved
implant 272 in FIG. 43 have common introduction techniques which
includes a guide wire, guide tool, or stylet 274. For both
embodiments, the guide wire 274 is appropriately positioned through
the skin of the patient and into the space between the spinous
processes. After this is accomplished, the implant is directed over
the guide wire and into position between the spinous processes. The
precurved nature of the implant assist in (1) positioning the
implant through a first small incision in the patient's skin on one
side of the space between two spinous processes and (2) guiding the
implant toward a second small incision in the patient's skin on the
other side of the space between the two spinous processes. With
respect to the implant 270, the implant includes a conical
introduction nose 276 and a distal portion 278. As the nose 276 is
inserted between the spinous processes, this causes distraction of
the spinous processes. Break lines 280, 282 are established at
opposite sides of the implant 270. Once the implant is properly
positioned over the guide wire between the spinous processes, the
nose portion 276 and the distal portion 278 can be broken off along
the break lines, through the above two incisions, in order to leave
the implant 270 in position.
[0183] Although only two break lines 280, 282 are depicted,
multiple break lines can be provided on implant 270 so that the
implant can continue to be fed over the guide wire 278 until the
appropriate width of the implant 270 creates the desired amount of
distraction. As described hereinabove, the break lines can be
created by perforating or otherwise weakening the implant 270 so
that the appropriate portions can be snapped or sawed off.
[0184] With respect to the precurved implant 272, this implant is
similar in design to the implant 230 shown in FIG. 36. This implant
272 in FIG. 47, however, is precurved and inserted over a guide
wire 274 to a position between the spinous processes. As with
implant 230 in FIG. 43, once the appropriate level of this
distraction has been reached and if desired, sections of the
implant 272 can be broken, snapped or sawed off as described
hereinabove in order to leave a portion of the implant wedged
between the upper and lower spinous processes.
[0185] A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 44.
This embodiment includes a combination insertion tool and implant
290. The insertion tool and implant 290 is in the shape of a ring
which is hinged at point 292. The ring is formed by a first
elongated and conically shaped member 294 and a second elongated
and conically shaped member 296. Members 294 and 296 terminate in
points and through the use of hinge 292 are aligned and meet.
Through similar incisions on both sides of the spinous processes,
first member and second member are inserted through the skins of
the patient and are mated together between the spinous processes.
After this has occurred, the implant 290 is rotated, for example
clockwise, so that increasingly widening portions of the first
member 292 are used to distract the first and second spinous
processes. When the appropriate level of distraction has occurred,
the remainder of the ring before and after the section which is
located between the spinous processes can be broken off as taught
hereinabove in order to maintain the desired distraction.
Alternatively, with a small enough ring, the entire ring can be
left in place with the spinous processes distracted.
[0186] In FIG. 45, the implant 300 is comprised of a plurality of
rods or stylets 302 which are inserted between the upper and lower
spinous processes. The rods are designed much as described
hereinabove so that they may be broken, snapped or cut off. Once
these are inserted and the appropriate distraction has been
reached, the stylets are broken off and a segment of each stylet
remains in order to maintain distraction of the spinous
process.
[0187] Implant 310 of FIGS. 46 and 47 is comprised of a shape
memory material which coils upon being released. The material is
straightened out in a delivery tool 312. The delivery tool is in
position between upper and lower spinous processes 314, 316. The
material is then pushed through the delivery tool. As it is
released from the delivery end 318 of the delivery tool, the
material coils, distracting the spinous processes to the desired
amount. Once this distraction has been achieved, the material is
cut and the delivery tool removed.
[0188] As can be seen in FIG. 48, the implant 320 is delivered
between upper and lower spinous processes 322 and 324, by delivery
tool 326. Once the implant 320 is in place between the spinous
processes, the delivery tool is given a 90.degree. twist so that
the implant goes from the orientation as shown in FIG. 49, with
longest dimension substantially perpendicular to the spinous
processes, to the orientation shown in FIG. 50 where the longest
dimension is in line with and parallel to the spinous processes.
This rotation causes the desired distraction between the spinous
processes. Implant 320 includes opposed recesses 321 and 323
located at the ends thereof. Rotation of the implant 320 causes the
spinous processes to become lodged in these recesses.
[0189] Alternatively, the insertion tool 326 can be used to insert
multiple implants 320, 321 into the space between the spinous
processes 322, 324 (FIG. 51). Multiple implants 320, 321 can be
inserted until the appropriate amount of distraction is built up.
It is to be understood in this situation that one implant would
lock to another implant by use of, for example, a channel
arrangement wherein a projection from one of the implants would be
received into and locked into a channel of the other implant. Such
a channel arrangement is depicted with respect to the other
embodiment.
[0190] The embodiment of FIGS. 52 through 55b is comprised of a
fluid-filled dynamic distraction implant 350. This implant includes
a membrane 352 which is placed over pre-bent insertion rod 354 and
then inserted through an incision on one side of the spinous
process 356. The bent insertion rod, with the implant 350
thereover, is guided between appropriate spinous processes. After
this occurs, the insertion rod 354 is removed leaving the flexible
implant in place. The implant 350 is then connected to a source of
fluid (gas, liquid, gel and the like) and the fluid is forced into
the implant causing it to expand as shown in FIG. 54, distracting
the spinal processes to the desired amount. Once the desired amount
of distraction has occurred, the implant 350 is closed off as is
shown in FIG. 55a. The implant 350 being flexible, can mold to the
spinous processes which may be of irregular shape, thus assuring
positioning. Further, implant 350 acts as a shock absorber, damping
forces and stresses between the implant and the spinous
processes.
[0191] A variety of materials can be used to make the implant and
the fluid which is forced into the implant. By way of example only,
viscoelastic substances such as methylcellulose, or hyaluronic acid
can be used to fill the implant. Further, materials which are
initially a fluid, but later solidify, can be inserted in order to
cause the necessary distraction. As the materials solidify, they
mold into a custom shape about the spinous processes and
accordingly are held in position at least with respect to one of
two adjacent spinous processes. Thus, it can be appreciated that
using this embodiment and appropriate insertion tools the implant
can be formed about one spinous process in such a manner that the
implant stays positioned with respect to that spinous process (FIG.
55b). With such an embodiment, a single implant can be used as an
extension stop for spinous process located on either side, without
restricting flexion of the spinal column.
[0192] It is to be understood that many of the other implants
disclosed herein can be modified so that they receive a fluid in
order to establish and maintain a desired distraction such in the
manner as implant 350 receives a fluid.
[0193] The implant 360 as shown in FIG. 56 is comprised of a shape
memory material such as a plastic or a metal. A curved introductory
tool 362 is positioned between the appropriate spinous processes as
described hereinabove. Once this has occurred, bore 364 of the
implant is received over the tool. This act can cause the implant
to straighten out. The implant is then urged into position and
thereby distracts the spinous processes. When this has occurred,
the insertion tool 362 is removed, allowing the implant to assume
its pre-straightened configuration and is thereby secured about one
of the spinous processes. Such an arrangement allows for an implant
that is an extension stop and does not inhibit flexion of the
spinous column. Alternatively, the implant can be temperature
sensitive. That is to say that the implant would be more
straightened initially, but become more curved when it was warmed
by the temperature of the patient's body.
[0194] In this embodiment, the implant 380 is comprised of a
plurality of interlocking leaves 382. Initially, a first leaf is
positioned between opposed spinous processes 384, 386. Then
subsequently, leafs 382 are interposed between the spinous
processes until the desired distraction has been built up. The
leaves are somewhat spring-like in order to absorb the shock and
can somewhat conform to the spinous processes.
[0195] The implant 390 of FIG. 61 includes the placement of shields
392, 394 over adjacent spinous processes 396, 398. The shields are
used to prevent damage to the spinous processes. These shields
include apertures which receives a self-tapping screw 4400, 402. In
practice, the shields are affixed to the spinous processes and the
spinous processes are distracted in the appropriate amount. Once
this has occurred, a rod 404 is used to hold the distracted
position by being screwed into each of the spinous processes
through the aperture in the shields using the screws as depicted in
FIG. 61.
[0196] Implant 410 of FIGS. 62, 63 is comprised of first and second
members 412, 414 which can be mated together using an appropriate
screw and threaded bore arrangement to form the implant 410. Main
member 412 and mating member 414 form implant 410. Accordingly, the
implant 410 would have a plurality of members 414 for use with a
standardized first member 412. FIGS. 62 and 64 show different types
of mating members 414. In FIG. 62, the mating member 414 includes
projections 416 and 418 which act like shims. These projections are
used to project into the space of saddles 420, 422 of the first
member 412. These projections 416, 418 can be of varying lengths in
order to accommodate different sizes of spinous processes. A groove
424 is placed between the projections 416, 418 and mates with an
extension 426 of the first member 412.
[0197] As shown in FIG. 63, the projections of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 62 are removed and recesses 428, 430 are substituted
therefor. These recesses expand the area of the saddles 420, 422 in
order to accommodate larger spinous processes.
[0198] The embodiments of FIGS. 64, 65 and 66 are similar in design
and concept to the embodiment of FIGS. 62 and 63. In FIG. 64, the
implant 500 includes the first and second members 502, 504. These
members can be secured together with appropriate screws or other
fastening means as taught in other embodiments. Implant 500
includes first and second saddles 506, 508 which are formed between
the ends of first and second members 502, 504. These saddles 506,
508 are used to receive and cradle the adjacent spinous processes.
As can be seen in FIG. 64, each saddle 506, 508 is defined by a
single projection or leg 510, 512, which extends from the
appropriate first and second members 502, 504. Unlike the
embodiment found in FIGS. 62 and 63, each of the saddles is defined
by only a single leg as the ligaments and other tissues associated
with the spinous processes can be used to ensure that the implant
is held in an appropriate position. With the configuration of FIG.
64, it is easier to position the implant relative to the spinous
processes as each saddle is defined by only a single leg and thus
the first and second members can be more easily worked into
position between the various tissues.
[0199] In the embodiment of FIG. 65, the implant 520 is comprised
of a single piece having saddles 522 and 524. The saddles are
defined by a single leg 526, 528 respectively. In order for this
implant 520 to be positioned between the spinous processes, an
incision is made between lateral sides of adjacent spinous
processes. The single leg 526 is directed through the incision to a
position adjacent to an opposite lateral side of the spinous
process with the spinous process cradled in the saddle 522. The
spinous processes are then urged apart until saddle 524 can be
pivoted into position into engagement with the other spinous
process in order to maintain the distraction between the two
adjacent spinous processes.
[0200] The embodiment of FIG. 66 is similar to that of FIG. 65 with
an implant 530 and first and second saddles 532 and 534. Associated
with each saddle is a tether 536, 538 respectively. The tethers are
made of flexible materials known in the trade and industry and are
positioned through bores in the implant 530. Once appropriately
positioned, the tethers can be tied off. It is to be understood
that the tethers are not meant to be used to immobilize one spinous
process relative to the other, but are used to guide motion of the
spinous processes relative to each other so that the implant 530
can be used as an extension stop and a flexion non-inhibitor. In
other words, the saddles 532, 534 are used to stop spinal column
backward bending and extension. However, the tethers do not inhibit
forward bending and spinal column flexion.
[0201] The implant 550 is Z-shaped and includes a central body 552
and first and second arms 554, 556, extending in opposite
directions therefrom. The central body 552 of the implant 550
includes first and second saddles 558 and 560. The first and second
saddles 558 and 560 would receive upper and lower spinous processes
562, 568. The arms 554, 556 are accordingly located adjacent the
distal end 566 (FIG. 68) of the central body 552. The first and
second arms 554, 556, act to inhibit forward movement, migration or
slippage of the implant 550 toward the spinal canal and keep the
implant in place relative to the first and second spinal processes.
This prevents the implant from pressing down on the ligamentum
flavum and the dura. In a preferred embodiment, the central body
would have a height of about 10 mm with each of the arms 554, 556
have a height of also about 10 mm. Depending on the patient, the
height of the body could vary from about less than 10 mm to about
greater than 24 mm. As can be seen in FIGS. 67 and 68, the first
and second arms 554, 556 are additionally contoured in order to
accept the upper and lower spinous processes 556, 558. In
particular, the arms 554, 556 as can be seen with respect to arm
554 have a slightly outwardly bowed portion 568 (FIG. 68) with a
distal end 570 which is slightly inwardly bowed. This configuration
allows the arm to fit about the spinous process with the distal end
570 somewhat urged against the spinous process in order to guide
the motion of the spinous process relative to the implant. These
arms 554, 556 could if desired to be made more flexible than the
central body 552 by making arms 554, 556 thin and/or with
perforations, and/or other material different than that of the
central body 550. As with the last embodiment, this embodiment can
be urged into position between adjacent spinous processes by
directing an arm into a lateral incision so that the central body
552 can be finally positioned between spinous processes.
[0202] FIGS. 69, 70 and 71 are perspective front, end, and side
views of implant 580 of the invention. This implant includes a
central body 582 which has first and second saddles 584, 586 for
receiving adjacent spinous processes. Additionally, the implant 580
includes first and second arms 588 and 590. The arms, as with the
past embodiment, prevent forward migration or slippage of the
implant toward the spinal canal. First arm 588 projects outwardly
from the first saddle 584 and second arm 590 projects outwardly
from the second saddle 586. In a preferred embodiment, the first
arm 588 is located adjacent to the distal end 600 of the central
body 582 and proceeds only partly along the length of the central
body 582. The first arm 588 is substantially perpendicular to the
central body as shown in FIG. 70. Further, the first arm 588, as
well as the second arm 590, is anatomically rounded.
[0203] The second arm 590, projecting from second saddle 586, is
located somewhat rearward of the distal end 600, and extends
partially along the length of the central body 582. The second arm
590 projects at a compound angle from the central body 582. As can
be seen in FIGS. 70 and 71, the second arm 590 is shown to be at
about an angle of 45.degree. from the saddle 586 (FIG. 70).
Additionally, the second arm 590 is at an angle of about 45.degree.
relative to the length of the central body 580 as shown in FIG. 71.
It is to be understood that other compound angles are within the
spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.
[0204] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second arms 588,
590 have a length which is about the same as the width of the
central body 582. Preferably, the length of each arm is about 10 mm
and the width of the central body is about 10 mm. However, the
bodies with the widths of 24 mm and greater are within the spirit
and scope of the invention, along with first and second arms
ranging from about 10 mm to greater than about 24 mm. Further, it
is contemplated that the embodiment could include a central body
having a width of about or greater than 24 mm with arms being at
about 10 mm.
[0205] It is to be understood that the embodiment of FIGS. 69, 70
and 71 as well as the embodiment of FIGS. 67 and 68 are designed to
preferably be positioned between the L4-L5 and the L5-S1 vertebral
pairs. The embodiment of FIGS. 69, 70, 71 is particularly designed
for the L5-S1 position with the arms being designed to conform to
the sloping surfaces found therebetween. The first and second arms
are thus contoured so that they lie flat against the lamina of the
vertebra which has a slight angle.
[0206] The embodiment of FIGS. 69, 70, and 71 as with the
embodiment of FIGS. 67 and 68 is Z-shaped in configuration so that
it may be inserted from one lateral side to a position between
adjacent spinous processes. A first arm, followed by the central
body, is guided through the space between the spinous processes.
Such an arrangement only requires that a incision on one side of
the spinous process be made in order to successfully implant the
device between the two spinous processes.
[0207] The implant 610 of FIG. 71a is similar to that immediately
above with the first arm 612 located on the same side of the
implant as the second arm 614. The first and second saddle 616, 618
are slightly modified in that distal portion 620, 622 are somewhat
flattened from the normal saddle shape in order to allow the
implant to be positioned between the spinous processes from one
side. Once in position, the ligaments and tissues associated with
the spinous processes would hold the implant into position. Tethers
also could be used if desired.
[0208] Implant 630 is also designed so that it can be inserted from
one side of adjacent spinous processes. This insert 630 includes a
central body 632 with the first and second arms 634, 636 extending
on either side thereof. As can be seen in FIG. 72, a plunger 638 is
positioned to extend from an end of the central body 632. As shown
in FIG. 72, the plunger 638 is fully extended and as shown in FIG.
73, the plunger 638 is received within the central body 632 of the
implant 630. With the plunger received into the implant 632, the
third and fourth arms or hooks 640, 642 can extend outwardly from
the central body 632. The third and fourth arms or hooks 640, 642
can be comprised of a variety of materials, such as for example,
shape memory metal materials or materials which have a springy
quality.
[0209] For purposes of positioning the implant 630 between adjacent
spinous processes, the plunger 638 is pulled outwardly as shown in
FIG. 72. The central body 632 is then positioned between adjacent
spinous processes and the plunger 638 is allowed to move to the
position of FIG. 73 so that the third and fourth arms 640, 642 can
project outwardly from the central body 632 in order to hold the
implant 630 in position between the spinous processes.
[0210] Plunger 638 can be spring biased to the position as shown in
FIG. 73 or can include detents or other mechanisms which lock it
into that position. Further, the third and fourth arms themselves,
as deployed, can keep the plunger in the position as shown in FIG.
73.
[0211] Other embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS. 74
through 78. FIGS. 74, 75 and 76 disclose implant 700. Implant 700
is particularly suited for implantation between the L4-L5 and L5-S1
vertebra. As can be seen in FIG. 74, the implant 700 includes a
central body 702 which has a bore 704 provided therein. Bore 704 is
used in order to adjust the modulus of elasticity of the implant so
that it is preferably approximately two times the anatomical load
placed on the vertebra in extension. In other words, the implant
700 is approximately two times stiffer than the normal load placed
on the implant. Such an arrangement is made in order to ensure that
the implant is somewhat flexible in order to reduce potential
resorption of the bone adjacent to the implant. Other modulus
values can be used and be within the spirit of the invention.
[0212] Implant 700 includes first and second saddle 706, 708 which
are used to receive and spread the load from the upper and lower
spinous processes. The saddle 706 is defined by first and second
arms 710 and 712. The second saddle 708 is defined by third and
fourth arms 714 and 716. As can be seen in FIG. 74, the first arm
710, in a preferred embodiment, is approximately two times the
length of the body 702 with the second arm being approximately less
than a quarter length of the body. Third arm 714 is approximately
one times the length of the body 702 with the fourth arm 716 being,
in this preferred embodiment, approximately one and a half times
the length of the body 702. The arms are designed in such a way
that the implant (1) can be easily and conveniently inserted
between the adjacent spinous processes, (2) will not migrate
forwardly toward the spinal canal, and (3) will hold its position
through flexion and extension as well as lateral bending of the
spinal column.
[0213] First arm 710 is in addition designed to accommodate the
shape of the vertebra. As can be seen in FIG. 74, the first arm 710
becomes narrower as it extends away from the body 702. The first
arm 710 includes a sloping portion 718 followed by a small recess
720 ending in a rounded portion 722 adjacent to the end 724. This
design is provided to accommodate the anatomical form of for
example the L4 vertebra. It is to be understood that these vertebra
have a number of surfaces at roughly 30.degree. angles and that the
sloping surfaces of this embodiment and the embodiments shown in
FIGS. 77 and 78 are designed to accommodate these surfaces. These
embodiments can be further modified in order to accommodate other
angles and shapes.
[0214] The second arm 712 is small so that it is easy to insert
between the spinous processes, yet still define the saddle 706. The
fourth arm 716 is larger than the third arm 714, both of which are
smaller than the first arm 710. The third and fourth arms are
designed so that they define the saddle 706, guide the spinous
processes relative to the implant 700 during movement of the spinal
column, and yet are of a size which makes the implant easy to
position between the spinous processes.
[0215] The procedure, by way of example only, for implanting the
implant 700 can be to make an incision laterally between two
spinous processes and then initially insert first arm 710 between
the spinous processes. The implant and/or appropriate tools would
be used to distract the spinous processes allowing the third leg
714 and the central body 702 to fit through the space between the
spinous processes. The third leg 714 would then come to rest
adjacent the lower spinous processes on the opposite side with the
spinous processes resting in the first and second saddle 706, 708.
The longer fourth leg 716 would then assist in the positioning of
the implant 700.
[0216] FIG. 77 includes an implant 740 which is similar to implant
700 and thus have similar numbering. The saddle 706, 708 of implant
740 have been cantered or sloped in order to accommodate the bone
structure between, by way of example, the L4-L5 and the L5-S1
vertebra. As indicated above, the vertebra in this area have a
number of sloping surfaces in the range of about 30.degree.
Accordingly, saddle 706 is sloped at less than 30.degree. and
preferably about 20.degree. while saddle 708 is sloped at about
30.degree. and preferably more than 30.degree.
[0217] The implant 760 as shown in FIG. 78 is similar to implant
700 in FIG. 74 and is similarly numbered. Implant 760 includes
third and fourth legs 714, 716 which have sloping portions 762, 764
which slope toward ends 766, 768 of third and fourth arm 714, 716
respectively. The sloping portions accommodate the form of the
lower vertebra against which they are positioned. In the preferred
embodiment, the sloping portions are of about 30.degree. However,
it is to be understood that sloping portions which are
substantially greater and substantially less than 30.degree. can be
included and be within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0218] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 79-87
and includes implant 800 (FIG. 86). Implant 800 includes a
distracting unit 802 which is shown in left side, plan, and right
side views of FIGS. 79, 80 and 81. A perspective view of the
distraction unit is shown in FIG. 84. The distracting unit as can
be seen in FIG. 80 includes a distracting body 804, with
longitudinal axis 805, which body 804 has a groove 806 and a
rounded or bulbous end 808 which assist in the placement of the
distracting body between adjacent spinous process so that an
appropriate amount of distraction can be accomplished. Extending
from the distracting body 804 is a first wing 810 which in FIG. 80
is substantially perpendicular to the distracting body 804. Such
wings which are not perpendicular to the body are within the spirit
and scope of the invention. First wing 810 includes a upper portion
812 and a lower portion 814. The upper portion 810 (FIG. 79)
includes a rounded end 816 and a small recess 818. The rounded end
816 and the small recess 818 in the preferred embodiment are
designed to accommodate the anatomical form or contour of the L4
(for a L4-L5 placement) or L5 (for a L5-S1 lacement) superior
lamina of the vertebra. It is to be understood that the same shape
or variations of this shape can be used to accommodate other lamina
of any vertebra. The lower portion 814 is also rounded in order to
accommodate in the preferred embodiment in order to accommodate the
vertebrae. The distracting unit further includes a threaded bore
820 which in this embodiment accepts a set screw 822 (FIG. 86) in
order to hold a second wing 824 (FIGS. 82, 83) in position as will
be discussed hereinbelow.
[0219] The threaded bore 820 in this embodiment slopes at
approximately 45.degree. angle and intersects the slot 806. With
the second wing 824 in position, the set screw 822 when it is
positioned in the threaded bore 820 can engage and hold the second
wing 824 in position in the slot 806.
[0220] Turning to FIGS. 82, 83 and 85, left side, plan and
perspective views of the second wing 824 are depicted. The second
wing 824 is similar in design to the first wing. The second wing
includes an upper portion 826 and a lower portion 828. The upper
portion includes a rounded end 830 and a small recess 832. In
addition, the second wing 824 includes a slot 834 which mates with
the slot 806 of the distracting unit 802. The second wing 824 is
the retaining unit of the present embodiment.
[0221] As can be seen in FIGS. 83 and 86, the second wing or
retaining unit 824 includes the upper portion 826 having a first
width "a" and the lower portion 828 having a second width "b". In
the preferred embodiment, the second width "b" is larger than first
width "a" due to the anatomical form or contour of the L4-L5 or
L5-S1 laminae. As can be seen in FIG. 83a in second wing or
retaining unit 824, the widths "a" and "b" would be increased in
order to, as described hereinbelow, accommodate spinous processes
and other anatomical forms or contours which are of different
dimensions. Further, as appropriate, width "a" can be larger than
width "b". Thus, as will be described more fully hereinbelow, the
implant can include a universally-shaped distracting unit 802 with
a plurality of retaining units 824, with each of the retaining
units having different widths "a" and "b". During surgery, the
appropriately sized retaining unit 824, width with the appropriate
dimensions "a" and "b" can be selected to match to the anatomical
form of the patient.
[0222] FIG. 86 depicts an assembled implant 800 positioned adjacent
to upper and lower laminae 836, 838 (which are shown in dotted
lines) of the upper and lower vertebrae. The vertebrae 836, 838 are
essentially below the implant 800 as shown in FIG. 86. Extending
upwardly from the vertebrae 836, 838, and between the first and
second wings 810, 824, are the upper and lower spinous processes
840, 842. It is to be understood that in a preferred embodiment,
the fit of the implant between the spinous processes can be such
that the wings do not touch the spinous processes, as shown in FIG.
86, and be within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0223] The implant 800 includes, as assembled, an upper saddle 844
and the lower saddle 846. The upper saddle 844 has an upper width
identified by the dimension "UW". The lower saddle 846 has a lower
width identified by the dimension "LW". In a preferred embodiment,
the upper width is greater than the lower width. In other
embodiments, the "UW" can be smaller than the "LW" depending on the
anatomical requirements. The height between the upper and lower
saddles 844, 846 is identified by the letter "h". These dimensions
are carried over into FIG. 87 which is a schematic representation
of the substantially trapezoidal shape which is formed between the
upper and lower saddles. The table below gives sets of dimensions
for the upper width, lower width, and height as shown in FIG. 87.
This table includes dimensions for some variations of this
embodiment. TABLE-US-00001 TABLE Variation 1 2 3 Upper width 8 7 6
Lower width 7 6 5 Height 10 9 8 For the above table, all dimensions
are given in millimeters.
[0224] For purposes of surgical implantation of the implant 800
into a patient, the patient is preferably positioned on his side
(arrow 841 points up from an operating table) and placed in a
flexed (tucked) position in order to distract the upper and lower
vertebrae.
[0225] In a preferred procedure, a small incision is made on the
midline of the spinous processes. The spinous processes are spread
apart or distracted with a spreader. The incision is spread
downwardly toward the table, and the distracting unit 802 is
preferably inserted upwardly between the spinous processes 840 and
842 in a manner that maintains the distraction of spinous
processes. The distracting unit 802 is urged upwardly until the
distracting or bulbous end 808 and the slot 806 are visible on the
other wide of the spinous process. Once this is visible, the
incision is spread upwardly away from the table and the retaining
unit or second wing 824 is inserted into the slot 806 and the screw
822 is used to secure the second wing in position. After this had
occurred, the incisions can be closed.
[0226] An alternative surgical approach requires that small
incisions be made on either side of the space located between the
spinous processes. The spinous processes are spread apart or
distracted using a spreader placed through the upper incision. From
the lower incision, the distracting unit 802 is preferably inserted
upwardly between the spinous processes 840 and 842 in a manner that
urges the spinous processes apart. The distracting unit 802 is
urged upwardly until the distracting or bulbous end 808 and the
slot 806 are visible through the second small incision in the
patient's back. Once this is visible, the retaining unit or second
wing 824 is inserted into the slot 806 and the screw 822 is used to
secure the second wing in position. After this has occurred, the
incisions can be closed.
[0227] The advantage of either of the above present surgical
procedures is that a surgeon is able to observe the entire
operation, where he can look directly down onto the spinous
processes as opposed to having to view the procedure from positions
which are to the right and to the left of the spinous processes.
Generally, the incision is as small as possible and the surgeon is
working in a bloody and slippery environment. Thus, an implant that
can be positioned directly in front of a surgeon is easier to
insert and assemble than an implant which requires the surgeon to
shift from side to side. Accordingly, a top-down approach, as an
approach along a position to anterior line is preferred so that all
aspects of the implantation procedure are fully visible to the
surgeon at all times. This aides in the efficient location of (i)
the distracting unit between the spinous processes, (ii) the
retaining unit in the distracting unit, and (iii) finally the set
screw in the distracting unit.
[0228] FIG. 80a shows an alternative embodiment of the distracting
unit 802a. This distracting unit 802a is similar to distracting
unit 802 in FIG. 80 with the exception that the bulbous end 808a is
removable from the rest of the distracting body 804a as it is
screwed into the threaded bore 809. The bulbous end 808a is removed
once the distracting unit 802a is positioned in the patient in
accordance with the description associated with FIG. 86. The
bulbous end 808a can extend past the threaded bore 820 by about 1
cm in a preferred embodiment.
[0229] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 88,
89, 90 and 91. In this embodiment, the implant is identified by the
number 900. Other elements of implant 900 which are similar to
implant 800 are similarly numbered but in the 900 series. For
example, the distracting unit is identified by the number 902 and
this is in parallel with the distracting unit 802 of the implant
800. The distracting body is identified by the number 904 in
parallel with the distracting body 804 of the implant 800. Focusing
on FIG. 90, the distracting unit 902 is depicted in a perspective
view. The distracting unit includes slot 906 which is wider at the
top than at the bottom. The reason for this is that the wider upper
portion of the slot 906, which is wider than the second wing 924
(FIG. 89), is used to allow the surgeon to easily place the second
wing 924 into the slot 906 and allow the wedge-shaped slot 906 to
guide the second wing 924 to its final resting position. As can be
see in FIG. 91, in the final resting position, the largest portion
of the slot 906 is not completely filled by the second wing
924.
[0230] The end 908 of implant 900 is different in that it is more
pointed, having sides 909 and 911 which are provided at about
45.degree. angles (other angles, such as by way of example only,
from about 30.degree. to about 60.degree. are within the spirit of
the invention), with a small flat tip 913 so that the body 904 can
be more easily urged between the spinous processes.
[0231] The distracting unit 902 further includes a tongue-shaped
recess 919 which extends from the slot 906. Located in the
tongue-shaped recess is a threaded bore 920.
[0232] As can be seen in FIG. 89, a second wing 924 includes a
tongue 948 which extends substantially perpendicular thereto and
between the upper and lower portions 926, 928. The tab 948 includes
a bore 4950. With the second wing 924 positioned in the slot 906 of
the distracting unit 902 and tab 948 positioned in recess 919, a
threaded set screw 922 can be positioned through the bore 4950 and
engage the threaded bore 920 in order to secure the second wing or
retaining unit 924 to the distracting unit 902. The embodiment 900
is implanted in the same manner as embodiment 800 previously
described. In addition, as the bore 922 is substantially
perpendicular to the distracting body 904 (and not provided at an
acute angle thereto), the surgeon can even more easily secure the
screw in place from a position directly behind the spinous
processes.
[0233] Still a further embodiment of the invention is depicted in
FIGS. 92, and 92a. In this embodiment, the implant 1000 as can be
seen in FIG. 92a includes a central elongated body 1002 which has
positioned at one end thereof a first wing 1004. Wing 1004 is
similar to the first wing previously described with respect to the
embodiment of FIG. 88. Bolt 1006 secures wing 1004 to body 1002 in
this embodiment. Bolt 1006 is received in a bore of the body 1002
which is along the longitudinal axis 1008 of body. It is to be
understood that in this embodiment, the first unit is defined by
the central body 1002, the first wing 1004, and the guide 1010.
[0234] Alternatively, the first wing can be secured to the central
body with a press fit and detent arrangement as seen in FIG. 93c.
In this arrangement, the first wing has a protrusion 1040 extending
preferably about perpendicularly from the first wing, with a
flexible catch 1042. The protrusion and flexible catch are press
fit into a bore 1044 of the central body with the catch received in
a detent 1046.
[0235] In yet another alternative embodiment, the first wing can be
designed as shown in FIG. 93d with the protrusion directed
substantially parallel to the first wing from a member that joins
the first wing to the protrusion. Thus in this embodiment, the
first wing is inserted into the body along the same direction as
the second wing is inserted.
[0236] Positioned at the other end of the central body 1002 is a
guide 1010. In this particular embodiment, guide 1010 is
essentially triangularly-shaped so as to be a pointed and
arrow-shaped guide. Alternatively, guide 1010 could be in the shape
of a cone with lateral truncated sides along the longitudinal axis
1008. Guide 1010 includes a recess 1012 having a threaded bore
1014. Recess 1012 is for receiving a second wing 1032 as will be
described hereinbelow.
[0237] Additionally, it is also to be understood that the guide
1010 can be bulbous, cone-shaped, pointed, arrow-shaped, and the
like, in order to assist in the insertion of the implant 1000
between adjacent spinous processes. It is advantageous that the
insertion technique disturb as little of the bone and surrounding
tissue or ligaments as possible in order to (1) reduce trauma to
the site and facilitate early healing, and (2) not destabilize the
normal anatomy. It is to be noted that with the present embodiment,
there is no requirement to remove any of the bone of the spinous
processes and depending on the anatomy of the patient, there may be
no requirement to remove or sever ligaments and tissues immediately
associated with the spinous processes.
[0238] The implant 1000 further includes a sleeve 1016 which fits
around and is at least partially spaced from the central body 1002.
As will be explained in greater detail below, while the implant may
be comprised of a bio-compatible material such as titanium, the
sleeve is comprised preferably of a super-elastic material which is
by way of example only, a nickel titanium material (NiTi), which
has properties which allow it to withstand repeated deflection
without fatigue, while returning to its original shape. The sleeve
could be made of other materials, such as for example titanium, but
these materials do not have the advantages of a super-elastic
material.
[0239] FIG. 93a is a cross-section through the implant 1000
depicting the central body 1002 and the sleeve 1016. As can be seen
from the cross-section of FIG. 93a in a preferred embodiment, both
the central body 1002 and the sleeve 1016 are substantially
cylindrical and oval or ecliptically-shaped. An oval or elliptical
shape allows more of the spinous process to be supported by the
sleeve, thereby distributing the load between the bone and the
sleeve more evenly. This reduces the possibility of fracture to the
bone or bone resorption. Additionally, an oval or elliptical shape
enhances the flexibility of the sleeve as the major axis of the
sleeve, as described below, is parallel to the longitudinal
direction of the spinous process. However, other shapes such as
round cross-sections can come within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0240] In this particular embodiment, the central body 1002
includes elongated grooves 1018, along axis 1008, which receives
elongated spokes 1020 extending from the internal surface of the
cylinder 1016.
[0241] In a preferred embodiment, both the cross-section of the
central body and the sleeve have a major dimension along axis 1022
and a minor dimensional along axis 1024 (FIG. 93a). The spokes 1020
are along the major dimension so that along the minor dimension,
the sleeve 1016 can have its maximum inflection relative to the
central body 1002. It is to be understood that the central body
along the minor dimension 1024 can have multiple sizes and can, for
example, be reduced in thickness in order to increase the ability
of the sleeve 1016 to be deflected in the direction of the central
body 1002.
[0242] Alternatively as can be seen in FIG. 93b, the central body
1002 can include the spokes 1020 and the sleeve 1016 can be
designed to include the grooves 1018 in order to appropriately
space the sleeve 1016 from the central body 1002.
[0243] In other embodiments, the sleeve can have minor and major
dimensions as follows: TABLE-US-00002 Minor Dimension Major
Dimension 6 mm 10 mm 8 mm 10.75 mm 12 mm 14 mm 6 mm 12.5 mm 8 mm
12.5 mm 10 mm 12.5 mm
[0244] In one preferred embodiment, said sleeve has a cross-section
with a major dimension and a minor dimension and said major
dimension is greater than said minor dimension and less than about
two times said minor dimension. In said embodiment, said guide has
a cross-section which is adjacent to said sleeve with a guide major
dimension about equal to said sleeve major dimension and a guide
minor dimension about equal to said sleeve minor dimension. Further
in said embodiment, said guide extends from said central body with
a cross-section which reduces in size in a direction away from said
central body.
[0245] In another preferred embodiment, said guide is cone-shaped
with a base located adjacent to said sleeve. Further, said guide
has a base cross-section about the same as the oval cross-section
of said sleeve.
[0246] Thus, from the above, it is evident that preferably a major
dimension of the sleeve correspond with a major dimension of the
central body and a minor dimension of the sleeve corresponds with a
minor dimension of the central body. Additionally, it is evident
that the major dimension of the sleeve 1016 is substantially
perpendicular to a major dimension of the first wing 1004 along
longitudinal axis 1030 (FIG. 92a). This is so that as discussed
above, when the implant 1000 is properly positioned between the
spinous processes, a major portion of the sleeve comes in contact
with both the upper and lower spinous processes in order to
distribute the load of the spinous processes on the sleeve 1016
during spinal column extension.
[0247] As indicated above, the preferred material for the sleeve
1016 is a super-elastic material and more preferably one comprised
of an alloy of nickel and titanium. Such materials are available
under the trademark Nitinol. Other super-elastic materials can be
used as long as they are bio-compatible and have the same general
characteristics of super-elastic materials. In this particular
embodiment, a preferred super-elastic material is made up of the
following composition of nickel, titanium, carbon, and other
materials as follows: TABLE-US-00003 Nickel 55.80% by weight
Titanium 44.07% by weight Carbon <0.5% by weight Oxygen <0.5%
by weight
[0248] In particular, this composition of materials is able to
absorb about 8% recoverable strain. Of course, other materials
which can absorb greater and less than 8% can come within the
spirit and scope of the invention. This material can be repeatably
deflected toward the central body and returned to about its
original shape without fatigue. Preferably and additionally, this
material can withstand the threshold stress with only a small
amount of initial deforming strain and above the threshold stress
exhibit substantial and about instantaneous deformation strain
which is many times the small amount of initial deforming strain.
Such a characteristic is demonstrated in FIG. 118 where it is shown
that above a certain threshold stress level, deformation strain is
substantially instantaneous up to about 8%. FIG. 118 shows a
loading and unloading curve between stress and deformation strain
for a typical type of super-elastic material as described
above.
[0249] Preferably, the above super-elastic material is selected to
allow deformation of up to about, by way of example only, 8%, at
about 20 lbs. to 50 lbs. force applied between a spinous processes.
This would cause a sleeve to deflect toward the central body
absorbing a substantial amount of the force of the spinous
processes in extension. Ideally, the sleeves are designed to absorb
20 lbs. to 100 lbs. before exhibiting the super-elastic effect
(threshold stress level) described above. Further, it is possible,
depending on the application of the sleeve and the anatomy of the
spinal column and the pairs of spinous processes for a particular
individual, that the sleeve can be designed for a preferable range
of 20 lbs. to 500 lbs. of force before the threshold stress level
is reached. Experimental results indicate that with spinous
processes of an older individual, that at about 4400 pounds force,
the spinous process may fracture. Further, such experimental
results also indicate that with at least 100 pounds force, the
spinous process may experience some compression. Accordingly,
ideally the super-elastic material is designed to deform or flex at
less than 100 pounds force.
[0250] In a preferred embodiment, the wall thickness of the sleeve
is about 1 mm or 40/1000 of an inch (0.040 in.). Preferably the
sleeve is designed to experience a combined 1 mm deflection. The
combined 1 mm deflection means that there is 1/2 mm of deflection
at the top of the minor dimension and a 1/2 mm deflection at the
bottom of the minor dimension. Both deflections are toward the
central body.
[0251] In a particular embodiment where the sleeve is more circular
in cross-section, with an outer dimension of 0.622 in. and a wall
thickness of 0.034 in., a 20 lb. load causes a 0.005 in. deflection
and a 60 lb. load causes a 0.020 in. deflection (approximately 1/2
mm). A 100 lb. load would cause a deflection of about 0.04 in. or
approximately 1 mm.
[0252] Thus in summary, the above preferred super-elastic material
means that the sleeve can be repeatedly deflected and returned to
about its original shape without showing fatigue. The sleeve can
withstand a threshold stress with a small amount of deforming
strain and at about said threshold stress exhibit about
substantially instantaneous deformation strain which is many times
the small amount of the forming strain. In other words, such
super-elastic qualities mean that the material experiences a
plateau stress where the material supports a constant force
(stress) over very large strain range as exhibited in FIG. 118.
[0253] It is to be understood that for this particular embodiment,
bar stock of the super-elastic material is machined into the
appropriate form and then heat treated to a final temperature to
set the shape of the material by increasing the temperature of the
material to 932.degree. F. and holding that temperature for five
(5) minutes and then quickly quenching the sleeve in water. It is
also to be understood that preferably the present nickel titanium
super-elastic alloy is selected to have a transition temperature A,
of about 59.degree. Fahrenheit (15.degree. C.). Generally for such
devices the transition temperature can be between 15.degree. C. to
65.degree. C. (59.degree. F. to 149.degree. F.), and more
preferably 10.degree. C. to 40.degree. C. (50.degree. F. to
104.degree. F.). Preferably, the material is maintained in the body
above the transition temperature in order to exhibit optimal
elasticity qualities.
[0254] Alternatively, and preferably, the sleeve can be fabricated
by wire Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) rather than machined.
Additionally, the sleeve can be finished using a shot blast
technique in order to increase the surface strength and elasticity
of the sleeve.
[0255] Top and side views of the second wing 1032 are shown in
FIGS. 94 and 95. Second wing 1032 as in several past embodiments
includes a tab 1034 with a bore 1036 which aligns with the bore
1014 of the guide 1010. In this particular embodiment, the second
wing 1032 includes a cut-out 1038 which is sized to fit over the
guide 1010, with the tab 1034 resting in the recess 1012 of the
guide 1010.
[0256] An alternative configuration of the second wing 1032 is
depicted in FIG. 94a. In this configuration, the second wing 1032
is held at acute angle with respect to the tab 1034. This is
different from the situation in the embodiment of FIGS. 94 and 95
where the second wing is substantially perpendicular to the tab.
For the embodiment of the second wing in FIG. 94a, such embodiment
will be utilized as appropriate depending on the shape of the
spinous processes.
[0257] With respect to the alternative second wing 1032 depicted in
FIGS. 94b and 95a, elongated tab 1034 has a plurality of closely
positioned bores 1036. The bores, so positioned, appear to form a
scallop shape. Each individual scallop portion of the bore 1036 can
selectively hold the bolt in order to effectively position the
second wing 1032 in three different positions relative to the first
wing 1004. The cut-out 1038 (FIG. 95a of this alternative
embodiment) is enlarged over that of FIG. 95 as in a position
closest to the first wing 1004, the second wing 1032 is immediately
adjacent and must conform to the shape of the sleeve 1016.
[0258] Implant 1050 of FIG. 97 is similar to the implant 1000 in
FIG. 92 with the major difference being that a second wing is not
required. The implant 1050 includes a central body as does implant
1000. The central body is surrounded by a sleeve 1016 which extends
between a first wing 1004 and a guide 1010. The guide 1010 in this
embodiment is substantially cone-shaped without any flats and with
no bore as there is no need to receive a second wing. The sleeve
and the central body as well as the first wing and guide act in a
manner similar to those parts of the implant 1000 in FIG. 92. It is
to be understood a cross-section of this implant 1050 through
sleeve 1016 can preferably be like FIG. 93a. This particular
embodiment would be utilized in a situation where it was deemed
impractical or unnecessary to use a second wing. This embodiment
has the significant advantages of the sleeve being comprised of
super-elastic alloy materials as well as the guide being utilized
to guide the implant between spinous processes while minimizing
damage to the ligament and tissue structures found around the
spinous processes.
[0259] Implant 1060 is depicted in FIG. 98. This implant is similar
to the implants 1000 of FIG. 92 and the implant 1050 of FIG. 97,
except that this implant does not have either first or second
wings. Implant 1060 includes a sleeve 1016 which surrounds a
central body just as central body 1002 of implant 1000 in FIG. 93.
It is to be understood that a cross-section of this implant 1060
through sleeve 1016 can preferably be like FIG. 93a. Implant 1060
includes a guide 1010 which in this preferred embodiment is
cone-shaped. Guide 1010 is located at one end of the central body.
At the other end is a stop 1062. Stop 1062 is used to contain the
other end of the sleeve 1016 relative to the central body. This
embodiment is held together with a bolt such as bolt 1006 of FIG.
93 that is used for the immediate above two implants. For the
implant 1060 of FIG. 98, such a device would be appropriate where
the anatomy between the spinous processes was such that it would be
undesirable to use either a first or second wing. However, this
embodiment affords all the advantageous described hereinabove
(FIGS. 92 and 97) with respect to the guide and also with respect
to the dynamics of the sleeve.
[0260] FIGS. 99 and 100 depict an implant system 1070. Implant
system 1070 includes a sleeve 1072 which is similar to and has the
advantageous of sleeve 1016 of the embodiment in FIG. 92. Sleeve
1072 does not, however, have any spokes. Additionally, implant
system 1070 includes an insertion tool 1074. Insertion tool 1074
includes a guide 1076 which in a preferred embodiment is
substantially cone-shaped. Guide 1076 guides the insertion of the
sleeve 1072 and the insertion tool 1074 between adjacent spinous
processes. The insertion tool 1074 further includes a central body
1078, a stop 1080, and a handle 1082. The guide 1076 at its base
has dimensions which are slightly less than the internal dimensions
of the sleeve 1074 so that the sleeve can fit over the guide 1076
and rest against the stop 1080. The tool 1074 with the guide 1076
is used to separate tissues and ligaments and to urge the sleeve
1072 in the space between the spinous processes. Once positioned,
the guide insertion tool 1074 can be removed leaving the sleeve
1072 in place. If desired, after the sleeve is positioned, position
maintaining mechanisms such as springy wires 1084 made out of
appropriate material such as the super-elastic alloys and other
materials including titanium, can be inserted using a cannula
through the center of the sleeve 1072. Once inserted, the ends of
the retaining wires 1084 (FIG. 99) extend out of both ends of the
sleeve 1072, and due to this springy nature, bent at an angle with
respect to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 1072. These wires
help maintain the position of the sleeve relative to the spinous
processes.
[0261] Another embodiment of the invention can be seen in FIG. 101
which includes implant 1100. Implant 1100 has many similar features
that are exhibited with respect to implant 1000 in FIG. 92.
Accordingly, elements with similar features and functions would be
similarly numbered. Additionally, features that are different from
implant 1100 can be, if desired, imported into and become a part of
the implant 1000 of FIG. 92.
[0262] As with implant 1000, implant 1100 includes a central body
1002 (FIG. 102) with a first wing 1004 and a bolt 1006 which holds
the first wing and the central body together. In this particular
embodiment, the central body is made in two portions. The first
portion 1102 is in the shape of a truncated cone with an oval or
elliptical base and a second portion 1104 includes a cylindrical
central portion with a distal end in the shape of a truncated cone
1103 with an oval or elliptical base. In addition, in this
particular embodiment, formed with the central body is the guide
1010 which has an oval or elliptical base. Bolt 1006 is used to
secure the first wing through the second portion 1104 with the
first portion 1102 held in-between. In this particular embodiment,
the guide 1010 in addition to including recess 1012 and bore 1014
includes a groove 1106 which receives a portion of the second wing
1032.
[0263] In this particular embodiment, the sleeve 1016 is preferably
oval or elliptical in shape as can be seen in FIG. 102a. The
central body can be oval, elliptical or circular in cross-section,
although other shapes are within the spirit and scope of the
invention. The sleeve 1016 held in position due to the fact that
the truncated conical portion 1102 and the corresponding truncated
conical portion 1103 each have a base that is elliptical or oval in
shape. Thus, the sleeve is held in position so that preferably the
major dimension of the elliptical sleeve is substantially
perpendicular to the major dimension of the first wing. It is to be
understood that if the first wing is meant to be put beside the
vertebrae so that the first wing is set at an angle other than
perpendicular with respect to the vertebrae and that the sleeve may
be held in a position so that the major dimension of the sleeve is
at an angle other than perpendicular to the major dimension of the
first wing and be within the spirit and scope of the invention.
This could be accomplished by tightening bolt 1006 with the first
wing 1004 and sleeve 1016 so positioned. In such a configuration,
the major dimension of the sleeve would be preferably positioned so
that it is essentially parallel to the length of the adjacent
spinous processes. So configured, the elliptical or oval shape
sleeve would bear and distribute the load more evenly over more of
its surface.
[0264] It is to be understood that the sleeve in this embodiment
has all the characteristics and advantages described hereinabove
with respect to the above-referenced super-elastic sleeves.
[0265] The second wing as discussed above, can come in a variety of
shapes in order to provide for variations in the anatomical form of
the spinous processes. Such shapes are depicted in FIGS. 103, 104,
105, 106, and 107. In each configuration, the second wing 1032 has
a upper portion 1108 and a lower portion 1110. In FIG. 104, the
lower portion is thicker than the upper portion in order to
accommodate the spinous process, where the lower spinous process is
thinner than the upper spinous process. In FIG. 105, both the upper
and lower portions are enlarged over the upper and lower portions
of FIG. 103 to accommodate both the upper and lower spinous
processes being smaller. That is to say that the space between the
upper and lower portions of the first and second wings are reduced
due to the enlarged upper and lower portions of the second
wing.
[0266] Alternative embodiments of second wings, as shown in FIGS.
104 and 105, are depicted in FIGS. 106 and 107. In these FIGS. 106
and 107, the second wing 1032 accommodates the same anatomical
shape and size of the spinous processes as does the second wing in
FIGS. 104 and 105 respectively. However, in the embodiments of the
second wing 1032 of FIGS. 106 and 107, substantial masses have been
removed from the wings. The upper and lower portions 1108 and 1110
are essentially formed or bent in order to extend from the central
portion 1112 of the second wing 1032.
[0267] It is to be understood that in this embodiment, if desired,
the second wing may not have to be used, depending on the anatomy
of the spinal column of the body, and this embodiment still has the
significant advantages attributable to the guide 1010 and the
functionality of the sleeve 1016.
[0268] The implant 1120 as shown in FIGS. 108 and 109, is similar
to implant 1100 which is in turn similar to implant 1000. Such
similar details have already been described above and reference
here is made to the unique orientation of the first and second
wings 1122 and 1124. These wings have longitudinal axis 1126 and
1128 respectfully. As can be seen in these figures, the first and
second wings 1122, 1124 have been rotated so that they both slope
inwardly and if they were to continue out of the page of the
drawing of FIG. 108, they would meet to form an A-frame structure
as is evident from the end view of FIG. 109. In this particular
embodiment, as can be seen in FIGS. 109 and 110, the tab 1034 is
provided an acute angle to the remainder of the second wing 1124.
Further, the groove 1018 formed in the implant is sloped in order
to accept the second wing 1124. Accordingly, this present implant
1120 is particularly suited for an application where the spinous
process is wider adjacent to the vertebral body and then narrows in
size at least some distance distally from the vertebral body. It is
to be understood that a cross-section of this implant 1120 through
sleeve 1016 can preferably be like FIG. 93a.
[0269] An additional embodiment of the implant 1150 is shown in
FIG. 111. Implant 1150 has features similar to those described with
respect to FIG. 94b.
[0270] Implant 1150 includes a central body 1152 with a first wing
1154, where central body 1152 includes elongated groove 1156 which
extends to the guide 1158. A screw 1160 is received in a threaded
bore located in the elongated groove 1156.
[0271] The second wing 1162 includes a central body 1164 which is
substantially perpendicular to the second wing 1162.
[0272] The central body 164 includes a plurality of bores 1166
provided therein. These bores are formed adjacent to each other in
order to define a plurality of scallops, each scallop capable of
retaining bolt 1160 therein. As can be seen in FIG. 114, the second
wing includes a cut-out 1168 such that with the central body 1164
of the second wing received in the groove 1156 of the central body
associated with the first wing, the remainder of the second wing is
received over the central body 1152 of the implant 1150. With this
implant 1150, the distance between the first and second wings can
be adjusted by selectively placing the bolt 1160 through one of the
five specified bores defined by the scalloped plurality of bores
1166. Accordingly, FIG. 112 depicts the implant where the first and
second wings are widest apart in order to accommodate spinous
processes of greater thickness. FIG. 111 shows the middle position
between the first and second wings in order to accommodate average
size spinous processes.
[0273] It is to be understood that preferably during the surgical
process, the central body 1152 is urged between spinous processes.
After this has occurred, the second wing is guided by the other
sides of the spinous processes from a path which causes the plane
of the second wing to move substantially parallel to the plane of
the first wing until the central body 1164 associated with the
second wing 1162 is received in the groove of 1156 of the central
body 1152 associated with the first wing 1154. After this has
occurred, the bolt 1160 is positioned through aligned bores
associated with the second wing 1162 and the central body 1152 in
order to secure the second wing to the central body.
[0274] While embodiment 1150 does not depict a sleeve such as
sleeve 1016, such a sleeve 1016 could be placed over body 1152 and
be within the spirit of the invention.
[0275] Implant 1200 of the invention is depicted in FIGS. 119a and
119b. This implant includes the first wing 1202 and sleeve 1204 and
a guide 1206. An alternative to this embodiment further includes,
as required, second wing 1208 as depicted in FIGS. 120a and
120b.
[0276] As can be seen in FIG. 121a and 121b, the first wing 1202
includes a bore which receives a central body 1210. Preferably, the
central body is pressed fit through the bore of the first wing
although it is to be understood that other securing mechanisms such
as through the use of threads and still other mechanisms can be
used to accomplish this task. Additionally, in this particular
embodiment first and second pins 1212 extend from the first wing
1202, each along an axis which is substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis 1214 of the central body 1210. In this particular
embodiment, the distal end 1216 of the central body 1210 is
threaded in order to be coupled to the guide 1206.
[0277] As can be seen in FIGS. 122a, 122b and 122c, the guide 1206
in this particular embodiment is pointed in order to allow the
implant to be inserted between, and if necessary distract, adjacent
spinous processes. The guide 206 includes a threaded bore 1218
which is designed to accept the threaded end 1216 of the central
body 1210 in order to secure the guide to the central body and
additionally for purposes of retaining the sleeve between the guide
1206 and the first wing 1202.
[0278] As can be seen in FIG. 123a the sleeve 1204 is preferably
cylindrical, and oval or elliptical in shape in cross-section. It
is to be understood that sleeve 1204 can have other shapes as
described throughout the specification and be within the spirit and
scope of the invention. In this particular embodiment, sleeve 1204
has at least one major diameter and one minor diameter in
cross-section. Sleeve 1204 includes a central bore 1220 which
extends the length of sleeve 1204 and curve grooves 1222 which are
formed about central bore 1220 and extend only part way into the
body of the sleeve. In this particular embodiment, the curved
grooves 1222 describe an arc of about 60.degree. It is to be
understood that in other embodiment, this arc can be less than
60.degree. and extend past 120.degree.
[0279] The sleeve 1204 is received over the central body 1210 of
the implant 1200 and can rotate thereon about the longitudinal axis
1214 of the central body 1210. When this particular embodiment is
assembled, the grooves 1222 have received therein the pins 1212
that extend from the first wing 1202. Accordingly, the pins
inserted in the grooves 1222 assist in the positioning of the
sleeve relative to the remainder of the implant 1200. With the pins
1212 received in the curved grooves 1222, the pins limit the extent
of the rotation of the sleeve about the central body and relative
to the first wing.
[0280] As can be seen in FIGS. 124a, 124b, and 124c, the sleeve is
free to rotate relative to the longitudinal axis of the central
body 1210 and thus relative to the first wing 1202 of the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 119a and 119b. The sleeve can rotate
relative to a second wing 1208, when the second wing is utilized in
conjunction with the embodiment of FIGS. 119a and 119b. The pins
limit the rotation of the sleeve. In an alternative embodiment, the
pins are eliminated so that the sleeve can rotate to any position
relative to the first wing.
[0281] It is to be understood that the sleeve can be comprised of
biologically acceptable material such as titanium. Additionally, it
can be comprised of super-elastic material such as an alloy of
nickel and titanium, much as described hereinabove with respect to
other embodiments.
[0282] The great advantage of the use of the sleeve 1204 as
depicted in the embodiment of FIGS. 119a and 119b is that the
sleeve can be rotated and repositioned with respect to the first
wing 1202, and/or the second wing 1208 should the second wing be
used in the embodiment, in order to more optimally position the
implant 1200 between spinous processes. It is to be understood that
the cortical bone or the outer shell of the spinous processes is
stronger at an anterior position adjacent to the vertebral bodies
of the vertebra that at a posterior position distally located from
the vertebral bodies. Accordingly, there is some advantage of
having the implant 1200 placed as close to the vertebral bodies as
is possible. In order to facilitate this and to accommodate the
anatomical form of the bone structures, as the implant is inserted
between the vertebral bodies and urged toward the vertebral bodies,
the sleeve 1204 can be rotated relative to the wings, such as wing
1202, so that the sleeve is optimally positioned between the
spinous processes, and the wing 1202 is optimally positioned
relative to the spinous processes. Without this capability,
depending on the anatomical form of the bones, it is possible for
the wings to become somewhat less than optimally positioned
relative to the spinous processes.
[0283] FIGS. 125, 126 and 127 depict three alternative embodiments
of the invention as can be seen through a line parallel to line
124-124 of FIG. 119b.
[0284] In FIG. 125, the sleeve 1204 is rotatable about central body
1210. In this embodiment, however, the sleeve 1204 design does not
include the grooves 1222 as previously depicted in the embodiment
shown in FIG. 123a. Thus, without pins, the sleeve is completely
free to rotate about the central body 1210.
[0285] An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 126. In this
embodiment, the sleeve 1204 is essentially a thin wall cylinder
which is spaced from the central body 1210. Sleeve 1204 is free to
move relative to central body 1210. Sleeve 1204 can rotate relative
to central body 1210. In addition, sleeve 1204 can take a somewhat
cocked or skewed position relative to central body 1210.
[0286] A further embodiment, it is shown in FIG. 127. This
embodiment is somewhat similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 126
except that in this case, several pins project from the first wing
in order to somewhat limit and restrict the motion of the sleeve
1204. As shown in FIG. 127, four pins are depicted. It is to be
understood however that such an embodiment can include one, two,
three, four or more pins and be within the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is to be understood that if the embodiment is used
with a second wing, that similar pins can extend from the second
wing. However, in the embodiment using a second wing, the
pins-would preferably be somewhat flexible so that they could snap
into the inside of the sleeve 1204 as the second wing is inserted
relative to the central body and secured in place. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 127, the sleeve 1204 is free to rotate
about the longitudinal axis of the central body 1210 and is
somewhat restricted in this motion and its ability to become skewed
relative to the longitudinal axis of the central body by the
pins.
[0287] The embodiments of FIG. 128 is an advantageous alternative
to that of FIG. 93a. In this embodiment, the central body 1002 is
similar to that as shown in FIG. 93a. The sleeve 116 is comprised
of two sleeve portions 1016a and 1016b. The sleeve portions are
preferably formed from flat stock material which is substantially
easier to form than having the sleeve formed or machined from solid
bar stock material. A further advantage of the sleeve 1016, if
formed of super-elastic material, is that the sleeve can be formed
in a manner which optimizes the super-elastic characteristics of
such material in order to enhance its ability to repeatedly deflect
under load. In this particular embodiment, the sleeve portions
1016a and 1016b are somewhat C-shaped and then after being formed,
are snapped into the grooves of the central body 1002.
[0288] An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG.
129. This embodiment is most favorably used with the embodiment of
FIG. 119a and 119b. In this particular embodiment, the sleeve 1204
is designed to rotate about the central body 1210. Sleeve 1204
includes a central member 1230 which includes a bore that receives
the central body 1210. The central member 1230 is rotatable about
the central body 1210 of the implant 1200. The central member 1230
includes first and second grooves 1232 and 1234. These grooves can
receive C-shaped sleeve members 1204a and 1204b. These C-shaped
sleeve members are similar in construction and design to the
C-shaped sleeve members shown above with respect to FIG. 128. These
sleeve members can be snapped into position relative to the central
member 1230 of the sleeve 1204. It is to be understood that other
mechanisms can be used to secure the C-shaped sleeve member
relative to the central member of the sleeve and be within the
spirit and scope of the invention. Further, it is to be understood
that the sleeve members 1204a and 1204b can be formed from a single
flat stock material such that one of the grooves 1232 and 1234
receives continuous piece of flat material which has been
appropriately bent and the other grooves receives two ends of the
sleeve.
[0289] From the above, it is evident that the present invention can
be used to relieve pain caused by spinal stenosis in the form of,
by way of example only, central canal stenosis or foraminal
(lateral) stenosis. These implants have the ability to flatten the
natural curvature of the spine and open the neural foramen and the
spacing between adjacent vertebra to relieve problems associated
with the above-mentioned lateral and central stenosis.
Additionally, the invention can be used to relieve pain associated
with facet arthropathy. The present invention is minimally invasive
and can be used on an outpatient basis.
[0290] The following description is presented to enable any person
skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Various
modifications to the embodiments described will be readily apparent
to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein can
be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by
the appended claims. Thus, the present invention is not intended to
be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the
widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed
herein. To the extent necessary to achieve a complete understanding
of the invention disclosed, the specification and drawings of all
patents and patent applications cited in this application are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0291] FIGS. 130A-130F illustrate an embodiment of an apparatus, or
implant 2100, suitable for use with the method of this invention.
The implant 2100 includes a first wing 2104, a selectably
expandable spacer 2150 and a lead-in tissue expander or distraction
guide 2110. The implant further includes, as required, a second
wing 2132. As can be seen in FIG. 130A, a shaft 2102 extends from
the first wing 2104 and is the body that connects the first wing to
the distraction guide 2110. Also, as can be seen in FIGS. 130A and
130B, the guide 2110 in this particular embodiment is pointed in
order to allow the implant to be inserted between, and, if
necessary, to distract adjacent spinous processes. In this
particular embodiment, the guide 2110 has a wedge-shaped
cross-section, expanding from the distal end 2111 to the area where
the second wing 2132 can be optionally secured to the guide. FIGS.
130B and 130C illustrate an embodiment of the implant 2100 with
only a first wing 2104.
[0292] As required, implant 2100 can include a second wing 2132
which fits over the guide 2110 and is secured by a bolt 2130 placed
through aperture 2134 of the second wing 2132 to the threaded bore
2112 located in the guide 2110. As implanted, the first wing 2104
is located adjacent to first sides of the spinous processes and the
second wing 2132 is located adjacent to second sides of the same
spinous processes.
[0293] The spacer 2150 is rotatably mounted about a shaft 2102. The
spacer 2150 is positioned between the first wing 2104 and the guide
2110. The tissue expander 2110 guides the spacer 2150 into position
between the spinous process of adjacent vertebrae. The spacer 2150
includes a slotted sphere 2151 that when rotated is positioned
along a lead-screw, expanding or collapsing the spacer.
[0294] FIGS. 130F, 131A-B, 132A-B, and 133 illustrate a preferred
embodiment of the spacer 2150 wherein the shape of the spacer 2150
is oval or elliptical in cross-section, although it can
alternatively be circular or ovoid or race-track shaped in
cross-section. It is to be understood that the spacer 2150 can have
other shapes as described throughout the specification and be
within the spirit and scope of the invention. In a preferred
embodiment, the spacer 2150 includes a bore 2152 extending the
length of the spacer 2150. The bore 2152 of the spacer 2150 is
received over the shaft 2102 of the implant 2100 so that, as
described above, the spacer can be rotated about the shaft 2102. In
these embodiments, the spacer 2150 can have minor and major
dimensions as follows: TABLE-US-00004 Minor Dimension (116a) Major
Dimension (116b) 6 mm 10 mm 8 mm 10.75 mm 12 mm 14 mm 6 mm 12.5 mm
8 mm 12.5 mm 10 mm 12.5 mm
[0295] One advantage of the use of the spacer 2150, as depicted in
the embodiment of FIG. 130A, is that the spacer 2150 can be
partially rotated and repositioned with respect to the first wing
2104 in order to optimize positioning of the implant 2100 between
spinous processes. It is to be understood that the cortical bone or
the outer bone of the spinous processes is stronger at an anterior
position adjacent to the vertebral bodies of the vertebra than at a
posterior position distally located from the vertebral bodies.
Also, biomechanically for load bearing, it is advantageous for the
spacer 2150 to be close to the vertebral bodies. In order to
facilitate this and to accommodate the anatomical form of the bone
structures, as the implant is inserted between the spinous
processes and/or urged toward the vertebral bodies, the spacer 2150
rotates relative to the wings, such as wing 2104, so that the
spacer 2150 is optimally positioned between the spinous processes,
and the wing 2104 is optimally positioned relative to the spinous
processes.
[0296] In another embodiment, the spacer 2150 has a cross-section
with a major dimension and a minor dimension, wherein the major
dimension is greater than the minor dimension, and, for example,
less than about two times the minor dimension. It is to be
understood that the spacer 2150 can be fabricated from somewhat
flexible and/or deflectable material.
[0297] In this embodiment the spacer is made out of a polymer, more
specifically, the polymer is a thermoplastic. Still more
specifically, the polymer is a polyketone known as
polyetheretherketone (PEEK.TM.). Still more specifically, the
material is PEEK 450G, which is an unfilled PEEK approved for
medical implantation available from Victrex of Lancashire, Great
Britain. (Victrex is located at www.matweb.com or see Boedeker
www.boedeker.com). Other sources of this material include Gharda
located in Panoli, India (www.ghardapolymers.com).
[0298] The spacer 2150 can be formed by extrusion, injection,
compression molding and/or machining techniques. This material has
appropriate physical and mechanical properties and is suitable for
carrying and spreading the physical load between the spinous
process. For example, in this embodiment, the PEEK has the
following approximate properties: TABLE-US-00005 Density 1.3 g/cc
Rockwell M 99 Rockwell R 126 Tensile Strength 97 MPa Modulus of
Elasticity 3.5 GPa Flexural Modulus 4.1 Gpa
[0299] It should be noted that the material selected may also be
filled. For example, other grades of PEEK are also available and
contemplated, such as 30% glass-filled or 30% carbon-filled,
provided such materials are cleared for use in implantable devices
by the FDA, or other regulatory body. Glass-filled PEEK reduces the
expansion rate and increases the flexural modulus of PEEK relative
to that which is unfilled. The resulting product is known to be
ideal for improved strength, stiffness, or stability. Carbon-filled
PEEK is known to enhance the compressive strength and stiffness of
PEEK and lower its expansion rate. Carbon-filled PEEK offers wear
resistance and load carrying capability.
[0300] In this embodiment, as described above, the spacer 2150 is
manufactured from polyetheretherketone (PEEK.TM.), available from
Victrex. As will be appreciated, other suitable similarly
biocompatible thermoplastic or thermoplastic polycondensate
materials that resist fatigue, have good memory, are flexible,
and/or deflectable, have very low moisture absorption, and good
wear and/or abrasion resistance, can be used without departing from
the scope of the invention. The spacer can also be comprised of
polyetherketoneketone (PEKK).
[0301] Other materials that can be used include polyetherketone
(PEK), polyetherketoneetherketoneketone (PEKEKK), and
polyetheretherketoneketone (PEEKK), and generally a
polyaryletheretherketone. Further other polyketones can be used as
well as other thermoplastics. The spacer can also be made of
titanium.
[0302] Reference to appropriate polymers that can be used in the
spacer can be made to the following documents, all of which are
incorporated herein by reference. These documents include: PCT
Publication WO 02/02158 A1, dated Jan. 10, 2002, entitled
"Bio-Compatible Polymeric Materials;" PCT Publication WO 02/00275
A1, dated Jan. 3, 2002, entitled "Bio-Compatible Polymeric
Materials;" and, PCT Publication WO 02/00270 A1, dated Jan. 3,
2002, entitled "Bio-Compatible Polymeric Materials."
[0303] Other materials such as Bionate.RTM., polycarbonate
urethane, available from the Polymer Technology Group, of Berkeley,
Calif., may also be appropriate because of the good oxidative
stability, biocompatibility, mechanical strength and abrasion
resistance. Other thermoplastic materials and other high molecular
weight polymers can be used.
[0304] A preferred embodiment of the spacer is illustrated in FIGS.
131A-134A. In FIGS. 131A and 131B the spacer 2150 includes a first
portion 2260 pivotably or rotatably coupled with a second portion
2261 by a hinge (shown in FIG. 133). Both the first portion 2260
and the second portion have tapered distal ends that form an acute
angle between the two portions. FIG. 131A illustrates the acute
angle 2265a formed when the spacer 2150 is in the unexpanded
position. The first portion 2260 has a bore 2252 through which the
shaft 2102, shown in FIG. 130A, is received, connecting the first
wing 2104 with the guide 2110 and connecting the spacer 2150 with
the implant 2100. The bore 2252 allows the spacer 2150 to partially
rotate about the shaft 2102. The second portion 2261 of the spacer
2150 also has a bore that is located behind and aligned with the
bore 2252, shown in FIG. 131A. This bore is also received on the
shaft 2102 so that both the first and second portions of the spacer
2150 can rotate about the shaft 2102. A threaded screw 2253
protrudes through the angle 2265 a formed by the tapered distal
ends of the portions. The end of the threaded screw 2253 also has a
bore that aligns with the bores of the first and second portions of
the spacer 2150 and is received on the shaft 2102 and can rotate
about the shaft 2102. A slotted sphere 2151 is connected with the
distal end of screw 2253. In the least expanded position, the
slotted sphere 2151 is at the farthest point of travel away from
the proximal end of the screw 2253, shown in FIG. 131A.
[0305] FIG. 131B illustrates the acute angle 2265b formed when the
spacer 2150 is in the fully expanded position. The slotted sphere
2151 is rotated such that the sphere travels toward the proximal
end of the threaded screw 2253. As the slotted sphere 2151 travels
toward the proximal end of the screw 2253, the sphere 2151 forces
the tapered distal ends of the portions 2260, 2261 apart. As the
distal ends of the portions are forced apart, the first portion
2260 and the second portion 2261 rotate in opposite directions
about a common hinge 2463 (shown in FIG. 133), sliding along the
contact surface 2262. As the acute angle formed by the distal ends
of the portions increases, the height of the spacer 2150
expands.
[0306] FIGS. 132A and 132B illustrate in cross-section the
preferred embodiment of the selectably expandable spacer described
in reference to FIGS. 131A and 131B. The slotted sphere 2151 has a
threaded cavity for receiving the threaded screw 2253 when the
sphere 2151 is rotated. The slotted sphere 2151 travels the
distance 2351c such that the distal end of the screw 2253 moves
from position 2351a to position 2351b along the threaded cavity of
the sphere when adjusted from an unexpanded to a fully expanded
position. When rotated in the opposite direction, the slotted
sphere 2151 moves away from the proximal end of the screw 2253,
collapsing the spacer 2150. FIG. 132B illustrates the spacer 2150
in a fully expanded position with the distal end of the screw 2253
at the maximum position 2351b in the threaded cavity of the slotted
sphere 2151. It is to be understood that portions the 2260, 2261 of
the spacer 2150 can be biased to the closed position shown in FIG.
132A. The biasing can be accomplished by a spring that is coiled in
or about the bore of the spacer that receives the shaft 2102. Such
a spring would be connected to both of the portions 2260, 2261 of
the spacer 2150.
[0307] The first and second portions of the spacer 2150 in
combination, can have a cross-section that is elliptical, oval,
ovoid, football-shaped, circular-shaped, rectangular with rounded
ends (where the cross-section has two somewhat flattened surfaces
and two rounded surfaces similar to the effect of a flattened
ellipse) or race-track shaped. Further, the first and second
portions can have different cross-sectional shapes relative to each
other. At least the minor dimension (the height) of the spacer is
between 6 mm and 14 mm. Typically, the minor outer dimension is one
of 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, and 14 mm. The different sizes and
selectable expandability enable the spacer to accommodate different
sized patients.
[0308] As discussed above, the spacer 2150 and its components,
including either the first or second portions, or both, can be made
of a number of materials. Suitable materials can include polymers,
such as, for example, polyetheretherketone (PEEK.TM.), as well as
other materials described above, including titanium. Such materials
can be deflectable and flexible depending on the configuration of
the spacer 2150.
[0309] Further, the deflectable or flexible material can have a
graduated stiffness to help gradually distribute the load when the
spinous processes place a force upon the exterior surface of the
spacer. This can be accomplished by forming multiple layers of the
deflectable or flexible material with decreasing stiffness or
hardness from the center of the spacer outwardly. Alternatively,
the material can have a higher stiffness or hardness in the center
of the inner spacer.
[0310] Referring to FIG. 133, the slotted sphere 2151 is positioned
approximately equidistant from a first and second ends of the
spacer 2150, distributing the parting force of the sphere 2151 so
as not to create disproportionate stress on either side of the
spacer 2150.
[0311] A hinge 2463 couples a first portion 2260 with a second
portion 2261, such that the two portions pivot about the hinge
2463, expanding or collapsing the gap 2465.
[0312] A perspective view is provided in FIG. 134A, showing the
clam-shape of the preferred embodiment of the spacer 2150. The
implant 2100 is positioned between the adjacent vertebrae so as to
permit access to the slot 2554 from a posterior direction both
during and after surgery. Post-surgery adjustment is made using a
cannula inserted through the patient's back. Convenient access to
the slot 2554 is important for reducing patient discomfort and
procedure complication.
[0313] The bore 2252 provides a sleeve for the shaft 2102, and also
limits the rotation of the spacer 2150 about the shaft 2102.
Limiting the rotation of the spacer 2150 can be accomplished, for
example, by providing a slot 2255 in the bore 2252 and a key on the
shaft 2102, or vice-versa. One of skill in the art can appreciate
that different mechanisms and geometries can be used to limit
spacer rotation. Reference is also made to a copending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/799,470, filed on Mar. 5, 2001, entitled
"Spinal Implants, Insertion Instruments, and Methods of Use," (Atty
Docket No. KLYC-1027 US1), which is incorporated herein by
reference and which discloses an implant which has a spacer with a
slot and an implantation tool that includes a probe that engages
the slot in order to position the spacer relative to the
implantation tool for desirable initial positioning of the space
relative to the spinous processes. Such a mechanism can be used by
itself or in addition to the above discussed keyway and key for
purposes of positioning the sphere 2151 so that the height of the
spacer 2150 can be selectively adjusted during the initial surgical
procedure or, thereafter, should such adjustment be desirable due,
for example, to the need for more distraction between the spinous
processes.
[0314] FIG. 134B depicts the back of another embodiment of the
spacer 2150 of the implant 2100 of the invention. FIG. 134B is
similar to a back view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 133. In
FIG. 134B, the spacer 2150 includes the first and second portions
2260, 2261, respectively. The first portion includes a bore 2252
that receives the shaft 2102 and the second portion includes bore
2254 that also receives the shaft 2102. In addition, the screw 2253
is shown with a portion of the sphere 2151 that is used to adjust
the height of the spacer 2150. The screw 2253 includes a bore 2257
that also receives the shaft 2102. Thus, the first and second
portions of the spacer and the screw are rotatable about the
shaft.
[0315] One of skill in the art can also appreciate the different
expansion mechanisms that can be employed to expand the spacer
2150. For example, an expansion mechanism could include: pistons,
ratchets, cams, jacks, or other machines. FIGS. 135A and 135B
illustrate one alternative embodiment in which a jack 2651 is used
to expand the spacer 2150. The jack 2651 is expanded or collapsed
by rotating a slotted screw 2653, thereby increasing or decreasing
the gap 2665. FIG. 135A shows the spacer 2150 in an unexpanded
position with a narrow gap 2665a.
[0316] FIG. 135B illustrates another alternative embodiment
utilizing a jack, whereby the hinge 2462 can allow for translation
of the first and second portions in the y-direction as well as for
rotation about the hinge 2462, thereby reducing the stresses on the
side of the jack closest to the hinge caused by uneven compression
when the gap 2665b expands. For the embodiment in FIGS. 135A and
135B any of the above devices for allowing the first portion of the
spacer to move relative to the second portion of the spacer can be
employed, as well as other known methods, and be within the spirit
and scope of the invention.
[0317] The preferred method for inserting the implant between
adjacent vertebrae is block-diagramed in FIG. 136. The method
requires that the spine be surgically exposed. The implant is then
inserted between the spinous processes, with the wedge shape of the
guide forcing tissue apart to create room for the implant. Once the
implant is in place, with the spacer between adjacent vertebrae,
the profile of the implant is adjusted by expanding or collapsing
the spacer using a tool for operating the expansion mechanism. The
wound is then closed.
[0318] The implant can subsequently be readjusted with the
insertion of a cannula through which a tool is inserted for
operating the expansion mechanism.
[0319] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an
interspinous process implant including a first wing for implant
retention after placement, a spacer for maintaining and/or causing
additional distraction, and a tissue expander for converting from a
first position for insertion to a second position for retention of
the implant after placement between adjacent spinous processes. In
the second position, the tissue expander acts like a second wing to
prevent displacement of the implant. The disclosed invention
further claims a method for lateral insertion of the disclosed
implant of the invention.
[0320] FIG. 137 shows a side view of an embodiment of an implant
3100 of the disclosed invention. The implant 3100 comprises a
spacer 3016 that maintains the distraction of the spinous processes
of adjacent vertebrae, once the spacer 3016 is positioned between
the spinous processes 3012, 3014. The spacer 3016 can have various
shapes including, by way of example only, a cylindrical shape, an
elliptical shape, or tear-drop shape when viewed in cross-section
substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal or elongated axis
3034 of the spacer 3016. The longitudinal axis 3034 is oriented
from the left lateral to right lateral spine, when the implant 3100
is positioned in the spine.
[0321] The spacer 3016 has a first or proximal end 3018 and a
second or distal end 3020. At the first end 3018, the spacer 3016
is connected with a first wing 3022. The first wing 3022 functions
as a first retaining unit. That is, the first wing 3022 prevents
displacement of the implant 3100 once the implant 3100 is
positioned in the spine, with the spacer 3016 between adjacent
spinous processes. From the first wing 3022 extends a shaft 3017
upon which the rotatable spacer 3016 is rotatably mounted, so that
the spacer 3016 can rotate independently from the first wing 3022
for positioning of both elements of the implant 3100.
Alternatively, the first wing 3022 can be fixedly connected with,
or integral to the spacer 3016.
[0322] The second end 3020 of the spacer 3016 is located adjacent
to a tissue expander 3024. The tissue expander 3024 has a
wedge-shaped first end 3026 that is distal to the spacer 3016, and
a second end 3028 that is adjacent the spacer 3016. As discussed
below, the tissue expander 3024 can be rotated about the axis 3034.
When the tissue expander 3024 is rotated about the rotation axis
3034, it is converted from a first insertion position 3036 (shown
in FIGS. 137 and 138) to a second retention position 3042 (shown in
FIGS. 139 and 140).
[0323] In FIGS. 137 and 138, the tissue expander 3024 is in the
first insertion position 3036, where FIG. 137 is a side view of an
embodiment of the implant of the invention, and FIG. 138 is a
top-down view of an embodiment of the implant 3100 of the
invention, in the same first insertion position 3036 as the implant
3100 depicted in FIG. 137. The first end 3026 of the tissue
expander 3024 is wedge-shaped in the direction of insertion, where
the implant 3100 is inserted laterally. That is, where the implant
3100 is to be inserted laterally, the wedge-shaped first end 3026
is narrowest at the point of insertion and broadens along the
length of the tissue expander 3024 toward the second end 3028 of
the tissue expander 3024 that is located adjacent to the second end
3020 of the spacer 3016. The wedge shape of the tissue expander
3024 facilitates insertion of the implant 3100 by initiating
distraction, if no other method is used during implantation, or by
adding to or maintaining distraction created by another source, if
any other such source is employed.
[0324] FIG. 138 shows a top-down view of the implant 3100, with the
tissue expander 3024 in the first insertion position 3036. The
elongated base element 3032 of the tissue expander 3024 in the
first insertion position 3036, where insertion is from a lateral
direction, is oriented in an anterior-posterior direction relative
to a patient. In contrast, as discussed in greater detail below,
the elongated base element 3032 of the tissue expander 3024 in the
second retention position 3042 is oriented substantially
perpendicular to the first insertion position 3036, in a direction
that is substantially perpendicular to the anterior-posterior
direction relative to the patient. In this embodiment, the
elongated base element 3032 in the first insertion position 3036
can further be described as substantially perpendicular to the
orientation of the first wing 3022, the first wing 3022 being at
about a 90.degree. angle from the anterior-posterior direction
relative to the patient, substantially parallel to the axial plane
of the patient.
[0325] FIG. 139 depicts a side view of the implant 3100 with the
tissue expander 3024 rotated to the second retention position 3042.
The tissue expander 3024 in the second retention position 3042 can
prevent displacement of the implant 3100 after insertion in the
spine of a patient. The tissue expander 3024, including the
wedge-shaped first end 3026, and the elongated element 3032, can
rotate from the first insertion position 3036 (FIG. 137) adapted to
facilitate insertion, to the second retention position 3042 (FIG.
139) after insertion and positioning of the implant 3100.
[0326] In one embodiment, the tissue expander 3024 rotates about
90.degree. to be reconfigured into the second retention position
3042, which alters the orientation of the wedge-shaped first end
3026 of the tissue expander 3024 and the elongated base element
3032. In the second retention position 3042, the tissue expander
3024 is rotated about 90.degree. so that the elongated element 3032
(FIG. 139) is substantially perpendicular to the
anterior-to-posterior direction of a patient. In other words,
instead of being oriented with the axis 3038 of the elongated
element 3032 from anterior to posterior (FIGS. 137 (side view) and
138 (top-down view)), the elongated base element 3032 is rotated
about the elongated axis 3034 of the spacer 3016, so that the
elongated base element 3032 is oriented generally parallel to the
first wing 3022 (FIG. 139). It will be understood by those of
ordinary skill in the art that the shift need not be 90.degree. and
could be by way of example of 45.degree. or 60.degree..
[0327] FIG. 140 depicts the embodiment of the implant 3100,
positioned between adjacent spinous processes, upon initial
insertion and in the configuration of FIGS. 137 and 138.
[0328] The tissue expander 3024 can be locked into the second
retention position 3042, as depicted in FIGS. 137-139. In this
embodiment, the shaft 3017 has a bore 3046 extending completely
therethrough, which bore 3046 has the same longitudinal axis 3034
as does shaft 3017. Positioned in bore 3046 is a shaft 3048 which
can rotate in bore 3046, and which is connected to tissue expander
3024. Shaft 3048 includes a head 3050 which has a slot 3052 that
can accept a rotation tool, such as a screwdriver. Rotation of the
shaft 3048 causes the tissue expander 3024 to rotate. Thus once the
implant 3100 is positioned between spinous processes, a screwdriver
can be used to rotate the tissue expander 3024 from the insertion
position as seen in FIGS. 137 and 138 to the retention position
shown in FIG. 139. In a preferred embodiment the shaft 48 can
rotate the tissue expander 3024 about 90.degree.. Alternatively,
different amounts of rotation can be accomplished. Although the
patient's tissue will hold the tissue expander 3024 in the rotated
position, if desired, a mechanism can be included to fix the shaft
3048 in the rotated position. Such mechanism can include a detent
extending from head 3050 which can lock into a recess in the first
wing 3022 as the shaft 3048 is rotated. Another mechanism can
include ridges extending from the head 3050 of the shaft 3048 which
can lock into recesses in the first wing 3022. One of ordinary
skill in the art can appreciate that other lock-and-key mechanisms,
or other mechanism that allows rotation and locking into the
desired second retention position 3042, can also be employed to
secure the second retention position 3042 for implant 3100.
[0329] FIGS. 141 and 142 depict an alternative embodiment of the
implant 3200 of the disclosed invention. In this embodiment, both
the first wing 3222 and the tissue expander 3224, are secured to
shaft 3248 and can rotate together, from a first insertion position
3236 (FIG. 141) to a second retention position 3242, (FIG. 142)
once the implant 3200 is positioned between the adjacent spinous
processes. In the first insertion position 3236, the first wing
3222 and an elongated base element 3232 of the tissue expander 3224
are oriented for ease of insertion in an anterior-to-posterior
direction of the patient. In the second retention position 3242,
for second wing 3226 (FIG. 142) the elongated base element 3232 of
the tissue expander 3224 and the first wing 3222 are oriented about
90.degree. from the first insertion position 3236, or in other
words, substantially perpendicular to the anterior-to-posterior
direction of the first insertion position 3236.
[0330] The implant 3200 has a tissue expander 3224 having a
wedge-shaped distal end 3226 and a proximal end 3228 that is
located adjacent to rotatable spacer 3216 at a second distal end
3220 of a rotatable spacer 3216. A first wing 3222 is located
adjacent to a proximal first end 3218 of spacer 3216. Focusing
first on the tissue expander 3224, the wedge-shaped distal end 3226
is oriented in the first insertion position 236 to accommodate
insertion between spinous processes 3212, 3214, with the flat
distal part of the wedge 3226 oriented in an anterior-to-posterior
direction in a patient. Also in the first insertion position 3236,
the elongated base element 3232 of the tissue expander 3224,
located adjacent to the spacer 3216, is oriented so that it is
elongated in a direction that is anterior-to-posterior when the
implant 3200 is implanted laterally in a patient.
[0331] With respect to the first wing 3222, when the tissue
expander 3224 is oriented in the first insertion position 3236, the
first wing 3222 is oriented, like the tissue expander 3224, in an
anterior-to-posterior direction relative to a patient. As with the
tissue expander 3226 rotation of the shaft 3248 causes the first
wing 3222 to rotate so that is about perpendicular to an
anterior-posterior direction.
[0332] In this embodiment, as indicated above, the first wing 3222
and the tissue expander 3224 are joined together by the shaft 3248
which has a longitudinal axis 3234. The spacer 3216 can rotate upon
shaft 3248. Shaft 3248 includes a head 3250 which has a slot 3252
that can accept a rotation tool such as a screwdriver. Rotation of
the shaft 3248 causes the first wing 3222 as well as the tissue
expander 3224 to rotate. Thus, once the implant 3200 is positioned
between spinous processes, a screwdriver can be used to rotate the
tissue expander 3224 and the first wing 3222 from the insertion
position 3236 as seen in FIG. 141 to the retention position 3242
shown in FIG. 142. In a preferred embodiment, the shaft 3248 can
rotate the first wing 3222 as well as the tissue expander 3224
about 90.degree.. Alternatively, different amounts of rotation can
be accomplished.
[0333] Although the patient's tissue will hold the first wing 3222
and the tissue expander 3224 in the rotated position, if desired, a
mechanism can be included to fix the shaft 3248 in the rotated
position. Such mechanism can include a detent extending from the
shaft 3248 which can lock into a recess in the spacer 3216.
Accordingly, in the second retention position 3242, both the first
wing 3222 and the tissue expander 3224 are rotated about 90.degree.
and can be locked into place.
[0334] FIGS. 143 and 144 depict yet another embodiment 3300 of the
implant of the invention. In this embodiment 3300, the tissue
expander 3324 has a first insertion position 3336 (FIG. 143 being a
view looking down on the spinal column), and a second retention
position 3342 (FIG. 3144 being a view looking from posterior to
anterior into the spinal column). The tissue expander 3324 converts
between the first insertion position 3336 and the second retention
3342 position through a pivoting motion, that may also include a
rotation motion.
[0335] In this embodiment 3300, the first wing 3322 is positioned
adjacent to a spacer 3316 at a first end 3318 of the spacer. As
above with the implants 3100 and 3200, the spacer 3316 is rotatably
mounted over a hollow spacer-mounting shaft 3317 extending from the
first wing 3322. The spacer 3316 can be cylindrical, or it can have
other shapes, including but not limited to elliptical or tear-drop
shape in cross-section.
[0336] The tissue expander 3324 of implant 3300 comprises an upper
segment 3380 that is pivotally connected via a pivoting joint 3382,
or other pivoting means, with a lower segment 3384. That is, a
second end 3381 of the upper segment 3380 meets a second end 3383
of the lower segment 3384 via the pivoting joint 3382. A coiled
spring 3321 is provided around pivoting joint 3382 and biases both
the upper segment 3380 and the lower segment 3384 of the tissue
expander 3324 against the spacer 3316. The pivoting joint 3382 is
connected with a first end 3388 of a rod 3386. Rod 3386 is slidably
disposed in a bore 3319 which runs the entire length of the spacer
316, and is located within hollow spacer-mounting shaft 3317.
[0337] The pivoting joint 3382 and the rod 3386 provide the
mechanism whereby the tissue expander 3324 is converted from the
first insertion position 3336 to the second retention position
3342. In the first insertion position 3336, depicted in FIG. 143,
the first end 3388 of the rod 3386 extends outside the spacer 3316.
The pivoting joint 3382, functionally connected with the first end
3388 of the rod 3386, is not in contact with the second end 3320 of
the spacer 3316, but instead is separated by a segment of the rod
3386 from the second end 3320 of the spacer 3316. The upper segment
3380 of the tissue expander 3324 and the lower segment 3384 of the
tissue expander 3324 meet at the pivoting joint 3382 to form a
wedge-shaped first end 3326 of the tissue expander 3324 that is not
in contact with the second end 3320 of the spacer 3316 when the
tissue expander 3324 is in the first insertion position 3336. In
one embodiment, wedge-shaped first end 3326 of the tissue expander
3324 can be wedge-shaped in the lateral direction of insertion,
i.e., perpendicular to an anterior-to-posterior direction of a
patient. The wedge-shaped first end 3326 is useful for inserting
the implant 3300 between adjacent spinous processes.
[0338] Rod 3386 includes a head 3350 at the end of the rod 3386
distal from the tissue expander 3324. The head 3350 has a slot 3352
that can accept a tool adapted to be used to rotate and pull the
rod 3386 through a bore 3319 of shaft 3317 toward the first wing,
causing the upper segment 3380 and lower segment 3384 of the tissue
expander 3324 to become aligned, such that the tissue expander 3324
is no longer wedge-shaped in the first insertion position 3336
(FIG. 143). Instead, the tissue expander 3324 adopts the form of a
second wing (FIG. 144). In this embodiment, the tissue expander
3324 is wedge-shaped in the direction of lateral insertion in the
first insertion position 3336, and the tissue expander in the
second retention position is oriented substantially vertical, or
substantially perpendicular to the anterior-to-posterior direction
of the patient.
[0339] In contrast, in another embodiment, the tissue expander 3324
in the first insertion position 3336 is not wedge-shaped in a top
view during lateral insertion, as discussed above. Instead, the
wedge-shape of the tissue expander 3324 in the first insertion
position 3336 is wedge-shaped looking into the spine from a
posterior to anterior direction. As such, merely pulling without
rotating rod 3386 causes upper segment 3380 of the tissue expander
3324 and the lower segment 3384 of the tissue expander 3324 to
pivot about the pivoting joint 3382, as above. Thus without
rotating the tissue expander 3324, the tissue expander 3324 after
reconfiguration will be oriented as depicted in FIG. 144.
[0340] FIG. 145 depicts the embodiment of FIGS. 143 and 144
deployed between spinous processes from a top view.
[0341] A rotating tool, such as a hook mounted on the end of a rod,
can be used to pull the rod 3386 through the bore 3319, and can be
used to rotate the tissue expander 3324 so that it is generally
parallel to the first wing 3322. In a preferred embodiment, the rod
3386 can rotate the tissue expander about 90.degree..
Alternatively, different amounts of rotation can be accomplished as
needed to adapt to the anatomical structure of a patient.
[0342] Although the patient's tissue will hold the tissue expander
3324 in the rotated position 3242, if desired, a mechanism can be
included to fix the rod 3386 in the rotated position. Such
mechanism can include a detent extending from head 3350 which can
lock into a recess in the first wing 3322 as the rod 3386 is pulled
toward the first wing 3322 and rotated when the head 3350 is
adjacent to the first wing 3322. Another mechanism can include
ridges extending from the head 3350 of the rod 3386 which can lock
into recesses in the first wing 3322.
[0343] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
locking components need not be limited to a detent and recess. The
invention contemplates any locking mechanism that can secure the
implant 3300 in a second retention position 3342 with the tissue
expander 3324 reconfigured to a second wing.
[0344] FIG. 146 depicts a method 3400 of insertion of an embodiment
of the invention from a lateral or postero-lateral approach. Using
the disclosed method, any of implants 3100, 3200, and 3300 can be
implanted.
[0345] First, an implant as in, by way of example only, embodiment
3100, is provided 3420, and the spine is accessed 3430. Access can
be accomplished laterally or postero-laterally. The implant with
the tissue expander 3034 in the first insertion position 3036 then
is inserted 3440 between the spinous processes, either from the
right lateral side, or the left lateral side.
[0346] The tissue expander 3024 is wedge-shaped in the first
insertion position 3036, as described above, and is used to
distract the vertebrae somewhat to facilitate the lateral insertion
of the spacer 3016 between the adjacent spinous processes. This
level of distraction may suffice to fully insert the implant 3100.
However, if additional distraction is necessary prior to insertion
of the tissue expander, distraction can be added prior to insertion
3435, by methods already well-known in the art.
[0347] Once the implant 3100 is positioned 3450 with the spacer
maintaining distraction of the adjacent spinous processes, the
tissue expander 3024 is moved from the first insertion position to
the second retention position 3460. For implant 2100, moving the
tissue expander 3024 involves rotating 3470 the tissue expander
3024 to the second retention position 3042. The rotation in one
embodiment is preferably about 90.degree.. However, varying degrees
of rotation are also possible. The tissue expander 3024 locks into
the second retention position 3042, as described above. The base
element 3032 in the second retention position 3042 is parallel to
the first wing 3022, which also serves to retain the implant 2100
in position and prevent displacement.
[0348] For an implant as in embodiment 3200, both the first wing
3222 and the tissue expander 3224 are rotated together 3470,
because in embodiment 3200, the spacer 3216 is connected with the
first wing 3222.
[0349] For an implant as in embodiment 3300, the tissue expander
3324 is moved 3460 from a wedge-shaped first insertion position
3336 to a retaining arm or second wing second retention position
3342.
[0350] After the converting step 3460 the incision is closed
3470.
[0351] FIGS. 147 and 148 illustrate an implant 4100 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. The implant 4100
comprises a wing 4130, a spacer 4120, and a lead-in tissue expander
(also referred to herein as a distraction guide) 4110. The
distraction guide 4110 in this particular embodiment is
wedge-shaped, i.e., the implant has an expanding cross-section from
a distal end of the implant 4102 to a region 4104 where the guide
4110 joins with the spacer 4120 (referencing for the figures is
based on the point of insertion of the implant between spinous
processes). As such, the distraction guide functions to initiate
distraction of the soft tissue and the spinous processes when the
implant 4100 is surgically inserted between the spinous processes.
It is to be understood that the distraction guide 4110 can be
pointed and the like, in order to facilitate insertion of the
implant 4100 between the spinous processes of adjacent cervical
vertebrae. It is advantageous that the insertion technique disturb
as little of the bone and surrounding tissue or ligaments as
possible in order to reduce trauma to the site and promote early
healing, and prevent destabilization of the normal anatomy. In the
embodiment of FIGS. 147 and 148, there is no requirement to remove
any of the bone of the spinous processes and no requirement to
sever or remove from the body ligaments and tissues immediately
associated with the spinous processes. For example, it is
unnecessary to sever the ligamentum nuchae (supraspinous ligament),
which partially cushions the spinous processes of the upper
cervical vertebrae.
[0352] As can be seen in FIGS. 147-148, the spacer 4120 can be
teardrop-shaped in cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal
axis 4125 of the implant 4100. In this way, the shape of the spacer
4120 can roughly conform to a wedge-shaped space, or a portion of
the space, between adjacent spinous processes within which the
implant 4100 is to be positioned. In other embodiments, the spacer
4120, can have alternative shapes such as circular, wedge,
elliptical, ovoid, football-shaped, and rectangular-shaped with
rounded corners and other shapes, and be within the spirit and
scope of the invention. The shape of the spacer 4120 can be
selected for a particular patient so that the physician can
position the implant 4100 as close as possible to the anterior
portion of the surface of the spinous process. The shape selected
for the spacer 4120 can affect the contact surface area of the
implant 4100 and the spinous processes that are to be subject to
distraction. Increasing the contact surface area between the
implant 4100 and the spinous processes can distribute the force and
load between the spinous frame and the implant 4100.
[0353] As can be seen in FIGS. 147 and 148, the wing 4130 in an
embodiment can be elliptically shaped in cross-section
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 4125. The dimensions of the
wing 4130 can be larger than that of the spacer 4120, particularly
along the axis of the spine, and can limit or block lateral
displacement of the implant 4100 in the direction of insertion
along the longitudinal axis 4125. As illustrated in the embodiment
of FIG. 149, the wing 4130 can alternatively have other
cross-sectional shapes, such as teardrop, wedge, circular, ovoid,
football-shaped, and rectangular-shaped with rounded corners and
other shapes, and be within the spirit and scope of the invention.
The wing 4130 has an anterior portion 4138 and a posterior portion
4136.
[0354] In other embodiments, the implant 4100 can include two
wings, with a second wing 4160 (shown in FIG. 150) separate from
the distraction guide 4110, spacer 4120 and first wing 4130. The
second wing 4160 can be connected to the distal end of the spacer
4120. The second wing 4160, similar to the first wing 4130, can
limit or block lateral displacement of the implant 4100, however
displacement is limited or blocked in the direction along the
longitudinal axis 4125 opposite insertion. When both the first wing
4130 and the second wing 4160 are connected with the implant 4100
and the implant 4100 is positioned between adjacent spinous
processes, a portion of the spinous processes can be sandwiched
between the first wing 4130 and the second wing 4160, limiting any
displacement along the longitudinal axis 4125.
[0355] As can be seen in FIG. 150, the second wing 4160 can be
teardrop-shaped in cross-section. The wider end 4166 of the second
wing 4160 is the posterior end and the narrower end 4168 of the
second wing 4160 is the anterior end. Unlike the first wing 4130,
however, an opening 4164 is defined within the second wing 4160,
the opening 4164 being at least partially circumscribed by a lip
4162 that allows the second wing 4160 to pass over the distraction
guide 4110 to meet and connect with the spacer 4120. The second
wing 4160 can be secured to the spacer 4120 once the second wing
4160 is properly positioned. The second wing 4160 can be connected
with the implant after the implant 4100 is positioned between the
spinous processes.
[0356] It is to be understood that the implant can be made in two
pieces. The first piece can include the first wing 4130, the spacer
4120, and the distraction guide 4110. The second piece can include
the second wing 4160. Each piece can be manufactured using
technique known in the art (e.g., machining, molding, extrusion).
Each piece, as will be more fully discussed below, can be made of a
material that is bio-compatible with the body of the patient. An
implant can be formed with multiple pieces and with the pieces
appropriately joined together, or alternatively, an implant can be
formed as one piece or joined together as one piece.
[0357] Further embodiments of implants in accordance with the
present invention are depicted in FIGS. 151-153. In such
embodiments, the spacer 4220 can be rotatable about the
longitudinal axis 4225 relative to the first wing 4130, or relative
to the first wing 4130 and a second wing 4160 where two wings are
used. The spacer 4220 can be rotatable or fixed relative to the
distraction guide 4110. Where the spacer 4220 is rotatable relative
to the distraction guide 4110, the spacer 4220 can include a bore
4222 running the length of the longitudinal axis 4225, and a shaft
4224 inserted through the bore 4222 and connecting the distraction
guide 4110 with the first wing 4130. It can be advantageous to
position any of the implants taught herein as close as possible to
the vertebral bodies. The rotatable spacer 4220 can rotate to
conform to or settle between adjacent spinous processes as the
implant 200 is inserted and positioned during implantation, so that
on average the contact surface area between the spacer 4220 and the
spinous processes can be increased over the contact surface area
between a fixed spacer 4120 and the spinous processes. Thus, the
rotatable spacer 4220 can improve the positioning of the spacer
4220 independent of the wings 4130, 4160 relative to the spinous
processes. The embodiment of FIG. 6 includes a teardrop-shaped
first wing 4130, and a teardrop-shaped second wing 4160, similar to
the second wing 4160 depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 149. As
discussed below, the shape of the wings 4130, 4160 in FIGS. 149 and
152 is such that the implants 4100, 4200 accommodate the twisting
of the cervical spine along its axis, for example, as the head of a
patient turns from side-to-side.
[0358] FIG. 154 is a perspective view and FIG. 155A is an end view
of still another embodiment of an implant in accordance with the
present invention, wherein the posterior portion 4336 of the
teardrop-shaped first wing 4330 is truncated, making the first wing
4330 more ovoid in shape. In this configuration, the anterior
portion 4138 of the first wing 4330 can be longer than the
truncated posterior end 4336 of the first wing 4330. As in previous
embodiments, the spacer 4120 can alternatively be a rotatable
spacer rather than a fixed spacer. FIG. 155B illustrates a second
wing 4360 for use with such implants 4300, the second wing 4360
having a truncated posterior end 4366. Truncation of the posterior
ends 4336, 4366 of the first and second wings 4330, 4360 can reduce
the possibility of interference of implants 4300 having such first
and second wings 4330, 4360 positioned between spinous processes of
adjacent pairs of cervical vertebrae, e.g., implants between
cervical vertebrae five and six, and between cervical vertebrae six
and seven. During rotation of the neck, the spinous process move
past each other in a scissor-like motion. Each cervical vertebra
can rotate relative to the next adjacent cervical vertebra in the
general range of about 60.degree.-12.degree.. In addition, about 50
percent of the rotational movement of the neck is accomplished by
the top two neck vertebrae. Thus, such embodiments can accommodate
neck rotation without adjacent embodiments interfering with each
other.
[0359] With respect to the prior embodiments which have first and
second wings 4130, 4160, the second wing 4160, can be designed to
be interference-fit onto the spacer 4120 (where the spacer is
fixed) or a portion of the distraction guide 4110 adjacent to the
spacer 4120 (where the spacer is rotatable). Where the second wing
4160 is interference-fit, there is no additional attachment device
to fasten the second wing 4160 relative to the remainder of the
implant. Alternatively, various fasteners can be used to secure the
second wing relative to the remainder of the implant. For example,
FIGS. 156-158 illustrate an embodiment of an implant 4400 including
a teardrop-shaped second wing 4460 having a bore 4463 through a
tongue 4461 at the posterior end of the second wing 4460. The bore
4463 is brought into alignment with a corresponding bore 4440 on
the spacer 4120 when the second wing 4460 is brought into position
by surgical insertion relative to the rest of the implant 4400. A
threaded screw 4442 can be inserted through the aligned bores 4463,
4440 in a posterior-anterior direction to secure the second wing
4460 to the spacer 4120. The direction of insertion from a
posterior to an anterior direction has the screw 4442 engaging the
bores 4463, 4440 and the rest of the implant 4400 along a direction
that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 4125. This
orientation is most convenient when the surgeon is required to use
a screw 4442 to secure the second wing 4460 to the rest of the
implant 4400. Other securing mechanisms using a member inserted
into corresponding bores 4463, 4440 on the spacer 4120 and second
wing 4460 are within the spirit of the invention. It should be
understood that a rotatable spacer 4220 also can be accommodated by
this embodiment. With a rotatable spacer 4220, the second wing 4460
would be attached to a portion of the distraction guide 4110 that
is located adjacent to the rotatable spacer 4220.
[0360] FIGS. 159A-159B depict a further embodiment 4500 wherein the
second wing 4560 is secured to the spacer 4120 by a mechanism
including a flexible hinge 4565, with a protrusion 4561 on the end
of the hinge 4565 adjacent to the lip 4562 of the opening 4564
defined by portions of the second wing 4560. The securing mechanism
also encompasses an indentation 4540 on the spacer 4120, wherein
the indentation 4540 accommodates the protrusion 4561 on the end of
the flexible hinge 4565. During surgery, after insertion of the
distraction guide 4110, spacer 4120, and first wing 4130, the
second wing 4560 is received over the distraction guide 4110 and
the spacer 4120. As the second wing 4560 is received by the spacer
4120, the flexible hinge 4565 and its protrusion 4561 deflect until
the protrusion 4561 meets and joins with the indentation 4540 in
the spacer 4120, securing the second wing 4560 to the spacer 4120.
Again in embodiments where the spacer can rotate, the indentation
4540 is located on an end of the distraction guide 4110 that is
adjacent to the rotatable spacer 4220. With respect to the flexible
hinge 4565, this hinge is in a preferred embodiment formed with the
second wing 4560 and designed in such a way that it can flex as the
hinge 4565 is urged over the distraction guide 4110 and the spacer
4120 and then allow the protrusion 4561 to be deposited into the
indentation 4540. Alternatively, it can be appreciated that the
indentation 4540 can exist in the second wing 4560 and the flexible
hinge 4565 and the protrusion 4561 can exist on the spacer 4120 in
order to mate the second wing 4560 to the spacer 4120. Still
alternatively, the flexible hinge 4565 can be replaced with a
flexible protrusion that can be flexed into engagement with the
indentation 4540 in the embodiment with the indentation 4540 in the
spacer 4120 or in the embodiment with the indentation 4540 in the
second wing 4560. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate
the myriad different ways with which the second wing can be mated
with the implant.
[0361] FIGS. 161A-162 illustrate an embodiment of an implant 4600
wherein anterior ends of a first wing and second wing 4660 flare
out at an angle away from the spacer 4120 and away from each other.
The cervical spinous processes are themselves wedge-shaped when
seen from a top view. The first wing 4630 and second wing 4660
flare out so that the implant 4600 can roughly conform with the
wedge shape of the spinous processes, allowing the implant 4600 to
be positioned as close as possible to the vertebral bodies of the
spine where the load of the spine is carried. The first and second
wings 4630, 4660 are positioned relative to the spacer, whether the
spacer is fixed 4120 or rotatable 4220, so that the wings flare out
as the wings approach the vertebral body of the spine. FIG. 161B is
a top view of the implant 4600 of FIG. 161A removed from proximity
with the spinous processes. The first wing 4630 is aligned at an
angle with respect to an axis along the spinous processes
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (also referred to herein as
the plane of symmetry). In one embodiment, the angle is about
30.degree., however, the angle .theta. can range from about
15.degree. to about 45.degree.. In other embodiments, other angles
outside of this range are contemplated and in accordance with the
invention. Likewise, the second wing 4660 can be aligned along a
similar, but oppositely varying range of angles relative to the
plane of symmetry.
[0362] As described above in reference to FIG. 150, the second wing
4660 defines an opening which is outlined by a lip. As is evident,
the lip can be provided at an angle relative to the rest of the
second wing 4660 so that when the lip is urged into contact with
the spacer 4120, the second wing 4660 has the desired angle
relative to the spacer 4120. As discussed above, there are various
ways that the second wing 4660 is secured to the spacer 4120. FIG.
161A depicts a top view of one such implant 4600 placed between the
spinous processes of adjacent cervical vertebrae. FIG. 162 is a top
view illustrating two layers of distracting implants 4600 with
flared wings 4630, 4660.
[0363] Systems and methods in accordance with the present invention
can include devices that can be used in cooperation with implants
of the present invention. FIG. 163 illustrates "stops" (also
referred to herein as "keeps") 4656, which are rings of flexible
biocompatible material, which can be positioned around the spinous
processes of adjacent cervical vertebrae and located posteriorly to
the implant 4600. The keeps 4656 can prevent posterior displacement
of implants. In one embodiment, the keeps can include a ring having
a slit 4658. The keeps 4656 can be somewhat sprung apart, so that
the keep 4656 can be fit over the end of the spinous process and
then allowed to spring back together in order to hold a position on
the spinous process. The keep 4656 can act as a block to the spacer
4120 in order to prevent the implant 4600 from movement in a
posterior direction.
[0364] Implants Having Deployable Wings
[0365] In other embodiments, implants in accordance with the
present invention can comprise a "matchbox"-like structure having a
first configuration (as shown in FIG. 164A) and a second, deployed
configuration (as shown in FIG. 164B). Arranged in the first
configuration, such implants 4700 can have a substantially flat
profile having an approximately uniform thickness. The uniform
thickness approximates the thickness of a spacer 4720 of the
implant 4700. The implant 4700 can comprise a distraction guide
4710 at a proximal end of the implant, the distraction guide 4710
having a slightly rounded or tapered shape to pierce and/or
distract a space between adjacent spinous processes. The implant
4700 can further comprise a plurality of hinged structures
4750-4757, the hinged structures 4750-4757 being collapsed so as to
facilitate the substantially flat profile. The hinged structures
4750-4757 are pivotally connected with the spacer 4720 and extend
from both sides of the spacer 4720. As shown in FIG. 164A, a
support structure 4722 extends from the spacer 4720 toward the
distal end of the implant 4700. A rod 4715 (or alternatively some
other mechanism such as a tab) can be connected with the proximal
end of the implant 4700 and can extend through the hinged
structures 4750-4753, through the spacer 4720, and through the
support structure 4722 so that the rod 4715 is accessible.
[0366] Referring to FIG. 164B, once the implant 4700 is positioned
as desired between adjacent spinous processes, the rod 4715 can be
drawn in a direction opposite the direction of insertion along the
longitudinal axis 4725 so that the hinged structures 4750-4757 fold
outward to form a first wing 4730 and a second wing 4760 between
which is arranged the spacer 4720 and a portion of the spinous
processes. As the hinged structures 4750-4757 fold outward, the
height of the first and second wings 4730, 4760 increases from
approximately the same as the thickness of the spacer 4720 to a
height such that the first and second wing 4730, 4760 can limit or
block movement of the implant 4700 along the longitudinal axis 4725
when positioned between adjacent spinous processes. As can be seen,
the second wing 4760 includes four hinged structures 4750-4753: an
upper first structure 4750 connected by a hinge to an upper second
structure 4752, and a lower first structure 4751 connected by a
hinge to a lower second structure 4753. The hinged structures
4750-4753 pivot outward to form an upper end 4762 of the second
wing and a lower end 4764 of the second wing. Likewise, the first
wing 4730 includes four hinged structures 754-4757: an upper first
structure 4754 connected by a hinge to an upper second structure
4756, and a lower first structure 4755 connected by a hinge to a
lower second structure 4757. However, unlike the second wing 4760,
the first wing 4730 is (effectively) bisected by the support
structure 4722 so that the first wing 4730 comprises four winglets
4731-4734. The hinged structures 4754-4757 pivot outward to form
upper winglets 4731, 4732 of the first wing and lower winglets
4733, 4734 of the first wing.
[0367] As mentioned above, the support structure 4722 extends from
the spacer 4720 toward the distal end of the implant 4700. The
spacer 4720 and the support structure 4722 include a bore or other
cavity through which the rod 4715 can travel. Applying resistive
force to the support structure 4722 can fix the spacer 4720 in
place between spinous processes when drawing the rod 4715 through
the bore. As the rod 4715 is drawn through the bore, the hinged
structures 4752, 4753 with which the proximal end of the rod 4715
is connected are drawn with the rod 4715. As the rod 4715 is drawn
through the spacer 4720, the hinged structures 4752,4753 are drawn
toward the spacer 4720. The hinged structures 4750-4753 pivot
outward to accommodate the relative movement between the rod 4715
and the spacer 4720. Accordingly, the second wing 4760 has been
satisfactorily deployed.
[0368] The hinged structures 4756, 4757 of the first wing 4730 can
cause deployment of the first wing 4730 by applying resistive force
to the hinged structures 4756, 4757 while drawing the spacer 4720
(via the support structure 4722), or by urging the hinged
structures 4756, 4757 toward the spacer 4720. The resistive force
or urging can be applied by a second stop 4784 that can fit around
the support structure 4722 and can be interference fit or otherwise
selectively fixed with the support structure 4722. As the second
stop 4784 is pushed along the longitudinal axis 4725, along the
support structure 4722, the hinged structures 4754-4757 pivot
outward to accommodate the relative movement between the second
stop 4784 and the spacer 4720. Accordingly, the first wing 4730 has
been satisfactorily deployed.
[0369] FIGS. 165A and 165B are posterior views of the implant 4700
positioned between adjacent spinous processes 4002, 4004
demonstrating an embodiment of a method for deploying the implant
4700 between the spinous processes 4002, 4004. The implant 4700 can
be positioned so that a distraction guide 4710 of the implant 4700
is arranged at a space between the spinous processes 4002, 4004.
The implant 4700 can then be urged between the spinous processes
4002, 4004 so that the spacer 4720 is positioned as desired. The
substantially flat profile of the implant 4700 can ease positioning
of the spacer 4720 by reducing potential obstructing surfaces that
can resist movement of the implant 4700 during implantation. The
second wing 4760 and the first wing 4730 can then be deployed to
limit movement of the implant 4700. To deploy the second wing 4760
the rod 4715 is drawn in a direction opposite the direction of
insertion along the longitudinal axis 4725. The upper end 4762 and
lower end 4764 of the second wing extend outward as described
above. Once the second wing 4760 is deployed, the rod 4715 can be
fixed in position relative to the spacer 4720. This can be
accomplished using myriad different mechanisms. For example, as
shown a first stop 4782 can be interference fit to the rod 4715 and
positioned against the support structure 4722 along the rod 4715.
The first stop 4782 can grip the rod 4715, as with a friction fit
between the first stop 4782 and the rod 4715, so that the rod 4715
is prevented from moving through the bore of the support structure
4722 by interference between the first stop 4782 and the support
structure 4722. In other embodiments, some other mechanism can be
used, such as a pin (e.g., a cotter pin), a latch system, etc. One
of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the myriad different
mechanisms for fixing a rod 4715 in position relative to the spacer
4720. The upper second structure 4756 and the lower second
structure 4757 can be urged toward the spacer 4720 in the direction
of insertion along the longitudinal axis 4725 using a second stop
4784 as described above, causing the upper winglets 4731, 4732 and
lower winglets 4733, 4734 to extend outward to form the first wing
4730. Once the first wing 4730 is deployed, the hinged structures
4754-4757 can be fixed in position using the second stop 4784 or
some other mechanism. The second stop 4784 can grip the support
structure 4722, as with a friction fit or pin, and resist movement
of the hinged structures 4754-4757, thereby preventing collapse. As
above, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the myriad
different mechanisms for fixing the first wing 4730 in a deployed
position. With the first wing 4730 and the second wing 4760
deployed, movement of the implant 4700 along the longitudinal axis
4725 can be limited or blocked, thereby resisting undesirable
displacement of the implant 4700.
[0370] It should be noted that with implants as described above in
reference to FIGS. 164A-167 the rod 4715 can optionally be trimmed
or otherwise partially detached to decrease a space required to
accommodate the implant 4700, 4800 within the patient's spine. For
example, the structure of the rod 4715 can be beveled or otherwise
weakened near a distal end of the rod 4715 to allow the rod 4715 to
be snapped off when the first and second wings 4730, 4760, 4830,
4860 are deployed and the rod 4715 is fixed in place. In other
embodiments, a tool (not shown) can be used to cut the rod 4715
after the first and second wings 4730, 4760, 4830, 4860 are
deployed and the rod 4715 is fixed in place. Still further, the rod
4715 need not comprise a rigid structure, but rather alternatively
can include a tether, string, or similarly flexible structure that
can be placed in tension to retain the second wing 4760, 4860
and/or first wing 4730, 4830 in a deployed position.
[0371] Referring to FIGS. 166A and 166B, a still further embodiment
of an implant 4800 in accordance with the present invention is
shown. In such an embodiment, a flexible strap 4890 can be
connected between pairs of hinged structures (i.e., 4850 and 4852,
4851 and 4853, 4854 and 4856, 4855 and 4857). The flexible strap
4890 can limit the relative movement of the hinged structures
4850-4857 so that first wing 4830 and second wing 4860 have
increased rigidity when fully deployed. The implant 800 need not
include the support structure 4722 of the previous embodiment. A
resistive force can be applied to the hinged structures 4856, 4857
so that as the rod 4715 is drawn in a direction opposite the
direction of insertion along the longitudinal axis 4825 the
resistive force causes the hinged structures 4854-4857 to extend
outward to form the first wing 4830. As the hinged structures
4854-4857 extend outward the flexible strap 4890 connected opposite
the hinge unfolds. Once the hinged structures 4854-4857 reach a
maximum extension, the flexible strap 4890 becomes taut and resists
further extension, locking the first wing 4830 in place. The
flexible straps 4890 can provide the first wing 4830 with
sufficient rigidity to resist movement of the spacer 4720, so that
as the rod 4715 is further drawn the rod 4715 moves through the
spacer 4720 and the hinged structures 4852, 4853 connected with the
rod 4715 are drawn toward the spacer 4720. As the hinged structures
4852, 4853 connected with the rod 4715 are drawn toward the spacer
4720, all of the hinged structures 4850-4853 extend outward to
deploy the second wing 4860. The flexible strap 4890, connected
opposite the hinge, unfolds. Once the hinged structures 4854-4857
reach a maximum extension the flexible strap 4890 becomes taut and
resists further extension, locking the first wing 4830 in place. A
stop 4882 (or alternatively some other mechanism such as a pin) can
be fixed to the rod 4715 to create interference between the stop
4882 and the hinged structures 4832, 4834 of the first wing 4830
that resists movement of the rod 4715.
[0372] The flexible straps 4890 can be made from a biocompatible
material. In an embodiment, the flexible straps 4890 can be made
from a braided polyester suture material. Braided polyester suture
materials include, for example, Ethibond, Ethiflex, Mersilene, and
Dacron, and are non-absorbable, having high tensile strength, low
tissue reactivity and improved handling. In other embodiments, the
flexible straps 4890 can be made from stainless steel (i.e.,
surgical steel), which can be woven into a strap, for example. In
still other embodiments, flexible straps 4890 can be made from some
other material (or combination of materials) having similar
properties.
[0373] FIG. 167 is a posterior view of the implant 4800 positioned
between adjacent spinous processes 4002, 4004 demonstrating an
embodiment of a method for deploying the implant 4800 between the
spinous processes 4002, 4004. The first wing 4830 can be deployed
to limit movement of the implant 4800 relative to the spinous
processes 4002, 4004. To deploy the first wing 4830 the rod 4715
can be held fixed in position or urged in a direction opposite the
direction of insertion along the longitudinal axis 4825 while a
force is applied to the hinged structures 4854-4857 (FIG. 166A) of
the first wing 4830 to cause the upper end 4832 of the first wing
and the lower end 4834 of the first wing to extend away from the
rod 4715, thereby deploying the first wing 4830. The rod 4715 can
be further urged in the direction opposite the direction of
insertion so that the proximal end of the rod 4715 pivotably
connected with the hinged structures 4852, 4853 that comprise the
distraction guide 4710, is drawn toward the spacer 4720, causing
the upper end 4862 of the spacer, and the lower end 864 of the
spacer to extend away from the rod 4715. Once the second wing 4860
and the first wing 4830 are deployed, the rod 4715 can be fixed in
position relative to the spacer 4720. As above, this can be
accomplished using myriad different mechanisms. For example, as
shown a first stop 4882 can be interference fit to the rod 4715 and
positioned against the first wing 4830 along the rod 4715. The
first stop 4882 can grip the rod 4715 so that the rod 4715 is
prevented from moving by a friction fit between the first stop 4882
and the rod 4715. In other embodiments, some other mechanism can be
used, such as a pin (e.g., a cotter pin), a latch system, etc. One
of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the myriad different
mechanisms for fixing a rod 4715 in position relative to the spacer
4720. With the first wing 4830 and the second wing 4860 deployed,
movement of the implant 4800 along the longitudinal axis 4825 can
be limited or blocked, thereby resisting undesirable displacement
of the implant 4800.
[0374] Referring to FIGS. 168A and 168B, in still other
embodiments, implants in accordance with the present invention can
comprise a "matchbox"-like structure having a rounded, collapsed
first configuration and a second, deployed configuration. Arranged
in the first configuration, such implants 4900 can have a shape
allowing the implant 4900 to be more naturally inserted through a
cannula. As shown, such a shape includes a substantially circular
cross-section, though in other embodiments the implant can have an
ovoid or elliptical cross-section, thereby allowing a spacer shape
to be employed that generally accommodates a space between adjacent
spinous processes. However, it will be appreciated that an implant
4900 having a circular cross-section can most efficiently use the
space of a cannula, where the cannula includes a circular
cross-section; therefore, it may be preferable to employ an implant
4900 having a circular cross-section where a physician desired to
minify the diameter of the cannula inserted into the surgical
site.
[0375] The cross-section of the implant 4900 in a first
configuration is generally consistent along the implant's length,
having a diameter generally the thickness of a spacer 4920 of the
implant 4900. The implant 4900 can comprise a distraction guide
4910 at a proximal end of the implant 4900, the distraction guide
4910 having a rounded (as shown) or tapered shape to pierce and/or
distract a space between adjacent spinous processes. However, where
a cannula is employed to deliver an implant to a surgical site, the
implant 4900 can optionally include a distraction guide 4910 at the
proximal end. The surgical site, and associated tissues and
structures can be distracted and repositioned by the cannula,
allowing substantially unobstructed access to the surgical site by
the implant 4900. In such circumstance a distraction guide 4910 may
not be necessary.
[0376] The implant 4900 can further comprise a plurality of hinged
structures 4950-4957, the hinged structures 4950-4957 being
collapsed so as to facilitate the substantially collapsed profile.
The hinged structures 4950-4957 are pivotally connected with the
spacer 4920 and extend from both sides of the spacer 4920. A rod
4915 (or alternatively some other mechanism such as a tab) can be
connected with the proximal end of the implant 4900 and can extend
through the hinged structures 4950-4953, and through the spacer
4920 so that the rod 4915 is accessible to a physician.
[0377] Referring to FIGS. 168B and 168C, once the implant 4900 is
positioned as desired between adjacent spinous processes, the rod
4915 can be drawn in a direction opposite the direction of
insertion along the longitudinal axis 4925 so that the hinged
structures 4950-4957 fold outward to form a first wing 4930 and a
second wing 4960 between which is arranged the spacer 4920 and a
portion of the spinous processes. As the hinged structures
4950-4957 fold outward, the height of the first and second wings
4930, 4960 increases from approximately the same as the thickness
of the spacer 4920 to a height such that the first and second wing
4930, 4960 can limit or block movement of the implant 4900 along
the longitudinal axis 4925 when positioned between adjacent spinous
processes. As can be seen, the second wing 4960 includes four
hinged structures 4950-4953: an upper first structure 4950
connected by a hinge to an upper second structure 4952, and a lower
first structure 4951 connected by a hinge to a lower second
structure 4953. The hinged structures 4950-4953 pivot outward to
form an upper end 4962 of the second wing and a lower end 4964 of
the second wing. Likewise, the first wing 4930 includes four hinged
structures 4954-4957: an upper first structure 4954 connected by a
hinge to an upper second structure 4956, and a lower first
structure 4955 connected by a hinge to a lower second structure
4957.
[0378] Embodiments as described above in reference to FIGS. 164A
and 164B included a support structure 4722 extending from the
spacer 4720. Likewise, a support structure can optionally extend
from the spacer 4920 of the cannula delivered implant 4900.
However, such a structure need not be necessary where the first
wing 4930 is prevented from deploying during deployment of the
second wing 4960 by the cannula 995 itself (see FIG. 169B).
Referring to FIGS. 169A and 169B, once the cannula is positioned at
the surgical site, the implant 4900 can be urged through the
cannula so that the hinged structures 4950-4953 are clear of the
cannula. The rod 4915 can then be urged in an opposite direction
(relative to insertion) along the longitudinal axis 4925 to deploy
the second wing 4960. As the rod 4915 is drawn through the spacer
4920, the hinged structures 4952, 4953 are drawn toward the spacer
4920. The hinged structures 4950-4953 pivot outward to accommodate
the relative movement between the rod 4915 and the spacer 4920.
Accordingly, the second wing 4960 has been satisfactorily
deployed.
[0379] Once the second wing 4960 is deployed, the cannula 995 can
be retracted from the surgical site, thereby allowing the hinged
structures 956, 4957 of the first wing 4930 to deploy by urging the
hinged structures 4956, 4957 toward the spacer 4920. The urging can
be applied by a stop 4982 that can fit around the rod 4915 and can
be interference fit or otherwise selectively fixed with the rod
4915. As the stop 982 is pushed along the longitudinal axis 4925,
along the rod 4915, the hinged structures 4954-4957 pivot outward
to accommodate the relative movement between the stop 4982 and the
spacer 4920. Accordingly, the first wing 4930 has been
satisfactorily deployed.
[0380] Once the second wing 4960 and the first wing 4930 are
deployed, the rod 4915 can be fixed in position relative to the
spacer 4920. As above, this can be accomplished using myriad
different mechanisms. For example, as shown a stop 4982 can be
interference fit to the rod 4915 and positioned against the first
wing 4930 along the rod 4915. The stop 4982 can grip the rod 4915
so that the rod 4915 is prevented from moving by a friction fit
between the stop 4982 and the rod 4915. In other embodiments, some
other mechanism can be used, such as a pin (e.g., a cotter pin), a
latch system, etc. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate
the myriad different mechanisms for fixing a rod 4915 in position
relative to the spacer 4920. With the first wing 4930 and the
second wing 4960 deployed, movement of the implant 4900 along the
longitudinal axis 4925 can be limited or blocked, thereby resisting
undesirable displacement of the implant 4900.
[0381] It should be noted that with implants as described above in
reference to FIGS. 168A-169B the rod 4915 can optionally be trimmed
or otherwise partially detached to decrease a space required to
accommodate the implant 4900 within the patient's spine. For
example, the structure of the rod 4915 can be beveled or otherwise
weakened near a distal end of the rod 4915 to allow the rod 4915 to
be snapped off when the first and second wings 4930, 4960 are
deployed and the rod 4915 is fixed in place. In other embodiments,
a tool (not shown) can be used to cut the rod 4915 after the first
and second wings 4930, 4960 are deployed and the rod 4915 is fixed
in place. Still further, the rod 4915 need not comprise a rigid
structure, but rather alternatively can include a tether, string,
or similarly flexible structure that can be placed in tension to
retain the second wing 4960 and/or first wing 4930 in a deployed
position.
[0382] Referring to FIGS. 168B, 168C and 169B, the implant 4900 is
shown having operably connected "hinged" structures 4950-4957. Such
structures can be hinged in any way that permits relative movement.
For example, the structures may be hinged by way of flexible
straps, for example as described above in reference to FIG. 167B.
Alternatively, the structures can be hinged using some other
technique. For example, referring to FIG. 169C, one or a pair of
cords 4996 can connect pairs of hinged structures so that relative
movement is restricted, thereby permitting hinging motion, while
resisting separation of the structures. In still other embodiments,
some other mechanism can be employed to define a range of movement
of the hinged structures 4950-4957. One of ordinary skill in the
art will appreciate the myriad different techniques for defining a
range of motion of two mechanical parts.
[0383] As with the flexible straps 4890 above, the cord 4996 can be
made from a biocompatible material. In an embodiment, the cord 4996
can be made from a braided polyester suture material. Braided
polyester suture materials include, for example, Ethibond,
Ethiflex, Mersilene, and Dacron, and are non-absorbable, having
high tensile strength, low tissue reactivity and improved handling.
In other embodiments, the cords 4996 can be made from stainless
steel (i.e., surgical steel), which can be woven into a strap, for
example. In still other embodiments, the cords 4996 can be made
from some other material (or combination of materials) having
similar properties.
[0384] Materials for Use in Implants of the Present Invention
[0385] In some embodiments, the implant can be fabricated from
medical grade metals such as titanium, stainless steel, cobalt
chrome, and alloys thereof, or other suitable implant material
having similar high strength and biocompatible properties.
Additionally, the implant can be at least partially fabricated from
a shape memory metal, for example Nitinol, which is a combination
of titanium and nickel. Such materials are typically radiopaque,
and appear during x-ray imaging, and other types of imaging.
Implants in accordance with the present invention, and/or portions
thereof can also be fabricated from somewhat flexible and/or
deflectable material. In these embodiments, the implant and/or
portions thereof can be fabricated in whole or in part from medical
grade biocompatible polymers, copolymers, blends, and composites of
polymers. A copolymer is a polymer derived from more than one
species of monomer. A polymer composite is a heterogeneous
combination of two or more materials, wherein the constituents are
not miscible, and therefore exhibit an interface between one
another. A polymer blend is a macroscopically homogeneous mixture
of two or more different species of polymer. Many polymers,
copolymers, blends, and composites of polymers are radiolucent and
do not appear during x-ray or other types of imaging. Implants
comprising such materials can provide a physician with a less
obstructed view of the spine under imaging, than with an implant
comprising radiopaque materials entirely. However, the implant need
not comprise any radiolucent materials.
[0386] One group of biocompatible polymers are the polyaryl ester
ketones which has several members including polyetheretherketone
(PEEK), and polyetherketoneketone (PEKK). PEEK is proven as a
durable material for implants, and meets the criterion of
biocompatibility. Medical grade PEEK is available from Victrex
Corporation of Lancashire, Great Britain under the product name
PEEK-OPTIMA. Medical grade PEKK is available from Oxford
Performance Materials under the name OXPEKK, and also from CoorsTek
under the name BioPEKK. These medical grade materials are also
available as reinforced polymer resins, such reinforced resins
displaying even greater material strength. In an embodiment, the
implant can be fabricated from PEEK 450G, which is an unfilled PEEK
approved for medical implantation available from Victrex. Other
sources of this material include Gharda located in Panoli, India.
PEEK 450G has the following approximate properties: TABLE-US-00001
Property Value Density 1.3 g/cc Rockwell M 99 Rockwell R 126
Tensile Strength 97 MPa Modulus of Elasticity 3.5 GPa Flexural
Modulus 4.1 GPa
[0387] PEEK 450G has appropriate physical and mechanical properties
and is suitable for carrying and spreading a physical load between
the adjacent spinous processes. The implant and/or portions thereof
can be formed by extrusion, injection, compression molding and/or
machining techniques.
[0388] It should be noted that the material selected can also be
filled. Fillers can be added to a polymer, copolymer, polymer
blend, or polymer composite to reinforce a polymeric material.
Fillers are added to modify properties such as mechanical, optical,
and thermal properties. For example, carbon fibers can be added to
reinforce polymers mechanically to enhance strength for certain
uses, such as for load bearing devices. In some embodiments, other
grades of PEEK are available and contemplated for use in implants
in accordance with the present invention, such as 30% glass-filled
or 30% carbon-filled grades, provided such materials are cleared
for use in implantable devices by the FDA, or other regulatory
body. Glass-filled PEEK reduces the expansion rate and increases
the flexural modulus of PEEK relative to unfilled PEEK. The
resulting product is known to be ideal for improved strength,
stiffness, or stability. Carbon-filled PEEK is known to have
enhanced compressive strength and stiffness, and a lower expansion
rate relative to unfilled PEEK. Carbon-filled PEEK also offers wear
resistance and load carrying capability.
[0389] As will be appreciated, other suitable similarly
biocompatible thermoplastic or thermoplastic polycondensate
materials that resist fatigue, have good memory, are flexible,
and/or deflectable, have very low moisture absorption, and good
wear and/or abrasion resistance, can be used without departing from
the scope of the invention. As mentioned, the implant can be
comprised of polyetherketoneketone (PEKK). Other material that can
be used include polyetherketone (PEK),
polyetherketoneetherketoneketone (PEKEKK),
polyetheretherketoneketone (PEEKK), and generally a
polyaryletheretherketone. Further, other polyketones can be used as
well as other thermoplastics. Reference to appropriate polymers
that can be used in the implant can be made to the following
documents, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. These
documents include: PCT Publication WO 02/02158 A1, dated Jan. 10,
2002, entitled "Bio-Compatible Polymeric Materials-" PCT
Publication WO 02/00275 A1, dated Jan. 3, 2002, entitled
"Bio-Compatible Polymeric Materials;" and, PCT Publication WO
02/00270 A1, dated Jan. 3, 2002, entitled "Bio-Compatible Polymeric
Materials." Other materials such as Bionate.RTM.., polycarbonate
urethane, available from the Polymer Technology Group, Berkeley,
Calif., may also be appropriate because of the good oxidative
stability, biocompatibility, mechanical strength and abrasion
resistance. Other thermoplastic materials and other high molecular
weight polymers can be used.
[0390] As described above, the binder can be made from a
biocompatible material. In an embodiment, the binder can be made
from a braided polyester suture material. Braided polyester suture
materials include, for example, Ethibond, Ethiflex, Mersilene, and
Dacron, and are nonabsorbable, having high tensile strength, low
tissue reactivity and improved handling. In other embodiments, the
binder can be made from stainless steel (i.e., surgical steel),
which can be braided into a tether or woven into a strap, for
example. In still other embodiments, the binder can be made from
some other material (or combination of materials) having similar
properties.
[0391] It is to be understood that embodiments in accordance with
the present invention can be constructed without a pliant material.
It is also to be understood that the embodiments in accordance with
the present invention can have other dimensions
[0392] Methods for Implanting Interspinous Implants
[0393] A minimally invasive surgical method for implanting an
implant 4400 in the cervical spine is disclosed and taught herein.
In this method, as shown in FIG. 170, preferably a guide wire 4080
is inserted through a placement network or guide 90 into the neck
of the implant recipient. The guide wire 4080 is used to locate
where the implant is to be placed relative to the cervical spine,
including the spinous processes. Once the guide wire 4080 is
positioned with the aid of imaging techniques, an incision is made
on the side of the neck so that an implant in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention, can be positioned in the neck
thorough an incision and along a line that is about perpendicular
to the guide wire 4080 and directed at the end of the guide wire
4080. In one embodiment, the implant can be a sized implant 4400
(i.e., having a body that is not distractible), such as described
above in FIGS. 147-163 and including a distraction guide 4110, a
spacer 4120, and a first wing 4130. The implant 4400 is inserted
into the neck of the patient. Preferably during insertion, the
distraction guide 4110 pierces or separates the tissue without
severing the tissue.
[0394] Once the implant 4400 is satisfactorily positioned, a second
wing 4460 can be optionally inserted along a line that is generally
co-linear with the line over which the implant 4400 is inserted but
from the opposite side of the neck. The anatomy of the neck is such
that it is most convenient and minimally invasive to enter the neck
from the side with respect to the implant 4400 and the second wing
4460. The second wing 4460 is mated to the implant and in this
particular embodiment, the second wing 4460 is attached to the
implant 4400 by the use of a fastener, for example by a screw 4442.
Where a screw is used, the screw 4442 can be positioned using a
screw driving mechanism that is directed along a posterior to
anterior line somewhat parallel to the guide wire 4080. This
posterior to anterior line aids the physician in viewing and
securing the second wing 4460 to the implant. The second wing 4460
is positioned so that a bore 4463 formed in a lip 4461 of the
second wing 4460 is aligned with a bore 4440 of the implant 4400,
as described above. The screw 4442 is positioned within both bores
and secured, at least, to the bore 4440 of the implant 4400. In
other embodiments, the second wing can be interference fit with the
implant, as described above, or fastened using some other
mechanism, such as a flexible hinge and protrusion.
[0395] A minimally invasive surgical method for implanting an
alternative embodiment of an implant 4700 in the cervical spine is
disclosed and taught herein. In this method, as shown in FIG. 171,
preferably a guide wire 4080 is inserted through a placement
network or guide 4090 into the neck of the implant recipient. The
guide wire 4080 is used to locate where the implant 4700 is to be
placed relative to the cervical spine, including the spinous
processes. Once the guide wire 4080 is positioned with the aid of
imaging techniques, an incision is made on the side of the neck so
that an implant 4700 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention, can be positioned in the neck thorough an
incision and along a line that is about perpendicular to the guide
wire 4080 and directed at the end of the guide wire 4080. In an
embodiment, the implant 4700 can include a distraction guide 4710,
a spacer 4720, a rod 4715 extending through the spacer 4720, and
deployable first and second wings 4730, 4760. The implant 4700 can
have a substantially flat profile to ease implantation, as
described above. The implant 4700 is inserted into the neck of the
patient. Preferably during insertion, the distraction guide 4710
pierces or separates the tissue without severing the tissue.
[0396] Once the implant 4700 is satisfactorily positioned, the
first wing 4730 and the second wing 4760 can be deployed. As
described above, the second wing 4760 can be deployed by urging the
rod 4715 in a direction opposite the direction of insertion along
the longitudinal axis 4725. As the rod 4715 travels through the
spacer 4720, hinged structures 4750-4753 contact the spacer 4720,
buckle and extend away from the rod 4715 two form an upper end 4762
of the second wing and a lower end 4764 of the second wing. When
second wing 4760 is satisfactorily deployed, the rod 4715 can be
fixed in place relative to the spacer 4720 using a first stop 4782,
a pin, or some other mechanism. The first wing 4730 can be deployed
by urging the hinged structures 4754-4757 toward the spacer 4720,
causing the hinged structures 4754-4757 to buckle and extend away
from one another to form an upper end 4732 of the second wing and a
lower end 4734 of the second wing. The anatomy of the neck is such
that it is most convenient and minimally invasive to enter the neck
from the side with respect to the implant 4700.
[0397] A minimally invasive surgical method for implanting an
alternative embodiment of an implant 4900 in the cervical spine is
disclosed and taught herein. In this method, as shown in FIG. 172,
preferably a guide wire 4080 is inserted through a placement
network or guide 4090 into the neck of the implant recipient. The
guide wire 4080 is used to locate where the implant 4900 is to be
placed relative to the cervical spine, including the spinous
processes. Once the guide wire 4080 is positioned with the aid of
imaging techniques, an incision is made on the side of the neck
along a line that is about perpendicular to the guide wire 4080 and
directed at the end of the guide wire 4080. The cannula 4995 is fed
through the incision and positioned between the targeted adjacent
spinous processes. In an embodiment, the implant 4900 can include a
distraction guide 4910, a spacer 4920, a rod 4915 extending through
the spacer 4920, and deployable first and second wings 4930, 4960.
The implant 4900 can have a substantially circular cross-section to
roughly conform with an inside surface of the cannula 4995. The
implant 4900 is urged through the cannula 4995 and into position
between the adjacent spinous processes so that the second wing 4960
hinge structures are clear of the cannula 4995, as described above
in reference to FIG. 169B. The second wing 4960 is then deployed by
urging the rod 4915 in a direction opposite the direction of
insertion along the longitudinal axis 4925. As the rod 4915 travels
through the spacer 4920, hinged structures 4950-4953 contact the
spacer 4920, buckle and extend away from the rod 4915 two form an
upper end 4962 of the second wing and a lower end 4964 of the
second wing. When second wing 4960 is satisfactorily deployed, the
cannula 4995 can be retracted to expose the hinged structures
4954-4957 of the first wing 4930. The first wing 4930 can be
deployed by urging the hinged structures 4954-4957 toward the
spacer 4920, causing the hinged structures 4954-4957 to buckle and
extend away from one another to form an upper end 4932 of the
second wing and a lower end 4934 of the second wing. Once the first
wing 4930 is deployed, the rod 4915 can optionally be shortened,
and the cannula 4995 can be withdrawn from the incision. The
incision can then be closed.
[0398] The foregoing description of embodiments of the present
invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and
variations will be apparent to the practitioner skilled in the art.
The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain
the principles of the invention and its practical application,
thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the
invention and the various embodiments and with various
modifications that are suited to the particular use contemplated.
It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
following claims and their equivalence.
[0399] Additional aspects, objects and advantages of the invention
can be obtained through a review of the appended claims and
figures.
* * * * *
References