U.S. patent application number 12/470556 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-19 for method and apparatus for replacing the function of facet joints.
This patent application is currently assigned to Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jeff Justis, Fred J. Molz, IV, Michael C. Sherman.
Application Number | 20090287250 12/470556 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34653116 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090287250 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Molz, IV; Fred J. ; et
al. |
November 19, 2009 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REPLACING THE FUNCTION OF FACET JOINTS
Abstract
A system and method is provided for replacing the functions of a
facet joint between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra
without necessarily requiring an anatomical implant. The method
includes: providing one or more flexible posterior devices to
replace main functions of the facet joint; and adapting a first one
of the one or more posterior devices for a first attachment to a
first pedicle, and a second attachment to a second pedicle.
Inventors: |
Molz, IV; Fred J.;
(Birmingham, AL) ; Justis; Jeff; (Germantown,
TN) ; Sherman; Michael C.; (Memphis, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MEDTRONIC;Attn: Noreen Johnson - IP Legal Department
2600 Sofamor Danek Drive
MEMPHIS
TN
38132
US
|
Assignee: |
Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
Warsaw
IN
|
Family ID: |
34653116 |
Appl. No.: |
12/470556 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10733554 |
Dec 10, 2003 |
7553320 |
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12470556 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/247 ;
623/17.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2/4405 20130101;
A61F 2002/30092 20130101; A61F 2002/30433 20130101; A61F 2210/0014
20130101; A61F 2220/0041 20130101; A61F 2002/30563 20130101; A61F
2002/30624 20130101; A61B 17/7023 20130101; A61B 17/7022 20130101;
A61F 2/442 20130101; A61B 17/7013 20130101; A61B 17/7004 20130101;
A61B 17/7037 20130101; A61B 17/7028 20130101; A61B 17/7032
20130101; A61B 17/7064 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/247 ;
623/17.11 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/70 20060101
A61B017/70; A61F 2/44 20060101 A61F002/44 |
Claims
1. A surgical implant comprising: a first biocompatible attachment
device configured to attach to a first pedicle of a superior
vertebrae; a second biocompatible attachment device configured to
attach to a second pedicle of an inferior vertebrae; and a flexible
member attached to the first and second biocompatible attachment
devices, the flexible member comprising a joint component and a
flexible connector covering at least part of the joint component;
wherein the first and second biocompatible attachment devices are
positioned, and the flexible member is adapted, so that the
surgical implant applies a distracting force between the superior
and inferior vertebrae sufficient for selectively maintaining the
first and second pedicles at a predetermined distance.
2. The surgical implant of claim 1 wherein the flexible member is
further adapted to be compressed in response to a second force that
exceeds the distracting force.
3. The surgical implant of claim 1 wherein the joint component is
positionable between the first and second biocompatible attachment
devices, and comprises a first element having a first opening and a
second element having a second opening, and wherein elastic
material is disposed between the first opening and the second
opening.
4. The surgical implant of claim 1 wherein the flexible member
further includes a first member connected between the first
biocompatible attachment device and the joint component, and a
second member connected between the second biocompatible attachment
device and the joint component, and wherein the first and second
members are connected together at the joint component.
5.-29. (canceled)
30. A spinal stabilization device comprising: a first component
comprising: an elongated body; and a first joint element having a
first opening wherein the first opening contains an elastic
material; a second component comprising: an elongated body; and a
second joint element having a second opening wherein the second
joint element is coupled with the first joint element, and the
second opening contains the elastic material; and a connector
covering the first joint element and the second joint element
wherein the connector comprises the elastic material.
31. The device of claim 30 wherein the first component further
comprises a pointed tip adapted for percutaneous insertion of the
posterior device.
32. The device of claim 30 wherein the second component further
comprises a pointed tip adapted for percutaneous insertion of the
posterior device.
33. The device of claim 30 wherein the connector is
olive-shaped.
34. The device of claim 30 wherein the first component and the
second component are coupled at an angle of approximately
45.degree. to the horizon.
35. The device of claim 30 wherein the first component and the
second component are coupled at an angle of approximately
60.degree. to an axial plane and 20.degree. to an frontal plane of
a human body.
36. The posterior device of claim 30 wherein the first component
and the second component are coupled at an angle of approximately
90.degree. to an axial plane and 45.degree. to a frontal plane of a
human body.
37.-39. (canceled)
40. A spinal stabilization implant comprising: a first
biocompatible attachment device configured to attach to a first
pedicle of a superior vertebrae; a second biocompatible attachment
device configured to attach to a second pedicle of an inferior
vertebrae; and a flexible member attached to the first and second
biocompatible attachment devices, the flexible member comprising a
first component and a second component and an elastic connector,
the elastic connector covering at least a part of the first
component or the second component; wherein when the first and
second biocompatible attachment devices are attached to the first
and second pedicles, the surgical implant applies a distracting
force between the superior and inferior vertebrae sufficient for
selectively maintaining the first and second pedicles at a
predetermined distance.
41. The implant of claim 40, wherein the first component comprises
a first joint element and the second component comprises a second
joint element, and wherein the first joint element and the second
joint element are connected.
42. The implant of claim 41, wherein the elastic connector
surrounds at least part of the first joint element and the second
joint element.
43. The implant of claim 40, wherein the first component comprises
a tip adapted for percutaneous insertion of the implant.
44. The implant of claim 40, wherein the second component comprises
a tip adapted for percutaneous insertion of the implant.
45. A flexible spinal stabilization device comprising: a first
biocompatible attachment device, a second biocompatible attachment
device, a joint component attached to the first and the second
biocompatible attachment device, the joint component comprising: a
first elongated body comprising a first joint element having a
first opening, and a second elongated body comprising a second
joint element having a second opening, and a connector comprising a
flexible material, wherein the first and second joint elements are
covered by the connector and wherein elastic material is disposed
between the first and second openings.
46. The implant of claim 45, wherein the first elongated body
comprises a tip adapted for percutaneous insertion of the
implant.
47. The implant of claim 45, wherein the second elongated body
comprises a tip adapted for percutaneous insertion of the implant.
Description
[0001] The present disclosure relates to spinal devices and
methods, and more particularly, to a system and method for
replacing the functions of a facet joint between a superior
vertebra and an inferior vertebra without necessarily requiring an
anatomical implant.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A vertebrae includes a vertebral body and posteriorly
extending structures including pedicles, a lamina, articular
processes, and a spinous process. The articular processes include
superior and inferior processes that join to form zygapophyseal, or
facet joints, with adjacent vertebrae. The facet joints are formed
by the articular processes of adjacent vertebrae--the inferior
articular process of a vertebra articulates with the superior
articular process of the vertebra below. Facet joints perform
several functions, including stabilizing the spine and earring
approximately 20% of the compressive load on the spine.
Accordingly, their anatomic position and orientation affect the
mobility of each spinal region. For example, in the cervical
region, facet joints are oriented in the coronal plane and are
capable of a significant range of motions in the six degrees of
freedom. In the lumber area, facet joints are oriented parasagittal
and thereby limit rotation.
[0003] Major trauma or repetitive minor trauma may cause a facet
joint to be damaged or otherwise degenerate. As a result, the
hyaline cartilage that lines the joint can lose its water content,
and eventually become worn. When this happens, the articular
processes begin to override each other as the joint capsules become
stretched, resulting in the malalignment of the joints and abnormal
biomechanical function of the motion segment.
[0004] The current treatment for degenerated or otherwise damaged
facet joints is to provide prosthetic facet joints. The prosthetic
facet joints are shaped and positioned similar to the original
facet joint, and must be constructed to withstand the required
movement and weight handling functions of the original facet joint.
Such requirements are difficult to achieve while also meeting
requirements of reliability and durability. What is needed is a
system and method for reducing and/or eliminating the need for
anatomical prosthetic facet joints.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present invention provides a system and method for
replacing the functions of a facet joint between a superior
vertebra and an inferior vertebra without necessarily requiring an
anatomical implant.
[0006] In one embodiment, a surgical implant for replacing
functions of a facet joint between adjacent vertebrae is provided.
The surgical implant includes a first biocompatible attachment
device for attaching to a first pedicle of a superior vertebrae and
a second biocompatible attachment device for attaching to a second
pedicle of an inferior vertebrae. The surgical implant also
includes a flexible member attached to the first and second
biocompatible attachment devices. The first and second
biocompatible attachment devices are positioned, and the flexible
member is adapted, so that the surgical implant applies a
distracting force between the superior and inferior vertebrae
sufficient for selectively maintaining the first and second
pedicles at a predetermined distance.
[0007] In another embodiment, a facet replacement system is
provided. The facet replacement system includes a first posterior
device having first and second attachment mechanisms and a
compression-resistant member connected there between, and a second
posterior device having first and second attachment mechanisms and
an expansion-resistant member connected there between. The first
attachment mechanisms are adapted to connect to respective portions
of a superior spinous process, and the second attachment mechanisms
are adapted to connect to respective portions of an inferior
spinous process.
[0008] In another embodiment, a method for replacing functions of a
facet joint between adjacent vertebrae is provided. The method
includes: providing one or more flexible posterior devices to
replace main functions of the facet joint; and adapting a first one
of the one or more posterior devices for a first attachment to a
first pedicle, and a second attachment to a second pedicle.
[0009] In another embodiment, a prosthetic device for replacing
functions of a facet joint between adjacent vertebrae comprises:
means for providing one or more flexible posterior devices to
replace main functions of the facet joint; and means for adapting a
first one of the one or more posterior devices for a first
attachment to a first transverse process, and a second attachment
to a second transverse process.
[0010] In another embodiment, a method for replacing functions of a
facet joint between adjacent vertebrae comprises: providing one or
more flexible posterior devices to replace main functions of the
facet joint; and adapting a first one of the one or more posterior
devices for a first attachment to a first articular process, and a
second attachment to a second articular process.
[0011] In another embodiment, a method for replacing functions of a
facet joint between adjacent vertebrae comprises: providing one or
more flexible posterior devices to replace main functions of the
facet joint; and adapting a first one of the one or more posterior
devices for a first attachment to a first spinous process, and a
second attachment to a second spinous process.
[0012] In another embodiment, a method for replacing functions of a
facet joint between adjacent vertebrae comprises: providing one or
more flexible posterior devices to replace main functions of the
facet joint; and adapting a first one of the one or more posterior
devices for a first attachment to a first lamina, and a second
attachment to a second lamina.
[0013] In another embodiment, a method for replacing functions of a
facet joint between adjacent vertebrae comprises: attaching one or
more posterior devices to the adjacent vertebrae to replace main
functions of the facet joint without utilizing any anatomical facet
joint implant.
[0014] In another embodiment, a posterior device for replacing
functions of a facet joint comprises: a first component comprising
an elongated body; and a first joint having a first opening wherein
the first opening contains an elastic material; a second component
comprising: an elongated body; and a second joint having a second
opening wherein the second joint is coupled with the first joint,
and the second opening contains the elastic material; and a
connector covering the first joint and the second joint wherein the
connector comprises the elastic material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a posterior device and an anterior device
for replacing functions of a facet joint according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2A illustrates a posterior device and an anterior
device for replacing functions of a facet joint according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrates exemplary posterior devices.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates posterior devices and an anterior device
for replacing functions of a facet joint according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates components of a posterior device for
replacing functions of a facet joint according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates an assembled posterior device of FIG.
4.
[0021] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate exemplary usages of the posterior
device of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, references will now be made to the
embodiments, or examples, illustrated in the drawings, and specific
languages will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless
be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is
thereby intended. Furthermore, reference numerals are repeated for
the sake of simplicity, and do not, by themselves, designate any
combination of elements discussed in the different embodiments. Any
alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments,
and any further applications of the principles of the invention as
described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one
skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 1, for the sake of example, two
adjacent vertebrae V1 and V2 are shown with a damaged or
degenerated facet joint 110. The present embodiment attempts to
replicate the functions (or some functions) of the facet joint 110
without necessarily requiring an anatomical implant such as a
prosthetic facet joint device. It is understood, however, that an
anatomical implant can still be used in some embodiments, as
desired. To replace the functions of the facet joint 110, a
posterior device 100 and/or an anterior device 120 are utilized.
The posterior device 100 may be utilized alone or may be combined
with the anterior device 120 to replicate the functions of the
facet joint 110. Conversely, a stand along anterior device (without
a posterior device) could be used to replicate the functions of the
facet joint.
[0024] To implement the functions of the facet joint 110 in the
posterior device 100 and/or the anterior device 120, many methods
may be employed to evaluate the functional requirements of the
facet joint 110. For example, the spinal load carried by the facet
joint 110 can be determined. Alternatively or in addition, motion
analysis methods, which utilize design devices to reproduce the
motions of the facet joint 110, may be utilized.
[0025] Once the functional requirements of the facet joint 110 are
evaluated, the composition of the posterior device 100 may be
selected to meet these requirements. Examples include flexible
biocompatible devices, such as devices constructed of shape memory
alloys, cables, or springs. In the illustration of FIG. 1, the
posterior device 100 is a flexible cable. In the present
embodiment, the posterior device 100 may reside in a variety of
physical locations, so that the device can be sized to meet the
functional requirements instead of meeting the space and shape
requirements of the facet joint 110. In this illustration of FIG.
1, the posterior device 100 is attached to the pedicles of the
vertebrae V1 and V2 by biocompatible attachment devices 102 and
104, such as pedicle screws. Other examples of attachment devices
include staples, rivets, and locking grooves formed within the
vertebrae for receiving a securing portion of the device 100. It is
contemplated that the posterior device 100 may also be attached to
other parts of the vertebrae V1 and V2, such as articular
processes, transverse processes, spinous processes, or laminae. It
is further contemplated that tethers, staples, and other anchoring
devices can be used.
[0026] The posterior device 100 may be a flexible cable that is
made of shape memory materials, which may be polymer-based or
Nitinol. For example, the posterior device 100 may comprise
approximately half Ni and half Ti, and may be treated in hot air
and then cold water to produce an austenite finish temperature that
is lower than the temperature range of a human body. In this
example, the posterior device 100 may have an austenite finish
temperature of approximately 34.degree. C. Accordingly, at above
34.degree. C., the posterior device 100 becomes superelastic.
[0027] Prior to implanting the posterior device 100 into a human
body, it may be cooled to below 34.degree. C. to maintain a
predefined shape for easy insertion. Alternatively, it may remain
at a temperature of above 34.degree. C., so that its
superelasticity may assist the insertion.
[0028] The anterior device 120 may be inserted into a disc space
between the vertebrae V1 and V2. In the illustration of FIG. 1, the
anterior device 120 is a disc replacement device, such as disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,785 (assigned to SDGI Holdings, Inc., and
hereby incorporated by reference). Other examples of anterior
devices 120 include flexible biocompatible devices, such as a
cable, a spring, or a device made of shape memory alloys.
[0029] Depending on the condition of the facet joint 110, it may or
may not be surgically removed. For example, if the facet joint 110
causes severe pain, then it may warrant removal. Alternatively, the
facet joint 110 may be left in place and may even be utilized to a
limited extent.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2A, in another embodiment, a facet
joint 204 between vertebra V3 and V4 may be damaged or degenerated.
As a result, a posterior device 200, which may be used alone, or
combined with an anterior device 202, may replace the functions (or
main functions) of the facet joint 204.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 2B, in one embodiment, the posterior
device 200 may be a biocompatible spring that includes a pair of
attachment devices 206 and 208, a bias member 210, and a housing
attachment 212.
[0032] The attachment devices 206 and 208 may comprises any
conventional attachment device, such as pins, connectors, cotters,
rivets, spikes, keys, couplings, or bushings. In this illustration,
the attachment devices 206 and 208 are biocompatible screws that
may be inserted into the vertebrae V3 and V4 to secure the
posterior device 200.
[0033] The bias member 210 may reshape in response to spinal
motions. Similar to the function of a conventional spring, the bias
member 210 responds to spinal movements by replicating the
functions of the facet joint 204. For example, the bias member 210
may be compressed as a load is imposed upon the spine, but become
extended during a flexion motion. It is contemplated that the bias
member 210 may operate within its elastic range as determined by
its chosen material and structure. It is further contemplated that
the bias member 210 may comprise any biocompatible material, such
as titanium, carbon fiber, polymers, or shape memory alloys.
[0034] The housing attachment 212 may be used to protect the bias
member 210 from the interference of surrounding tissues, so that
the tissues will not inadvertently clog the bias member 210 and
impede its proper function. It is contemplated that the housing
attachment 212 may comprise any biocompatible material, such as
rubber or shape memory alloys.
[0035] It is contemplated that the posterior device 200 and its
components may comprise a variety of shapes, such as the one
illustrated in FIG. 2C. It is further contemplated that the
posterior device 200 may include a plurality of bias members, or
that may simply be a conventional spring. It is also contemplated
that the posterior device 200 may be any flexible biocompatible
device, such as a cable, or a device made of shape memory
alloys.
[0036] The posterior device 200 may be attached to the transverse
processes of the vertebrae V3 and V4 by any conventional
biocompatible attachment devices, such as pins, connectors,
cotters, rivets, spikes, keys, couplings, bushings, washers, or
other anchoring devices. It is also contemplated that the posterior
device 200 may be attached to pedicles, articular processes,
spinous processes, or laminae of the veterbrae V3 and V4.
[0037] The anterior device 202, which may be a nucleus device, may
be inserted into a disc space between the vertebrae V3 and V4, and
work together with the posterior device 200 to replace the
functions of the facet joint 204. The anterior device 202 may
comprise any conventional nucleus replacement devices.
Alternatively, it may comprise any flexible biocompatible device,
such as a cable, a spring, or a device made of shape memory alloys.
It will be understood that conventional nucleus replacement devices
are known in the art, and will not be described further herein.
[0038] Depending on the condition of the disc joint 204, it may or
may not be surgically removed. For example, if the disc joint 204
causes severe pain, it may be surgically removed. Alternatively,
without substantially relying on its functions, it may be left in
the animal body.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 3, in yet another embodiment, a
combination of a posterior device 302 and a posterior device 304
may be used to replace the functions (or main functions) of a
damaged facet joint (not shown) between vertebrae V5 and V6. It is
also contemplated that an anterior device 310, which may be similar
to previously described devices 108 or 202, may function together
with the posterior devices 302 and 304 to replace the facet joint
functions.
[0040] The posterior device 302 and the posterior device 304 may
compliment each other in replicating the functions of the facet
joint. For example, the posterior device 302 may be a biocompatible
spring that regulates the capacity of the replaced facet joint
functions, while the posterior device 304 may be a damper that
regulates the movement of the replaced facet joint functions. The
posterior device 302 may be any of the previously described
posterior device 100 or 200, or a biocompatible damper. Likewise,
the posterior device 304 may be any of the previously described
posterior device 100 or 200. In one example, the posterior device
304 may be a damper identical or similar to the embodiments
disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 2,235,488 entitled "Shock-Absorbing
Device", which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0041] In this example, the posterior device 302 is attached to
pedicles via pedicle screws, while the posterior device 304 is
attached to transverse processes of the vertebrae V5 and V6.
Alternatively, each of the posterior devices 302 and 304 may be
attached to any of articular processes, transverse processes,
spinous processes, laminae, or pedicles of the vertebrae V5 and V6.
It is contemplated that one or more additional posterior devices
may be added to the posterior devices 302 and 304, and all of them
may work together to replace the facet joint functions.
[0042] Even though previous embodiments are directed toward
replacing the functions of a single facet joint, it is contemplated
that this invention may be applied to replace the functions of a
plurality of facet joints. For example, a bilateral approach may be
adopted to replace damaged facet joints on both sides of a
disc.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 4, in another embodiment, a posterior
device 400 may comprise a connector 418, a first component 420, and
an second component 422. The posterior device 400 may be used
alone, or in combination with one or more additional posterior
and/or anterior devices described previously, to replace the
functions of a facet joint without any anatomical facet joint
implant. It is contemplated that the posterior device 400 may be
used to replace any of the posterior devices 100, 200, 302 or 304
in the previously described embodiments.
[0044] The connector 418 provides elasticity for the posterior
device 400 to allow motions that imitate the functions of a facet
joint. The connector 418 may comprise any elastic biocompatible
material, such as rubber, silicon or shape memory alloys. It may
comprise any suitable shape, which may be a hollowed olive or a
partial sphere.
[0045] The first component 420 may comprise a tip 408, an elongated
body 406, which may be a rod or shaft, and a joint 402. The tip 408
may be pointed, and adapted for a percutaneous insertion of the
posterior device 400, which may entail pushing the posterior device
400 through tissues of an animal body. The joint 402 comprises an
opening 402, which may contain any biocompatible elastic material,
such as rubber, silicon or shape memory alloys, to facilitate
motions of the posterior device 400.
[0046] The second component 422 may have an identical or similar
structure as that of the first component 420. In this illustration,
the second component 422 may comprise a tip 416, an elongated body
414, which may be a rod or shaft, and a joint 410. The tip 416 may
be pointed, and adapted for a percutaneous insertion of the
posterior device 400, which may entail pushing the posterior device
400 through tissues of an animal body. The joint 410 comprises an
opening 412, which may contain any biocompatible elastic material,
such as rubber, silicon or shape memory alloys, to facilitate
motions of the posterior device 400. The opening 412 may be coupled
to the opening 404, so that an elastic material may flow through
both openings 404 and 412 to facilitate the functions of the
posterior device 400. It is also contemplated that the second
component 422 may have a different structure from that of the first
component 420.
[0047] The first and second components 420 and 422 may be coupled
together by any conventional means, such as being molded or screwed
together through their respective joints 402 and 410, to form a
unit. Further, they may be coupled at different angles to simulate
the natural anatomy of facet joints. For example, to replace
functions of a facet joint in the cervical region, the first and
second components 420 and 422 may be coupled at approximately
45.degree. to the horizon to simulate the orientation of a natural
facet joint. In another example, to replace functions of a facet
joint in the thoracic region, the first and second components 420
and 422 may be coupled at an angle of approximately 60.degree. to
the axial plane and 20.degree. to the frontal plane of a human
body. In the lumbar area, the first and second components 420 and
422 may be joined at an angle of approximately 90.degree. to the
axial plane and 45.degree. to the frontal plane of a human
body.
[0048] Each of the first and second components 420 and 422 may
comprise any biocompatible material, such as stainless steel,
titanium, shape memory alloys, polymers, carbon fiber, and porous
material. It is contemplated that the posterior device 400 may be
attached to any of the pedicles, articular processes, transverse
processes, spinous processes, or laminae of vertebrae.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 5, the posterior device 400 may be
inserted into the spinal region as a unit by any conventional
approach, such as a posterior or lateral approach. It is also
contemplated that the posterior device 400 may be inserted into the
spinal region by the approaches disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No.
6,530,929 (assigned to SDGI Holdings, Inc.).
[0050] Utilization of the posterior devices 100, 200, 302, 304, and
400 will now be described. The posterior device(s) may be inserted
into the spinal region by any conventional approach, such as a
posterior or lateral approach. For example, procedures and
instruments useable in a posterior approach are disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,241,729 (assigned to SDGI Holdings, Inc.), and a
publication by Sofamor Danek.COPYRGT. 1996 entitled "Surgical
Technique using Bone Dowel Instrumentation for Posterior Approach",
each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
It is also contemplated that any of the posterior devices 100, 200,
302, 304, and 400 may be inserted into the spinal region by the
approaches disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,530,929 (assigned to
SDGI Holdings, Inc., and hereby incorporated by reference).
[0051] The anterior devices 120, 202 and 303 may be inserted into
the spinal region by any conventional approach, such as an
anterior, a posterior or lateral approach. For example, procedures
and instruments useable in an anterior approach are disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,541 (assigned to SDGI Holdings, Inc.), and the
publication by Sofamor Danek.COPYRGT. 1996 entitled "Surgical
Technique using Bone Dowel Instrumentation for Anterior Approach",
each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0052] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate exemplary usages of the posterior
device 400 as it is attached to the vertebrae of an animal body.
For example, referring now to FIG. 6, shown therein is the
posterior device 400 placed between the vertebrae V7, V8 by two
multi-axial screws 602 and 604 according to one embodiment of the
present invention. Further examples of attachment mechanisms that
can be used are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,280,442, 5,891,145,
6,485,491, and 6,520,963, which are hereby incorporated by
reference. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate perspective views of FIG. 6.
from different angles to show the implementation of the posterior
device 400 according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0053] Although only a few exemplary embodiments of this invention
have been described above in details, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the
exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel
teachings and advantages of this invention. Also, features
illustrated and discussed above with respect to some embodiments
can be combined with features illustrated and discussed above with
respect to other embodiments. For example, attachment mechanisms
secured to a spinal process can alternatively be secured to a
pedicle or lamina, as desired. Accordingly, all such modifications
and alternatives are intended to be included within the scope of
the claimed invention.
* * * * *