U.S. patent application number 14/645179 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-09 for spinal construct and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jason M. May, William Alan Rezach.
Application Number | 20170065302 14/645179 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56887070 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170065302 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Rezach; William Alan ; et
al. |
March 9, 2017 |
SPINAL CONSTRUCT AND METHOD
Abstract
A spinal construct is provided including a first fastener, a
second fastener and a connector. Each fastener includes a first end
and a second end configured for penetrating tissue. The connector
has two ends. Each end of the connector includes an expandable
member. The first end of each fastener is engageable to an
expandable member of the connector to fix the fastener to the
connector. The first and second ends of the connector are connected
by a bridge. The spinal construct also includes securing members
for attaching the connector to the fasteners. A method for treating
a spinal disorder with the spinal construct is also provided.
Inventors: |
Rezach; William Alan;
(Atoka, TN) ; May; Jason M.; (Cordova,
TN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. |
Warsaw |
IN |
US |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20160262798 A1 |
September 15, 2016 |
|
|
Family ID: |
56887070 |
Appl. No.: |
14/645179 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61951382 |
Mar 11, 2014 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/7007 20130101;
A61B 17/7014 20130101; A61B 17/7025 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/70 20060101
A61B017/70 |
Claims
1. A spinal construct comprising: a first fastener including a
first end and a second end configured for penetrating tissue; a
second fastener including a first end and a second end configured
for penetrating tissue; a connector having a first end including a
first expandable member and a second end including a second
expandable member, the first end of each fastener being engageable
with the members to fix the fasteners to the connectors; a bridge
disposed between the members, the bridge being fixed to the
members; and securing members for attaching the connector to the
fasteners.
2-3. (canceled)
4. A spinal construct of claim 1, wherein the securing members
comprise set screws.
5. A spinal construct of claim 1, wherein the bridge comprises an
axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first
fastener and/or the second fastener.
6-9. (canceled)
10. A spinal construct of claim 1, wherein the first end of the
connector or the second end of the connector or both comprise a
C-shape.
11. A spinal construct of claim 1, wherein each expandable member
comprises an expansion chamber, each expansion chamber comprising a
retaining member and an inner locking ring.
12. A spinal construct of claim 11, wherein the retaining member,
the inner locking ring or both are expandable.
13. A spinal construct of claim 11, wherein each expansion chamber
further comprises notches configured for receiving the inner
locking ring.
14. A spinal construct of claim 11, wherein each retaining member
is configured to receive the first end of the first fastener or the
second fastener.
15. A spinal construct of claim 11, wherein each retaining member
comprises a hexagon, a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle or a square
shape.
16. A spinal construct of claim 1, further comprising a marker
disposed on the spinal construct for indicating the position of the
construct.
17. A spinal construct of claim 1, wherein the first fastener
and/or the second fastener comprise a pedicle screw.
18. A spinal construct system comprising: a first fastener
including a first end and a second end configured for penetrating
tissue; a second fastener including a first end and a second end
configured for penetrating tissue; a connector having a first end
including a first expandable member and a second end including a
second expandable member, the first end of each fastener being
engageable with the expandable members to fix the fasteners to the
connector; a bridge disposed between the members, the bridge being
fixed to the members; and a first set screw for securing the first
end of the connector to the first fastener and a second set screw
for securing the second end of the connector to the second
fastener.
19-20. (canceled)
21. A spinal construct of claim 1, wherein the expandable members
each include a threaded inner surface and the securing members each
include a threaded outer surface configured to engage the threaded
inner surfaces.
22. A spinal construct of claim 11, wherein the inner locking ring
comprises silicone.
23. A spinal construct of claim 11, wherein the inner locking ring
comprises silicone having a hardness from about 40 durameter to
about 80 durometer.
24. A spinal construct of claim 11, wherein the expansion chambers
each comprise a ledge and a notch configured for receiving the
inner locking ring, the expansion chambers each having a uniform
diameter between the ledge and the notch.
25. A spinal construct of claim 18, wherein the expandable members
each include a threaded inner surface and the set screws each
include a threaded outer surface configured to engage the threaded
inner surfaces.
26. A spinal construct comprising: a first fastener including a
first end and a second end configured for penetrating tissue; a
second fastener including a first end and a second end configured
for penetrating tissue; a connector having a first member and a
second member, the first end of each fastener being engageable with
the members to fix the fasteners to the connector, the members each
including a chamber defined by an inner wall and a ledge, the first
ends of the fasteners being disposed within the chambers, the inner
walls each including a notch, the members each including a threaded
inner surface defining a hole that extends through the ledge; a
bridge disposed between the members, the bridge being fixed to the
members; a retaining member disposed in each of the chambers such
that the first ends of the fasteners engage the retaining members;
a locking ring disposed in each of the notches such that the
locking rings surround the first ends of the fasteners; and
securing members each including a threaded outer surface configured
to engage the threaded inner surfaces.
27. A spinal construct of claim 26, wherein the ledges extend
transverse to the inner walls.
28. A spinal construct of claim 26, wherein the inner walls each
include a chamber between the notches and distal ends of the walls,
the chambers each including an opening that extends through the
distal ends of the walls.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to medical devices
for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, and more
particularly to a surgical system and method for treating a
spine.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Spinal disorders such as degenerative disc disease, disc
herniation, osteoporosis, spondylolisthesis, stenosis, scoliosis
and other curvature abnormalities, kyphosis, tumor, and fracture
may result from factors including trauma, disease and degenerative
conditions caused by injury and aging. Spinal disorders typically
result in symptoms including pain, nerve damage, and partial or
complete loss of mobility.
[0003] Non-surgical treatments, such as medication, rehabilitation
and exercise can be effective, however, may fail to relieve the
symptoms associated with these disorders. Surgical treatment of
these spinal disorders includes correction, fusion, fixation,
discectomy, laminectomy and implantable prosthetics. As part of
these surgical treatments, spinal constructs, which include
implants such as bone fasteners, connectors, plates and vertebral
rods, are often used to provide stability to a treated region.
These implants can redirect stresses away from a damaged or
defective region while healing takes place to restore proper
alignment and generally support the vertebral members. Surgical
instruments are employed, for example, to engage the fasteners for
attachment to the exterior of two or more vertebral members. This
disclosure describes an improvement over these prior art
technologies.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one embodiment, a spinal construct is provided including
a first fastener, a second fastener and a connector. Each fastener
includes a first end and a second end configured for penetrating
tissue. The connector has a first end including a first expandable
member and a second end including a second expandable member. The
first end of each fastener can engage with the expandable members
of the connector to fix the fasteners to the connector. The first
end and the second end of the connector are joined by a bridge.
[0005] In another embodiment, a spinal construct is provided
including a first fastener, a second fastener, a connector and
securing members for attaching the connector to the first and
second fastener.
[0006] In other embodiments, a method for treating a spinal
disorder is provided. The method includes implanting a spinal
construct comprising a first fastener, a second fastener and a
connector. The connector utilized in this method has two ends, a
first end including and first expandable member and a second end
including a second expandable member. After the spinal construct is
implanted, the method includes securing the first end of the
connector to the first fastener with a first securing member and
securing the second end of the connector to the second fastener
with a second securing member. In various embodiments, the method
provided herein is for treating a spinal disorder, wherein the
spinal construct conforms to the curvature of the spine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The present disclosure will become more readily apparent
from the specific description accompanied by the following
drawings, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of components of one embodiment
of a surgical implant system in accordance with the principles of
the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the components shown in FIG.
1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the components shown in FIG.
1;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of components of one embodiment
of a surgical implant system in accordance with the principles of
the present disclosure; and
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of components of one embodiment
of a surgical implant system in accordance with the principles of
the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the components shown in FIG.
5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The exemplary embodiments of a surgical system are discussed
in terms of medical devices for the treatment of musculoskeletal
disorders and more particularly, in terms of a surgical implant
system and a method for treating a spine. In some embodiments, the
system comprises a spinal construct and related methods of use,
which include a pop on, snap on, click on and/or slide on member
that provides a universal connection system to spine surgeons. In
some embodiments, the spinal construct allows the use of a singular
bone screw component with multiple types of receivers thereby
minimizing inventory while creating assemblies customized for a
specific patient.
[0015] In one embodiment, the present system comprises a low
profile pedicle screw construct. In some embodiments, the present
system comprises a spinal construct having a single level construct
that is aligned with the bone screws, which do not include an
implant receiver or head. The single level spinal construct as
described herein allows an intervertebral rod or connector to be
disposed in-plane or in-line with the top of a bone screw or
fastener instead of having a spinal rod lay on top of the bone
screw sphere. The construct includes at least one pop on, snap on,
click on and/or slide on member that is engaged with a top of the
bone screws or fasteners for fixation and/or locking therewith. In
some embodiments, the screws include heads, such as, for example,
spheres such that this configuration allows a spinal rod of the
construct to be in-plane or in-line with the screw spheres.
[0016] In one embodiment, the present system comprises a single
vertebral level pop on construct. In this embodiment, the construct
includes a first end having a pop on member, such as, for example,
a receiver. The pop on member, in some embodiments, includes an
expandable member, for example an expansion chamber configured for
disposal of a retaining member or crown and a ring. The ring is
expandable to facilitate receiving a sphere of a bone screw within
the chamber and then retracts or contracts to fix the sphere within
the first end of the connector of the construct. The sphere is
seated with the crown in the expansion chamber in a retained
configuration. A set screw is threaded with the first end and
engageable with crown to lock the screw with the construct. In some
embodiments, the construct includes a connector having a first end
having a pop on member and a second end having a pop on member, as
described herein. In some embodiments, the construct includes
securing members, for example set screws, for engagement with the
first end and the second end, as described herein.
[0017] In one embodiment, the construct is employed with a method
such that bone screws are positioned with surgical site adjacent
vertebrae. The construct is aligned with the bone screws or
fasteners, which can be implanted into one level of the spine. In
some embodiments, the construct comprises a single vertebral level
construct and includes a first end that is snapped onto a first
bone screw and a second end that is snapped onto a second bone
screw. The construct includes set screws that are fixed with the
end of the construct to tighten the screws with the construct. In
one embodiment, the construct has a low profile configuration
comprising a 4-5 millimeter profile compared with multi-axial
pedicle screws.
[0018] In one embodiment, the construct comprises an adjustable
element for a multi-span single vertebral level construct, which
includes a first member that is translatable relative to a second
member. In one embodiment, the second member is axially
translatable relative to the first member and is slidable along a
longitudinal axis of the construct. In one embodiment, the second
member is rotatable relative to the first member about the
longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the second member is
selectively axially translatable relative to the first member and
the construct includes a set screw that fixes relative position of
the members, as described herein. In one embodiment, the second
member is engageable with the first member to selectively prevent
rotation of the second member relative to the first member. In one
embodiment, the first member and/or the second member includes a
receiver having at least one pop on, snap on, click on and/or slide
on member that is engaged with screws for fixation and/or locking
therewith. In one embodiment, at least one of the members includes
a C shaped receiver that allows a spinal rod to be inserted from a
medial and/or lateral direction.
[0019] In some embodiments, the system of the present disclosure
may be employed to treat spinal disorders such as, for example,
degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, osteoporosis,
spondylolisthesis, stenosis, scoliosis and other curvature
abnormalities, kyphosis, tumor and fractures. In some embodiments,
the system the present disclosure may be employed with other osteal
and bone related applications, including those associated with
diagnostics and therapeutics. In some embodiments, the disclosed
system may be alternatively employed in a surgical treatment with a
patient in a prone or supine position, and/or employ various
surgical approaches to the spine, including anterior, posterior,
posterior mid-line, direct lateral, postero-lateral, and/or
antero-lateral approaches, and in other body regions. The system of
the present disclosure may also be alternatively employed with
procedures for treating the lumbar, cervical, thoracic, sacral and
pelvic regions of a spinal column. The system of the present
disclosure may also be used on animals, bone models and other
non-living substrates, such as, for example, in training, testing
and demonstration.
[0020] The system of the present disclosure may be understood more
readily by reference to the following detailed description of the
embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing
figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be
understood that this application is not limited to the specific
devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown
herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of
describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not
intended to be limiting. Also, in some embodiments, as used in the
specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms
"a," "an," and "the" include the plural, and reference to a
particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be
expressed herein as from "about" or "approximately" one particular
value and/or to "about" or "approximately" another particular
value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes
from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value.
Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of
the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular
value forms another embodiment. It is also understood that all
spatial references, such as, for example, horizontal, vertical,
top, upper, lower, bottom, left and right, are for illustrative
purposes only and can be varied within the scope of the disclosure.
For example, the references "upper" and "lower" are relative and
used only in the context to the other, and are not necessarily
"superior" and "inferior".
[0021] Further, as used in the specification and including the
appended claims, "treating" or "treatment" of a disease or
condition refers to performing a procedure that may include
administering one or more drugs to a patient (human, normal or
otherwise or other mammal), employing implantable devices, and/or
employing instruments that treat the disease, such as, for example,
microdiscectomy instruments used to remove portions bulging or
herniated discs and/or bone spurs, in an effort to alleviate signs
or symptoms of the disease or condition. Alleviation can occur
prior to signs or symptoms of the disease or condition appearing,
as well as after their appearance. Thus, treating or treatment
includes preventing or prevention of disease or undesirable
condition (e.g., preventing the disease from occurring in a
patient, who may be predisposed to the disease but has not yet been
diagnosed as having it). In addition, treating or treatment does
not require complete alleviation of signs or symptoms, does not
require a cure, and specifically includes procedures that have only
a marginal effect on the patient. Treatment can include inhibiting
the disease, e.g., arresting its development, or relieving the
disease, e.g., causing regression of the disease. For example,
treatment can include reducing acute or chronic inflammation;
alleviating pain and mitigating and inducing re-growth of new
ligament, bone and other tissues; as an adjunct in surgery; and/or
any repair procedure. Also, as used in the specification and
including the appended claims, the term "tissue" includes soft
tissue, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and/or bone unless
specifically referred to otherwise.
[0022] The following discussion includes a description of a
surgical system including a surgical instrument, related components
and methods of employing the surgical system in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure. Alternate embodiments are
also disclosed. Reference is made in detail to the exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the
accompanying figures. Turning to FIGS. 1-6, there are illustrated
components of a surgical implant system comprising a spinal
construct 100, in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure.
[0023] The components of spinal construct 100 can be fabricated
from biologically acceptable materials suitable for medical
applications, including metals, synthetic polymers, ceramics and
bone material and/or their composites. For example, the components
of system 10, individually or collectively, can be fabricated from
materials such as stainless steel alloys, aluminum, commercially
pure titanium, titanium alloys, Grade 5 titanium, super-elastic
titanium alloys, cobalt-chrome alloys, stainless steel alloys,
superelastic metallic alloys (e.g., Nitinol, super elasto-plastic
metals, such as GUM METAL.RTM. manufactured by Toyota Material
Incorporated of Japan), ceramics and composites thereof such as
calcium phosphate (e.g., SKELITE.TM. manufactured by Biologix
Inc.), thermoplastics such as polyaryletherketone (PAEK) including
polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) and
polyetherketone (PEK), carbon-PEEK composites, PEEK-BaSO.sub.4
polymeric rubbers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), fabric,
silicone, polyurethane, silicone-polyurethane copolymers, polymeric
rubbers, polyolefin rubbers, hydrogels, semi-rigid and rigid
materials, elastomers, rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoset
elastomers, elastometic composites, rigid polymers including
polyphenylene, polyamide, polyimide, polyetherimide, polyethylene,
epoxy, bone material including autograft, allograft, xenograft or
transgenic cortical and/or corticocancellous bone, and tissue
growth or differentiation factors, partially resorbable materials,
such as, for example, composites of metals and calcium-based
ceramics, composites of PEEK and calcium based ceramics, composites
of PEEK with resorbable polymers, totally resorbable materials,
such as, for example, calcium based ceramics such as calcium
phosphate, tri-calcium phosphate (TCP), hydroxyapatite (HA)-TCP,
calcium sulfate, or other resorbable polymers such as polylactide,
polyglycolide, polytyrosine carbonate, polycaprolactone and their
combinations. Various components of system 10 may have material
composites, including the above materials, to achieve various
desired characteristics such as strength, rigidity, elasticity,
compliance, biomechanical performance, durability and radiolucency
or imaging preference. The components of system 10, individually or
collectively, may also be fabricated from a heterogeneous material
such as a combination of two or more of the above-described
materials. The components of system 10 may be monolithically
formed, integrally connected or include fastening elements and/or
instruments, as described herein.
[0024] The surgical implant system includes a spinal construct 100,
which is employed, for example, with an open or mini-open, minimal
access and/or minimally invasive including percutaneous surgical
technique for implantation at a surgical site within a body of a
patient, for example, a section of a spine. In one embodiment, the
components of surgical system are configured for fixation with
tissue for a surgical treatment to treat various spine pathologies,
such as those described herein.
[0025] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, in an embodiment, there is
provided a spinal construct 100 including a first fastener 110, a
second fastener 120 and a connector 140. Fastener 110 includes a
first end 112 and a second end 114 configured for penetrating
tissue. The first end 112 and second end 114 of first fastener 110
are connected to each other by a shank 116 having an outer surface,
which in some embodiments is threaded to allow the fastener to
function as a bone screw, for example, a pedicle screw. Second
fastener 120 includes a first end 122 and a second end 124
configured for penetrating tissue. The first end 122 and second end
124 of second fastener 120 are connected to each other by a shank
126 having an outer surface, which in some embodiments is threaded
to allow the fastener to function as a bone screw, for example, a
pedicle screw.
[0026] Connector 140 has a first end 150 and a second end 170. The
first end 150 of connector 140 includes a first expandable member
152 and the second end 170 includes a second expandable member 172,
both configured to receive the first end 112 of fastener 110 or the
first end 122 of fastener 120 to fix each fastener to connector
140. The first end 112 of fastener 110 can be rounded and
configured to fit within an interior cavity of the first expandable
member while allowing rotation and articulation of fastener 110. In
some embodiments, shank 116 can have a cylindrical shaft
configuration. In various embodiments, securing members 190 and 192
secure connector 140 to the first and second fastener,
respectively. In certain embodiments, the first end 150 and second
end 170 of connector 150 is joined by a bridge 160 disposed between
the two connector ends. Bridge 160, in some embodiments, comprises
an adjustable length between first end 150 and second end 170 of
connector 140. It is contemplated that the respective
cross-sectional geometry of bridge 160 may have various
configurations, for example, round, oval, rectangular, irregular,
consistent, variable, uniform and non-uniform. Bridge 160 can have
various cross-sectional area, geometry, material or material
property such as strength, modulus or flexibility. In some
embodiments, connector 140 can be monolithic and the connector
including first end 150 and second end 170 can be one piece.
[0027] With further reference to FIG, 1, in various embodiments,
bridge 160 of connector 140 comprises an axis A-A which is
perpendicular to the longitudinal axes L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 of the
first and second fastener, respectively.
[0028] In some embodiments, each securing member can be a set
screw. The spinal construct 100 may be part of a larger orthopedic
system comprising a plurality of longitudinal members (e.g., rods,
plates, etc.), a plurality of bone fasteners, and/or a plurality of
connectors. In some embodiments, the spinal construct 100 is
particularly suited for use in the spinal column. It will be
understood that various types of connectors (e.g., clamps) can be
used in combination with the spinal construct 100.
[0029] Shank 116 of fastener 110 defines a longitudinal axis
L.sub.1 and is configured for fixation to spinal vertebrae. Shank
126 of fastener 120 defines a longitudinal axis L.sub.2 and is
configured for fixation to spinal vertebrae. It is contemplated
that fastener 110 and/or fastener 120 may include alternate bone
fixation elements, such as, for example, a nail configuration,
barbs, and/or expanding elements.
[0030] It is contemplated that fastener 110 can be variously
dimensioned, for example, with regard to length, width, diameter
and thickness. It is further contemplated that the respective
cross-sectional geometry of fastener 110 may have various
configurations, for example, round, oval, rectangular, irregular,
consistent, variable, uniform and non-uniform. Fastener 110 may
have a different cross-sectional area, geometry, material or
material property such as strength, modulus or flexibility relative
to shank 116.
[0031] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, as a
result of this application, spinal construct 100 can have a low
profile of from about 4 mm to about 5 mm, lower than a majority of
other spinal constructs utilizing multiple axial pedicle screws. In
use, the medical practitioner, places fasteners 110 and 120 in a
location appropriate for treating a spinal disorder. Subsequently,
the surgeon can snap on the single level construct 100 onto
fasteners 110 and 120 and tightened connector 140 with securing
members 190 and 192, for example set screws. FIG. 2 illustrates the
securing members 190 and 192 engaging connector 140, which engages
fasteners 110 and 120. Securing members 190 and 192 (e.g., set
screws) can be turned so that connector 140 can pop or snap onto
fasteners 110 and 120. The securing members can be removed from
connector 140 by a hand tool or by hand, for example, by rotating
the security members in a reverse direction. A tightened spinal
construct 100 that has a low profile is illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0032] With reference to FIG. 4, in various embodiments, bridge 260
of connector 240 comprises a coupling member 262, for example, a
set screw, fixedly attached to the first end 250 of connector 240.
At an end opposite first end of connector 240, coupling member 262
is configured to receive second end 270 of connector 240. Second
end 270 of connector 240 can have various configurations. For
example, second end 270 can be threaded to function as a screw so
as to rotate freely within coupling member 262. In other
embodiments, second end 270 of connector 240 can be configured to
engage slidably the first end 250 of connector 240. Each end of
connector 240 comprises an expandable member (not shown in FIG. 4)
at one end configured to engage the first end of a bone screw or
fastener. Each end of connector 240 defines a hole configured to
receive a securing member, such as a set screw, and the hole can
also receive the head of the fastener (e.g., bone screw), in some
embodiments, the head is disposed opposite the securing member. For
example, first end 250 of connector 240 defines hole 252 and second
end 270 of connector 240 defines hole 272. In use, second end 270
can rotate around the latitudinal axis of connector 240 and upon
tightening, can also be used to prevent rotation once connector 240
is positioned in a desired location at a desired configuration.
[0033] It will be understood that bridge 260 can adjust to
different lengths to extend or contract to the size of a vertebra.
In some embodiments, the bridge of the connector can selectively
extend to the desired length. In some embodiments, the coupling
member 262 can extend or contract by a friction fitting between the
bridge and the expandable members.
[0034] In various embodiments, with reference to FIGS. 5-6, spinal
construct 300 comprises a first expandable member 352 disposed in
the first end 350 of connector 340. A second expandable member 372
is disposed in the second end 370 of connector 340. Each expandable
member can comprise an expansion chamber having two ends; at one
end, the expandable member comprises a retaining member 356, 376
and an inner locking ring, 354 and 374 and at the other end, the
expandable member defines a hole 380, 382 to receive a securing
member 390, 392. Retaining members 356 and 376 can be expandable
and are configured to receive the first end of the first fastener
and/or the first end of the second fastener (not shown). Each
retaining member 356, 376 of expandable members 352, 372 can have
various forms comprising a triangle, trapezoid, hexagon, circle,
semi-circle, ellipse, rectangle, square or crown shaped adapted for
receiving a similarly shaped first end of first and/or second
fastener. At the end opposite from the end configured to receive a
fastener, expandable members 352, 372 define holes 380, 382
configured to receive securing members 390, 392 for attaching the
connector 340 onto bone screws or fasteners. In some embodiments,
securing members 390 and 392 can be set screws.
[0035] With further reference to FIG. 6, each expandable member
352, 372 also comprise a notch 358, 378 configured for receiving an
inner locking ring therein. These expandable members are at
opposite ends of bridge 360. Each inner locking ring, 354 and 374
can be expandable. In various embodiments, inner locking rings 354,
374 can be made of silicone having a hardness from about 40
durameter to about 80 durameter. In use, when retaining members 356
and 376 contact the first end of a fastener (not shown), they
expand radially and then collapse back to their original form
thereby being able to engage the first end of a fastener into a
tight grip. Once, the first end of a fastener has been received by
the retaining member at the end of the connector, the inner locking
ring is pushed into the notch of the expandable member to provide a
tight fit with the fastener. It will be understood that other
mechanisms can be used including friction fit or locking assemblies
to lock the connector on the head of the fastener.
[0036] First end 350 and second end 370 of connector 340 can have
many different shapes, for example spherical, truncated spherical,
cylindrical and the like. In certain embodiments, end 350 and end
370 can be substantially C-shaped, having an upper leg, a lower leg
including a foot portion extending from one end thereof, and an
intermediate portion joining upper and lower legs opposite of foot
portion. Each end 350 and/or 370 can define a mouth between the
upper leg and the foot portion that is opposite intermediate
portion of the C-shaped end. The mouth opens into upper passage
portion extending through first end 350 and/or second end 370, with
upper passage portion extending in an orthogonal relationship to
the longitudinal axis of a fastener. Upper leg has a threaded
aperture into which an engaging member, for example a set screw can
be threadingly engaged.
[0037] In assembly, operation and use, the surgical implant system
including spinal construct 100 or 300 is employed with a surgical
procedure for treatment of a spinal disorder affecting a section of
a spine of a patient, as discussed herein. The spinal construct 100
or 300 may also be employed with other surgical procedures. It is
contemplated that the surgical implant system including spinal
construct 100 or 300 is attached to spinal vertebrae for fusion
and/or dynamic stabilization applications of the affected section
of the spine to facilitate healing and therapeutic treatment, while
providing flexion, extension and/or torsion capabilities.
[0038] In use, to treat the affected section of the spine, a
medical practitioner obtains access to a surgical site including
spinal vertebrae in any appropriate manner, such as through
incision and retraction of tissues. It is envisioned that the
surgical implant system including spinal construct 100 or 300 may
be used in any existing surgical method or technique including open
surgery, mini-open surgery, minimally invasive surgery and
percutaneous surgical implantation, whereby spinal vertebrae are
accessed through a micro-incision or sleeve that provides a
protected passageway to the area. Once access to the surgical site
is obtained, the particular surgical procedure is performed for
treating the spinal disorder. The surgical implant system including
spinal construct 100 or 300 is then employed to augment the
surgical treatment. The surgical implant system including spinal
construct 100 or 300 can be delivered or implanted as a
pre-assembled device or can be assembled in situ. The surgical
implant system may be completely or partially revised, removed or
replaced, for example, replacing the connector and/or one or all of
the components of spinal construct 100 or 300.
[0039] Spinal construct 100 or 300 may be employed with a bone
screw, pedicle screw or multi-axial screw used in spinal surgery.
It is contemplated that spinal construct 100 or 300 may be coated
with an osteoconductive material such as hydroxyapatite and/or
osteoinductive agent such as a bone morphogenetic protein for
enhanced bony fixation. Spinal construct 100 or 300 can be made of
radiolucent materials such as polymers. Radiomarkers may be
included for identification under x-ray, fluoroscopy, CT or other
imaging techniques. Metallic or ceramic radiomarkers, such as
tantalum beads, tantalum pins, titanium pins, titanium endcaps and
platinum wires can be used, such as being disposed at the end
portions of vertebral rod.
[0040] It is envisioned that the spinal construct 100 or 300 may be
employed with a vertebral rod or connector(s) having an arcuate
configuration and an increased length providing the ability to
extend over two or more intervertebral elements. It is contemplated
that the configuration of the surgical implant system may provide
load sharing, dynamic and/or flexible stabilization over a
plurality of intervertebral levels, including treated and untreated
vertebral and intervertebral levels.
[0041] In one embodiment, the spinal construct includes an agent,
which includes a bone growth promoting material, which may be
disposed, packed or layered within, on or about the components
and/or surfaces thereof. The bone growth promoting material, such
as, for example, bone graft can be a particulate material, which
may include an osteoconductive material such as hydroxyapatite
and/or an osteoinductive agent such as a bone morphogenic protein
(BMP) to enhance bony fixation of spinal construct 100 or 300 with
the adjacent vertebrae.
[0042] In other embodiments, a method for treating a spinal
disorder is provided. The method includes implanting a spinal
construct comprising a first fastener, a second fastener and a
connector. The connector utilized in this method has two ends, a
first end including and first expandable member and a second end
including a second expandable member. Each expandable member of the
connector is engageable with and can be snapped onto the first end
of each fastener. After the spinal construct is implanted, the
method includes securing the first end of the connector to the
first fastener with a first securing member and securing the second
end of the connector to the second fastener with a second securing
member. In various embodiments, the method provided herein is for
treating a spinal disorder, wherein the spinal construct conforms
to the curvature of the spine.
[0043] In some embodiments, the at least two bone screws are
implanted into at least one or more vertebrae and the connector is
attached to the heads of each bone screw so that the connector pops
or snaps on the head of the bone screw. In this way, the connector
can easily be applied to the bone screw.
[0044] It will be understood that various modifications may be made
to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above
description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as
exemplification of the various embodiments. Those skilled in the
art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit
of the claims appended hereto.
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