Stryker Spine

Stryker European Holdings I LLC

Aaron Markworth

Yves Stephane Crozet

John Carbone

Michael Horan

Yves Crozet

In one embodiment, a method of stabilizing bone, including providing a fixation assembly including an anchoring element and a coupling element, the coupling element having an upper surface with a first diameter defining a first bore extending along a first axis, a lower surface with a second diameter smaller than the first diameter defining a second bore extending along a second axis, the first and second axes intersect such that the first and second bores are in communication with one another and an internal surface area defining a seating portion adjacent to the lower surface, and the anchoring element having a head portion positioned within a coupling element; securing the fixation assembly to bone.

Stabilizing bone using spinal fixation devices and systems

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a bone fixation assembly comprising a coupling element and a bone anchor. The coupling element has an upper surface with a first diameter defining a first bore extending along a first axis, a lower surface with a second diameter defining a second bore extending along a second axis, and an internal surface area defining a seating portion adjacent to the lower surface. The bone anchor has an insertion end opposite of a head. The head may be curved for receipt within the seating portion. The first diameter of the first bore is greater than the second diameter of the second bore. Likewise, the first and second axes may intersect such that the first and second bores are in communication with one another. Related elements and systems of this assembly are also disclosed.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method of stabilizing a spine including providing a coupling element having an uppermost end defining a first plane, a lowermost end defining a second plane, and at least one bore extending from said uppermost end toward said lowermost end, wherein said first and second planes intersect one another, assembling said coupling element with an anchoring element, and after the assembling step, securing said anchoring element in bone.

Methods for stabilizing bone using spinal fixation devices

A method of stabilizing bone, such as a spine, includes providing a coupling element having first and second sections that are angled relative to one another, the coupling element having rod receiving openings for securing an elongated member such as an orthopedic rod, and assembling the coupling element with an anchoring element. The method includes securing the anchoring element in bone, moving the coupling element relative to the anchoring element to align the rod receiving openings with the orthopedic rod, securing the orthopedic rod in the rod receiving openings, and after the securing step, locking the coupling element from further movement relative to the anchoring element.

An apparatus for persuading an orthopedic rod into position in an orthopedic device such as an implant or coupling element is disclosed. The apparatus includes a body, a pusher member and a trigger slidingly coupling the pusher member to the body. The pusher member includes a slide and sleeve attached to the slide. The sleeve includes at least one pusher bar. A ratchet controls the translation of the pusher member along the body to urge the rod into position in the orthopedic device. The pusher member and body define a cannula so that a fastener may be inserted once the rod is in position. The apparatus is operable via a single hand. In addition, a method of urging an orthopedic rod into a recess of an orthopedic device using the rod persuader is provided.

System for use in spinal stabilization

A bone fixation assembly including a coupling element having an inner surface defining a first bore coaxial with a first longitudinal axis, and a second bore coaxial with a second longitudinal axis, whereby the second longitudinal axis intersects the first longitudinal axis. The coupling element has a seat adjacent the lower end of the coupling element, the seat being defined by the inner surface of the coupling element. The assembly includes an anchoring element assembled with the coupling element, the anchoring element having a first end for insertion into bone and a head spaced from the first end, the head being in contact with the seat of the coupling element. The assembly provides sufficient angulation between adjacent anchoring elements securing a common orthopedic rod, and is particularly useful for assemblies mounted in spines having abnormal curvatures and in the cervicothoracic region of the spine.

Growing community of inventors

Pompton Lakes, NJ, United States of America

Aaron Markworth