Spine Wave, Inc.

Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.

Sdgi Holdings, Inc.

Other

John A Pafford

Lawrence M Boyd

Bradley T Estes

Thomas Wilson

Larry G Boyd

John R Bianchi

Kevin C Carter

Mark D LoGuidice

Jared W Walkenhorst

Andrew James Carter

Keith Collins

Dennis Lee

Lance M Middleton

William F McKay

Hyun W Bae

Eddie F Ray, Iii

James E Van Hoeck

Michael E Landry

Joseph N Logan

Daniel Stephen Savage

Tyler Lipschultz

Carl Michael Nilsson

Steve Wysocki

Richard J Manzi

Robert David Paxson

Lance Middlelton

Scott M Schlesinger

A minimally invasive spinal fixation system comprises first and second bone screws each including a threaded shaft for respective engagement with a vertebra and a yoke articulatingly attached to the shaft, each yoke including a pair of upstanding opposed arms defining a slot therebetween. A connecting element has opposite ends and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, the connecting element including a tab adjacent each end projecting from the connecting element transversely to the longitudinal axis. Bone screw extensions are provided for guiding the placement of the connecting element into the yoke slots, each extension having a pair of opposing slots that are sized to pass the tabs through the extensions when oriented in a first position and to prevent passage when the tabs are oriented in a second different position.

Minimally invasive spinal fixation system and method therefor

A system for dynamic stabilization of the spine includes a bone engaging fastener configured to be anchored in a vertebra and a deflectable element mounted on the fastener. The deflectable element or bumper is configured and arranged to contact a portion of an adjacent vertebra, such as the facet, during extension of the spine, while offering no resistance during flexion. In certain embodiments, a cable may be fastened to the bone engaging fastener and arranged to contact a portion of the adjacent vertebra, such as the spinous process, during flexion of the spine. In one surgical technique of the invention, a contralateral approach is used to introduce the bone engaging fastener through the deflectable element and into the vertebra.

Dynamic stabilization system for the spine

A dynamic stabilization system includes a stabilization element, such as a spinal rod, a plurality of bone anchors, such as bone bolts, and a like plurality of connectors for connecting the bolts to the spinal rod. At least some of the connectors include a flexible element between the bone anchor and the rod and an adjustment element for adjusting the flexibility of the flexible element, to thereby adjust the dynamic flexibility between the rod and the bone anchor. In one embodiment, the flexible element is a flexible bearing element of a rod end bearing.

Dynamic spinal stabilization system

A method for treating a diseased or damaged spinal disc comprises the steps of: (a) providing access to the nucleus pulposus through the annulus; (b) removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create an intradiscal space; (c) determining the size of the intradiscal space; and (d) sealably introducing under pressure a curable biomaterial through the annulus directly into the intradiscal space. The step of determining the size of the intradiscal space may be accomplished by expanding a compliant balloon within the intradiscal space using a contrast medium capable of visualization under fluoroscopy. The curable material is sealably introduced through a vented needle inserted through the opening. The curable biomaterial is introduced until a quantity of the material flows into the vent.

Methods for injecting a curable biomaterial into an intervertebral space

A dynamic stabilization device includes end caps that define a bore for receiving a corresponding bone screw therethrough. A spacer is engaged between each end cap and a cable passes through each of the components and is placed in tension to couple the spacer between the two end caps. The spacer is formed of a material that allows some flexible movement after implantation. An alternative stabilization device includes a spacer over-molded about two bushings defining the bores. According to a method of use, a stabilization device is passed along guide wires through a small incision. Once the device is in contact with the vertebrae, the bone screws are advanced along the guide wires and driven into the bone. One fastener bore may include a camming surface that causes distraction of the vertebrae as the bone screw is threaded into the vertebral bone.

Method for stabilizing a motion segment of the spine of a patient

Dynamic stabilization devices and methods

Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacersinclude a bodyhaving a wallwhich defines a chamberand an openingin communication with the chamber. In one embodiment the wallincludes a pair of armsfacing one another and forming a mouthto the chamber. Preferably, one of the armsis truncated relative to the other, forming a channel. In one aspect the bodydoes a bone dowel comprise an off-center plug from the diathesis of a long bone. The toolsinclude spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion meansincludes a plateextendable from the housing. In one specific embodiment the platedefines a groovewhich is disposed around a fastenerattached to the housingso that the plateis sliceable relative to the housing

Open intervertebral spacer

Spinal spacersare provided for fusion of a motion segment. The spacers include a load bearing memberhaving a wallsized for engagement within a space between adjacent vertebrae to maintain the space and an effective amount of an osteogenic composition to stimulate osteoinduction. The osteogenic composition includes a substantially pure osteogenic factor in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In one embodiment the load bearing member includes a bone graft impregnated in an osteogenic composition. In another embodiment, the osteogenic compositionis packed within a chamberdefined in the graft. Any suitable configuration of a bone graft is contemplated, including bone dowels, D-shaped spacers and cortical rings.

Bone grafts

An expandable interbody fusion device for implantation into the intradiscal space between two opposing vertebral bodies of a spine comprises a superior endplate member having an upper surface for engaging a superior vertebral body in a spine, and an inferior endplate member having a lower surface for engaging an inferior vertebral body in the spine. The superior endplate member and the inferior endplate member are releasably coupled and define a cavity therebetween. At least one expansion member is configured to be introduced into the cavity to move the superior endplate and the inferior endplate members relatively apart upon introduction and to thereby decouple the superior endplate member and the inferior endplate member. An inserter may be releasably coupled to the device to facilitate insertion of the device as well as to provide a track for insertion of the expansion members.

Expandable interbody fusion device

A method for treating a diseased or damaged spinal disc comprises the steps of: (a) providing access to the nucleus pulposus through the annulus; (b) removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create an intradiscal space; determining the size of the intradiscal space; and (c) sealably introducing under pressure a curable biomaterial through the annulus directly into the intradiscal space. The method may include the additional steps of applying a force to distract the opposing vertebral bodies about the intradiscal space and then removing the distraction force after the biomaterial has cured. The step of determining the size of the intradiscal space may be accomplished by expanding a compliant balloon within the intradiscal space using a contrast medium capable of visualization under fluoroscopy. The curable material is sealably introduced through a vented needle inserted through the opening. The curable biomaterial is introduced until a quantity of the material flows into the vent.

A method for treating a herniated spinal disc between opposing vertebral bodies having a damaged outer annulus and an inner nucleus pulposus comprises the steps of: providing access to the nucleus pulposus through the annulus; removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create an intradiscal space; applying a first distraction force on the opposing vertebral bodies from within the intradiscal space; applying a second distraction force on the opposing vertebral bodies externally of the intradiscal space; and introducing a curable biomaterial through the annulus access directly into the intradiscal space. The first distraction force is applied within the disc space to distract the anterior aspect of the intradiscal space, while the second distraction force is applied exterior to the disc to act on the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies. The first distraction force is applied prior to the application of the second distraction force and then removed. The second distraction force is maintained during the introduction of the biomaterial into the intradiscal space.

Methods for treating defects and injuries of an intervertebral disc

A vented needle assembly is provided for sealably injecting biomaterial into an intradiscal space interiorly of the annulus of a spinal disc and for providing an exhaust for the intradiscal space. The vented needle assembly comprises a compressible seal body for pressing against an outer surface of the annulus, and a needle extending through the seal. The needle may be configured to connect to a syringe for pressure injection of the biomaterial. The seal includes a vent extending therethrough with an opening for communication with the intradiscal space and an opening for the discharge of excess biomaterial filling the intradiscal space. A kit of parts is also provided for use in the treatment of a spinal disc, the kit comprising the vented needle assembly and an inflatable trial device. The trial device is removably introduced into the intradiscal space and inflated to determine the available size of the intradiscal space.

Devices for injecting a curable biomaterial into a intervertebral space

Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacers' include a body&#x2032; having a wall&#x2032; which defines a chamber&#x2032; and an opening&#x2032; in communication with the chamber&#x2032;. In one embodiment the wall&#x2032; includes a pair of arms&#x2032;,&#x2032; facing one another and forming a mouth&#x2032; to the chamber&#x2032;. Preferably, one of the arms&#x2032; is truncated relative to the other, forming a channel. In one aspect the body&#x2032; is a bone dowel comprising an off-center plug from the diaphysis of a long bone. The toolsinclude spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion meansincludes a plateextendable from the housing. In one specific embodiment the platedefines a groovewhich is disposed around a fastenerattached to the housingso that the plateis slideable relative to the housing

A method for treating a diseased or damaged spinal disc having an inner nucleus pulposus and an outer annulus is provided comprises the steps of: providing access to the nucleus pulposus through the annulus; removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create an intradiscal space; determining the integrity of the annulus; and then sealably introducing under pressure a curable biomaterial through the annulus access directly into the intradiscal space. The step of determining the integrity of the annulus may be accomplished by introducing into the disc a fluid solution under a first pressure. The curable biomaterial may subsequently be introduced through the annulus directly into said intradiscal space at a second pressure that is increased or decreased from the first pressure as a function of the viscosity of the biomaterial relative to the fluid solution. In certain embodiments, a distraction force is applied to the disc space.

Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacers' include a body&#x2032; having a wall&#x2032; which defines a chamber&#x2032; and an opening&#x2032; in communication with the chamber&#x2032;. In one embodiment the wall&#x2032; includes a pair of arms&#x2032; facing one another and forming a mouth&#x2032; to the chamber&#x2032;. Preferably, one of the arms&#x2032; is truncated relative to the other, forming a channel. In one aspect the body&#x2032; is a bone dowel comprising an off-center plug from the diaphysis of a long bone. The toolsinclude spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion meansincludes a plateextendable from the housing. In one specific embodiment the platedefines a groovewhich is disposed around a fastenerattached to the housingso that the plateis slideable relative to the housing

Growing community of inventors

Eads, TN, United States of America

John A Pafford