Yale University

Rachiotek, LLC

Applied Spine Technologies, Inc.

Bvi Holdings, LLC

Manohar M Panjabi

Jens Peter Timm

George Malcolmson, Ii

Ernest Corrao

Carmen Walters

Jeffrey White

Bryan Hildebrand

Ronald T Callahan, Ii

Stephen Maguire

Spine stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided in which a single resilient member or spring is disposed on an elongate element that spans two attachment members attached to different spinal vertebrae. The elongate element passes through at least one of the two attachment members, permitting relative motion therebetween, and terminates in a stop or abutment. A second resilient member is disposed on the elongate element on an opposite side of the sliding attachment member, e.g., in an overhanging orientation. The two resilient members are capable of applying mutually opposing urging forces, and a compressive preload can be applied to one or both of the resilient members.

Method for stabilizing a spine

A dynamic spine stabilizer moves under the control of spinal motion providing increased mechanical support within a central zone corresponding substantially to the neutral zone of the injured spine. The dynamic spine stabilizer includes a support assembly and a resistance assembly associated with the support assembly. The resistance assembly generates greater increase in mechanical force during movement within the central zone and lesser increase in mechanical force during movement beyond the central zone. A method for using the stabilizer is also disclosed.

Dynamic spine stabilizer

A surgical implant is provided that includes first and second abutment surfaces between which are positioned a force imparting mechanism. A sheath is positioned between the first and second abutment surfaces, and surrounds the force imparting mechanism. The sheath is fabricated from a material that accommodates relative movement of the abutment members, while exhibiting substantially inert behavior relative to surrounding anatomical structures. The sheath is generally fabricated from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, a copolymer of polycarbonate and a urethane, or a blend of a polycarbonate and a urethane. The force imparting member may include one or more springs, e.g., a pair of nested springs. The surgical implant may be a dynamic spine stabilizing member that is advantageously incorporated into a spine stabilization system to offer clinically efficacious results.

Method for stabilizing a spinal segment

A dynamic spine stabilization device is provided that includes at least one force imparting member, e.g., a spring. The force imparting member is adapted to deliver a force of between about 150 lb/inch and 450 lbs/inch, and restrict the relative travel distance between said first and second pedicles to a distance of between about 1.5 mm and 5 mm. The spinal stabilization devices also have a minimal impact on the location of the center of rotation for the spinal segment being treated. By providing resistance in the noted range and restricting the travel distance to the noted range, it has been found that the stabilization device provides a desired level of stabilization, as reflected by range of motion values that closely approximate pre-injury range of motion levels. In addition, the resistance levels are not so high as to alter the location of the center of rotation of the treated spinal segment from its normal anatomical location to levels previously obtained, thereby permitting substantially unimpeded angular motion despite the posterior presence of a stabilization device.

Dynamic stabilization device including overhanging stabilizing member

Spinal stabilization method

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Concord, MA, United States of America

Manohar M Panjabi