Spinous process fixation device and systems

Abstract

A minimally invasive spinous process fixation system includes dual rigid spinous clamps, each configured to articulate axially along a cylindrical shaft, and together configured to enclose and clamp around the adjacent or superior spinous process by means of opposing and swiveling spherical contact heads with spiked spinous contact faces. The spinous clamps are lockable when desired compression is achieved. A pedicle clamp has right and left clamp bodies for enveloping pre-existing pedicle rods. Each of the right and left clamp bodies includes upper and lower rigid metal plates supporting medial and lateral swivel cups. The upper and lower medial swivel cups engage and clamp about a connecting rod extending from the spinous clamp, and the upper and lower lateral swivel cups engage and clamp about one of the pedicle rods. A channel through the upper and lower metal plates accepts a locking screw to simultaneously tighten and fix the swivel cups in place about the connecting rod and the pedicle rod. A cross-connection between the right and left clamp bodies fixes the right and left clamp bodies together at a selected position.