Systems and methods for stabilizing the motion or adjusting the position of the spine
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for distracting at least a portion of a subject'"'"'s spinal motion segment comprising a superior vertebra, an inferior vertebra, each vertebra comprising a posterior element comprising a spinous process, laminal portions and a set of facet joints, and further comprising an interspinous space between the spinous processes, the method comprising:
- positioning an expandable distraction member between the superior vertebra and the inferior vertebra;
distracting the superior vertebra and the inferior vertebra relative to each other to enlarge the interspinous space, wherein the expandable distraction member extends superiorly along opposite sides of the spinous process of the superior vertebra and the expandable distraction member extends inferiorly along opposite sides of the spinous process of the inferior vertebra;
after distracting the superior vertebra and the inferior vertebra,inserting an implantable expandable member, which has contact regions, through a cannula dimensioned to be positioned directly between adjacent spinous processes and into the enlarged interspinous space; and
expanding the implantable expandable member such that the contact regions move away from one another, along the subject'"'"'s sagittal plane, and into contact with the adjacent spinous processes and the expanded implantable expandable member maintains the distraction.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides systems and methods for stabilizing or adjusting the position of at least one spinal motion segment.
-
Citations
16 Claims
-
1. A method for distracting at least a portion of a subject'"'"'s spinal motion segment comprising a superior vertebra, an inferior vertebra, each vertebra comprising a posterior element comprising a spinous process, laminal portions and a set of facet joints, and further comprising an interspinous space between the spinous processes, the method comprising:
-
positioning an expandable distraction member between the superior vertebra and the inferior vertebra; distracting the superior vertebra and the inferior vertebra relative to each other to enlarge the interspinous space, wherein the expandable distraction member extends superiorly along opposite sides of the spinous process of the superior vertebra and the expandable distraction member extends inferiorly along opposite sides of the spinous process of the inferior vertebra; after distracting the superior vertebra and the inferior vertebra, inserting an implantable expandable member, which has contact regions, through a cannula dimensioned to be positioned directly between adjacent spinous processes and into the enlarged interspinous space; and expanding the implantable expandable member such that the contact regions move away from one another, along the subject'"'"'s sagittal plane, and into contact with the adjacent spinous processes and the expanded implantable expandable member maintains the distraction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. A method for treating a subject, comprising:
-
moving a penetration instrument into the subject; moving a dilator over the penetration instrument to define a channel in the subject'"'"'s tissue; moving a cannula over the dilator to expand the channel; distracting adjacent spinous processes; while the adjacent spinous processes are distracted, moving an implantable device through a distal end of the cannula aligned with the interspinous space, wherein the distal end of the cannula is configured to fit between the adjacent spinous processes; and deploying the implantable device connected to a delivery instrument positioned in the cannula such that portions of the deployed implantable device positioned within the interspinous space and along the subject'"'"'s sagittal plane move away from one another to distract and/or maintain spacing between the adjacent spinous processes; and holding first regions of the adjacent spinous processes to distract the adjacent spinous processes and inhibit lateral movement relatively to one another while deploying the implantable device, wherein the deployed implantable device contacts second regions of the adjacent spinous processes that are different from the first regions. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
Specification