Methods for stabilizing bone using spinal fixation devices
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of stabilizing bone comprising:
- providing a coupling element having first and second sections that are angled relative to one another, said coupling element having rod receiving openings for receiving an elongated member;
assembling said coupling element with an anchoring element;
after the assembling step, securing said anchoring element in bone;
moving said coupling element relative to said anchoring element to align said rod receiving openings with said elongated member;
securing said orthopedic rod in said rod receiving openings; and
after the securing step, locking said coupling element from further movement relative to said anchoring element.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
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.
203 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A method of stabilizing bone comprising:
-
providing a coupling element having first and second sections that are angled relative to one another, said coupling element having rod receiving openings for receiving an elongated member;
assembling said coupling element with an anchoring element;
after the assembling step, securing said anchoring element in bone;
moving said coupling element relative to said anchoring element to align said rod receiving openings with said elongated member;
securing said orthopedic rod in said rod receiving openings; and
after the securing step, locking said coupling element from further movement relative to said anchoring element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 7)
-
-
6. A method of stabilizing a spine comprising:
-
providing a coupling element having a first bore coaxial with a first longitudinal axis and a second bore coaxial with a second longitudinal axis, wherein said first and second longitudinal axes are transverse to one another;
assembling said coupling element with an anchoring element;
after the assembling step, securing said anchoring element in bone. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. A method of stabilizing a spine comprising:
-
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;
after the assembling step, securing said anchoring element in bone. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification