Radiopaque, coaxial orthopedic tether design and method
First Claim
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19-1. The tether of claim 1 wherein the tether is attached to a plurality of bone portions.
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Abstract
This invention relates to orthopedic tethers and their use to treat orthopedic defects. The tethers of the present invention include a central or inner load bearing fiber or cable surrounded by one or more protective sheaths. Additionally the tethers of the present invention provide enhanced imaging characteristics and can include one or more a radiopaque elements that can readily observed under common diagnostic imaging techniques.
184 Citations
58 Claims
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19-1. The tether of claim 1 wherein the tether is attached to a plurality of bone portions.
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36. A surgical tether for orthopedic treatment to secure to two adjacent bone portions, said tether comprising:
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a cord having a tensile strength sufficient to maintain a desired distance or orientation of the two bone portions;
a first sheath substantially encasing the cord, said first sheath comprising a plurality of fibers and providing an abrasion resistant coating to the cord; and
means for imparting radiolucency to the tether.
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37. A surgical tether for orthopedic treatment to secure adjacent bone portions, said tether comprising:
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a cord having a tensile strength sufficient to maintain a desired distance or orientation of the bone portions;
a first sheath substantially encasing the cord, said first sheath comprising a plurality of fibers;
a radiopaque filament engaged with either the cord or the first sheath; and
means for attaching the first sheath to the cord to provide an abrasion resistant coating to the cord.
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38. A method for treating an orthopedic defect, said method comprising:
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securing a tether to a first bone portion, said tether comprising a cord, a first sheath substantially encasing the cord, and a radiopaque element, wherein the cord and the first sheath are free to move longitudinally relative to each other; and
attaching the cord to a second bone portion to secure the first bone portion and the second bone portion at a desired distance or orientation relative to each other. - View Dependent Claims (39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58)
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Specification