Transpedicular intervertebral disk access methods and devices

• US 20050261684A1
• Filed: 06/25/2003
• Published: 11/24/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/08/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Shaolian, Samuel M., Teitelbaum, George P.
• Granted Patent: US 8,048,081 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/17.160
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1617 with mobile or detachable parts
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1642 for producing a curved bore
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1675 for the knee
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1757 for the spine
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/320016 Endoscopic cutting instruments, e.g. arthroscopes, resectoscopes A61B10/0233, A61B17/29, A61B17/3207 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7097 Stabilisers comprising fluid filler in an implant, e.g. balloon; devices for inserting or filling such implants disc prostheses made of inflatable chambers or pockets filled with fluid A61F2/441; replacing the nucleus pulposus A61F2002/444
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00261 Discectomy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00867 shape memory effect for prostheses A61F2210/0014
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/564 Methods for bone or joint treatment
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/442 Intervertebral or spinal discs, e.g. resilient non-disc-shaped intervertebral inflatable pockets A61F2/441; non-disc-shaped intervertebral fusion implants A61F2/4455
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/444 for replacing the nucleus pulposus

Abstract

Methods and devices for treating diseases and conditions that change the spacial relationship between the vertebral bodies and the intervertebral disks, or that cause instability of the vertebral column, or both, and a method and devices that allow the surgeon to access the intervertebral space to restore a more normal three-dimensional configuration of the space, with or without additionally fusing two adjacent vertebrae.

Claims

1. A distraction system for distracting two adjacent vertebrae comprising:

a) an introducer comprising a proximal insertion portion and a distal anchoring portion comprising a plurality of barbs; and

b) a plurality of deformable, spacing components;

where each spacing component has a central opening and a plurality of extensions; and

where each spacing component configured to stack onto the insertion portion of the introducer.

2. The distraction system of claim 1, where the plurality of extensions is selected from the group consisting of three extensions and four extensions.

3. A method of distracting a superior vertebra from an inferior vertebra comprising:

a) providing the distraction system of claim 1;

b) creating a chamber between the superior vertebra and the inferior vertebra;

c) placing the distraction system in the chamber, thereby distracting the superior vertebra from an inferior vertebra.

4. The method of claim 3, where placing the distraction system is performed bilaterally.

5. The method of claim 3, where placing the distraction system comprises placing the distraction system through a channel created through the pedicle of the superior vertebra.

6. The method of claim 3, where placing the distraction system comprises placing the distraction system through a sheath or hypotube, within a channel created through the pedicle of the superior vertebra.