System and methods for performing dynamic pedicle integrity assessments
First Claim
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1. A method for performing pedicle integrity assessments, comprising the steps of:
- (a) establishing electrical communication between a stimulation element and an interior of a pedicle hole during at least one of pilot hole formation, pilot hole preparation, and pedicle screw introduction;
(b) applying a stimulation signal to said stimulation element; and
(c) monitoring to assess whether nerves adjacent said pedicle are innervating as a result of the step of applying said application of stimulation signal to said stimulation element.
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Abstract
The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing dynamic pedicle integrity assessments involving the use of neurophysiology.
408 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method for performing pedicle integrity assessments, comprising the steps of:
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(a) establishing electrical communication between a stimulation element and an interior of a pedicle hole during at least one of pilot hole formation, pilot hole preparation, and pedicle screw introduction;
(b) applying a stimulation signal to said stimulation element; and
(c) monitoring to assess whether nerves adjacent said pedicle are innervating as a result of the step of applying said application of stimulation signal to said stimulation element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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8. A system for performing pedicle integrity assessments, comprising:
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a medical instrument for use in at least one of pedicle hole formation, hole preparation, and pedicle screw insertion at a pedicle target site, said pedicle target site in the general location of neural structures;
a sensor configured to detect a voltage response from muscles associated with said neural structures;
a control unit coupled to said medical instrument and the sensor, the control unit being configured to (a) transmit a stimulation signal to said medical instrument, (b) receive a voltage response from the sensor, and (c) determine whether said neural structures are innervating as a result of the step of applying said application of stimulation signal to said medical instrument element. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification