Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine

• US 20060084983A1
• Filed: 10/20/2004
• Published: 04/20/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/20/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University (Stanford University)
• Original Assignee: Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University (Stanford University)
• Inventors: Kim, Daniel H.
• Granted Patent: US 8,167,944 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/914
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/70 Spinal positioners or stabilisers ; Bone stabilisers comprising fluid filler in an implant
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7065 Devices with changeable shape, e.g. collapsible or having retractable arms to aid implantation; Tools therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7068 Devices comprising separate rigid parts, assembled in situ, to bear on each side of spinous processes; Tools therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00557 inflatable A61B2017/22051 takes precedence

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer or member having an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the expandable member in an expanded configuration has a size, volume and/or shape configured for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae in order to distract the vertebrae relative to each other. The systems include one or more expandable members and an expansion medium for injection within or for filling the interior of the expandable member via the port. The methods involve the implantation of one or more devices or expandable spacers.

Claims

1. An interspinous device for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment comprising a first vertebra having a first spinous process and a second vertebra having a second spinous process, the device comprising:

an expandable member having an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the expandable member in an expanded configuration has a size and shape configured for positioning between and providing distraction of the first and second spinous processes.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the expandable member is a non-compliant balloon.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the expandable member is a compliant balloon.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the expandable member comprises a mesh material.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the mesh material is coated with a non-porous material.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the expandable member has a substantially H-shaped configuration.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the expandable member comprises polyurethane.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one tab for anchoring the expandable member to the spinous processes.

9. The device of claim 8, further comprising a tether attached to the at least one tab.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one tether attached to the expandable member.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the expandable member has a port for coupling to a source of an expansion medium.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the port comprises a one-way valve mechanism.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the expandable member is inflatable.

14. The device of claim 1, further comprising an expansion medium contained within the interior of the expandable member when in an expanded configuration.

15. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one marker on a surface of the expandable member.

22. A method for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment comprising a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra, the method comprising:

providing the device of claim 1;

forming an opening in the spinous ligament;

positioning the expandable member within the opening wherein the expandable member is in the unexpanded configuration; and

expanding the expandable member to the expanded configuration wherein the first and second vertebrae are distracted a selected distance.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the expanding comprises inflating the expandable member with air.

24. The method of claim 23, the expanding further comprises filling the expandable member with a flowable medium.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the steps of forming, positioning and expanding are performed through a percutaneous penetration in the patient'"'"'s skin.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the steps of forming, positioning and expanding are performed through a cannula positioned within the percutaneous penetration.

27. The method of claim 22, further comprising anchoring the expandable member to one or both of the spinous processes.

28. The method of claim 22, wherein the expandable member has a volume in the expanded configuration, the method further comprising adjusting the volume of the expandable member.

16. A system for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment comprising a first vertebra having a first spinous process and a second vertebra having a second spinous process, the system comprising:

an expandable member having an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the expandable member in an expanded configuration has a size and shape configured for positioning between and providing distraction of the first and second spinous processes, wherein the expandable member has a port; and

an expansion medium fillable within the interior of the expandable member via the port.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising at least one anchor for securing the expandable member to the spinal motion segment.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the at least one anchor is a screw configured for securing the expandable member to a spinous process.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the expansion medium comprises polyurethane.

20. A kit for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment comprising a first vertebra having a first spinous process and a second vertebra having a second spinous process wherein a spinous ligament extends between the first and second spinous processes, the kit comprising:

at least one expandable member having an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the at least one expandable member in an expanded configuration has a size and shape configured for positioning between and providing distraction of the first and second spinous processes; and

a cannula configured for percutaneous delivery to a target site within the spinal motion segment wherein the expandable member is deliverable through the cannula when in an unexpanded configuration.

21. The kit of claim 20, further comprising instructions for implanting the expandable member between the first and second spinous processes.

29. The method of claim D7, further comprising reducing the volume of the expandable member and removing the expandable member subsequent to reducing the volume.

30. A method for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment comprising a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra, the method comprising:

forming an opening in the spinous ligament;

positioning an expandable member within the opening wherein the expandable member is in an unexpanded configuration; and

selectively expanding the expandable member to an expanded configuration wherein the first and second vertebrae are distracted a selected distance.