Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine

• US 20060084988A1
• Filed: 03/10/2005
• 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 8,012,207 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/249
• 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 2017/00557 inflatable A61B2017/22051 takes precedence

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include a radially expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and a mechanical actuation means for delivering and deploying the spacer. The methods involve the implantation of one or more spacers within the interspinous space.

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 axial dimension and a radial dimension substantially transverse to the axial dimension, wherein the axial dimension is greater when the device is in an undeployed configuration and the radially dimension is greater when the device is in a deployed configuration.

2. The interspinous device of claim 1, wherein the axial dimension is defined by a central member and the radial dimension is defined at least in part by a plurality of radially expandable members.

3. The interspinous device of claim 2, comprising a first strap extending between a first pair of the radially expandable members and a second strap extending between a second pair of the radially expandable members.

4. The interspinous device of claim 2, wherein the radially expandable members comprise linkages.

5. The interspinous device of claim 2, wherein the radially expandable members comprise deformable struts.

6. The interspinous device of claim 2, wherein the radially expandable members comprise a compressible material.

7. 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 and an interspinous space defined between the first and second spinous processes, the system comprising:

the interspinous device of claim 1;

and

a device for delivering the interspinous device in the undeployed state within the interspinous processes and for axially reducing and radially expanding the device from the undeployed state to the deployed state.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the interspinous device is configured for delivery by the delivery device through a midline incision.

9. A method for stabilizing a vertebrae relative to another vertebrae wherein the vertebrae define an interspinous space, the method comprising:

introducing the interspinous device of claim 1 within the interspinous space when in the undeployed state; and

radially expanding and axially shortening the device to engage with the spinous processes.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising forming an incision along the midline above the interspinous space, wherein the introducing the interspinous device comprises inserting the device within the midline incision.