Devices and methods for inter-vertebral orthopedic device placement

• US 20060111728A1
• Filed: 10/05/2005
• Published: 05/25/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/05/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: M. S. Abdou
• Original Assignee: M. S. Abdou
• Inventors: Abdou, M. S.
• Granted Patent: US 7,951,153 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/86.R
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3468 for implanting or removing devices, e.g. prostheses, implants, seeds, wires devices for implanting seeds A61M37/0069
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0256 for the spine
• 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 2/4611 of spinal prostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30116 partial circles, i.e. circular segments
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30235 tubular, e.g. sleeves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30471 connected by a hinged linkage mechanism, e.g. of the single-bar or multi-bar linkage type
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30507 using a threaded locking member, e.g. a locking screw or a set screw
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30538 for adjusting angular orientation
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30576 with extending fixation tabs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4635 using minimally invasive surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4687 Mechanical guides for implantation instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0025 Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0091 connected by a hinged linkage mechanism, e.g. of the single-bar or multi-bar linkage type
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0006 circular
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0069 cylindrical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0006 for adjusting angular orientation

Abstract

Disclosed are methods and devices for implanting an orthopedic device between skeletal segments, such as vertebrae, using limited surgical dissection. The implanted devices are used to adjust and maintain the spatial relationships of adjacent bones. The implanted device can be, for example, an artificial disc, a fusion cage or any other appropriate device for implantation between skeletal segments.

Claims

1. An instrument for implanting an implant device in a space between a pair of skeletal segments, comprising:

a mount having a distal end mountable between the pair of skeletal segments;

an insertion device pivotably attached to a proximal end of the mount, wherein the insertion device is pivotable to an orientation so as to deliver an implant into the space between the pair of skeletal segments.

2. An instrument as in claim 1, further comprising one or more couplers that can be anchored between the pair of skeletal segments, wherein the distal end of the mount removably mounts to the coupler.

3. An instrument as in claim 1, wherein the insertion device includes a straight portion and a curved portion, wherein the straight portion extends outwardly from the proximal end of the mount, and wherein the curved portion extends from a outward tip of the straight portion toward the distal end of the mount, a guide shaft being positioned in the curved portion.

4. An instrument as in claim 3, wherein the insertion device pivots about a pivot axis such that a distal end of the curved portion pivots toward the space between the pair of skeletal segments.

5. An instrument as in claim 3, further comprising a plunger removably and slidably positioned inside the guide shaft, the plunger having a tapered tip or a sharpened tip.

6. An instrument as in claim 1, wherein the pair of skeletal segments comprise first and second vertebrae.

7. An instrument as in claim 1, wherein the pivot device pivots about a pivot axis that intersects the proximal end of the mount.

8. An instrument as in claim 1, wherein the insertion device is removably attached to the proximal end of the mount.

9. An instrument as in claim 1, wherein the mount comprises an elongate post.

10. An instrument as in claim 1, wherein the insertion device has a guide shaft, and wherein the insertion device is pivotable to an orientation such that the guide shaft provides a passageway for the delivery of an orthopedic device into the space between the pair of skeletal segments.

17. A device as in claim 1, wherein the target location comprises a disc space between a pair of skeletal segments.

18. A device as in claim 1, wherein the insertion device is aimed toward the target location using an x-ray image.

19. A device as in claim 18, wherein the insertion device is aimed toward the target location using an x-ray image in combination with an intermediate guide structure.

11. An instrument for implanting an implant device into a space between skeletal segments, comprising:

an insertion device having a delivery shaft, wherein the insertion device can be pivotably mounted in a predetermined spatial relationship relative to the space between the skeletal segments, the insertion device pivoting to a delivery orientation such that the delivery shaft provides a pathway for the delivery of an orthopedic device into the space between the skeletal segments.

12. An instrument as in claim 11, further comprising an mount for positioning the insertion device in the predetermined spatial relationship relative to the space between the skeletal segments, the mount comprising a post having a distal end removably positioned adjacent the space, and a proximal end pivotably attached to the insertion device.

13. An instrument as in claim 12, further comprising a coupler that anchors between the skeletal segments, the coupler being removably attached to the distal end of the mount.

14. An instrument as in claim 11, wherein the insertion device includes a straight portion and a curved portion, wherein the straight portion extends outwardly from the proximal end of the mount, and wherein the curved portion extends from an outward tip of the straight portion toward the distal end of the mount, the guide shaft being positioned in the curved portion.

15. An instrument as in claim 14, further comprising a plunger positionable inside the guide shaft, the plunger having a tapered tip for penetrating skin as the insertion device pivots toward the delivery orientation.

16. A device for use in a surgical procedure, comprising:

at least one anchor that anchor relative to a target location;

an insertion device connected to the at least one anchor, the insertion device movable in a fixed geometric relation to the at least one anchor so as to place an implant at the target location.

20. A device as in claim 16, wherein the at least one anchor attaches to a portion of a vertebral body, and further comprising a localizing instrument that aims at the target location.

21. A device for use in a surgical procedure, comprising:

at least one anchor that anchor relative to a target location;

an insertion device movably attached to the anchor, the insertion device movable in a fixed geometric relationship relative to the at least one anchor so as to place the implant in the target location, wherein the position of target location is defined using x-ray guidance.

22. A device as in claim 21, wherein the position of the target location is further defined using a guide needle.

23. A device as in claim 21, wherein the target location comprises a disc space between a pair of vertebrae.