SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STRENGTHENING A SPINOUS PROCESS
First Claim
1. A guide for use in a procedure to introduce a surgical instrument having an insertion axis and a distal tip along a desired axis of a spinous process of a vertebra wherein the guide comprises:
- a first arm comprising a first guide surface adapted to engage the spinous process;
a second arm comprising a second guide surface adapted to engage the spinous process;
a handle operatively coupled to the first arm and the second arm;
a guide bore adapted to allow passage of the surgical instrument; and
wherein the handle is operative to change a distance between the first guide surface and the second guide surface and the guide bore is adapted to control the insertion axis of the instrument such that engagement of the spinous process by the first guide surface and the second guide surface aligns the insertion axis of the instrument with the desired axis of the spinous process.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems, procedures and tools for repairing, or reinforcing the spinous process. The systems and procedures provide for injecting bone cement into and optionally around the spinous process. Additional reinforcing elements may be embedded in the bone cement inside or outside the spinous process. The procedures include positioning of the guide and reinforcing elements relative to a spinous process, preparation of the spinous process for injection and injection of bone cement into the spinous process. Tools are provided to facilitate the accurate injection of bone cement. The systems and procedures increase the strength of the spinous process and enhance the applicability and outcome of spinal interventions.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A guide for use in a procedure to introduce a surgical instrument having an insertion axis and a distal tip along a desired axis of a spinous process of a vertebra wherein the guide comprises:
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a first arm comprising a first guide surface adapted to engage the spinous process;
a second arm comprising a second guide surface adapted to engage the spinous process;
a handle operatively coupled to the first arm and the second arm;
a guide bore adapted to allow passage of the surgical instrument; and
wherein the handle is operative to change a distance between the first guide surface and the second guide surface and the guide bore is adapted to control the insertion axis of the instrument such that engagement of the spinous process by the first guide surface and the second guide surface aligns the insertion axis of the instrument with the desired axis of the spinous process. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A kit for use in a procedure to reinforce a spinous process, the kit comprising:
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a guide;
a reinforcing element;
and a surgical instrument;
wherein the surgical instrument has an insertion axis, a distal tip and a bore through which a flowable reinforcing material may be injected into the spinous process;
wherein the guide has a guide bore adapted to allow passage of the surgical instrument along the insertion axis; and
wherein the guide comprises a first guide surface and a second guide surface adapted to engage the spinous process and align the guide bore with the spinous process. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method for strengthening a spinous process of a vertebra having a lamina wherein the method comprises:
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(a) inserting a guide over the spinous process;
(b) operating the guide to grasp the spinous process;
(c) inserting a surgical instrument having a bore through the guide into the spinous process; and
(d) forcing a flowable reinforcing material through the tubular bore such that it flows into the spinous process. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification