METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING PEDICLE SCREW FUSION SURGERY

• US 20080108991A1
• Filed: 11/08/2006
• Published: 05/08/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/08/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: General Electric Company
• Original Assignee: General Electric Company
• Inventors: von Jako, Ron Andrew
• Application Number:
  US11/557,582
• Publication Number:
  US 20080108991A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/86R
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1628 Motors; Power supplies
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1655 for tapping
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1671 for the spine
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/102 Modelling of surgical devices, implants or prosthesis
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/107 Visualisation of planned trajectories or target regions
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/2051 Electromagnetic tracking systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/20 Surgical navigation systems; Devices for tracking or guiding surgical instruments, e.g. for frameless stereotaxis

Abstract

A medical device adapted to facilitate pedicle screw fusion surgery is disclosed herein. The medical device includes a proximal end and a sharp distal end opposite the proximal end. The distal end is configured to allow the medical device to function as an awl. The medical device also includes a body portion defined between the proximal end and the distal end, and a threaded section defined by the body portion near the distal end. The threaded section is configured to allow the medical device to function as a tap. Accordingly, the medical device provides a single tool adapted to function as both an awl and a tap. A corresponding method for securing a pedicle screw to a vertebra is also provided.

Claims

1. A medical device adapted to facilitate pedicle screw fusion surgery, said medical device comprising:

a proximal end;

a sharp distal end opposite the proximal end, said distal end configured to allow the medical device to function as an awl;

a body portion defined between the proximal end and the distal end; and

a threaded section defined by the body portion near the distal end, said threaded section configured to allow the medical device to function as a tap;

wherein the medical device provides a single tool adapted to function as both an awl and a tap.

2. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the sharp distal end is generally pointed.

3. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the sharp distal end defines an edge.

4. The medical device of claim 1, wherein said proximal end is configured to receive a remote unit for surgical navigation.

5. The medical device of claim 1, wherein said proximal end is configured to receive a power drill.

6. The medical device of claim 1, wherein said medical device is comprised of a material that is compatible with electromagnetic tracking technology.

7. The medical device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of generally flat sections defined axially between the distal end and the threaded section, and a plurality of edges defined at the intersection of adjacent flat sections.

8. The medical device of claim 7, wherein said plurality of flat sections and said plurality of edges are configured to allow the medical device to function as a probe such that the medical device provides a single tool adapted to function as an awl, a probe, and a tap.

9. A system adapted to facilitate pedicle screw fusion surgery, said system comprising:

a position detection process in communication with a remote unit and a reference unit, said position detection process configured to estimate the location of the remote unit relative to the reference unit;

a medical device attached to the remote unit, said medical device comprising;

a proximal end, a distal end, and a body portion defined therebetween;

a generally pointed tip defined at the distal end, said pointed tip configured to allow the medical device to function as an awl; and

a threaded section defined by the body portion near the distal end, said threaded section configured to allow the medical device to function as a tap; and

a display operatively connected to the position detection device, said display adapted to convey the location of the medical device relative to the reference unit.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein said medical device is comprised of a material that is compatible with electromagnetic tracking technology.

11. The system of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of generally flat sections defined axially between the generally pointed tip and the threaded section, and a plurality of edges defined at the intersection of adjacent flat sections.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein said plurality of generally flat sections and said plurality of edges are configured to allow the medical device to function as a probe such that the medical device provides a single tool adapted to function as an awl, a probe, and a tap.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein said reference unit is a dynamic reference unit rigidly attached to a patient.

14. The system of claim 9, further comprising an imaging device operatively connected to the computer, said imaging device configured to provide real-time or near real-time images of a patient.

15. A method for securing a pedicle screw to a vertebra comprising:

creating a pilot hole in a pedicle with a medical device;

forming a screw hole in the vertebra at the location of the pilot hole with the medical device;

forming an internal thread disposed about the periphery of the screw hole with the medical device; and

inserting an externally threaded pedicle screw into the internally threaded screw hole;

wherein said creating a pilot hole, said forming a screw hole, and said forming an internal thread are all performed with a single medical device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said creating a pilot hole, said forming a screw hole, and said forming an internal thread include implementing a surgical navigation system.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein said creating a pilot hole includes implementing targeting software.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein said forming a screw hole includes forming an undersized screw hole to provide an interference fit with a subsequently inserted pedicle screw.