Dampener system for a posterior stabilization system with a variable length elongated member

• US 20090105829A1
• Filed: 10/22/2007
• Published: 04/23/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/22/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Flexuspine Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Flexuspine Incorporated
• Inventors: Wagner, Erik J., Schular, Michael S., Gimbel, Jonathan A.
• Granted Patent: US 8,157,844 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/17.160
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7005 Parts of the longitudinal elements, e.g. their ends, being specially adapted to fit in the screw or hook heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7008 with parts of, or attached to, the longitudinal elements, bearing against an outside of the screw or hook heads, e.g. nuts on threaded rods A61B17/7007 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/702 having a core or insert, and a sleeve, whereby a screw or hook can move along the core or in the sleeve
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7032 Screws or hooks with U-shaped head or back through which longitudinal rods pass
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7041 with single longitudinal rod offset laterally from single row of screws or hooks A61B17/7044 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7049 Connectors, not bearing on the vertebrae, for linking longitudinal elements together A61B17/7055, A61B17/7053, A61B17/7019 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8685 comprising multiple separate parts
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4405 for apophyseal or facet joints, i.e. between adjacent spinous or transverse processes devices implanted between spinous or transverse processes A61B17/7062
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4425 made of articulated components
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4657 Measuring instruments used for implanting artificial joints for surgical instruments A61B90/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4684 Trial or dummy prostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3008 radio-opaque, e.g. radio-opaque markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30387 Dovetail connection
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30492 using a locking pin
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30563 having elastic means or damping means, different from springs, e.g. including an elastomeric core or shock absorbers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30579 with mechanically expandable devices, e.g. fixation devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30604 modular
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30616 Sets comprising a plurality of prosthetic parts of different sizes or orientations
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30617 Visible markings for adjusting, locating or measuring
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30624 Hinged joint, e.g. with transverse axle restricting the movement
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30639 : having rolling elements between both articulating surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30673 : Lubricating means, e.g. synovial pocket
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3082 : Grooves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30884 : Fins or wings, e.g. longitudinal wings for preventing rotation within the bone cavity
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30904 : serrated profile, i.e. saw-toothed
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30922 : Hardened surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30925 : etched
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/448 : comprising multiple adjacent spinal implants within the same intervertebral space or within the same vertebra, e.g. comprising two adjacent spinal implants
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4629 : connected to the endoprosthesis or implant via a threaded connection
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4658 : for measuring dimensions, e.g. length
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0025 : Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0097 : Visible markings, e.g. indicia
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0098 : radio-opaque, e.g. radio-opaque markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00017 : Iron- or Fe-based alloys, e.g. stainless steel
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00023 : Titanium or titanium-based alloys, e.g. Ti-Ni alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00407 : Coating made of titanium or of Ti-based alloys

Abstract

Dynamic posterior stabilization systems are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include bone fasteners and a dampener system. The dampener system may include a first elongated member and a second elongated member that couple together to form a variable length elongated member. The dampener system may also include one or more dampener sets. The dampener sets may provide resistance to movement of vertebrae coupled to the dynamic posterior stabilization system.

Claims

1. A dampener system for stabilizing a portion of a human spine, comprising:

a first elongated member;

a second elongated coupled to the first elongated member to form an adjustable length elongated member; and

a first dampener set positioned on the adjustable length elongated member.

2. The dampener system of claim 1, further comprising a stop coupled to the second elongated member, and an offset member positioned between the stop and the first dampener set.

3. The dampener system of claim 1, further comprising a stop coupled to the second elongated member, and a pair of washers positioned between the stop and the first dampener set, wherein the pair of washers are configured to be coupled to a collar of a bone fastener.

4. The dampener system of claim 1, further comprising a stop coupled to the second elongated member, and a sleeve positioned between the stop and the first dampener set, the sleeve configured to couple to a bone fastener.

5. The dampener system of claim 1, wherein the first elongated member comprises a first shoulder and a second shoulder, wherein a first washer and a second washer are positioned on the elongated member between the first shoulder and the second shoulder such that movement of the first washer and the second washer beyond the first shoulder and the second shoulder is inhibited, and wherein the first dampener set is positioned between the first washer and the second washer.

6. The dampener system of claim 1, wherein the second elongated member comprises a retainer, and wherein a washer is positioned on the second elongated member between the retainer and the first dampener set, and wherein the retainer is sized to inhibit passage of the washer past the retainer.

7. The dampener system of claim 1, further comprising a second dampener positioned on the adjustable length elongated member;

and a sleeve positioned between the first dampener set and the second dampener set.

8. The dampener system of claim 1, further comprising a second dampener positioned on the adjustable length elongated member;

and a first washer and a second washer positioned between the first dampener set and the second dampener set.

9. The dampener system of claim 8, wherein the first washer has at least one convex surface.

10. The dampener system of claim 1, further comprising a second dampener positioned on the adjustable length elongated member;

and an offset member positioned between the first dampener set and the second dampener set.

11. A dampener system for stabilizing a portion of a human spine, comprising:

a first elongated member;

a second elongated member coupled to the first elongated member to form a variable length elongated member;

a first stop coupled to the variable length elongated member;

a second stop coupled to the variable length elongated member;

a first dampener set positioned on the variable length elongated member, where travel of the first dampener set on the variable length elongated member is limited by the first stop;

a second dampener set positioned on the variable length elongated member, where travel of the second dampener set on the variable length elongated member is limited by the second stop; and

a member positioned between the first dampener set and the second dampener set, wherein the member is configured to couple to a bone fastener.

12. The dampener system of claim 11, wherein the member comprises a sleeve.

13. The dampener system of claim 11, wherein the member comprises an offset member.

14. The dampener system of claim 11, wherein the first elongated member comprises a first shoulder and a second shoulder, wherein a pair of washers are positioned on the elongated member between the first shoulder and the second shoulder such that movement of the washers beyond the first shoulder and the second shoulder is inhibited, and wherein the first dampener set is positioned between the pair of washers.

15. A dampener system for stabilizing a portion of a human spine, comprising:

a first elongated member;

a second elongated member coupled to the first elongated member to form a variable length elongated member;

a first dampener set positioned on the elongated member, where travel of the first dampener set on the elongated member is limited by a first stop;

a second dampener set positioned on the elongated member, where travel of the second dampener set on the elongated member is limited by a second stop; and

a first washer and a second washer positioned between the first dampener set and the second dampener set, wherein the first washer and the second washer are configured to couple to a bone fastener.

16. The dampener system of claim 15, wherein the first washer has at least one convex surface.

17. The dampener system of claim 15, wherein the second washer has at least one convex surface.

18. The dampener system of claim 15, wherein the first elongated member comprises a first shoulder and a second shoulder, wherein the first washer and a third first washer are positioned on the elongated member between the first shoulder and the second shoulder such that movement of the first washer and the third washer beyond the first shoulder and the second shoulder is inhibited, and wherein the first dampener set is positioned between the first washer and the third washer.

19. The dampener system of claim 15, wherein the first dampener set comprises a plurality of dampeners.

20. The dampener system of claim 15, wherein the first dampener set has a barrel shape.

21-147. -147. (canceled)