INSERTION ASSEMBLY FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINAL SURGERY

• US 20100049206A1
• Filed: 06/15/2009
• Published: 02/25/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: University of Toledo
• Original Assignee: University of Toledo
• Inventors: Biyani, Ashok
• Granted Patent: US 8,900,248 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/104
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1604 Chisels; Rongeurs; Punches; Stamps
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7002 Longitudinal elements, e.g. rods
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7004 with a cross-section which varies along its length A61B17/7019 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/708 with tubular extensions coaxially mounted on the bone anchors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7083 Tools for guidance or insertion of tethers, rod-to-anchor connectors, rod-to-rod connectors, or longitudinal elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7085 for insertion of a longitudinal element down one or more hollow screw or hook extensions, i.e. at least a part of the element within an extension has a component of movement parallel to the extension's axis
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00991 Telescopic means

Abstract

A telescopic insertion assembly is configured to insert a pedicle screw into a vertebral body. The insertion assembly includes an attachment fixture having one end configured to mate with the pedicle screw and another end having a ridged portion. A center tube is provided having one end slidably attached to the attachment fixture and another end having an internally ridged portion. A telescoping member has one ridged end configured to slidably attach to the center tube and another end having a yoke. The telescoping member is configured to extend the yoke to different distances from the center tube. An alignment member is configured to hingeably attach to the yoke of the telescoping member. The alignment member is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position. The second position of the alignment member is above a top surface of a patient'"'"'s skin.

Claims

1. A telescopic insertion assembly configured to insert a pedicle screw into a vertebral body, the insertion assembly comprising:

an attachment fixture having one end configured to mate with the pedicle screw and another end having a ridged portion;

a center tube having one end slidably attached to the attachment fixture and another end having an internally ridged portion;

a telescoping member having one ridged end configured to slidably attach to the center tube and another end having a yoke, the telescoping member configured to extend the yoke to different distances from the center tube; and

an alignment member configured to hingeably attach to the yoke of the telescoping member, the alignment member configured to rotate from a first position to a second position;

wherein the second position of the alignment member is above a top surface of a patient'"'"'s skin.

2. The telescopic insertion assembly of claim 1 wherein a plurality of insertion assemblies nest with each other such that the alignment members of the respective telescopic insertion assemblies align substantially along a common axis.

3. The telescopic insertion assembly of claim 2 in which an alignment device is configured for slidable attachment to the alignment members of the plurality of telescopic insertion assemblies.

4. The telescopic insertion assembly of claim 1 wherein the second position of the alignment member is configured to allow access to an internal passage of the telescopic insertion assembly.

5. A telescopic insertion assembly configured to insert a pedicle screw into a vertebral body, the telescopic insertion assembly comprising:

an attachment fixture having one end configured to mate with the pedicle screw and another end having a ridged portion;

a center tube having one end slidably attached to the attachment fixture and another end having an internal portion;

a telescoping member having one end slidably attached to the center tube and another end having a collar, the collar including a plurality of apertures, the telescoping member configured to extend the collar to different distances from the center tube; and

an alignment tool having a plurality of prongs configured to engage the plurality of apertures in the collar;

wherein the alignment tool maintains the collar of the telescoping member at a level above a top surface of a patient'"'"'s skin.

6. The telescopic insertion assembly of claim 5 in which apertures are positioned in a side of the collar.

7. The telescopic insertion device of claim 5 in which the collar includes a plurality of grooves configured to mate with a plurality of nubs positioned on an extension tool, wherein the nubs of the extension tool are configured to impart an axial movement to the collar.

8. The telescopic insertion device of claim 5 wherein a more than one telescopic insertion assembly is engaged by the alignment tool, and wherein the alignment tool is configured to maintain spacing and alignment of the plurality of telescopic insertion assemblies.

9. A reducing retainer configured for retaining a longitudinal member in a head of a pedicle screw, the reducing retainer comprising:

a retainer portion configured to attach to the head of the pedicle screw and retain the longitudinal member in the yoke;

an extension section connected to the retainer portion, the extension section having a weakened area; and

a head portion connected to the extension section, the head portion having a drive structure;

wherein rotational movement applied to the drive structure is configured to seat the longitudinal member in the head of the pedicle screw, and wherein further rotational movement of the drive structure is configured to break the weakened area of the extension section;

wherein the extension section and the head portion can be removed after the weakened area is broken.

10. The reducing retainer of claim 9 wherein the retainer portion includes an externally threaded portion configured to engage an internally threaded portion of the head.

11. The reducing retainer of claim 9 in which the weakened area of the extension section has a smaller diameter than the retainer portion of the reducing retainer device.

12. An assembly configured for centralizing of a longitudinal member within a plurality of telescopic insertion assemblies, the assembly comprising:

a rod holder having a handle and an extension member, the handle having an aperture, the extension member having an aperture, the aperture of the extension member configured for placement over an extension of the longitudinal member;

a centralizer having a handle and an elongated member, the elongated member configured for insertion through the aperture in the handle of the rod holder, the elongated member further configured to substantially encircle the extension member;

wherein the centralizer centralizes the longitudinal member among the plurality of telescopic insertion assemblies.

13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein the aperture in the handle of the rod holder has a C-shaped cross-sectional shape.

14. The assembly of claim 12 wherein the extension member has an ovular cross-sectional shape.

15. A center tube for use in a telescopic insertion assembly, the center tube comprising:

a lower end configured for releasable attachment to a pedicle screw;

a middle portion connected to the lower end;

an upper end connected to the middle portion;

a pivotable section pivotably attached to the middle portion and extending into the upper end, the pivotable section configured to pivot from a first closed position to a second open position;

wherein in the second open position, a passage is formed between the pivotable section and the center tube, and wherein the passage is configured to provide access to position a longitudinal member within the telescopic insertion assembly.

16. The center tube of claim 15 wherein the pivotable section pivots in a substantially vertical direction.

17. The center tube of claim 15 wherein the pivotable section is attached to the middle portion by a hinge.

18. An insertion device for penetrating vertebral bodies, the insertion comprising:

a cannula having an inner passage;

an obturator configured for substantial housing within the passage of the cannula;

a depth stop attached to the cannula, the depth stop configured as a marker to indicate the insertion depth of the insertion device.

19. The insertion device of claim 18 wherein the depth stop has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

20. The insertion device of claim 18 wherein the depth stop extends circumferentially about an outer surface of the cannula.

21. The insertion device of claim 20 wherein the depth stop is a continuous member.