LATERAL MASS FIXATION SYSTEM

• US 20150342649A1
• Filed: 05/27/2015
• Published: 12/03/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 05/28/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Providence Medical Technology, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Providence Medical Technology, Inc.
• Inventors: McCormack, Bruce M., Liou, Edward, Tanaka, Shigeru, Phan, Christopher U.
• Granted Patent: US 10,201,375 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1604 Chisels; Rongeurs; Punches; Stamps
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1671 for the spine
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1757 for the spine
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7011 Longitudinal element being non-straight, e.g. curved, angled or branched adjustable length longitudinal elements A61B17/7014; A61B17/7019 takes precedence, e.g. coil springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7032 Screws or hooks with U-shaped head or back through which longitudinal rods pass
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7064 Devices acting on, attached to, or simulating the effect of, vertebral facets; Tools therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7082 for driving, i.e. rotating, screws or screw parts specially adapted for spinal fixation, e.g. for driving polyaxial or tulip-headed screws driving other bone screws A61B17/8875

Abstract

A device for accessing and guiding at least one fixation device to a spine may include a distal portion configured to fit in a facet of the spine and a proximal portion extending from the distal portion. The proximal portion may be detachable from the distal portion and may be hollow or solid. A system for accessing and guiding at least one fixation device to a spine may include a distal portion configured to fit in a facet of the spine, a proximal portion extending from the distal portion, and a slidable guide device for sliding over the facet guide device to guide at least one instrument to the spine.

Claims

1. A device for accessing and guiding at least one fixation device to a spine, the device comprising:

a distal portion configured to fit in a facet of the spine; and

a proximal portion extending from the distal portion.

2. A device as in claim 1, wherein the distal and proximal portions are hollow.

3. A device as in claim 1, wherein the distal and proximal portions are solid.

4. A device as in claim 1, wherein the distal portion is removable from the proximal portion.

5. A device as in claim 1, wherein the distal portion comprises a chamfered or beveled end portion configured to facilitate insertion of the distal portion in the facet of the spine.

6. A device as in claim 1, wherein the proximal portion comprises a slot formed therethrough for receiving and advancing a fixation device to the spine.

7. A device as in claim 1, wherein an end of the proximal portion includes opposing sides having a concave shape.

8. A device as in claim 7, wherein an end of the proximal portion includes opposing sides having a convex shape.

9. A system for accessing and guiding at least one fixation device to a spine, the system comprising:

a facet guide device, comprising;

a distal portion configured to fit in a facet of the spine; and

a proximal portion extending from the distal portion; and

a slidable guide device for sliding over the facet guide device to guide at least one instrument to the spine.

10. A system as in claim 9, wherein the slidable guide device is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the facet guide device.

11. A system as in claim 9, wherein the instrument is a decortication device.

12. A system as in claim 9, wherein the slidable guide device comprises a double-barreled or dual-lumen guide tube.

13. A system as in claim 9, wherein the slidable guide device further comprises a drill guide having at least one drill path defined therein.

14. A system as in claim 9, wherein the proximal portion of the facet guide device has one of a circular cross-sectional shape or a square cross-sectional shape.

15. A system as in claim 14, wherein the proximal portion of the facet guide device has opposing sides having a concave shape.

16. A system as in claim 9, wherein the proximal portion of the facet guide device has opposing sides having a convex shape.

17. A system as in claim 9, wherein the slidable guide device comprises:

a first tube for sliding over the proximal portion of the facet guide device; and

a second tube mounted on a side of the first tube for guiding the at least one instrument.

18. A system as in claim 9, further comprising at least one bone screw for advancing through the slideable guide device.

19. A method for implanting a spinal fixation implant, the method comprising:

advancing a guide device into a facet between two adjacent vertebrae;

advancing a fixation device along the guide device; and

attaching the fixation device to at least one of the two adjacent vertebrae.

20. A method as in claim 19, wherein attaching the fixation device comprises one of attaching a plate to a facet implant located in the facet or attaching a plate to the two adjacent vertebrae.