Dynamic fixation device and method of use

• US 6,966,910 B2
• Filed: 04/04/2003
• Issued: 11/22/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/05/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Stephen Ritland
• Original Assignee: Stephen Ritland
• Inventors: Ritland, Stephen
• Primary Examiner(s): Robert, Eduardo C.
• Application Number:
  US10/406,895
• Publication Number:
  US 20030191470A1
• Time in Patent Office: 963 Days
• Field of Search: 606/61, 606/59
• US Class Current: 606/257
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7001 Screws or hooks combined with longitudinal elements which do not contact vertebrae A61B17/7058 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7004 with a cross-section which varies along its length A61B17/7019 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/701 Longitudinal elements with a non-circular, e.g. rectangular, cross-section A61B17/7005, A61B17/7007 take precedence
• 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 17/7026 with a part that is flexible due to its form

Abstract

A dynamic fixation device is provided that allows the vertebrae to which it is attached to move in flexion within the normal physiological limits of motion, while also providing structural support that limits the amount of translation motion beyond normal physiological limits. The present invention includes a flexible portion and two ends that are adapted for connection to pedicle screws.

Claims

1. In subcombination, an intervertebral bridge linkage device for flexibly fixating a first vertebra of a patient'"'"'s spine to a second vertebra of the patient'"'"'s spine, the linkage used in combination with a first connector mechanism and a first pedicle screw for interconnecting the linkage to the first vertebra, and a second connector mechanism and a second pedicle screw for interconnecting the linkage to the second vertebra, the linkage device comprising:

a rod portion including a first end having a first cross-sectional area, a second end having a second cross-section area, and a section disposed between said first end and said second end, wherein said section further comprises an inverted T-shaped region comprising a first pair of reverse bends and a second pair of reverse bends, said section having a smaller cross-sectional area than at least one of either said first cross-sectional area or said second cross-sectional area;

wherein said section flexes when the patient bends their spine.

2. The subcombination as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first pair of reverse bends is at an angle of greater than about 135 degrees.

3. The subcombination as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second pair of reverse bends is at an angle of greater than about 135 degrees.

4. The subcombination as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rod portion comprises a metal alloy.