Posterior spinal device and method

• US 7,556,651 B2
• Filed: 01/07/2005
• Issued: 07/07/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/09/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: 3spine Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Humphreys, Steven C., Allard, Randall, Peterman, Marc M., Hodges, Scott D., Eisermann, Lukas G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Matthews; William H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SCHILLINGER, ANN M
• Application Number:
  US11/031,903
• Publication Number:
  US 20050154466A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,642 Days
• Field of Search: 623 1711- 1716
• US Class Current: 623/17.15
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7022 Tethers, i.e. longitudinal elements capable of transmitting tension only, e.g. straps, sutures or cables A61B17/702 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7064 Devices acting on, attached to, or simulating the effect of, vertebral facets; Tools therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/86 Pins or screws or threaded wires; nuts therefor A61B17/72 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/08 Muscles; Tendons; Ligaments sutures A61B17/04
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30965 Reinforcing the prosthesis by embedding particles or fibres during moulding or dipping
• 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 2002/2817 Bone stimulation by chemical reactions or by osteogenic or biological products for enhancing ossification, e.g. by bone morphogenetic or morphogenic proteins [BMP] or by transforming growth factors [TGF]
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3008 radio-opaque, e.g. radio-opaque markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30331 made by longitudinally pushing a protrusion into a complementarily-shaped recess, e.g. held by friction fit
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30383 made by laterally inserting a protrusion, e.g. a rib into a complementarily-shaped groove
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30462 retained or tied with a rope, string, thread, wire or cable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30578 having apertures, e.g. for receiving fixation screws
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30604 modular
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30614 Sets comprising both primary and revision endoprostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30624 Hinged joint, e.g. with transverse axle restricting the movement
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30632 with rotation-limiting stops, e.g. projections or recesses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30649 Ball-and-socket joints
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30685 Means for reducing or preventing the generation of wear particulates
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3069 Revision endoprostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30769 : madreporic
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30841 : Sharp anchoring protrusions for impaction into the bone, e.g. sharp pins, spikes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30884 : Fins or wings, e.g. longitudinal wings for preventing rotation within the bone cavity
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30909 : Nets
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30929 : having at least two superposed coatings
• 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 2002/4631 : the prosthesis being specially adapted for being cemented
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0025 : Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0033 : made by longitudinally pushing a protrusion into a complementary-shaped recess, e.g. held by friction fit
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0075 : sutured, ligatured or stitched, retained or tied with a rope, string, thread, wire or cable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0098 : radio-opaque, e.g. radio-opaque markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00407 : Coating made of titanium or of Ti-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00796 : Coating or prosthesis-covering structure made of a phosphorus-containing compound, e.g. hydroxy(l)apatite
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00976 : Coating or prosthesis-covering structure made of proteins or of polypeptides, e.g. of bone morphogenic proteins BMP or of transforming growth factors TGF

Abstract

An artificial spinal joint for creating at least a portion of a coupling between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra comprises a first joint half comprising a first intervertebral articulating assembly, a first rostral connection assembly, and a first caudal connection assembly. The joint further comprises a second joint half comprising a second intervertebral articulating assembly, a second rostral connection assembly, and a second caudal connection assembly. The joint further comprises a constraint component extending between the first rostral connection assembly and the first caudal connection assembly.

Claims

1. An artificial spinal joint for creating at least a portion of a coupling between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra, the artificial spinal joint comprising:

a first joint half comprising a first intervertebral articulating assembly, a first rostral connection assembly, and a first caudal connection assembly, wherein the first intervertebral articulating assembly comprises a first semi-cylindrical component and a first recess, and wherein the first semi-cylindrical component is shaped for articulating engagement with the first recess, and wherein the first rostral connection assembly is cooperatively connected to and positioned posteriorly from the first articulating assembly such that the first rostral connection assembly is located posterior to the pedicles of a superior vertebra when the first articulating assembly is in an intervertebral disc space, and wherein the first caudal connection assembly is cooperatively connected to and positioned posteriorly from the first articulating assembly such that the first caudal connection assembly is located posterior to the pedicles of an inferior vertebra when the first articulating assembly is in the intervertebral disc space;

a second joint half unconnected and spaced apart from the first joint half and comprising a second intervertebral articulating assembly, a second rostral connection assembly, and a second caudal connection assembly, wherein the second intervertebral articulating assembly comprises a second semi-cylindrical component and a second recess, and wherein the second semi-cylindrical component is shaped for articulating engagement with the second recess; and

a constraint component extending between the first rostral connection assembly and the first caudal connection assembly.

2. The artificial spinal joint of claim 1 wherein the first rostral connection assembly comprises a rostral connection component shaped to receive a rostral fastener and the first caudal connection assembly comprises a caudal connection component shaped to receive a caudal fastener.

3. The artificial spinal joint of claim 2 wherein the rostral and caudal fasteners are pedicle screws.

4. The artificial spinal joint of claim 3 wherein the pedicle screws are multi-axial pedicle screws.

5. The artificial spinal joint of claim 2 wherein the constraint component comprises a rod extending from the rostral fastener to the caudal fastener.

6. The artificial spinal joint of claim 5 wherein the rod is compliant.

7. The artificial spinal joint of claim 5 wherein the rod is non-compliant.

8. The artificial spinal joint of claim 5 wherein the rod comprises PEEK.

9. The artificial spinal joint of claim 5 wherein the rod comprises titanium.

10. The artificial spinal joint of claim 2 wherein the constraint component comprises a rigid plate attached to the rostral and caudal fasteners.

11. The artificial spinal joint of claim 2 further comprising an elastomeric band extending between the rostral and caudal fasteners.

12. The artificial spinal joint of claim 2 wherein the caudal connection component is adjustable.

13. The artificial spinal joint of claim 1 wherein the first and second semi-cylindrical components each comprise lateral through bores for aligning the first and second joint halves under fluoroscopic guidance.

14. The artificial spinal joint of claim 1 wherein the first semi-cylindrical component and the first recess articulate to approximately five degrees extension.

15. The artificial spinal joint of claim 1 wherein the first semi-cylindrical component and the first recess articulate to approximately fifteen degrees flexion.

16. The artificial spinal joint of claim 1 wherein the first joint half further comprises a first surface extending beyond the first semi-cylindrical component.

17. An artificial spinal joint for creating at least a portion of a coupling between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra adjacent an intervertebral disc space, the artificial spinal joint comprising:

a first joint half comprising a first intervertebral articulating assembly, a first rostral connection assembly, and a first caudal connection assembly, wherein the first joint half further includes a jog configured in a manner that permits passage of a neural element, and wherein the first rostral connection assembly is cooperatively connected to and positioned posteriorly from the articulating assembly such that the first rostral connection assembly is located posterior to the pedicles of the superior vertebra when the first articulating assembly is in the intervertebral disc space, and wherein the first caudal connection assembly is cooperatively connected to and positioned posteriorly from the articulating assembly such that the first rostral connection assembly is located posterior to the pedicles of the inferior vertebra when the first articulating assembly is in the intervertebral disc space;

a second joint half unconnected and spaced apart from the first joint half and comprising a second intervertebral articulating assembly, a second rostral connection assembly, and a second caudal connection assembly; and

a constraint component extending from the first rostral connection assembly to the first caudal connection assembly.

18. An artificial spinal joint for creating at least a portion of a coupling between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra adjacent an intervertebral disc space, the artificial spinal joint comprising:

a first joint half comprising a first intervertebral articulating assembly, a first rostral connection assembly, and a first caudal connection assembly, wherein the first intervertebral articulating assembly comprises a first semi-cylindrical component and a first recess, and wherein the first semi-cylindrical component and the first recess are configured to become temporarily disconnected during a lateral bending motion, and wherein the first rostral connection assembly is cooperatively connected to and positioned posteriorly from the articulating assembly such that the first rostral connection assembly is located posterior to the pedicles of the superior vertebra when the first articulating assembly is in the intervertebral disc space, and wherein the first caudal connection assembly is cooperatively connected to and positioned posteriorly from the articulating assembly such that the first caudal connection assembly is located posterior to the pedicles of the inferior vertebra when the first articulating assembly is in the intervertebral disc space;

a second joint half unconnected and spaced apart from the first joint half and comprising a second intervertebral articulating assembly, a second rostral connection assembly, and a second caudal connection assembly; and

a constraint component extending from the first rostral connection assembly to the first caudal connection assembly.

19. An artificial joint system locatable between an upper vertebra and a lower vertebra, the system comprising:

an articulating assembly for interposition in an intervertebral disc space, the articulating assembly comprising a first articulating component movable with respect to a second articulating component;

a first bridge component coupled to the first articulating component and sized to extend posteriorly past the pedicles of the upper and lower vertebrae from the intervertebral disc space when the articulating assembly is in the intervertebral disc space;

a first connection assembly coupled to the first bridge component;

a second bridge component coupled to the second articulating component and sized to extend posteriorly past the pedicles of the upper and lower vertebrae from the intervertebral disc space when the articulating assembly is in the intervertebral disc space;

a second connection assembly coupled to the second bridge component, wherein the first connection assembly includes a first connection tab and a first pedicle screw, the first pedicle screw extending through the first connection tab and the second connection assembly includes a second connection tab and a second pedicle screw, the second pedicle screw extending through the second connection tab; and

a constraint component extending from the first pedicle screw to the second pedicle screw.

20. The artificial joint system of claim 19 wherein the constraint component includes a rod shaped to extend between the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw.

21. The artificial joint system of claim 20 wherein the rod is adjustable in three dimensions.

22. The artificial joint system of claim 20 wherein the first and second pedicle screws are multiaxial pedicle screws.

23. The artificial joint system of claim 20 wherein the rod is formed of a compliant material.

24. The artificial joint system of claim 20 wherein the rod is formed of a rigid material.

25. The artificial spinal joint of claim 19 wherein the first bridge component is at least a portion of an artificial pedicle.

26. A system for implantation between upper and lower vertebrae comprising:

a first joint half including,

a first upper component including a first articulation surface,

a first lower component including a second articulation surface in movable engagement with the first articulation surface, the first and second articulation surfaces being configured to be placed within an intervertebral disc space between upper and lower vertebrae, the first upper and the first lower components respectively including a first extending upper portion and a first extending lower portion, the first extending upper portion and the first extending lower portion being sized to extend posteriorly from the intervertebral disc space and extend between pedicles of the upper and lower vertebrae when the articulation surfaces are within the intervertebral disc space,

a first threaded connector configured for insertion into a pedicle of the upper vertebra through the posterior extending portion of the first upper component, and

a second threaded connector configured for insertion into a pedicle of the lower vertebra through the posterior extending portion of the first lower component;

a second joint half including,

a second upper component separated from the first upper component and including a third articulation surface,

a second lower component including a fourth articulation surface in movable engagement with the third articulation surface, and

a constraint component extending between a portion of the first threaded connector and a portion of the second threaded connector outside of an intervertebral disc space defined between the upper and lower vertebrae.

27. The system of claim 26 wherein the constraint component comprises a rod extending from the first threaded connector to the second threaded connector.

28. The system of claim 27 wherein the rod is compliant.

29. The system of claim 27 wherein the rod is non-compliant.

30. The system of claim 27 wherein the rod comprises PEEK.

31. The system of claim 27 wherein the rod comprises titanium.

32. The system of claim 26 wherein the constraint component comprises a rigid plate attached to the rostral and caudal fasteners.

33. The system of claim 26 further comprising an elastomeric band extending between the rostral and caudal fasteners.

34. The system of claim 26 wherein the caudal connection component is adjustable.

35. The system of claim 26 wherein one of the first upper and lower components and one of the second upper and lower components comprise a lateral through bore for aligning the first and second joint halves under fluoroscopic guidance.

36. The system of claim 26 wherein the constraint component includes a rod shaped to extend between the first threaded connector and the second threaded connector.

37. The system of claim 36 wherein the rod is adjustable in three dimensions.

38. The system of claim 26 wherein the first and second threaded connectors are multiaxial pedicle screws.