System, devices and method for augmenting existing fusion constructs
First Claim
1. A method, comprising:
- evaluating a patient having a previously implanted spinal construct and corresponding spinal fusion from an earlier procedure;
determining a spinal segment adjacent to the spinal fusion is degenerating after completion of the earlier procedure; and
after said determining, replacing at least one previously implanted member of the spinal construct with a flexible polymer elongated member by engaging the flexible polymer elongated member to one or more fastening devices of the previously implanted spinal construct and attaching the flexible polymer elongated member to the spinal segment adjacent to the spinal fusion with a bone fastener.
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Accused Products
Abstract
One technique of the present application includes: evaluating a patient having a previously implanted spinal construct and corresponding spinal fusion from an earlier procedure and determining a spinal segment adjacent to the spinal fusion is degenerating after completion of the earlier procedure. After this determination, the previously implanted spinal construct is augmented by attaching a flexible polymer elongated member to the spinal segment adjacent to the spinal fusion with a bone fastener and by coupling the flexible polymer elongated member to one or more elements of the previously implanted spinal construct. In one form, the elongated member is at least partially comprised of polyetheretherketone.
93 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method, comprising:
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evaluating a patient having a previously implanted spinal construct and corresponding spinal fusion from an earlier procedure; determining a spinal segment adjacent to the spinal fusion is degenerating after completion of the earlier procedure; and after said determining, replacing at least one previously implanted member of the spinal construct with a flexible polymer elongated member by engaging the flexible polymer elongated member to one or more fastening devices of the previously implanted spinal construct and attaching the flexible polymer elongated member to the spinal segment adjacent to the spinal fusion with a bone fastener. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method, comprising:
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evaluating a patient having a previously implanted spinal construct and corresponding spinal fusion from an earlier procedure; determining a spinal segment adjacent to the spinal fusion is degenerating after completion of the earlier procedure; and after said determining, replacing at least one previously implanted member of the spinal construct with a flexible polymer elongated member by engaging the flexible polymer elongated member to one or more fastening devices of the previously implanted spinal construct and attaching the flexible polymer elongated member to the degenerating spinal segment adjacent to the spinal fusion with a newly implanted bone fastener, wherein the attaching comprises anchoring the newly implanted bone fastener to a pedicle of the degenerating spinal segment and engaging the elongated member to the newly implanted bone fastener. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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15. A method, comprising:
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evaluating a patient having a previously implanted spinal construct and corresponding spinal fusion from an earlier procedure; identifying a degenerating spinal segment adjacent to the spinal fusion after completion of the earlier procedure; and after the identifying, replacing at least one previously implanted member of the spinal construct with a flexible polymer elongated member by, the replacing comprising; engaging the flexible polymer elongated member to one or more fastening devices of the previously implanted spinal construct; anchoring a newly implanted bone fastener to the degenerating spinal segment adjacent to the spinal fusion; and attaching the flexible polymer elongated member to the newly implanted bone fastener anchored to the degenerating spinal segment. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification