Dampener system for a posterior stabilization system with a variable length elongated member

• US 8,187,330 B2
• Filed: 10/22/2007
• Issued: 05/29/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/22/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Flexuspine Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Flexuspine Incorporated
• Inventors: Gimbel, Jonathan A., Schular, Michael S., Wagner, Erik J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Robert, Eduardo C
• Assistant Examiner(s): KOSTELNIK, SUMMER LEIGH
• Application Number:
  US11/975,917
• Publication Number:
  US 20090105758A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,681 Days
• Field of Search: 606246-279, 623/17.11, 623 1712- 1715
• US Class Current: 623/17.15
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7005 Parts of the longitudinal elements, e.g. their ends, being specially adapted to fit in the screw or hook heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/702 having a core or insert, and a sleeve, whereby a screw or hook can move along the core or in the sleeve
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7032 Screws or hooks with U-shaped head or back through which longitudinal rods pass
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7038 to a different extent in different directions, e.g. within one plane only
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7041 with single longitudinal rod offset laterally from single row of screws or hooks A61B17/7044 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7049 Connectors, not bearing on the vertebrae, for linking longitudinal elements together A61B17/7055, A61B17/7053, A61B17/7019 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4425 made of articulated components
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4611 of spinal prostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30224 cylindrical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30329 Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
• 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 2002/30387 Dovetail connection
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/304 with additional means for limiting said sliding
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30403 Longitudinally-oriented cooperating ribs and grooves on mating lateral surfaces of a mainly longitudinal connection
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30471 connected by a hinged linkage mechanism, e.g. of the single-bar or multi-bar linkage type
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30476 locked by an additional locking mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30883 dovetail-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30884 Fins or wings, e.g. longitudinal wings for preventing rotation within the bone cavity
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/443 having two transversal endplates and at least one intermediate component
• 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 2002/4629 : connected to the endoprosthesis or implant via a threaded connection
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0025 : Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0091 : connected by a hinged linkage mechanism, e.g. of the single-bar or multi-bar linkage type
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0069 : cylindrical

Abstract

Dynamic posterior stabilization systems and methods of stabilizing vertebrae are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include a first bone fastener configured to couple to a first vertebra, a second bone fastener configured to couple to a second vertebra, and a dampener system attached to the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener. The dampener system may include a single dampener set. Compression of the single dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener. Compression of the first dampener set and the second dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener.

Claims

1. A method of stabilizing a portion of a human spine, comprising:

securing a first bone fastener to a first vertebra;

securing a second bone fastener to a second vertebra, wherein a third vertebra is located between the first vertebra and the second vertebra;

attaching a dampener system to the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener, wherein the dampener system comprises a single dampener set, wherein compression of the single dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener to accommodate extension of the vertebrae, and wherein compression of the single dampener set resists movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising securing one or more dynamic interbody devices between the first vertebra and the second vertebra.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising attaching a third bone fastener to a third vertebra, and attaching a second dampener system to the second bone fastener and the third bone fastener to form a multi-level stabilization system.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising attaching a cross link from the multi-level stabilization system to a stabilization system on an opposite side of the vertebrae.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the single dampener set comprises a plurality of dampeners.

6. A dynamic stabilization system for a human spine, comprising:

a first bone fastener configured to couple to a first vertebra;

a second bone fastener configured to couple to a second vertebra;

a dampener system comprising;

a first portion configured to couple to the first bone fastener;

a second portion configured to couple to the second bone fastener so that the first bone fastener is able to move axially towards or away from the second bone fastener; and

a single dampener set, wherein the dampener set comprises;

an elastic dampener member;

a first rigid member configured to be disposed on a first side of the elastic dampener member; and

a second rigid member configured to be disposed on a second side of the elastic dampener member that is opposite from the first side such that the first and second rigid members sandwich the elastic dampener member;

wherein compression of the single dampener set resists movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener, and wherein compression of the single dampener set resists movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener; and

wherein movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener results in movement of the first and second rigid members toward one another to compress the elastic dampener member to resist movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener, and wherein movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener results in movement of the first and second rigid members toward one another to compress the elastic dampener member to resist movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener, during use.

7. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 6, wherein the single dampener set comprises a first dampener concentrically positioned relative to a second dampener.

8. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 6, wherein the single dampener set comprises a dampener with large and small diameter sections.

9. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 6, wherein the single dampener set comprises a plurality of dampeners.

10. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 6, wherein the dampener system comprises a variable length elongated member.

11. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 6, further comprising at least one dynamic interbody device configured to be positioned between the first vertebra and the second vertebra.

12. A dynamic stabilization system for a human spine, comprising:

a first bone fastener configured to couple to a first vertebra;

a second bone fastener configured to couple to a second vertebra;

a dampener system comprising;

a first portion configured to couple to the first bone fastener;

a second portion configured to couple to the second bone fastener so that the first bone fastener is able to move axially towards or away from the second bone fastener, wherein the second portion comprises an elongated member comprising;

a first portion comprising a flanged stop, the flanged stop configured to be disposed on a first side of a head portion of the second bone fastener during use; and

a second portion configured to slide longitudinally relative to the head portion of the second bone fastener during use; and

a single dampener set, comprising;

a washer disposed about a portion of the elongated member on the first side of the second bone fastener; and

an elastic dampener member disposed between the flanged stop and the washer, about a portion of the elongated member on the first side of the second bone fastener;

wherein compression of the single dampener set resists movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener, and wherein compression of the single dampener set resists movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener; and

wherein movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener results in movement of the flanged stop and the washer toward one another to compress the elastic dampener member there between to resist movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener, and wherein movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener results in movement of the flanged stop and the washer toward one another to compress the elastic dampener member there between to resist movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener, during use.

13. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 12, wherein the single dampener set comprises a first dampener concentrically positioned relative to a second dampener.

14. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 12, wherein the single dampener set comprises a dampener with large and small diameter sections.

15. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 12, wherein the single dampener set comprises a plurality of dampeners.

16. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 12, wherein the dampener system comprises a variable length elongated member.

17. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 12, further comprising at least one dynamic interbody device configured to be positioned between the first vertebra and the second vertebra.

18. A dynamic stabilization system, comprising:

a first bone fastener configured to couple to a first vertebra;

a second bone fastener configured to couple to a second vertebra;

a dampener system comprising;

a first elongated member configured to couple to the first bone fastener;

a second elongated member configured to couple to the first elongated member and the second bone fastener; and

a single dampener set coupled to the first elongated member and the second elongated member, wherein the single dampener set comprises;

an elastic dampener member;

a first rigid member configured to be disposed on a first side of the elastic dampener member; and

a second rigid member configured to be disposed on a second side of the elastic dampener member that is opposite from the first side such that the first and second rigid members sandwich the elastic dampener member; and

wherein compression of the single dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener, and wherein compression of the single dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener; and

wherein movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener results in movement of the first and second rigid members toward one another to compress the elastic dampener member to resist movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener, and wherein movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener results in movement of the first and second rigid members toward one another to compress the elastic dampener member to resist movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener, during use.

19. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 18, wherein the single dampener set comprises a first dampener concentrically positioned relative to a second dampener.

20. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 18, wherein the single dampener set comprises a dampener with large and small diameter sections.

21. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 18, wherein the single dampener set comprises a plurality of dampeners.

22. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 18, wherein the single dampener set has a barrel shape.

23. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 18, wherein the dampener system comprises one or more washers configured to contact the single dampener set.

24. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 18, further comprising at least one dynamic interbody device configured to be positioned between the first vertebra and the second vertebra.

25. A dynamic stabilization system, comprising:

a first bone fastener configured to couple to a first vertebra;

a second bone fastener configured to couple to a second vertebra;

a dampener system comprising;

a first elongated member configured to couple to the first bone fastener, wherein the first elongated member comprises;

a first end portion coupled to a head portion of the first bone fastener; and

a second end portion comprising a first stop;

a second elongated member configured to couple to the first elongated member and the second bone fastener, wherein the second elongated member comprises;

a first end portion coupled to a head portion of the second bone fastener; and

a second end portion comprising a second stop;

wherein the first end portion of the second elongated member is configured to slide longitudinally relative to the head portion of the second bone fastener during use; and

a single dampener set coupled to the first elongated member and the second elongated member, wherein the single dampener set comprises an elastic dampener member disposed between the first and second stops; and

wherein compression of the single dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener, and wherein compression of the single dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener; and

wherein movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener results in movement of the first and second stops toward one another to compress the elastic dampener member there between to resist movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener, and wherein movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener results in movement of the first and second stops toward one another to compress the elastic dampener member there between to resist movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener, during use.

26. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 25, wherein the single dampener set comprises a first dampener concentrically positioned relative to a second dampener.

27. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 25, wherein the single dampener set comprises a dampener with large and small diameter sections.

28. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 25, wherein the single dampener set comprises a plurality of dampeners.

29. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 25, wherein the single dampener set has a barrel shape.

30. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 25, wherein the dampener system comprises one or more washers configured to contact the single dampener set.

31. The dynamic stabilization system of claim 25, further comprising at least one dynamic interbody device configured to be positioned between the first vertebra and the second vertebra.

32. A method of stabilizing a portion of a human spine, comprising:

securing a first bone fastener to a first vertebra;

securing a second bone fastener to a second vertebra;

attaching a dampener system to the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener, wherein the dampener system comprises a single dampener set, wherein the dampener set comprises;

an elastic dampener member;

a first rigid member configured to be disposed on a first side of the elastic dampener member; and

a second rigid member configured to be disposed on a second side of the elastic dampener member that is opposite from the first side such that the first and second rigid members sandwich the elastic dampener member; and

wherein compression of the single dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener to accommodate extension of the vertebrae, and wherein compression of the single dampener set resists movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener; and

wherein movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener results in movement of the first and second rigid members toward one another to compress the elastic dampener member to resist movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener, and wherein movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener results in movement of the first and second rigid members toward one another to compress the elastic dampener member to resist movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener, during use.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising securing one or more dynamic interbody devices between the first vertebra and the second vertebra.

34. The method of claim 32, further comprising attaching a third bone fastener to a third vertebra, and attaching a second dampener system to the second bone fastener and the third bone fastener to form a multi-level stabilization system.

35. The method of claim 34, further comprising attaching a cross link from the multi-level stabilization system to a stabilization system on an opposite side of the vertebrae.

36. The method of claim 32, wherein the single dampener set comprises a plurality of dampeners.

37. A method of stabilizing a portion of a human spine, comprising:

securing a first bone fastener to a first vertebra;

securing a second bone fastener to a second vertebra;

attaching a dampener system to the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener, wherein the dampener system comprises;

an elongated member comprising;

a first portion comprising a flanged stop, the flanged stop configured to be disposed on a first side of a head portion of the second bone fastener during use; and

a second portion configured to slide longitudinally relative to the head portion of the second bone fastener during use;

a single dampener set, comprising;

a washer disposed about a portion of the elongated member on the first side of the second bone fastener; and

an elastic dampener member disposed between the flanged stop and the washer, about a portion of the elongated member on the first side of the second bone fastener; and

wherein compression of the single dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener to accommodate extension of the vertebrae, and wherein compression of the single dampener set resists movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener; and

wherein movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener results in movement of the flanged stop and the washer toward one another to compress the elastic dampener member there between to resist movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener, and wherein movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener results in movement of the flanged stop and the washer toward one another to compress the elastic dampener member there between to resist movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener, during use.

38. The method of claim 37, further comprising securing one or more dynamic interbody devices between the first vertebra and the second vertebra.

39. The method of claim 37, further comprising attaching a third bone fastener to a third vertebra, and attaching a second dampener system to the second bone fastener and the third bone fastener to form a multi-level stabilization system.

40. The method of claim 39, further comprising attaching a cross link from the multi-level stabilization system to a stabilization system on an opposite side of the vertebrae.

41. The method of claim 37, wherein the single dampener set comprises a plurality of dampeners.

42. A method of stabilizing a portion of a human spine, comprising:

securing a first bone fastener to a first vertebra;

securing a second bone fastener to a second vertebra;

attaching a dampener system to the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener, wherein the dampener system comprises;

a first elongated member comprising;

a first end portion coupled to a head portion of the first bone fastener; and

a second end portion comprising a first stop;

a second elongated member comprising;

a first end portion coupled to a head portion of the second bone fastener; and

a second end portion comprising a second stop;

wherein the first end portion of the second elongated member is configured to slide longitudinally relative to the head portion of the second bone fastener during use;

a single dampener set, comprising;

an elastic dampener member disposed between the first and second stops; and

wherein compression of the single dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener to accommodate extension of the vertebrae, and wherein compression of the single dampener set resists movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener; and

wherein movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener results in movement of the first and second stops toward one another to compress the elastic dampener member there between to resist movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener, and wherein movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener results in movement of the first and second stops toward one another to compress the elastic dampener member there between to resist movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener, during use.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising securing one or more dynamic interbody devices between the first vertebra and the second vertebra.

44. The method of claim 42, further comprising attaching a third bone fastener to a third vertebra, and attaching a second dampener system to the second bone fastener and the third bone fastener to form a multi-level stabilization system.

45. The method of claim 44, further comprising attaching a cross link from the multi-level stabilization system to a stabilization system on an opposite side of the vertebrae.

46. The method of claim 42, wherein the single dampener set comprises a plurality of dampeners.