Guide for spinal tools, implants, and devices
First Claim
1. A guide device for use with a spinal fixation element, the guide device comprising:
- an elongate shaft having a proximal end with a handle disposed thereon and a distal end;
a guide member mated to the distal end of the elongate shaft and having opposed superior and inferior sides, opposed first and second transverse sides extending between the superior and inferior sides, and proximal and distal ends, the guide member having first and second pathways formed within a single lumen and extending therethrough between the proximal and distal ends of the guide member, the first and second pathways having central axes that extend in a plane that is parallel to the superior and inferior sides of the guide member, the distal end of the elongate shaft being offset from the first and second pathways;
at least one alignment tab extending distally beyond the distal end of the guide member, the at least one alignment tab being configured to interact with a spinal fixation element to position the guide member with respect to the spinal fixation element such that the first and second pathways in the guide member are aligned with a pair of corresponding thru bores formed in the spinal fixation element; and
a cut-out portion formed in at least one of the superior and inferior sides of the guide member, the cut-out portion extending from the distal end of the guide member toward a proximal end of the guide member.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A guide device is provided for use with a spinal fixation element that has at least one pair of thru bores formed therein. The guide device generally includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A guide member is coupled to the distal end of the elongate shaft and it includes at least one pathway extending therethrough, and at least one alignment element that is positioned distal of the guide member. Each alignment element(s) is adapted to interact with a spinal fixation element to position the guide member with respect to the spinal fixation element such that the each pathway in the guide member is aligned with a corresponding thru bore formed in the spinal fixation element. The guide member can then be used to guide tools, devices, and/or implants through each pathway in the spinal fixation element and into bone.
-
Citations
18 Claims
-
1. A guide device for use with a spinal fixation element, the guide device comprising:
-
an elongate shaft having a proximal end with a handle disposed thereon and a distal end; a guide member mated to the distal end of the elongate shaft and having opposed superior and inferior sides, opposed first and second transverse sides extending between the superior and inferior sides, and proximal and distal ends, the guide member having first and second pathways formed within a single lumen and extending therethrough between the proximal and distal ends of the guide member, the first and second pathways having central axes that extend in a plane that is parallel to the superior and inferior sides of the guide member, the distal end of the elongate shaft being offset from the first and second pathways; at least one alignment tab extending distally beyond the distal end of the guide member, the at least one alignment tab being configured to interact with a spinal fixation element to position the guide member with respect to the spinal fixation element such that the first and second pathways in the guide member are aligned with a pair of corresponding thru bores formed in the spinal fixation element; and a cut-out portion formed in at least one of the superior and inferior sides of the guide member, the cut-out portion extending from the distal end of the guide member toward a proximal end of the guide member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A guide device for use with a spinal fixation element, the guide device comprising:
-
a non-cannulated elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends; a guide member coupled to the distal end of the elongate shaft and having a first substantially C-shaped lateral sidewall defining a first pathway extending through the guide member for guiding implants, tools, and devices therethrough, and a second substantially C-shaped lateral sidewall defining a second pathway extending through the guide member for guiding implants, tools, and devices therethrough, the first and second substantially C-shaped lateral sidewalls being coupled to one another along at least a portion of an inferior side of the guide member, and being spaced apart from one another along a superior side of the guide member; and at least one alignment element extending distally from a distal end of one of the first and second substantially C-shaped lateral sidewalls and configured to abut against an edge of a spinal fixation element to align the first and second pathways of the guide member with first and second thru-bores formed in the spinal fixation element. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
-
-
15. A guide device for use with a spinal fixation element, comprising:
-
a guide member defining first and second lumens extending therethrough between proximal and distal ends thereof, the first and second lumens having central axes that extend in a plane that is parallel to superior and inferior sides of the guide member, the central axis of the first lumen and the central axis of the second lumen converging relative to one another; first and second alignment tabs extending from a distal end of opposed lateral sides of the guide member such that first and second alignment tabs intersect the plane containing the axes of the first and second lumens; a first cut-out formed in the superior side of the guide member that extends proximally from the distal end of the guide member and that is in communication with the first and second lumens such that the cut-out provides visual access to implants, tools, and devices disposed through the first and second lumens; and
a second cut-out formed in the inferior side of the guide member and extending proximally from the distal end of the guide member. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
-
Specification