Laminoplasty methods using hinge device
First Claim
1. A method for increasing a size of a spinal canal, comprising:
- coupling a first end of an implant to a first location on a vertebra;
coupling a second end of the implant to a second location on the vertebra;
after coupling the first and the second ends of the implant to the vertebra such that a deformable portion of the implant extends between the first and second ends, cutting the vertebra between the first and second locations; and
deforming the deformable portion of the implant to increase and maintain a distance between the first and second locations on the vertebra thereby increasing a size of a spinal canal extending through the vertebra.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A vertebra implant is provided that includes an elongate body with a first end configured to mate the first end to a first location on a vertebra, and a second end having at least one fastener configured to mate the second end to a second location on a vertebra. The elongate body also includes a deformable portion extending between the first and second ends that has an unexpanded configuration in which the deformable portion is configured to allow a tool to cut bone extending between the first and second ends when the first and second ends are mated to first and second locations on a vertebra, and an expanded configuration in which the deformable portion is deformed to increase a distance between the first and second ends such that a gap is created in the cut bone. The deformable portion is configured to maintain the first and second ends at a fixed distance apart when the deformable portion is in the expanded configuration. A vertebral implant is also provided that includes an elongate member configured to extend into a vertebra and form a hinge therein using a breakage point located along a length of the elongate member.
73 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method for increasing a size of a spinal canal, comprising:
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coupling a first end of an implant to a first location on a vertebra; coupling a second end of the implant to a second location on the vertebra; after coupling the first and the second ends of the implant to the vertebra such that a deformable portion of the implant extends between the first and second ends, cutting the vertebra between the first and second locations; and deforming the deformable portion of the implant to increase and maintain a distance between the first and second locations on the vertebra thereby increasing a size of a spinal canal extending through the vertebra. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for increasing a size of a spinal canal, comprising:
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coupling a first end of an implant to a first location on a vertebra; coupling a second end of the implant to a second location on the vertebra, the implant having a bend formed therein disposed between the first and second ends, the bend defining a first angle; cutting the vertebra between the first and second locations; inserting a spreading tool between the first and second ends of the implant, and actuating jaws of the spreading tool such that the jaws apply a force to the first and second ends of the implant that increases the angle of the bend, thereby increasing a distance between the first and second locations on the vertebra and increasing a size of a spinal canal extending through the vertebra. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification