Spinal fixation apparatus with enhanced axial support and methods for use
First Claim
1. A spinal fixation system, comprising:
- a first anchor screw assembly comprising a first passage and a first screw, the first screw having a threaded portion configured to be screwed into a first vertebra;
a second anchor screw assembly comprising a second passage and a second screw, the second screw having a threaded portion configured to be screwed into a second vertebra adjacent the first vertebra;
an elongate member receivable in the first and second passages, the elongate member comprising an exposed portion extending between the first and second anchor screw assemblies; and
a spacer securable to the exposed portion of the elongate member, the spacer having a length substantially similar to a length of the exposed portion of the elongate member for preventing the first and second anchor screw assemblies from moving substantially towards one another.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A spinal fixation system includes a plurality of anchor screw assemblies, e.g. including anchor screws and clamp assemblies defining rod passages therethrough. A rod is receivable in the rod passages between the anchor screw assemblies, and a spacer is securable on the rod. During use, a first anchor screw is screwed into a first vertebra, and a second anchor screw is screwed into a second vertebra adjacent the first vertebra, and clamp assemblies are mounted to each anchor screw. A rod is secured between the anchor screw assemblies, thereby fixing a relative spacing of the first and second vertebrae. A spacer is crimped onto the exposed portion of the rod between the anchor screw assemblies, the spacer extending between the anchor screw assemblies to prevent the anchor screw assemblies, and, consequently, the first and second vertebrae, from moving towards one another.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A spinal fixation system, comprising:
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a first anchor screw assembly comprising a first passage and a first screw, the first screw having a threaded portion configured to be screwed into a first vertebra;
a second anchor screw assembly comprising a second passage and a second screw, the second screw having a threaded portion configured to be screwed into a second vertebra adjacent the first vertebra;
an elongate member receivable in the first and second passages, the elongate member comprising an exposed portion extending between the first and second anchor screw assemblies; and
a spacer securable to the exposed portion of the elongate member, the spacer having a length substantially similar to a length of the exposed portion of the elongate member for preventing the first and second anchor screw assemblies from moving substantially towards one another. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for stabilizing vertebrae relative to one another, the method comprising:
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screwing a first anchor screw into a first vertebra;
screwing a second anchor screw into a second vertebra adjacent the first vertebra;
securing an elongate member to the first and second anchor screws, thereby fixing a relative spacing of the first and second vertebrae; and
securing a spacer to the elongate member, the spacer extending substantially between the first and the second anchor screws to prevent the first and second anchor from moving towards one another. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21)
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18. A kit for stabilizing vertebrae relative to one another, comprising:
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one or more substantially rigid rods, a plurality of “
C”
shaped spacers having a plurality of lengths, the spacers comprising opposing edges defining a pocket therebetween for receiving the one or more rods therein; and
a plurality of anchor screw assemblies, the anchor screw assemblies comprising anchor screws and a plurality of clamp assemblies for receiving the one or more rods therein.
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19. The kit of claim is, further comprising a crimping tool for crimping at least a portion of the opposing edges of the spacers around the one or more rods to secure the spacers to the rods.
Specification