Instruments and methods for minimally invasive spinal stabilization

• US 8,002,804 B2
• Filed: 07/07/2006
• Issued: 08/23/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 01/30/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Foley, Kevin T., Lim, Roy
• Primary Examiner(s): RAMANA, ANURADHA
• Application Number:
  US11/483,299
• Publication Number:
  US 20060264942A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,873 Days
• Field of Search: 606254-265, 403/316
• US Class Current: 606/259
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/00234 for minimally invasive surgery A61B17/0218, A61B17/0469, A61B17/12013, A61B17/1285, A61B17/29, A61B17/320016 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7004 with a cross-section which varies along its length A61B17/7019 takes precedence
• 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 17/7011 Longitudinal element being non-straight, e.g. curved, angled or branched adjustable length longitudinal elements A61B17/7014; A61B17/7019 takes precedence, e.g. coil springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7031 made wholly or partly of flexible material
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7032 Screws or hooks with U-shaped head or back through which longitudinal rods pass
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7037 wherein pivoting is blocked when the rod is clamped
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7089 wherein insertion is along an arcuate path
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8866 for gripping or pushing bones, e.g. approximators joint distractors A61B17/025
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00867 shape memory effect for prostheses A61F2210/0014
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/037 with a frangible part, e.g. by reduced diameter

Abstract

Instruments and method are provided for introducing a flexible stabilization element into a patient in a minimally invasive surgical approach and securing the flexible stabilization element to one or more anchors. Also provided are instrument and methods for reduction of displacement between adjacent vertebrae in a minimally invasive surgical approach, and for minimally invasive stabilization of reduced vertebrae.

Claims

1. A spinal stabilization element, comprising:

an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis, said elongate member being curved along said longitudinal axis between a distal portion and a proximal portion, said distal and proximal portions each being rigid and engageable to an anchor secured to respective ones of first and second vertebrae, said distal and proximal portions being movable relative to one another when secured to the anchors;

a flexible intermediate portion between the proximal and distal portions; and

a coupling member extending through said intermediate portion and engaged to said proximal and distal portions;

wherein the spinal stabilization element is configured to facilitate percutaneous insertion of the spinal stabilization element; and

wherein said coupling member includes a stop member at each end thereof to secure said coupling member to respective ones of said proximal and distal portions.

2. The stabilization element of claim 1, wherein said proximal and distal portions include a first cross-sectional dimension and said flexible intermediate portion includes a second cross-sectional dimension greater than said first cross-sectional dimension.

3. The stabilization element of claim 1, wherein said proximal portion is configured for engagement with an insertion instrument in a predetermined orientation.

4. The stabilization element of claim 1, wherein said coupling member is selected from the group consisting of:

a rod, a wire, a tether, a suture and a cord.

5. The stabilization element of claim 1, wherein said stop member is recessed in said proximal and distal portions.

6. The stabilization element of claim 5, wherein said stop members are configured for axial movement in said proximal and distal portions in response to compression of said intermediate portion.

7. The stabilization element of claim 1, wherein said proximal and distal portions each include recesses in outer surfaces thereof.

8. A spinal stabilization element, comprising:

an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis, said elongate member being curved along said longitudinal axis between a distal portion and a proximal portion, said distal and proximal portions each being rigid and engageable to an anchor secured to respective ones of first and second vertebrae, said distal and proximal portions being movable relative to one another when secured to the anchors;

a flexible intermediate portion between the proximal and distal portions; and

a coupling member extending through said intermediate portion and engaged to said proximal and distal portions;

a coupling pin in each of said proximal and distal portions, said coupling pins intersecting said coupling member to secure said coupling member in said proximal and distal portions;

wherein the spinal stabilization element is configured to facilitate percutaneous insertion of the spinal stabilization element.

9. The stabilization element of claim 8, wherein said proximal and distal portions include a first cross-sectional dimension and said flexible intermediate portion includes a second cross-sectional dimension greater than said first cross-sectional dimension.

10. The stabilization element of claim 8, wherein said proximal portion is configured for engagement with an insertion instrument in a predetermined orientation.

11. The stabilization element of claim 8, wherein said coupling member is selected from the group consisting of:

a rod, a wire, a tether, a suture and a cord.

12. The stabilization element of claim 8, wherein said proximal and distal portions each include recesses in outer surfaces thereof.