Methods and apparatus for placing intradiscal devices

Abstract

An osteotomy of a portion of a vertebral endplate and / or vertebral body allows for easier insertion of a device that fits tightly into a disc space. A different aspect of the invention resides in a mechanical device to hold the osteotomized portion of the vertebra against the vertebral body after the intradiscal device is placed. The device may be removed after the pieces of vertebra heal and fuse together.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 375,185, filed Apr. 24, 2002 and 60 / 378,132, filed May 15, 2002; the entire content of each being incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to spinal surgery and, in particular, to methods and apparatus for placing intradiscal devices. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Intradiscal devices are often shaped to fit within the natural concavities of the vertebral endplates that make up the disc space. As shown in FIG. 1, the entrance into the disc space is often narrower than the vertical space within the disc space. Currently surgeons have three choices when inserting devices that fit tight within the interior of the natural disc space. First, they can insert devices that change size or shape within the disc space. There are only a limited number of intradiscal devices that change size or shape within the d...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is about a way to make it easier to insert a device into a spine space, especially the tallest part. It involves removing a portion of a vertebral endplate and / or vertebral body to create a space for the device. A mechanical device is used to hold the removed portion of the vertebra in place while the device is being inserted. The device can be removed after the pieces of vertebra heal and fuse together. This technique helps to make the procedure safer and more effective."

Problems solved by technology

There are only a limited number of intradiscal devices that change size or shape within the disc space.

Third, surgeons can distract the vertebrae to insert the intradiscal device.

However, at times, the vertebrae cannot be distracted enough to allow the insertion of an intradiscal device that fits tightly within the central portion of the disc space and yet can be inserted past the periphery of the disc space.

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