Systems, devices and apparatuses for bony fixation and disk repair and replacement and methods related thereto

Abstract

The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize a new apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra or a channel submerged within the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra. In more particular embodiments such apparatuses and methods including forming an arcuate channel and which channel can receive therein a curved rod or implant member, which also preferably is arcuate, and avoids the associated problems with prior cage or straight rod and screw systems. Also featured are systems, apparatuses and methods for repairing, replacing or augmenting the nucleus and / or annulus of a disc.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 512,134 filed Oct. 17, 2003, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to methods, systems and apparatuses for bony fixation and more particularly to methods, systems and apparatuses adapted for fixing the bones of the spine. The present invention also generally relates to methods, systems and devices for augmenting, repairing or replacing the nucleus and / or annulus of an intervertebral disk of a spine, such as the spine of a mammalian body. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Fixation or fusion of vertebral columns with bone or material, rods or plates is a common, long practiced surgical method for treating a variety of conditions. Many of the existing procedures involve the use of components that protrude outwardly, which may contact and damage a body part, such as the aorta, the vena cava, the sympathetic nerves...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize a new apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra or a channel submerged within the bone or bony structure segment

Problems solved by technology

Also, many constructions involve components that may loosen and cause undesirable problems, often-necessitating further surgical intervention.

Additionally, limiting the success of these procedures are the biomechanical features of the spine itself, whose structure must simultaneously provide support to regions of the body, protect the vertebral nervous system and permit motion in multiple planes.

However, surgical procedures dealing with the spine present notable challenges.

This complexity has made it difficult to achieve adequate stability and effective healing in surgical procedures directed to the spine.

This procedure results in a fusion of the adjacent vertebral bodies and limits motion and mobility.

However, as a result of the complex motions of the spine, it is often difficult to secure the dowel from displacing.

Further, it has become apparent over time, however, that this particular technique does not always yield a secure fusion.

Because the cages are implanted in spongy bone, they are more likely to collapse the surrounding bone, thus resulting in loss of distraction and subsequently cage dislodgment.

Certain disadvantages have been surmised using such a device and technique.

For such prior art methods and related devices, there have been short comings such as having difficulty in securing the prostheses within the vertebral space or resulting in significant modification or damage to the load bearing surfaces of the vertebrae in an effort to secure the prosthesis.

One technique for accessing the nucleus contemplates using the defect in the annulus, however, in practice the defect usually needs to be enlarged to allow the insertion of the prosthetic.

Also, the holed formed by such drilling is not easily sealed because of its shape and configuration.

This is so because the devices and / or instrumentalities that the surgeon uses during such techniques, themselves do not provided the surgeon with a mechanism to protect the tissues, muscles, nerves and blood vessels surrounding the treatment or target area within the body from coming into contact with the device or instrumentality during the procedure.

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