Orthopedic Fixation Devices and Instruments for Installation Thereof

Abstract

Minimally invasive vertebral stabilization systems may include at least one fastener, at least one coupling element connected to the fastener, and an elongate rod member. The fastener is deliverable to a vertebral body of a patient through an opening. The coupling element has at least one extended tab which defines an open central portion and a central longitudinal axis. The elongate rod member is configured to extend through the open central portion and be secured to the coupling element. The extended tab is configured to be removed from the coupling element once the elongate rod is secured to the coupling element.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 137,157 filed Dec. 20, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to orthopedic fixation devices and instruments used to install these devices.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Many types of spinal irregularities can cause pain, limit range of motion, or injure the nervous system within the spinal column. These irregularities can result from, without limitation, trauma, tumor, disc degeneration, and disease. Often, these irregularities are treated by immobilizing a portion of the spine. This treatment typically involves affixing a plurality of fixation devices to one or more vertebrae and connecting the devices to an elongate rod that generally extends in the direction of the axis of the spine.[0004]Treatment for these spinal irregularities ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a reduction clip and a method for installing an orthopedic fixation device. The reduction clip has a cannulated body with a longitudinal channel and two tips separated by a longitudinal slot. A lever is placed around the cannulated body and a compressor is inserted to push the tips around the coupling element. A reducer is then inserted into the cannulated body to push the rod into the coupling element. A cap member is then inserted through the cannulated reducer and into the coupling element. The technical effects of this invention include a reduction clip that can securely hold the rod in place during installation and a method for minimizing the invasiveness of the fixation device.

Problems solved by technology

Many types of spinal irregularities can cause pain, limit range of motion, or injure the nervous system within the spinal column.

These irregularities can result from, without limitation, trauma, tumor, disc degeneration, and disease.

However, in other situations, such as in a minimally invasive or percutaneous procedure, it may be more difficult for the physician to view and / or maneuver the rod.

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