273 results about "Human spine" patented technology

A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws. The tool set includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Intermediate guide tools having guiding pass through slots are utilized to guide intermediate locations along the rod toward associated bone screws. An attachment structure operably connects the guide tools to the bone screws. The guide tools each include a lower guide and advancement structure to allow a closure top with mating structure to be rotated and driven downward against the rod and to cooperate with similar structure in the bone screw to seat and lock the rod therein. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the rod in the patient.

A dynamic spinal fixation plate assembly includes a spinal plate, a receiving member, and a fastener resulting in a low profile orthopedic device. The plate may comprise a hole for maintaining the receiving member. The relationship between the receiving member and the plate may allow the plate to adjust during graft settling. The receiving member may be locked to the plate utilizing the mechanical or chemical properties of the device, or the receiving member may be configured to move and rotate freely within the plate hole, even after the fastener has been secured to the bone. The receiving member may have a tapered sidewall defining a through hole to matingly engage the fastener, which may also have a tapered portion forming a tapered lock-fit therebetween. The receiving member may comprise a lip for retaining the fastener within said receiving member.

A tool set for implanting bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a rod into the bone screws includes end guide tools having flexible back wall flaps that receive opposite ends of the rod and intermediate guide tools that hold the rod in intermediate locations between the end guide tools. Both the end and intermediate guide tools include an attachment structure for operably connecting the guide tool to a bone screw. The attachment structure includes an undercut and/or recess so as to resist splaying and separation of the guide tool from an attached bone screw.

A tool set for implanting bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a longitudinal connecting member into the bone screws includes a pair of independently mountable and manipulatable elongate guide tools that form a unitary tool guide when desired. Each guide tool includes attachment structure for independent operable connection of the guide tool to an arm of the bone screw. The bone screw/guide tool attachment includes an undercut and/or recess so as to resist separation of the guide tool member from an attached bone screw. A removable stabilizer cooperating with the pair of guide tools places such tools in a set spaced relation to one another when desired. Further tools include a cooperating bone screw driver with an attached stabilizer, a closure starter/reduction tool, a closure driver and a counter torque tool.

A lordotic guard and method for guiding a bone removal device to form an implantation space in the human spine and, if desired, for inserting a spinal implant into the implantation space. The guard has a body having a first portion and a second portion in pivotal relationship to one another proximate the leading end between an open position and a closed position. The first and second portions define an opening for providing a protected pathway to the disc space and the adjacent vertebral bodies. At least one disc space penetrating extension extends from the leading end of the body adapted for insertion at least in part into the disc space. First and second portions of the extension are in pivotal relationship to one another about an axis that passes through at least a portion of the pathway.

A stabilization system for a human spine is provided comprising at least one dynamic interbody device and at least one dynamic posterior stabilization system. In some embodiments the stabilization system comprises a pair of dynamic interbody devices and a pair of dynamic posterior stabilization systems. In some embodiments, a bridge may couple a dynamic interbody device to a dynamic posterior stabilization system. In some embodiments, an elongated member of the dynamic posterior stabilization system may be curved.

Methods for limiting the movement of flowable material introduced into or between tissue layers of the human spine. The method can include inserting a member between tissue layers of the human spine. The member has a first configuration for insertion of the elongated member between tissue layers. The shape of the member is changed into a second configuration that defines a barrier that limits or directs the movement of flowable material. Flowable material is introduced to a selected location between the tissue layers and the barrier acts to limit or direct the movement of the flowable material.

A dynamic interbody device for a human spine is provided to stabilize a human spine. In some embodiments, the dynamic interbody device includes a first member and a second member. In some embodiments, dynamic interbody device includes a first member, a second member and a third member. In some embodiments, the dynamic interbody device may include a bridge. The bridge may be used to couple the dynamic interbody device to a posterior stabilization system. In some embodiments, two dynamic interbody devices may be placed in a disc space between vertebrae.

A device and method for use in a human spine to prepare a space between adjacent vertebral bodies and into the vertebral end plates to receive an implantable insert. The device includes a handle, a shaft, and a mounting member at one end of the shaft. An abrading element is mounted on the mounting member and is coupled to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is operable to move the abrading element in at least one degree of freedom to create surfaces having predetermined contours in the end plates of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Vertebra bodies in the human spine are stabilized through the use of minimally invasive surgery for the implantation of an elongate implant plate assembly having spaced first and second screw receiving socket elements which are configured for respective attachment to first and second spaced vertebra with the aid of bone fixation screws and these elements are slidably received with respect to each other for adjustably changing the distance between the screw receiving socket elements. A lock assembly is also provided for selectively locking the first and second screw receiving elements from further relative sliding. An elongate insertion tool is releaseably secured to the plate assembly, and the insertion tool is configured for manipulating the plate assembly as a whole and for remotely manipulating the screw receiving socket elements for adjusting the distance therebetween. The plate assembly is inserted through an incision and manipulated and advanced with the insertion tool to provide minimally invasive insertion, and after fixation of the implant assembly with bone fixation screws is further utilized by remote manipulation to adjust the degree of compression on the vertebrae, and thereafter the implant is locked in position to prevent further relative movement between the screw receiving elements of the plate assembly.

Devices for limiting the movement of flowable material introduced into or between tissue layers of the human spine. The devices can include at least one generally elongated member having a pre-deployed configuration for insertion into or between tissue layers of the human spine and a deployed configuration in which the elongated member forms a barrier that limits the movement of flowable material introduced into or between the tissue layers.

Apparatus and method used to reduce the movement between vertebrae or fractured bones. The implantable device can be deformed from its shape-set configuration for ease of deployment and return to a pre-set shape upon completion of deployment. The apparatus can serve to stabilize fractured bones or as a distraction device and support structure between vertebrae. Device may be made of a material with shape memory and superelastic properties which facilitate the method of implantation. The pre-set shape of the device may include dimensions/geometries which are similar to the natural curvature of the human spine or bone without the use of hinging or connection between multiple pieces. Once deployed, the device can serve to constrain the flow of bone growth material between the inside and outside of the device.