JP2007152115A - Box shape chamber with rod contact part for partial contact - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fixing device to at least partially fix and immobilize at least one interspinal disk of the vertebra. <P>SOLUTION: A device and method of fixing the vertebra is disclosed. The device includes following components: at least one elongated member; at least one combining member with a through-hole or through stem with a multi-radius for housing the elongated member, at least one fixing member, at least one cramping member, at least one fastening member, and at least one bridging member. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates generally to spinal fixation devices and methods, and more particularly, but not necessarily, to a fixation device for at least partially fixing and preventing movement of at least one spinal disc.

  The spine is a flexible multi-segment vertebral column that supports the human upright posture while providing mobility to the central skeleton. The lumbar spine serves to surround and protect critical unit components and provides structural support for the body by transferring weight through the pelvis to the lower limbs. Since no ribs are attached to the lumbar spine, it has a relatively wide range of movement.

  The spine is made up of bones, intervertebral discs, synovial joints with articular cartilage, joint synovial capsular, and surrounded by supporting ligament, muscle, fascia, blood vessels, nerves and skin as part of the back Has been. As in other areas of the body, these elements are subject to various pathological diseases such as inflammation, trauma, tumors, congenital abnormalities, diseases and the like. In its role on the back, the spine can undergo significant trauma that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of back pain. Trauma often results in damage to the upper end of the lumbar spine where the movable ligament segment joins the less mobile back column. Excessive force on the spine not only results in life-threatening traumatic damage, but also affects fast rate degenerative changes. Degenerative changes usually tend to occur in the lumbar disc in people in their 20s. Osteoarthritis causes changes in the facet joints of middle-aged people.

  Spinal fusion is one method used to treat trauma, cancer, disabling pain, neuropathy, malformations or deformed lesions. To improve spinal stability, it is placed parallel to the spinous process using a polyaxial screw, pedicle screw or other type of bone screw to attach the coupling member to one of the rods Many methods and devices have been used such as implanting rods. Other methods have also been used to achieve spinal fixation. However, the problem of recurrence for spinal fixation is a different anatomical structure for each patient, which is a challenge in efficiently attaching essential instruments to the spinal bone.

  Attempts have been made to provide alternatives for attaching instruments to the spine. For example, US Pat. No. 5,527,314 (granted to Brumfield et al. On Jun. 18, 1996) discloses a spinal implant device for correcting spinal deformities and abnormalities, and includes a spinal disc. In order to engage at various heights, an elongate spinal rod with multiple spinal fixation members such as spinal hooks is included. At least one intervertebral disc contact fixation member includes an elongated stem protruding therefrom. The stem includes a rod coupling member having a stem hole configured to receive a stem therein, a screw hole configured to receive a set screw, and a groove configured to receive the rod through the rod. Connected to the spinal rod.

  There are many other known spinal fixation devices such as those disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,716,213 (granted to Shitoto on Apr. 6, 2004). This reference patent discloses a spinal fixation device having multiple connectors. Each of the plurality of connectors includes (i) a through hole of a coupling member into which the rod is inserted, and (ii) a short rod having the same diameter as the rod, and substantially in the axial direction of the through hole of the coupling member. A short rod that is oriented at right angles and is long enough to be inserted and screwed into the through hole of the coupling member; and (iii) an internal thread that allows the external thread member to be screwed in A portion, wherein the outer screw member includes an inner screw portion adapted to lock a rod or a short rod inserted into the through hole of the coupling member.

  The prior art is characterized by several drawbacks that the present invention can address. The present invention can minimize and eliminate, in some aspects, the above disadvantages and other problems by using the methods and structural features described herein.

  None of the references in the art known to the Applicant is to connect the elongated member to the spinal disc in a simple and efficient manner and to contact the elongated member in a partial contact manner with the elongated member. It is noteworthy to provide a spinal fixation device that provides a coupling member that provides stronger contact between them.

  The features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention without undue experimentation. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

  For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the embodiments. Nevertheless, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. All alternatives and further modifications of the features of the invention shown herein, as well as any additional uses of the principles of the invention contained in this disclosure that would normally occur to those skilled in the relevant art, are claimed herein. Should be considered in scope.

  It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular shapes, process steps and materials disclosed herein, and accordingly, such shapes, process steps and materials may be altered somewhat. . Further, since the scope of the present invention is limited only by the claims and their equivalents, the applications used herein are used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are intended to be limiting. It should also be understood that it is not intended. The publications and other references referred to herein to explain the background of the invention and provide additional details regarding the practice of the invention are hereby incorporated in their entirety, with the following exceptions: Incorporated into the book for reference. If a part of the reference material is inconsistent with the present application, the present application gives priority to the reference material. The references cited herein are provided solely for the disclosure preceding the filing date of the present application. This inventor should be construed as an indication or recognition that the prior disclosure does not give the right to precede such disclosure or to distinguish the present invention from the subject matter disclosed in the reference material. There is nothing.

  A spinal fixation device is illustrated in FIGS. With particular reference to FIG. 1, the spinal fixation device 100 of the present invention can include at least one elongate member 110, such as a spinal rod, which is attached to at least two discs 12 of a patient's spine 10. And size. It will be appreciated that more than one elongate member 110 may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, FIG. 1 shows two elongate members 110 being used together. The spinal fixation device 100 may further include at least one coupling member 120 such as a box-shaped chamber that can be shaped and sized to which the elongated member 110 is attached. The spinal fixation device 100 may also include a clamp member 150, such as a C-shaped clamp, that may be structured and sized to attach to the coupling member 120, and the spinal fixation device 100 may further include a bone of the patient's disc 12. It can also include a fastening member 160 such as a bone screw that can be secured to and attached to the clamp member 150.

  It will be appreciated that one or more elongated members 110 may be secured to the patient's spine 10 and one elongated member may be secured to another elongated member 110 by a bridging member 170 such as a plate. The bridging member 70 is shaped and sized to extend across the patient's spine for coupling to another elongate member 110, thereby coupling the two elongate members 110 together and the device 100. Overall stability can be increased. The elongate member 110 can include a first end 110a and a second end 110b and can be substantially cylindrical. The elongate member may be generally cylindrical without a bend, or alternatively may be substantially cylindrical and include a bend. In other words, if there is a bend, then the first shorter portion 112 and the second longer portion 114 may be provided. The bent portion may be disposed between the first end portion 110a and the second end portion 110b and may be a bent portion of approximately 90 degrees as shown in FIG. However, the bent portion may be 90 degrees or more.

  2-8, details of the coupling member 120 and other components of the apparatus 100 are shown. With particular reference to FIGS. 2-3, the coupling member 120 can include a body or box-shaped chamber 121 and a stem portion 122. The stem portion 122 may extend from one of the walls 121 of the coupling member 120 in a substantially right angle configuration. For example, the stem portion 122 may extend from the wall 121c as shown in FIG.

  The main body or box-shaped chamber 121 may include a top surface 121a, a bottom surface 121b, and a plurality of walls, for example, four walls 121c to 121f extending between the top surface 121a and the bottom surface 121b. The coupling member 120 may further include a through hole 123 that is structured and sized to accommodate the elongate member 110 and a hole 124 that may be defined by a wall 124a. Both the through hole 123 and the hole 124 may each include a central axis that passes through the center of the hole 123 or the hole 124. The center axis of the hole 124 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the center axis of the through hole 123 so that the hole 124 intersects the through hole 123. Further, the through hole 123 may be defined by a wall 123a and a first hole 125 and a second that can be overlapped to form a double diameter through hole 123 for receiving the elongate member 110. The hole 126 may be included.

  The first hole 125 and the second hole 126 can be defined by a first wall 125a and a second wall 126a, respectively. The first hole 125 may have a diameter that is larger than the second hole 126 and thus larger than the second hole 126. The diameter of the second hole 126 can be in the range of about 80% to about 95% of the size of the first hole. More specifically, the diameter of the second hole 126 can be in the range of about 80% to about 94% of the diameter of the first hole 125, and more specifically, about 90% to about 93%. Can be within the range.

  As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the body portion 121 of the coupling member 120 may have a vertical axis AA and a horizontal axis BB. The horizontal axis BB can be substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis AA. The body portion 121 of the coupling member 120 can be substantially symmetric about the vertical axis AA, particularly with respect to a plane passing through the vertical axis AA and the horizontal axis BB. Further, the body portion 121 of the coupling member 120 has a horizontal axis B-, particularly with respect to a plane that passes through the horizontal axis BB and can also be perpendicular to the vertical axis A-A, as shown in FIG. Symmetry about B can be made.

  The through hole 123 of the coupling member 120 may extend across or perpendicular to the vertical axis AA of the coupling member 120. The coupling member 120 further includes a beveled edge 127 that can surround a wall 123a defining the through hole 123, the radius of the through hole 123 being the beveled edge 127. Is larger at the beveled edge position surrounding the first wall 125 a of the first hole 125, and the radius of the through-hole 123 is beveled surrounding the second wall 126 a of the second hole 126. It can be made smaller at the position of the end edge 127. The beveled edge 127 can be shaped and sized to move the coupling member 120 more easily along the elongate member 110 without bending or causing interference with the elongate member 110.

  Furthermore, the through hole 123 may have a shape similar to an ellipse due to the overlap of the first hole 125 and the second hole 126. However, the through hole 123 may or may not be a complete ellipse. When the through hole 123 is not a perfect ellipse, the through hole 123 may essentially include two radius portions of curvature. That is, it has a first radius of curvature portion for the first hole 125 and a second radius of curvature portion for the second hole 126, the first radius of curvature portion being greater than the second radius of curvature portion. Can also be increased. The first radius of curvature portion may be disposed adjacent to the top surface of the coupling member 120 and above the second radius of curvature portion.

  4 and 6, the formation of the hole 124 begins at the top surface 121a of the coupling member 120 and ends with an opening into the hole that intersects the through hole 123, particularly the first hole 125. You will understand. The device 100 may further be shaped and sized to be inserted into the hole 124 of the coupling member 120 and engages the elongated member 110 within the through hole 123 (best shown in FIG. 3). It is understood that the member 110 is brought into contact with the second wall 126a of the second hole 126 of the through hole 123 by the fixing member 130, whereby the elongated member 110 can be fixed in the through hole 123 of the coupling member 120. Should. Here, it will be understood that the securing member may sometimes be referred to as the first securing member 130.

  It will be appreciated that the second radius of curvature may be substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the elongate member 110 to provide as much contact as possible between these two components. Contact between the second hole wall 126a, which may be the lower portion, and the outer surface 110a of the elongate member 110 may be substantially continuous. Substantially continuous contact may be maintained by contact of the securing member 130 with the elongated member 110, thereby essentially clamping and securing the elongated member 110 within the through hole 123. The outer surface of the elongate member 110 when the elongate member 110 is positioned and secured in a clamping position within the through hole 123 by the securing member 130 such that the elongate member 110 is substantially secured to the coupling member 120. It will be appreciated that at least about 30% of 110a can be in substantially continuous contact with the wall 126a of the smaller second radius of curvature of the through hole 123. The outer surface 110a of the elongate member 110 may be in a substantially continuous contact with the wall 126a of the second smaller radius of curvature of the through hole 123, such contact ranging from about 31 to about 50%. Or more particularly about 32 to about 45%, more particularly about 33% to about 40%, more particularly about 34% to about 38%, more particularly about 35%. It will be understood that it can be within range.

  For example, the elongated member 110 can have a diameter of about 5.5 mm, and the second hole 126 can also have a diameter of about 5.5 mm, so that contact between the elongated member 110 and the wall 126a is substantially continuous. While the first hole 125 can have a larger diameter of about 6 mm. As a result, the through hole 123 can have the shape of the numeral 8 as shown in the drawing (see FIGS. 4 and 8). The shape of the through hole 123 allows the elongate member 110 or even another coupling member 120 to move along or within the path formed by the through hole 123 without bending and interfering with the coupling member 120. The elongated member 110 or possibly the stem 122 can be advantageously placed anywhere that the surgeon desires.

  The apparatus 100 further includes a mating member 140 such as a threaded nut that can be releasably secured and sized and locks the securing member 130 within the hole 124 of the coupling member 120. The securing member 130 can be maintained in the hole 124. The securing member 130 may include an outer surface 132 having a threaded portion 134, and the wall 124 a defining the hole 124 also includes a threaded portion 124 b, and the threaded portion 134 of the securing member 130. May engage with and engage with the threaded portion 124b of the hole 124.

  The mating member 140 has a recess 142 (best shown in FIG. 2) that can be formed against a threaded sidewall 144 that can mate with and engage the threaded portion 134 of the securing member 130. It will be understood that it may be included. It will also be appreciated that the sidewall 144 may alternatively be unthreaded without departing from the scope of the present invention. When the fitting member 140 is fixed to the fixing member 130, the fitting member 140 can function to cover the fixing member 130 and keep the fixing member 130 from coming back out of the hole 124.

  When fully assembled in the hole 124, the securing member 130 couples the elongate member 110 with the elongate member 110 fixedly attached and secured, for example, to a clamping position in the through hole 123 of the coupling member 120. It can be seated in the hole 124 so that it can be fixed relative to the member 120 and can be contactably engaged with the elongated member 110. It will be appreciated that the mating member 140 may include a complete through hole instead of a recess 142 that may be defined by a threaded sidewall that can mate with and engage the threaded portion 134 of the securing member 130. Should.

  It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the securing member 130 and the mating member 140 may be a single member similar to a bolt or screw without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  With reference to FIGS. 1 and 7-9, the spinal fixation device 100 can also include a bridging member 170. The bridging member 170 can be a plate or other structural member that can connect one elongate member 110 to another elongate member 110. In particular, the bridging member 170 can have opposing ends 171 and 172, each of the opposing ends 171 and 172 can include an eyelet 173 with a main body portion between the opposing ends 171 and 172. 174 is formed. It will be appreciated that the shape of the bridging member 170 can be as illustrated in FIG. 1 or another shape as illustrated in FIG. It should be understood that one skilled in the art can modify the shape and size of the bridging member 170 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Similarly, the shape and size of the eyelet 173 may be changed and modified.

  It will be appreciated that the fixation member 130 can be inserted through the eyelet 173 of the bridging member 170 and into the hole 124 of the coupling member 120. When the fixation member 130 can be seated in the hole 124, the fixation member 130 extends beyond or below the hole 124 and into the through hole 123 of the coupling member 120 to extend the elongated member 110 (FIG. It can be seen that it can be contacted with the best shown in FIG. Once the securing member 130 contacts the elongated member 110, a force is applied to the elongated member 110 to bring the elongated member 110 into contact with the wall 126a of the second hole 126 to secure the elongated member 110 in the through hole 123 and Further, the bridging member 170 can be attached to the coupling member 120.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 7, and 8, the fitting member 140 applies a force to the bridging member 170 when it is fixed to the fixing member 130 and the bridging member 170 is fixed or fixed to the coupling member 120. You will understand that you can. Accordingly, the shape and size of the eyelet 173 of the bridging member 170 can be arranged so that the fixing member 130 penetrates through the fixing member 130 and is fixed to the bridging member 170 by the fitting member 140. Accordingly, the eyelet 173 must not be so small that the fixing member 130 cannot be fitted therethrough and the fitting member 140 is fixed to the coupling member by coupling or interaction with the fixing member 130. It must not be so big that you can't.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the apparatus 100 may further include a clamp member 150 that may be a C-shaped clamp. The clamp member 150 can engage and clamp one or both of the elongate member 110 or the stem portion 122 of the coupling member 120. In particular, FIG. 10 shows a second fastening member 135, a clamping member 150 and a fastening member 160, all of which are joined together to connect the elongated member 110 to the fastening member 160, the clamping member 150 and the second fastening member. A member 135 can form a mechanism that can help lock in place on the spine.

  The fastening member 160 can be configured and sized to be secured to the bone portion of an individual disc. The fastening member 160 can be a bone screw, for example. However, it will be appreciated that the fastening member 160 may be another type of fastening member known in the art, such as a bone pin or other fastening member. The fastening member 160 can be attached to the coupling member 120 by a clamp member 150 so that it can function to secure the entire device 100 to the patient's spine.

  The fastening member 160 may include a head 161 having an outer surface 161a that can be sloped to form a male taper. The fastening member 160 may further include an intermediate collar portion 162 and a shaft portion 163 having a screw portion 163a. The male tapered outer surface 161a of the head 161 may be inclined outward in the direction from the proximal end to the distal end, and the second of the clamp member 150 in a static friction engagement state forming a Morse taper engagement fit. The through hole 156 can be shaped and sized to engage and engage with the female tapered side wall 156a. It will be appreciated that the angle of the beveled sidewall 156a and the beveled outer surface 161a may be included within a range of self-locking tilt angles.

  The male taper head 161 is configured such that a portion of the female taper side wall 156a of the second through hole 156 protrudes from the lower side of the lower portion 152 of the clamp member 150 when the Morse taper locking fitting occurs. It will be appreciated that the clamp member 150 can be inserted into the second through hole 156 from below.

  The head 161 may also include a recess 164 defined by the inner sidewall 165. The inner side wall may include a threaded portion 165a. The recess 164 may or may not be threaded and possibly other to engage the second securing member 135, such as an interference fit or other means known in the art. Means may be included.

  The fastening member 160 can have a first side 210 and a second side 220 and the intermediate collar 162 isolates the first side 210 from the second side 220. The second side portion 220 may include a screw portion 163a for attaching the fastening member 160 to the bone. For example, the second side 220 of the fastening member 160 can range from about 2 to 10 times the length of the first side 210. More specifically, the length of the second side 220 can range from about 2 to 6 times the length of the first side 210. More specifically, the length of the second side 220 can range from about 2 to 3 times the length of the first side 210. The intermediate collar 162 has a hexagonal shape that can be the same size as the hexagonal head 136 of the second securing member 135 so that the same tool can be used to tighten both structural pieces. Can be structure and size.

  The clamp member 150 may include an upper portion 151 and a lower portion 152, and a wall 153 that connects the upper portion 151 and the lower portion 152. The lower portion 152 can be approximately the same thickness as the upper portion 151, or alternatively, the lower portion 152 can be at least twice the thickness of the upper portion of the clamp member 150. Further, the upper portion 151, the lower portion 152, and the wall 153 can each define a portion or wall 155a that defines a lateral through hole 155. The upper portion 151 may include the first through hole 154, and the first through hole 154 may or may not include the screw portion 154a. The lower portion 152 may include a second through hole 156 that can be defined by the sidewall 156a. The side wall 156a may be sloped so that the second through hole can include an inner female taper. The inclined side wall 156a may be inclined outward from the proximal end toward the distal end. The transverse through-hole 155 can be configured and sized to house, clamp and lock the elongated member 110 or stem 122 therein.

  The second fixing member 135, which can be a set screw or other fixing member, can include a head portion 136 and a shaft portion 137. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the surgical procedure time can be shortened through the use of similarly sized components that can be fastened and positioned with the same size tool. For example, the head 136 can be hexagonal and can be shaped and sized to fit a tool of the same size as the similar intermediate collar portion 162 of the fastening member 160. Polygons or other known other shapes may be used by those skilled in the art instead of the hexagonal head 136, and such variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Yes. The shaft portion 137 of the second fixing member 135 includes a male threaded portion 138 that can be structured and sized to engage with the opposed female threaded portion 165 a of the recess 164 formed in the head 161 of the fastening member 160. Also good.

  Further, the second securing member 135 can include a base width indicated by the distance A in FIG. 10, which is smaller than the corresponding hole in the first through hole 154 of the clamp member 150. The corresponding hole is indicated by the symbol B, and the width A can be smaller than the width B. Furthermore, the upper portion 151 and the lower portion 152 allow the second fixing member 135 to pass through the first through hole 154 of the clamp member 150 without obstruction or interference, so that the male threaded portion 138 is fastened to the fastening member 160. It is possible to adjust so that it can be screw-engaged with the female thread portion 165 of the.

  The elongated member 110 may be fixed or clamped to the clamp member 150 after the Morse taper connection fitting is started between the fastening member 160 and the clamp member 150. This is achieved by inserting the shaft portion 137 of the second fixing member 135 into the recess 164 of the fastening member 160 through the upper portion of the clamp member 150 and screwing the male screw portion 138 to the female screw portion 165. The Further, the upper portion 151 and the lower portion 152 may each have a limited elasticity and may be offset from the other by an angle β (the angle β can be greater than 0 degrees). For example, the angle β may be in the range of about 3 to about 6 degrees so that the bottom surface 151a of the upper portion 151 is not parallel to the top surface 152a of the lower portion 152. The misalignment between the upper portion 151 and the lower portion 152 can aid in positioning and clamping the elongate member 110 or stem 122 within the lateral through hole 155. The clamp of the elongated member 110 or the stem 122 to the clamp member 150 is at least partially due to the screw engagement of the male screw portion 138 and the female screw portion 165 and the fastening of the second fixing member 135 to the fastening member 160. Occurs when a compressive force is applied to the upper portion 151.

  The clamp member 150 can have a locked position and an unlocked position. In the natural state, the clamp member 150 can remain in the unlocked position. The clamp member 150 can be locked or unlocked several times and can still remain in its original unbiased shape when the force is released. It will be appreciated that the upper portion 151 does not contact the lower portion 152 when in the locked position, ie, when the upper member 151 of the clamp member 150 is compressed toward the clamp member 150. The compressive force can be generated by the insertion of the second fixing member 135 through the first through hole 154 and into the recess 164 of the fastening member 160, followed by the second fixing member to the fastening member 160. By fastening and fixing 135, the clamp member 150 is maintained in the locked position. Therefore, the elongated member 110 and the stem 122 are clamped at a desired position via the clamp member 150 by the compressive force from the second fixing member 135.

  The Morse taper locking fit as a whole can provide additional strength and support for the device 100. The Morse taper locking fit, when engaged, does not allow the fastening member 160 and the clamp member 150 to be easily separated without the aid of an instrument or a puller (not shown). The Morse taper fitting can increase the ease of attachment of the clamp member 150 to the fastening member 160 and provide higher strength to the multiaxial screw compared to the cylindrical head. Further, the structure including the second securing member 135, the clamp member 150 and the fastening member 160 forms a low height device that does not contact the patient's internal tissue so much and provides high comfort for the patient. Can do. Morse taper locking fits also reduce the number of individual pieces and components that a surgeon needs to attach during surgery and result in a much lower volume than other industrially used devices Can do. The Morse taper locking fit can hold the device firmly in place, reducing the possibility of movement and wobbling during mounting and insertion.

  Referring to FIG. 12, the lower side 157 of the lower portion 152 of the clamp member 150 may include a plurality of first splines 157a that may surround the second through-hole 156, or alternatively at least one first spline. 157a can be included. Referring to FIG. 11, the upper surface of the intermediate collar 162 has a plurality of corresponding second splines 157b or otherwise at least one second spline that can surround the tapered outer surface 161a of the head 161. 157b may be included. The second spline 157b can be configured and sized to engage and engage the first spline 157a to provide anti-rotation characteristics between the fastening member 160 and the clamp member 150. If desired, the first spline 157a and the second spline 157b can be attached to the fastening member 160 in a plurality of orientations as a structure that engages and engages at a plurality of selectable positions. Can be.

  Referring more generally to FIG. 10, the clamp member 150 includes a first position that is a natural state where no external force is applied, and a second position that is a closed position, and includes an upper portion 151 and a lower portion 152. The slit 112 between the upper part 151 does not have to be completely closed, thereby allowing the upper part 151 to be compressed without the face of the upper part 151 reaching the bottom or contacting the face of the lower part 152 Can be able to.

In accordance with the above features and combinations, a useful method of assembling a spinal fixation device on at least two discs of a patient's spine includes the following steps. That is, the method
(A) at least one elongate member having an outer surface and configured and sized to be attached to at least two discs of a patient's spine, and at least configured and sized to secure and secure the elongate member; Providing a securing member and at least one coupling member including a hole sized and configured to receive the securing member therein, the coupling member further including the elongate member therein. Further comprising a first larger hole and a second smaller hole that overlap to form a double diameter through hole for receiving the first and second holes, respectively. Defined by a second wall, wherein the hole provided in the coupling member intersects the first larger hole and opens to the first larger hole;
(B) inserting the elongate member into the through hole of the coupling member to allow the elongate member to move freely within the first hole of the through hole;
(C) The fixing member is attached to a hole provided in the coupling member, and the fixing member extends into the first hole through the hole provided in the coupling member and contacts the elongated member. Step to make
(D) applying force to the elongate member and engaging the outer surface of the elongate member with the second wall of the second hole so that the elongate member is secured within the second hole; Fastening the fixing member.

  In the foregoing detailed description, various features of the invention are grouped together in a single embodiment in order to streamline the invention. This disclosed method should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, the features of the invention reside in all the single embodiments disclosed above as reflected by the claims. Thus, each claim in the claims is hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description and independently claims as a separate embodiment of this invention.

  It should be understood that the above structure is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Many variations and alternative constructions may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and the claims are intended to cover such variations and arrangements. ing. Accordingly, although the invention has been shown in the drawings and described above in specific and specific details, various modifications are possible including, but not limited to, changes in size, material, shape, form, function and method of operation, assembly and use. Will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the principles and concepts described herein.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a spinal fixation device shown on a patient's spine made in accordance with the principles of the present invention, particularly in the lumbosacral vertebra. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the coupling member and its components disassembled and a further elongated rod. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the coupling member of FIG. 2 and its components disassembled, with a securing member engaging the elongated rod. FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of a coupling member and its components made in accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a front view of a coupling member with an elongated member extending therein. 6 is a side sectional view of the coupling member and a sectional view of the elongated member taken along the section VI-VI in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a front view of a coupling member and its components with an elongated member extending therein made in accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the coupling member, its components, and the elongated member as viewed along section VIII-VIII in FIG. FIG. 9 is a top view of a bridging member made in accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an exploded side view of a fastening member and clamp member with a second securing member made in accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a top view of the fastening member of FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the clamp member of FIG.

Claims (65)

A spinal fixation device,
At least one elongate member configured and attached to at least two intervertebral discs of the spine and including an outer surface having a diameter;
At least one coupling member including a through hole configured and sized to receive the elongate member therein, the through hole being defined by a wall and having a diameter, the diameter of the through hole being Said at least one coupling member including at least a first larger radius of curvature portion and a smaller second radius of curvature portion;
When the elongate member is positioned and secured in a clamping position within the through hole, at least 30% of the outer surface of the elongate member defines the smaller second radius of curvature portion of the through hole. A spinal fixation device adapted to secure the elongate member relative to the coupling member in substantially continuous contact within a wall. The spinal fixation device according to claim 1,
A spinal fixation device further comprising a fastening member structured and sized to be secured to a bone portion of an individual disc. The spinal fixation device according to claim 2,
A spinal fixation device, wherein the coupling member includes a stem portion extending perpendicularly from a side of the coupling member. The spinal fixation device according to claim 3,
A clamp member, wherein the clamp member engages and clamps the stem portion, and the fastening member is a bone screw attached to the coupling member by the clamp member, so that the bone screw A spinal fixation device adapted to secure the device to the spine. The spinal fixation device according to claim 1,
The coupling member further includes an opening formed in the top surface, the bottom surface and the interior, the opening being defined by a wall and opening from the top surface of the coupling member and into the through hole of the coupling member. And a spinal fixation device configured to terminate by crossing. The spinal fixation device according to claim 5,
And further comprising a securing member configured and sized to engage the elongate member when inserted into the opening of the coupling member and disposed within a through hole in the coupling member, so that the elongate member is A vertebral fixation device, wherein the fixation member is brought into contact with the wall of the second radius of curvature portion of the through hole of the coupling member to fix the elongated member within the through hole of the coupling member. The spinal fixation device according to claim 6,
A spinal fixation device further comprising a fitting portion sized and structured to releasably fix and lock the fixation member within the opening of the coupling member to maintain the fixation member. The spinal fixation device according to claim 7,
The fixation member includes a threaded portion and a wall defining the opening, the threaded portion of the securing member engaging and engaging with the threaded portion of the wall defining the opening. apparatus. The spinal fixation device according to claim 8,
The fitting portion further includes a recess formed by a threaded side wall in meshing engagement with the threaded portion of the securing member, whereby the securing member is seated in the opening. And in contact engagement with the elongate member, so that the elongate member is secured and clamped in a through hole in the coupling member, thereby securing the elongate member relative to the coupling member. Spinal fixation device. The spinal fixation device according to claim 8,
A spinal fixation device, wherein the mating member includes a through hole in the coupling member defined by a threaded sidewall that mates and engages a threaded portion of the coupling member. The spinal fixation device according to claim 1,
A spinal fixation device further comprising a bridging member each having an eyelet with opposing ends having a body formed therebetween. The spinal fixation device according to claim 11,
The coupling member further includes an opening formed on the top surface of the coupling member having a central axis, and the central axis of the opening is such that the opening intersects the through hole of the coupling member. A spinal fixation device formed substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the through hole of the coupling member. A spinal fixation device according to claim 12,
A fixing member, the fixing member being inserted through the eyelet of the bridging member and into the opening of the coupling member, so that the fixing member penetrates the coupling member beyond the opening. Extending into and in contact with the elongate member, thereby allowing the elongate member to be applied to the elongate member with a force to secure the elongate member in the through hole of the coupling member and further attach the bridging member to the coupling member Spinal fixation device. The spinal fixation device according to claim 1,
A spinal fixation device, wherein the elongated member is substantially cylindrical. The spinal fixation device according to claim 1,
The elongate member includes a first end and a second end, the elongate member having a rigid 90 degree bend between the first end and the second end. Spinal fixation device. The spinal fixation device according to claim 15,
The spinal fixation device, wherein the elongate member includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is shorter in length than the second portion. The spinal fixation device according to claim 1,
The coupling member is a box-shaped chamber including a top surface, a bottom surface, and four wall surfaces extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, and is perpendicular to one of the four walls of the coupling member. A spinal fixation device with a stem portion extending into the spine. A spinal fixation device according to claim 17,
A spine in which the through hole of the coupling member has a double diameter, and the first radius of curvature portion is disposed adjacent to the top surface of the coupling member and above the second radius of curvature portion. Fixing device. The spinal fixation device according to claim 1,
A spinal fixation device, wherein a beveled edge surrounds a wall defining a through-hole of the coupling member and forms a larger diameter at the first radius of curvature than the beveled edge surrounding the wall. The spinal fixation device according to claim 1,
The spinal fixation device, wherein the coupling member includes an oblique edge connected to the through hole of the coupling member at each side of the through hole of the coupling member. The spinal fixation device according to claim 1,
The elongate member is substantially cylindrical and includes a radius of curvature portion, the second radius of curvature portion of the through hole of the coupling member is substantially the same as the radius of curvature portion of the elongate member; A spinal fixation device in which continuous contact exists between an outer surface of the elongated member and a wall defining the second radius of curvature portion. A spinal fixation device according to claim 21,
A spinal fixation device wherein the amount of continuous contact between the outer surface of the elongate member and the wall defining the second radius of curvature is in the range of about 31% to about 50%. A spinal fixation device according to claim 22,
A spinal fixation device wherein the amount of continuous contact is in the range of about 32% to about 45%. A spinal fixation device according to claim 23,
A spinal fixation device wherein the amount of continuous contact is in the range of about 33% to about 40%. A spinal fixation device according to claim 24,
A spinal fixation device wherein the amount of continuous contact is in the range of about 34% to about 38%. A spinal fixation device according to claim 25,
A spinal fixation device wherein the amount of continuous contact is about 35%. The spinal fixation device according to claim 1,
The spinal fixation device, wherein the at least one elongate member includes two generally cylindrical rods. A spinal fixation device according to claim 27,
A spinal fixation device, wherein at least one coupling member is attached to each of the substantially cylindrical rods. A spinal fixation device according to claim 28,
A bridging member for attaching one coupling member disposed on one of the substantially cylindrical rods to another coupling member disposed on the other of the substantially cylindrical rods; A spinal fixation device including, thereby coupling the two generally cylindrical rods together to provide stability to the entire device. The spinal fixation device according to claim 1,
A spinal fixation device further comprising a bridging member. The spinal fixation device according to claim 1,
A spinal fixation device wherein the relative size of the second radius of curvature portion is between about 80% and about 95% of the relative size of the first radius of curvature portion. A spinal fixation device according to claim 31,
A spinal fixation device wherein the relative size of the second radius of curvature portion is about 85% to about 94% of the relative size of the first radius of curvature portion. A spinal fixation device according to claim 32,
The spinal fixation device, wherein the relative size of the second radius of curvature portion is about 90% to about 93% of the relative size of the first radius of curvature portion. The spinal fixation device according to claim 1,
The at least one coupling member includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a plurality of walls extending between the top surface and the bottom surface;
The through hole of the coupling member is defined by a wall and includes a radius, and the wall of the through hole of the coupling member has at least a first radius of curvature portion and a second diameter of the through hole of the coupling member. The radius of curvature of
The first radius of curvature portion when the first radius of curvature portion is greater than the second radius of curvature portion and the elongate member is positioned and secured in a clamping position within the through hole of the coupling member. Is disposed adjacent to the top surface of the coupling member and above the second radius of curvature portion so that the elongate member is secured to the coupling member. A spinal fixation device according to claim 34,
A spinal fixation device further comprising a fastening member structured and sized to be secured to a bone portion of an individual disc. A spinal fixation device according to claim 35,
The spinal fixation device, wherein the coupling member includes a stem portion extending perpendicularly from one of the walls of the coupling member. A spinal fixation device according to claim 36,
The clamp member further includes a clamp member that engages and clamps the stem portion, and the fastening member is attached to the coupling member by the clamp member to secure the device to the spine. A spinal fixation device that is a bone screw. A spinal fixation device according to claim 34,
The coupling member further includes an opening formed in the top surface, the opening starting at the top surface of the coupling member and terminating by opening and intersecting the through hole of the coupling member. Spine fixation device. A spinal fixation device according to claim 38,
The elongate member further includes a securing member sized and configured to be inserted into and engage with the elongate member when the elongate member is disposed within the through hole of the coupling member. Spinal fixation that is adapted to fix the elongate member within the through hole of the coupling member by being biased by the fixing member so as to be in contact with the second radius of curvature portion of the through hole of the coupling member. apparatus. A spinal fixation device according to claim 39,
A spinal fixation device further comprising a fitting member sized and configured to releasably secure and lock the fixation member within the opening of the coupling member to maintain the fixation member therein. A spinal fixation device according to claim 40,
The fixation member includes a threaded portion, the wall defining the opening also includes a threaded portion, and the threaded portion of the securing member is in meshing engagement with the threaded portion of the wall defining the opening. apparatus. A spinal fixation device according to claim 41,
The mating member includes a recess formed by a threaded side wall that mates and engages a threaded portion of the securing member such that the securing member is seated within the opening and the elongated. The elongate member is secured and clamped in the through-hole of the coupling member, thereby covering and holding the securing member so that it does not come back backwards when in contactable engagement with the member, whereby the elongate member A spinal fixation device adapted to secure a member to the coupling member. A spinal fixation device according to claim 34,
Further comprising a bridging member having opposing ends, each of said opposing ends including an eyelet;
A spinal fixation device in which a body is formed between the opposing ends. A spinal fixation device according to claim 43,
The coupling member further includes an opening having a central axis and formed in a top surface of the coupling member, and the central axis of the opening is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the through hole of the coupling member. A spinal fixation device formed so that the opening intersects the through hole of the coupling member. A spinal fixation device according to claim 44,
The fixing member further includes a fixing member that passes through the eyelet of the bridging member and is inserted into the opening of the coupling member, and the fixing member passes through the opening and into the through hole of the coupling member. Spinal fixation that is adapted to extend and contact the elongate member, thereby applying a force to the elongate member that secures the elongate member within the through hole of the coupling member and further attaches the bridging member to the coupling member apparatus. A spinal fixation device according to claim 34,
The spinal fixation device, wherein the coupling member includes, on each side of the through hole of the coupling member, an oblique edge connected to the through hole of the coupling member. The spinal fixation device according to claim 1,
The at least one coupling member includes first and second holes for overlapping to form a through hole of a double diameter coupling member for accommodating the elongated member therein, the first and second holes, And the second hole is defined by the first wall and the second wall, respectively, and the first hole has a larger diameter than the second hole,
The coupling member further includes an opening defined by a sidewall, the opening intersecting the first hole;
And is structured and sized to engage and engage the sidewalls of the opening of the coupling member and secure the elongate member within the second hole, sufficient to extend beyond the opening into the first hole. Including a fixing member having a length;
The securing member contacts the elongated member and a force is applied to the elongated member to engage and engage the outer surface of the elongated member with the second wall of the second hole. A spinal fixation device adapted to secure the elongate member within the second hole. A spinal fixation device according to claim 47,
The opening of the coupling member has a central axis formed substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the through hole of the coupling member, and the opening of the coupling member intersects the through hole of the coupling member. Spinal fixation device. A spinal fixation device according to claim 47,
The spinal fixation device, wherein the elongate member has a diameter approximately the same as the diameter of the second hole, and the diameter of the first hole is larger than both the diameter of the elongate member and the second hole. . A spinal fixation device according to claim 47,
A spinal fixation device further comprising a fastening member structured and sized to be secured to a bone portion of an individual disc. A spinal fixation device according to claim 50,
A spinal fixation device, wherein the coupling member includes a stem portion extending perpendicularly from a side of the coupling member. A spinal fixation device according to claim 51,
A clamp member, wherein the clamp member engages and clamps the stem portion, and the fastening member is a bone screw attached to the coupling member by the clamp member, the bone screw being the spine The clamp spinal fixation device is a bone screw adapted to secure the fixation device to the spine. A spinal fixation device according to claim 47,
The coupling member further includes a top surface and a bottom surface, the opening of the coupling member being defined by a wall, the opening of the coupling member starting at the top surface of the coupling member, and the through-hole of the coupling member A spinal fixation device configured to open and intersect at a point that intersects the first hole. 54. The spinal fixation device of claim 53,
A spinal fixation device further comprising a fitting member, the fitting member being configured and sized to releasably fix and lock the fixing member within the opening of the coupling member. A spinal fixation device according to claim 54,
The fixing member includes an outer wall including a threaded portion, the wall defining the opening of the coupling member includes a threaded portion, and the threaded portion of the fixing member is an opening of the coupling member. A spinal fixation device in meshing engagement with the threaded portion of the wall. A spinal fixation device according to claim 55,
The fitting member is formed by a threaded side wall and engages and engages with a threaded portion of the fixing member so that the fixing member is seated in the opening of the coupling member and can contact the elongated member. Including a recess that covers and retains the securing member so that it does not come back and disengage when engaged, so that the elongate member is secured within a second hole of the through hole of the coupling member; A spinal fixation device that is clamped to secure the elongate member to the coupling member. A spinal fixation device according to claim 47,
A spinal fixation device further comprising a bridging member, each including an eyelet and having opposing ends with a body formed therebetween. 58. The spinal fixation device of claim 57,
The spinal fixation device, wherein the fixing member is inserted into an eyelet of the bridging member and inserted into an opening of the coupling member to attach the bridging member to the coupling member. A spinal fixation device according to claim 47,
A spinal fixation device, wherein the coupling member includes a beveled edge on each side of the through hole of the coupling member connected to and surrounding the first and second holes of the through hole of the coupling member. The spinal fixation device according to claim 1,
The at least one coupling member includes a body portion having a first vertical axis and a second horizontal axis generally perpendicular to the vertical axis;
The at least one coupling member further includes first and second holes that overlap each other to form a double diameter hole for receiving an elongated member therein;
The first hole has a larger diameter than the second hole,
The coupling member further includes an opening defined by a sidewall and intersecting the first hole;
A spinal fixation device wherein the body portion of the elongate member is symmetric about the vertical axis. 61. A spinal fixation device according to claim 60,
A spinal fixation device wherein the body portion of the coupling member is asymmetric with respect to the transverse axis. 61. A spinal fixation device according to claim 60,
A spinal fixation device further comprising at least one elongate member having an outer surface and configured and dimensioned to be attached to at least two discs of the spine. A spinal fixation device according to claim 62,
And further including a fixing member configured and sized to engage and engage a sidewall of the opening of the coupling member and secure the elongated member within the second hole, the fixing member extending beyond the opening of the coupling member. And a spinal fixation device having a length sufficient to extend into the first hole. A spinal fixation device according to claim 63,
A spine adapted to be fixed in the second hole by contacting the elongate member with the fixation member and the outer surface of the elongate member engaging and engaging the second wall of the second hole. Fixing device. 61. A spinal fixation device according to claim 60,
A spinal fixation device, wherein the coupling member includes a stem portion extending outwardly from the body portion.

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