US6793656B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Systems and methods for fixation of adjacent vertebrae
Assignee: SDGI Holdings Inc
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Filing: 2000-03-06
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Granted: 2004-09-21
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Expires: 2020-03-06
Abstract
Abstract A method for internal fixation of vertebra of the spine to facilitate graft fusion includes steps for excising the nucleus of an affected disc, preparing a bone graft, instrumenting the vertebrae for fixation, and introducing the bone graft into the resected nuclear space. Disc resection is conducted through two portals through the annulus, with one portal supporting resection instruments and the other supporting a viewing device. The fixation hardware is inserted through small incisions aligned with each pedicle to be instrumented. The hardware includes bone screws, fixation plates, engagement nuts, and linking members. In an important aspect of the method, the fixation plates, engagement nuts and linking members are supported suprafascially but subcutaneously so that the fascia and muscle tissue are not damaged. The bone screw is configured to support the fixation hardware above the fascia. In a further aspect of the invention, a three component dilator system is provided for use during the bone screw implantation steps of the method.
Inventors
- 👤 Hallett H. Mathews
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:37
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/44; A61F2/4455; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68; A61B17/70; A61B17/7001; A61B17/7002; A61B17/7004; A61B17/7007; A61B17/7049; A61B17/7059; A61B17/84; A61B17/86; A61F2/442; A61F2/28; A61F2002/2835; A61F2002/2839; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30329; A61F2002/448; A61F2002/449; A61F2220/00; A61F2220/0025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 29
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
A minimally invasive surgical method for fixing adiacent vertebrae, comprising: sequentially dilating tissue with a number of dilators, of which an outer dilator provides an access portal to a disc space between the adjacent vertebrae; and fusing the adjacent vertebrae with material introduced through the sequentially dilated portal, wherein sequentially dilating the skin and tissue includes placing at least three dilator tubes of increasing inner bore diameter one over the other and withdrawing the inner dilator tubes to provide the access portal to the disc space through the last inserted dilator tube.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
92 words
A minimally invasive surgical method for fixing adiacent vertebrae, comprising: sequentially dilating tissue with a number of dilators, of which an outer dilator provides an access portal to a disc space between the adjacent vertebrae; and fusing the adjacent vertebrae with material introduced through the sequentially dilated portal, wherein sequentially dilating the skin and tissue includes placing at least three dilator tubes of increasing inner bore diameter one over the other and withdrawing the inner dilator tubes to provide the access portal to the disc space through the last inserted dilator tube.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising performing a discectomy through the access portal before fusing the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising securing fixation instrumentation to the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 3 , wherein the fixation instrumentation is secured to the pedicles of the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising: sequentially dilating skin and tissue to provide a second access portal to a disc space between the adjacent vertebrae; and visualizing the disc space through the second access portal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the material includes bone graft material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 6 , further comprising: sequentially dilating skin and tissue to provide a second access portal to a disc space between the adjacent vertebrae; and visualizing the delivery of bone graft material to the disc space through the access portal with a viewing instrument in the second access portal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
91 words
A minimally invasive surgical system for fusing adjacent vertebrae, comprising: at least three tissue dilators each including a bore therethrough, said bores being of increasing diameter wherein said at least three tissue dilators are positionable one over the other to sequentially dilate tissue to provide access through tissue to at least one of the adjacent vertebrae; at least one bone screw engageable to each of the adjacent vertebrae; and an elongated fixation element extendable between the adjacent vertebrae when implanted and engageable to each bone screw engaged to the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
91 words
A minimally invasive surgical system for fusing adjacent vertebrae, comprising: at least three tissue dilators each including a bore therethrough, said bores being of increasing diameter wherein said at least three tissue dilators are positionable one over the other to sequentially dilate tissue to provide access through tissue to at least one of the adjacent vertebrae; at least one bone screw engageable to each of the adjacent vertebrae; and an elongated fixation element extendable between the adjacent vertebrae when implanted and engageable to each bone screw engaged to the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 8 , further comprising a guide wire for guiding placement of the at least three tissue dilators.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 8 , further comprising bone graft material positionable in a spinal disc space between the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 8 , wherein the elongated fixation element is a plate.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
95 words
A three component dilator system for use in implantation of a bone screw into a vertebra, comprising: a first tubular dilator having a tapered end, a first length and a first diameter; a second tubular dilator having a tapered end, a second length and a second diameter; a third tubular dilator having a tapered end, a third length and a third diameter; a bone screw, wherein said first diameter is sized to receive said bone screw therethrough; and wherein said first length is shorter than said second length which is shorter than said third length.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
95 words
A three component dilator system for use in implantation of a bone screw into a vertebra, comprising: a first tubular dilator having a tapered end, a first length and a first diameter; a second tubular dilator having a tapered end, a second length and a second diameter; a third tubular dilator having a tapered end, a third length and a third diameter; a bone screw, wherein said first diameter is sized to receive said bone screw therethrough; and wherein said first length is shorter than said second length which is shorter than said third length.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
59 words
The three component dilator system of claim 12 , wherein: said second tubular dilator has a second end opposite said tapered end, said second dilator having a knurled outer surface adjacent said second end; and said third tubular dilator has a second end opposite said tapered end, said third dilator having a knurled outer surface adjacent said second end.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 12 , wherein said first diameter is at least 5.5 millimeters.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
51 words
A minimally invasive surgical method for fixing adjacent vertebrae, comprising: sequentially dilating skin and tissue to provide an access portal to a disc space between the adjacent vertebrae; and fusing the adjacent vertebrae with material introduced through the sequentially dilated portal; and securing fixation instrumentation to pedicles of the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
51 words
A minimally invasive surgical method for fixing adjacent vertebrae, comprising: sequentially dilating skin and tissue to provide an access portal to a disc space between the adjacent vertebrae; and fusing the adjacent vertebrae with material introduced through the sequentially dilated portal; and securing fixation instrumentation to pedicles of the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 15 , comprising performing a discectomy through the access portal before fusing the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 15 , further comprising: sequentially dilating skin and tissue to provide a second access portal to a disc space between the adjacent vertebrae; and visualizing the disc space through the second access portal.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 15 , wherein the material includes bone graft material.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 18 , further comprising: sequentially dilating skin and tissue to provide a second access portal to a disc space between the adjacent vertebrae; and visualizing the delivery of bone graft material to the disc space through the access portal with a viewing instrument in the second access portal.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 15 , wherein sequentially dilating the skin and tissue includes placing at least three dilator tubes of increasing inner bore diameter one over the other and withdrawing the inner dilator tubes to provide the access portal to the disc space through the last inserted dilator tube.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
74 words
A minimally invasive surgical system for fusing adjacent vertebrae, comprising: at least three tissue dilators each including a bore therethrough, said bores being of increasing diameter wherein said at least three tissue dilators are positionable one over the other to sequentially dilate tissue and provide an access portal through tissue to a disc space between adjacent vertebrae; and bone graft material deliverable through the access portal to the disc space between the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
74 words
A minimally invasive surgical system for fusing adjacent vertebrae, comprising: at least three tissue dilators each including a bore therethrough, said bores being of increasing diameter wherein said at least three tissue dilators are positionable one over the other to sequentially dilate tissue and provide an access portal through tissue to a disc space between adjacent vertebrae; and bone graft material deliverable through the access portal to the disc space between the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 21 , further comprising: at least one bone screw engageable to each of the adjacent vertebrae; and an elongated fixation element extendable between the adjacent vertebrae when implanted and engageable to each bone screw engaged to the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 22 , wherein the elongated fixation element is a plate.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 21 , further comprising a guide wire for guiding placement of the at least three tissue dilators.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-09-21 | 2008-03-22 | 2008-09-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-09-21 | 2012-03-22 | 2012-09-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-09-21 | 2016-03-22 | 2016-09-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |