Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080262549 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DEPLOYING SPINOUS PROCESS CONSTRAINTS - An exemplary method for constraining spinous processes to elastically limit flexion of a spinal segment comprises piercing an interspinous ligament to form a first penetration above an upper side of an upper spinous process and advancing a first end of a first tether through the first penetration. The interspinous ligament is pierced again to form a second penetration below a lower side of a lower spinous process and a second end of a second tether is advanced through the second penetration. Joining the first and second tethers together forms an extensible tether structure coupling the upper and lower spinous processes together while permitting extension therebetween. Adjusting the tether structure sets relative distance or angle between the upper and lower spinous processes to a target value. | 10-23-2008 |
20080319487 | Methods and Devices for Controlled Flexion Restriction of Spinal Segments - A system for restricting spinal flexion includes superior and inferior tether structures joined by a pair of compliance members. Compliance members comprise tension members which apply a relatively low elastic tension on the tether structures. By placing the tether structures on or over adjacent spinous processes, flexion of a spinal segment can be controlled in order to reduce pain. | 12-25-2008 |
20090264929 | STRUCTURES AND METHODS FOR CONSTRAINING SPINAL PROCESSES WITH SINGLE CONNECTOR - Spinous process constraint structures include a first attachment element for placement over a first spinous process and a second attachment element for placement over a second spinous process. The attachment elements are joined by a single connector which may optionally include a compliance member for providing controlled elasticity between the spinous processes. | 10-22-2009 |
20090264932 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONSTRAINT OF MULTIPLE SPINE SEGMENTS - Methods, apparatus and systems for constraining spinous processes to elastically limit flexion of two or more adjacent spinal segments rely on placing a tether structure over at least three adjacent vertebral bodies or two adjacent vertebral bodies and the sacrum. The tether structures may be continuous, for example in the form of a continuous loop, or may be discontinuous, for example in the form of a loop or elongate element having at least two anchor structures for securing in bone. | 10-22-2009 |
20100023060 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LOCKING A BAND - A surgical fastening mechanism for releasably locking an implantable tether includes a housing having a central channel. The housing has an entry aperture, an exit aperture and a side channel extending therebetween. A roller element has a sidewall with an aperture therethrough and the roller is slidably disposed at least partially in the central channel such that the entry and exit apertures are at least partially aligned with the roller aperture. This permits passage of the tether therethrough. Rotation of the roller element in a first direction winds the tether around the roller thereby creating a friction interface between the roller element, the housing and the tether. A locking mechanism is operably connected with either the housing or the roller element and is adapted to prevent rotation of the roller in the central channel and also adapted to prevent release of the tether from the roller. | 01-28-2010 |
20100036424 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INCREASING THE BENDING STIFFNESS AND CONSTRAINING THE SPREADING OF A SPINAL SEGMENT - A system for restricting spinal flexion includes superior and inferior tether structures joined by a pair of compliance members. Compliance members comprise tension members which apply a relatively low elastic tension on the tether structures. By placing the tether structures on or over adjacent spinous processes, flexion of a spinal segment can be controlled in order to reduce pain. | 02-11-2010 |
20100234890 | SURGICAL TETHER APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USE - A spinal treatment system includes a constraint device having an upper tether portion, a lower tether portion and a compliance member coupled therebetween. The upper tether portion is coupled with a superior spinous process of a spinal segment in a patient and the lower tether portion is coupled with an inferior spinous process or sacrum of the spinal segment. The length or tension in the constraint device is adjustable so that the construct of the tether portions and the compliance member provides a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment. The system also includes a first prosthesis coupled with the spinal segment, wherein the constraint device modulates loads borne by the prosthesis or by tissue adjacent thereto. | 09-16-2010 |
20100234894 | SURGICAL TETHER APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USE - Methods and apparatus for controlling flexion in a spinal segment of a patient include performing a spinal fusion procedure on a pair of adjacent vertebrae in the spinal segment and implanting a constraint device into the patient. Adjusting length or tension in the constraint device allows the constraint device to provide a force a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment undergoing fusion. The constraint device also modulates loads borne by the spinal segment undergoing fusion or tissue adjacent thereto. | 09-16-2010 |
20100249839 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING SHEAR LOADING CAPACITY OF A SPINAL SEGMENT - A method for improving shear loading capacity of a spinal segment having a superior vertebra, an inferior vertebra or sacrum, and a facet joint, includes providing a constraint device having an upper portion, a lower portion and a compliance member coupled therebetween. The constraint device is coupled with the spinal segment such that the upper portion of the constraint device is coupled with the superior vertebra and the lower portion of the constraint device is coupled with the inferior vertebra or a sacrum. The constraint device provides a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment. Also, length or tension in the constraint device is adjusted so as to increase engagement between an upper portion of the facet joint and a lower portion of the facet joint, thereby increasing capacity of the spinal segment to resist shear loading. | 09-30-2010 |
20110172708 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INCREASING THE BENDING STIFFNESS OF A SPINAL SEGMENT WITH ELONGATION LIMIT - A system for restricting spinal flexion includes a compliance member having a body and an elongation limit. The body typically comprises a spring or other tension element which provides elastic constraint to the spinal segment when the compliance member is attached to the spinous processes. The elongation limit prevents overextension of the compliance member, thus reducing the likelihood that the patient will experience over flexion of the spinal segment and reducing the risk of placing excessive mechanical load on the compliance member. | 07-14-2011 |
20110288589 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LOCKING A BAND - Fastening mechanisms for releasably locking a tether are provided. The mechanisms find application with orthopedic internal-fixation implants and make the implants more reliable and their implantation less invasive. A method for releasably locking a tether comprises advancing the tether through a tether aperture in a clamp body. The tether enters the tether aperture in a first plane and exits in a second plane generally transverse to the first plane. Positioning a fastener element in a fastener aperture in the clamp body captures the tether between the clamp body and the fastener element thereby releasably locking the tether in position relative to the clamp body. | 11-24-2011 |
20110295318 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR LATERALLY STABILIZED CONSTRAINT OF SPINOUS PROCESSES - A spinal implant for limiting flexion of the spine includes a tether structure for encircling adjacent spinal processes. Usually, a pair of compliance members will be provided as part of the tether structure for elastically limiting flexion while permitting an extension. A cross-member is provided between the compliance member or other portions of the tether structure to stabilize the tether structure and prevent misalignment after implantation. | 12-01-2011 |
20110295322 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INCREASING THE BENDING STIFFNESS AND CONSTRAINING THE SPREADING OF A SPINAL SEGMENT - A system for restricting spinal flexion includes superior and inferior tether structures joined by a pair of compliance members. Compliance members comprise tension members which apply a relatively low elastic tension on the tether structures. By placing the tether structures on or over adjacent spinous processes, flexion of a spinal segment can be controlled in order to reduce pain. | 12-01-2011 |
20120059419 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COUPLING A PROSTHESIS TO A SPINAL SEGMENT - A method for coupling a prosthesis to a spinal segment in a patient includes the steps of selecting first and second reference points disposed along the spinal segment and pre-operatively measuring a target distance. The target distance extends between the first and second reference points while the patient is in a preferred posture such as the standing position. A prosthesis is coupled to the spinal segment and the prosthesis is then intra-operatively adjusted in order to set the distance between the first and second reference points based on the target distance. | 03-08-2012 |
20120109199 | MODULATED CONSTRAINING APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USE - A constraining apparatus includes a constraining structure that captures a first and a second anatomical structure. A motion limiting member coupled with the constraining structure is adapted to provide a force resistant to relative movement of the first anatomical structure away from the second anatomical structure. A regulating member is detachably coupled with the motion limiting member or the constraining structure and is adapted to change the resistant force provided by the motion limiting member when the regulating member is in direct engagement with the motion limiting member or constraining structure. | 05-03-2012 |
20120109200 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR RESTRICTING FLEXION AND EXTENSION OF A SPINAL SEGMENT - Methods and devices for restricting movement of a spinal segment by providing an adjustable constraining device that includes a tether and a compliance member coupled together. The tether is coupled to a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process or a sacrum so that the construct of the compliance member and tethers provides a force resistant to flexion and a force resistant to extension of a spinal segment. In some embodiments, the construct of the compliance member and tethers may provide only a force resistant to extension. | 05-03-2012 |
20120150231 | SACRAL TETHER ANCHOR AND METHODS OF USE - A system for restricting flexion of a spinal segment in a patient comprises a constraint device having a tether structure and a compliance member coupled with the tether structure. The tether structure is adapted to be coupled with a superior spinous process and a sacrum. The system also includes an anchor member that is anchored to the sacrum. The anchor member has an attachment feature that is adapted to couple with the constraint device. | 06-14-2012 |
20120165872 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONSTRAINT OF MULTIPLE SPINE SEGMENTS - Methods, apparatus and systems for constraining spinous processes to elastically limit flexion of two or more adjacent spinal segments rely on placing a tether structure over at least three adjacent vertebral bodies or two adjacent vertebral bodies and the sacrum. The tether structures may be continuous, for example in the form of a continuous loop, or may be discontinuous, for example in the form of a loop or elongate element having at least two anchor structures for securing in bone. | 06-28-2012 |
20120184998 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONSTRAINT OF MULTIPLE SPINE SEGMENTS - Methods, apparatus and systems for constraining spinous processes to elastically limit flexion of two or more adjacent spinal segments rely on placing a tether structure over at least three adjacent vertebral bodies or two adjacent vertebral bodies and the sacrum. The tether structures may be continuous, for example in the form of a continuous loop, or may be discontinuous, for example in the form of a loop or elongate element having at least two anchor structures for securing in bone. | 07-19-2012 |
20120209328 | STRUCTURES AND METHODS FOR CONSTRAINING SPINAL PROCESSES WITH SINGLE CONNECTOR - Spinous process constraint structures include a first attachment element for placement over a first spinous process and a second attachment element for placement over a second spinous process. The attachment elements are joined by a single connector which may optionally include a compliance member for providing controlled elasticity between the spinous processes. | 08-16-2012 |
20120265249 | DEVICE AND ACCESSORIES FOR LIMITING FLEXION - A device may be used to limit flexion of the spine without substantially limiting extension of the spine. Various accessories, instruments, and methods may be used to help deploy the flexion limiting device, manipulate, and adjust it. | 10-18-2012 |
20130253584 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR LATERALLY STABILIZED CONSTRAINT OF SPINOUS PROCESSES - A spinal implant for limiting flexion of the spine includes a tether structure for encircling adjacent spinal processes. Usually, a pair of compliance members will be provided as part of the tether structure for elastically limiting flexion while permitting an extension. A cross-member is provided between the compliance member or other portions of the tether structure to stabilize the tether structure and prevent misalignment after implantation. | 09-26-2013 |
20130274748 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LOCKING A BAND - A surgical fastening mechanism for releasably locking an implantable tether includes a housing having a central channel. The housing has an entry aperture, an exit aperture and a side channel extending therebetween. A roller element has a sidewall with an aperture therethrough and the roller is slidably disposed at least partially in the central channel such that the entry and exit apertures are at least partially aligned with the roller aperture. This permits passage of the tether therethrough. Rotation of the roller element in a first direction winds the tether around the roller thereby creating a friction interface between the roller element, the housing and the tether. A locking mechanism is operably connected with either the housing or the roller element and is adapted to prevent rotation of the roller in the central channel and also adapted to prevent release of the tether from the roller. | 10-17-2013 |
20130325065 | SPINOUS PROCESS CERCLAGE FOR BONE GRAFT CONTAINMENT - A system for fusing a spine comprises a flexion limiting tether having a superior portion, and an inferior portion. The superior portion of the device is coupled to a superior portion of the spine, and the inferior portion of the device is coupled to an inferior portion of the spine thereby constraining flexion of the spine. The system also includes bone graft for fusing the superior and inferior portions of the spine together. The bone graft is disposed between the superior and inferior portions of the spine, and the tether has a width suitable for holding the bone graft in a mass disposed between the superior and inferior portions of the spine. The tether also has a porosity suitable to allow body fluids to pass therethrough so that the graft material forms a solid mass. | 12-05-2013 |
20130325068 | FLEXION LIMITING DEVICE WITH SPINOUS PROCESS ATTACHMENT - A device for restricting flexion of a spine comprises a pair of compliance members that are disposed around a spinal midline, an upper fastener, and a lower fastener. The upper fastener is configured to be coupled to a superior spinous process and the lower fastener is configured to be coupled to an inferior spinous process. The pair of compliance members are coupled to the upper and the lower fasteners such that the compliance members provide a force resistant to flexion between the upper and the lower spinous processes. | 12-05-2013 |
20130331889 | SACRAL TETHER ANCHOR AND METHODS OF USE - A system for restricting flexion of a spinal segment in a patient comprises a constraint device having a tether structure and a compliance member coupled with the tether structure. The tether structure is adapted to be coupled with a superior spinous process and a sacrum. The system also includes an anchor member that is anchored to the sacrum. The anchor member has an attachment feature that is adapted to couple with the constraint device. | 12-12-2013 |
20140012326 | SURGICAL TETHER APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USE - A spinal treatment system includes a constraint device having an upper tether portion, a lower tether portion and a compliance member coupled therebetween. The upper tether portion is coupled with a superior spinous process of a spinal segment in a patient and the lower tether portion is coupled with an inferior spinous process or sacrum of the spinal segment. The length or tension in the constraint device is adjustable so that the construct of the tether portions and the compliance member provides a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment. The system also includes a first prosthesis coupled with the spinal segment, wherein the constraint device modulates loads borne by the prosthesis or by tissue adjacent thereto. | 01-09-2014 |
20140039558 | SURGICAL TETHER APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USE - Methods and apparatus for controlling flexion in a spinal segment of a patient include performing a spinal fusion procedure on a pair of adjacent vertebrae in the spinal segment and implanting a constraint device into the patient. Adjusting length or tension in the constraint device allows the constraint device to provide a force a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment undergoing fusion. The constraint device also modulates loads borne by the spinal segment undergoing fusion or tissue adjacent thereto. | 02-06-2014 |
20140052186 | MODULATED CONSTRAINING APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USE - A constraining apparatus includes a constraining structure that captures a first and a second anatomical structure. A motion limiting member coupled with the constraining structure is adapted to provide a force resistant to relative movement of the first anatomical structure away from the second anatomical structure. A regulating member is detachably coupled with the motion limiting member or the constraining structure and is adapted to change the resistant force provided by the motion limiting member when the regulating member is in direct engagement with the motion limiting member or constraining structure. | 02-20-2014 |
20140135838 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING SHEAR LOADING CAPACITY OF A SPINAL SEGMENT - A method for improving shear loading capacity of a spinal segment having a superior vertebra, an inferior vertebra or sacrum, and a facet joint, includes providing a constraint device having an upper portion, a lower portion and a compliance member coupled therebetween. The constraint device is coupled with the spinal segment such that the upper portion of the constraint device is coupled with the superior vertebra and the lower portion of the constraint device is coupled with the inferior vertebra or a sacrum. The constraint device provides a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment. Also, length or tension in the constraint device is adjusted so as to increase engagement between an upper portion of the facet joint and a lower portion of the facet joint, thereby increasing capacity of the spinal segment to resist shear loading. | 05-15-2014 |
20140180340 | DEVICE AND ACCESSORIES FOR LIMITING FLEXION - A device may be used to limit flexion of the spine without substantially limiting extension of the spine. Various accessories, instruments, and methods may be used to help deploy the flexion limiting device, manipulate, and adjust it. | 06-26-2014 |