The present invention relates generally to instruments used to manipulate orthopedic implants. More particularly, the present invention relates to the manipulation of bone anchoring elements positioned in the spine that may be connected to longitudinal members extending along the length of the spine. While the invention is particularly useful in spinal surgery, it may find use in other areas of medicine as well.
In many applications, particularly those related to spinal correction techniques, it is desirable to place a series of implants in a patient's spine prior to inserting a longitudinal member (a rod or a plate) along the spine to interconnect the previously placed implants. Placement of the bone anchoring elements can be a challenging surgical procedure as the surgical access to the spinal column is limited and there is a need for very precise placement.
As a result of the demands of the surgical procedure, there remains a need for improvements to surgical instruments that can hold and push orthopedic implants.
In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a surgical instrument for placement of orthopedic implants. The surgical instrument comprises a shaft having a distal portion, an opposite proximal portion and a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument includes a driving surface associated with an implant receiving area extending distally from the shoulder. A retaining member extends distally from the implant receiving area and is adapted to be moveable to hold an implant to the surgical instrument.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a combination orthopedic implant and surgical instrument for holding and driving the implant. This combination comprises a surgical instrument with a driving area and retaining member operable on the distal portion of the implant between a locked retaining position and a released open position.
In yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for implanting an orthopedic implant. The surgical method comprises providing a surgical instrument having a driving surface and a distally extending retaining member. An implant is positioned adjacent the driving surface and the retaining member is moved to engage the implant and retain it adjacent the driving surface. The implant is positioned in a patient's body, the retaining member is moved to a spaced relation away from the implant, and the surgical instrument is removed.
Related objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
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In use, driving assembly 30 is positioned and aligned above internal cavity 90 with the implant mating area 34 positioned such that protrusions 36 substantially match and align with the internal contours of cavity 90. The implant is then moved transverse to longitudinal axis L2 to seat implant mating area 34 within internal cavity 90. In the illustrated embodiment, this movement is conducted with one hand positioned on handle 12 and the thumb of the same hand depressing actuator 18 such that retaining member 40 is in the released position. As will be understood, it is possible that the operator may use the opposing hand to hold the spinal implant before insertion into the implant holder 10. In the alternative, spinal hook 80 may be positioned in a hook holder or otherwise in a tray such that it may be picked up by implant holder 10 using only the single hand positioned on the instrument. It will be appreciated that in one aspect, although not required for all aspects, the present invention provides an instrument for gripping and driving an implant that is operable for these functions with only one hand of the user. After implant mating area 34 is positioned within internal cavity 90 the operator may release thumb actuator 18. Biasing member 58 will then apply tension on cable 50 to urge retaining member 40 against the exterior surface 84 of the implant. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal surface of retaining member 40 includes projections 42 and 44 that may be received within receiving cavities 86 and 88 on the implant, respectively. It will be appreciated that while projections 42 and 44 are disposed within recesses 86 and 88, respectively, the implant 80 cannot be removed from the implant mating area 34.
In one aspect, implant mating area 34 is sized and configured to have a slightly smaller external dimension than the internal dimension of internal cavity 90 to permit the implant to move proximally in response to force applied by the retaining member 40 on the distal exterior surface of the implant. In this manner, the retaining member 40 urges the proximal outer surface 87 on the proximal portion of hook 80 against driving surface 32 of flange 28. As a result, implant 80 is squeezed between the implant engaging surface of the retaining member 40 and the driving surface 32. Further, when it is necessary to apply a driving force on implant 80 the force is transmitted from driving surface 32 to the exterior surface 87 of the implant. In the illustrated aspect, implant receiving area 34 and retaining member 40 can be formed in a less robust form permitting a lower profile since they do not need to be constructed to transmit a driving force to the implant 80. Moreover, the protrusions 36 on implant mating area 34 inhibit rotation of implant 80 with respect to implant holder 10. As a result, the hook 80 is firmly attached to implant holder 10 and may be driven with significant force into position.
In an alternative configuration, the flange 28 and associated driving surface 32 may be greatly diminished or omitted. In this configuration, implant receiving area 34 is configured with a driving surface to engage the interior surface of the cavity of the implant. It will be understood that at least a portion of the implant receiving area 34 will be configured for engagement with the implant to transmit impaction forces to the implant.
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The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.