The present invention generally relates to systems, devices and methods for bending an elongate member used in association with a medical procedure. In one form, the medical procedure is a spinal stabilization procedure wherein an orthopedic construct is engaged along the spinal column, and the elongate member is a rod component anchored to the spinal column by a number of bone anchors.
The use of spinal constructs to stabilize and support a portion of the spinal column has become commonplace. In particular, spinal constructs frequently include several bone anchors that are anchored to various portions of the spinal column, and an elongate rod that extends between and is engaged with the bone anchors to provide stabilization and support to the spinal column. Typically, the elongate rod is initially provided in a substantially straight configuration, and is subsequently bent or contoured to facilitate engagement with each of the bone anchors and/or to provide a desired spinal curvature.
In the past, bending or contouring of elongate rods was accomplished by instruments or tools that relied solely on application of a mechanical bending force. However, prior techniques and instrumentation for bending elongate rods required application of excessive bending forces, and also risked fracturing or weakening of the elongate rod and/or degrading the material properties associated with the elongate rod. In this regard, the desire persists for improved rod bending/contouring capabilities. Thus, there is a need for additional contributions in this area of technology.
One nonlimiting embodiment of the present invention is directed to a system for bending a heat deformable elongate member used in association with a medical procedure. In one form of the present invention, the medical procedure is a spinal stabilization procedure, and the elongate member is a rod component anchored to the spinal column by a number of bone anchors. However, bending of other types of elongate members is also contemplated by the present invention. Additionally, the heated heat deformable elongate member softens as it is heated to provide increased flexibility to facilitate bending/contouring of the elongate member.
In one embodiment, the system includes a heating element to heat a portion of a heat deformable rod. The rod is heated to its glass transition temperature (Tg). A portion of the heated rod adjacent to the heated portion is bent using an insulated fabric. The insulated fabric protects the user from being burned by the rod. The insulated fabric may include a plurality of semi-rigid coils to assist in the bending of the rod and yet presents limitations to prevent crushing of the rod. The underside of the insulated fabric is lined with a non-stick coating to prevent the softened rod from adhering to the fabric.
In another embodiment of the invention, the heat deformable elongate member is comprised of a thermoplastic material such as PEEK. The heat deformable elongate member can be a rod, plate and other comparable heat sensitive items. The insulated fabric is formed into a cylindrical sheath that surrounds the PEEK rod. The heating element is integrated into the plurality of semi-rigid coils that are used to aid in bending the rod, as well as protecting the structural integrity of the rod during the bending process. The inside surface of the sheath may be coated with Teflon to prevent the softened rod from adhering to the sheath.
Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description and figures provided herewith.
For the purposes 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 on the scope of the invention is intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and described methods and further applications of the principles of the invention as disclosed herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
Systems, devices and methods for bending or contouring an elongate member used in association with a medical procedure are provided. In one form, the medical procedure is part of a stabilization procedure wherein a spinal construct is engaged along the spinal column. In a further form, the elongate member is a rod component anchored to the spinal column by a number of bone anchors to provide stabilization and support to the spinal column. However, other types of elongate members are also contemplated for use in association with the present invention, including plate components or other suitable types of elongate support components. In one embodiment, the bone anchors are initially anchored to portions of the spinal column, followed by engagement of the rod component to the bone anchors. The rod component may require bending or contouring to allow for interconnection with the bone anchors and/or to provide a desired spinal curvature. The spinal construct may be used in association with, but is not limited to, treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis, fracture, dislocation, scoliosis, kyphosis, or spinal tumors.
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Any theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding stated herein is meant to further enhance understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to make the present invention in any way dependent upon such theory, mechanism of operation, proof or finding. It should be understood that while the use of the word preferable, preferably or preferred in the description above indicates that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary, and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the application, that scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” “at least a portion” are used, there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary on the claim. Further, when the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used, the item may include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.
While the application has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes, modifications and equivalents that come within the spirit of the invention as defined herein or by any of the following claims are desired to be protected.