MULTILEVEL FACET/LAMINAR FIXATION SYSTEM

Abstract

In a spinal stabilization system a facet fixation device is interconnected to an anchor or fixation device driven into a portion of the spine. The facet fixation device has a proximal head and a distal fastener providing compression across a facet joint. A rigid or elastic member interconnects the proximal head of the facet fixation device to the anchor or fixation device, facilitating static or dynamic stabilization. The facet fixation device may extend directly across the facet joint, or a translaminar or laminar transverse process facet (LTPF) fixation device may be used. In the preferred embodiment the facet fixation device includes a distal tip which is self-cutting and tapping. The anchor may be a pedicle screw. The fixation device itself be a facet fixation device, and the facet fixation device may be connected to the anchor or fixation through two members joined with a coupling unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a posterior view of an existing, typical rod/plate spinal alignment system anchored with pedicle screws;

FIG. 2 is a posterior view of an existing translaminar, transfacet alignment system utilizing a screw that courses through the lamina and through the facet joint on the other side;

FIG. 3 is a drawing of a typical existing transfacet screw fixation system;

FIG. 4 is a drawing of a laminar transverse process fixation (TPF) fixation approach according to the invention, wherein the distal end of the fastener includes a component that facilitates compression across the facet joint;

FIG. 5 is a posterior view of the more comprehensive embodiment of the invention, utilizing a laminar transverse process approach, a locking facet fixation component, and a pedicle screw that engages with the sacrum;

FIG. 6 is a lateral view of the system of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a posterior view of another embodiment of the invention, wherein a universal joint connector is used to stabilize bilateral transfacet fixation devices;

FIG. 8A is an exploded view of a locking mechanism utilized for laminar transverse process fixation; translaminar fixation; or locking facet fixation;

FIG. 8B is a drawing of a preferred universal joint connector;

FIG. 8C is a drawing that shows a pedicle screw fixation apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 9 is a drawing that shows a facet gun that may be used for direct facet fixation or, alternatively, translaminar, fractured bone, corrective osteotomy and other stabilization applications;

FIG. 10 is a drawing which shows the way in which the instant invention may be used for dynamic stabilization;

FIG. 11 is a drawing that shows the way in which the invention may be used for anterior/lateral vertebral segmental fixation;

FIG. 12 is a side-view drawing that shows the way in which the invention may be applied to locking both fractured bone fixation; and

FIG. 13 is a drawing that shows the way in which the invention may be applied to corrective osteotomy and stabilization or alignment limb lengthening as part of a bony deformation correction approach.

Claims

1. A spinal stabilization system, comprising: an anchor or fixation device driven into a portion of a spine;a facet fixation device having a proximal head and a distal fastener providing compression across a facet joint; anda member interconnecting the proximal head of the facet fixation device to an anchor or fixation device.

2. The spinal stabilization system of claim 1, wherein the facet fixation device extends directly across a facet joint.

3. The spinal stabilization system of claim 1, wherein the facet fixation device is a translaminar facet fixation device.

4. The spinal stabilization system of claim 1, wherein the facet fixation device is a laminar transverse process facet fixation device.

5. The spinal stabilization system of claim 1, wherein the member is a rigid rod or plate.

6. The spinal stabilization system of claim 1, wherein the member includes an elastic component facilitating at least a degree of dynamic stabilization.

7. The spinal stabilization system of claim 1, wherein the facet fixation device includes a distal tip which is self-cutting and tapping.

8. The spinal stabilization system of claim 1, wherein the anchor is a pedicle screw.

9. The spinal stabilization system of claim 1, wherein the fixation device is a facet fixation device.

10. The spinal stabilization system of claim 1, wherein the facet fixation device is connected to the anchor or fixation through two members joined with a coupling unit.