US20140364911A1 - Spring loaded mechanism for managing scoliosis - Google Patents
Spring loaded mechanism for managing scoliosis Download PDFInfo
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- US20140364911A1 US20140364911A1 US14/303,759 US201414303759A US2014364911A1 US 20140364911 A1 US20140364911 A1 US 20140364911A1 US 201414303759 A US201414303759 A US 201414303759A US 2014364911 A1 US2014364911 A1 US 2014364911A1
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- rod
- spinal implant
- latch member
- ratchet
- throughchannel
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/56—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor
- A61B17/58—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor for osteosynthesis, e.g. bone plates, screws, setting implements or the like
- A61B17/68—Internal fixation devices, including fasteners and spinal fixators, even if a part thereof projects from the skin
- A61B17/70—Spinal positioners or stabilisers ; Bone stabilisers comprising fluid filler in an implant
- A61B17/7001—Screws or hooks combined with longitudinal elements which do not contact vertebrae
- A61B17/7002—Longitudinal elements, e.g. rods
- A61B17/7019—Longitudinal elements having flexible parts, or parts connected together, such that after implantation the elements can move relative to each other
- A61B17/7026—Longitudinal elements having flexible parts, or parts connected together, such that after implantation the elements can move relative to each other with a part that is flexible due to its form
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/56—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor
- A61B17/58—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor for osteosynthesis, e.g. bone plates, screws, setting implements or the like
- A61B17/68—Internal fixation devices, including fasteners and spinal fixators, even if a part thereof projects from the skin
- A61B17/70—Spinal positioners or stabilisers ; Bone stabilisers comprising fluid filler in an implant
- A61B17/7001—Screws or hooks combined with longitudinal elements which do not contact vertebrae
- A61B17/7002—Longitudinal elements, e.g. rods
- A61B17/7019—Longitudinal elements having flexible parts, or parts connected together, such that after implantation the elements can move relative to each other
- A61B17/7023—Longitudinal elements having flexible parts, or parts connected together, such that after implantation the elements can move relative to each other with a pivot joint
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/56—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor
- A61B17/58—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor for osteosynthesis, e.g. bone plates, screws, setting implements or the like
- A61B17/68—Internal fixation devices, including fasteners and spinal fixators, even if a part thereof projects from the skin
- A61B17/70—Spinal positioners or stabilisers ; Bone stabilisers comprising fluid filler in an implant
- A61B17/7001—Screws or hooks combined with longitudinal elements which do not contact vertebrae
- A61B17/7002—Longitudinal elements, e.g. rods
- A61B17/7019—Longitudinal elements having flexible parts, or parts connected together, such that after implantation the elements can move relative to each other
- A61B17/7025—Longitudinal elements having flexible parts, or parts connected together, such that after implantation the elements can move relative to each other with a sliding joint
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/56—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor
- A61B17/58—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor for osteosynthesis, e.g. bone plates, screws, setting implements or the like
- A61B17/68—Internal fixation devices, including fasteners and spinal fixators, even if a part thereof projects from the skin
- A61B17/70—Spinal positioners or stabilisers ; Bone stabilisers comprising fluid filler in an implant
- A61B17/7001—Screws or hooks combined with longitudinal elements which do not contact vertebrae
- A61B17/7002—Longitudinal elements, e.g. rods
- A61B17/7019—Longitudinal elements having flexible parts, or parts connected together, such that after implantation the elements can move relative to each other
- A61B17/7026—Longitudinal elements having flexible parts, or parts connected together, such that after implantation the elements can move relative to each other with a part that is flexible due to its form
- A61B17/7028—Longitudinal elements having flexible parts, or parts connected together, such that after implantation the elements can move relative to each other with a part that is flexible due to its form the flexible part being a coil spring
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/56—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor
- A61B17/58—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor for osteosynthesis, e.g. bone plates, screws, setting implements or the like
- A61B17/68—Internal fixation devices, including fasteners and spinal fixators, even if a part thereof projects from the skin
- A61B17/70—Spinal positioners or stabilisers ; Bone stabilisers comprising fluid filler in an implant
- A61B17/7049—Connectors, not bearing on the vertebrae, for linking longitudinal elements together
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/56—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor
- A61B17/58—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor for osteosynthesis, e.g. bone plates, screws, setting implements or the like
- A61B17/68—Internal fixation devices, including fasteners and spinal fixators, even if a part thereof projects from the skin
- A61B17/70—Spinal positioners or stabilisers ; Bone stabilisers comprising fluid filler in an implant
- A61B17/7049—Connectors, not bearing on the vertebrae, for linking longitudinal elements together
- A61B17/7052—Connectors, not bearing on the vertebrae, for linking longitudinal elements together of variable angle or length
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/56—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor
- A61B17/58—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor for osteosynthesis, e.g. bone plates, screws, setting implements or the like
- A61B17/68—Internal fixation devices, including fasteners and spinal fixators, even if a part thereof projects from the skin
- A61B17/70—Spinal positioners or stabilisers ; Bone stabilisers comprising fluid filler in an implant
- A61B17/7001—Screws or hooks combined with longitudinal elements which do not contact vertebrae
- A61B17/7002—Longitudinal elements, e.g. rods
- A61B17/7014—Longitudinal elements, e.g. rods with means for adjusting the distance between two screws or hooks
Abstract
A spinal implant includes a first rod, a second rod, and connector. The first rod has a first end configured to be connected to a first bone, a second end opposed to the first end, and a longitudinal axis that passes through the first and second ends. The second rod has a first end configured to be connected to the second bone, a second end opposed to the first end. The second rod is parallel to the longitudinal axis and non-coaxial with the first rod, and at least a portion of the second end of the second rod overlaps the second end of the first rod. The connector connects the second end of the first rod to the second end of the second rod, and is configured to urge the first rod and the second rod in opposed directions that are parallel to the longitudinal axis.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/855,010 filed Apr. 2, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/620,539 filed Apr. 5, 2012, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- Scoliosis of the human spine results in abnormal three-dimensional deformation of the spine, but is most prominent with respect to the lateral curvature of the spine. This can be compared to a normal spine configuration in which the spinal column extends generally linearly when viewed in the frontal plane. Management of scoliosis in a child can be problematic and is complicated by growth of the child. The goal of scoliosis treatment is to prevent progression of the lateral spinal curvature and to correct or stabilize a severe lateral spinal curvature. In some cases, correction of spinal curvature is attempted by inserting a spinal implant that distracts one portion of the spine relative to another. However, to compensate for growth, many such spinal implants require repeat surgeries to permit expansion of the implant as often as every six months. In addition, such implants are often associated with complications including undesired, premature autofusion of the spine.
- In some aspects, a spinal implant provides distraction between a first bone and a second bone. The spinal implant includes a first rod having a first end configured to be connected to the first bone, a second end opposed to the first end, and a first rod longitudinal axis that passes through the first and second ends. The spinal implant includes a second rod having a first end configured to be connected to the second bone, a second end opposed to the first end, and a second rod longitudinal axis that is non-coaxial with the first rod longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the second end of the second rod overlaps the second end of the first rod when viewed along an axis transverse to the first rod longitudinal axis. The spinal implant also includes a coupling that connects the second end of the first rod to the second end of the second rod. The coupling is configured to urge the first rod and the second rod in opposed directions that are parallel to the first rod longitudinal axis.
- The spinal implant may include one or more of the following features: The coupling includes a housing. The housing includes a first throughchannel extending through the housing, and a portion of the first rod is disposed in the first throughchannel, and a second throughchannel extending through the housing in parallel with, and spaced apart from, the first throughchannel. A portion of the second rod is disposed in the second throughchannel. The housing also includes a passage extending between and connecting the first throughchannel to the second throughchannel, and a mechanism disposed in the passage and configured to engage both the first rod and the second rod. The mechanism includes a first latch member, a second latch member, and an elastic member disposed between the first latch member and the second latch member. The elastic member is configured to urge the first latch member and the second latch member in opposed directions that are parallel to the first rod longitudinal axis. The second end of the first rod and the second end of the second rod each include teeth configured to cooperatively engage with a corresponding one of the first latch member and the second latch member. Each latch member comprises a planar side that connects to the elastic member, and an outwardly-protruding convex side opposed to the planar side. The convex side is truncated to form a flat surface that is perpendicular to the planar side. The elastic member is a coil spring including a spring first end that is connected to the first latch member, and a spring second end that is connected to the second latch member. The mechanism includes a ratchet, a spindle that rotatably supports the ratchet, and an elastic member that connects the ratchet to the spindle. The elastic member is configured to bias the ratchet to rotate about the spindle. The elastic member is a torsion spring including a spring first end that is connected to the ratchet, and a spring second end that is connected to the spindle. The second end of the first rod and the second end of the second rod each include teeth configured to cooperatively engage with a corresponding side of the ratchet.
- In some aspects, a spinal implant provides distraction between a first bone and a second bone. The spinal implant includes a housing, a first throughchannel extending through the housing, and a second throughchannel extending through the housing in parallel with and spaced apart from the first throughchannel. The spinal implant includes a passage within the housing that extends between and connects the first throughchannel to the second throughchannel, and a first rod disposed in the first throughchannel. The first rod has a first end configured to be connected to the first bone, a second end opposed to the first end, and a first rod longitudinal axis that passes through the first and second ends. The spinal implant includes a second rod disposed in the second throughchannel, the second rod having a first end configured to be connected to the second bone, a second end opposed to the first end, at least a portion of the second end of the second rod overlapping the second end of the first rod when viewed along an axis transverse to the first rod longitudinal axis. In addition, the spinal implant includes a mechanism disposed in the passage. The mechanism connects the second end of the first rod to the second end of the second rod, and is configured to urge the first rod and the second rod in opposed directions that are parallel to the first rod longitudinal axis.
- The spinal implant may include one or more of the following features: The mechanism includes a first latch member, a second latch member, and an elastic member disposed between the first latch member and the second latch member. The elastic member is configured to urge the first latch member and the second latch member in opposed directions that are parallel to the first rod longitudinal axis. The second end of the first rod and the second end of the second rod each include teeth configured to cooperatively engage with a corresponding one of the first latch member and the second latch member. Each latch member comprises a planar side that connects to the elastic member, and an outwardly-protruding convex side opposed to the planar side. The convex side is truncated to form a flat surface that is perpendicular to the planar side. The elastic member is a coil spring including a spring first end that is connected to the first latch member, and a spring second end that is connected to the second latch member. The mechanism includes a ratchet, a spindle that rotatably supports the ratchet, and an elastic member that connects the ratchet to the spindle, and the elastic member is configured to bias the ratchet to rotate about the spindle. The elastic member is a torsion spring including a spring first end that is connected to the ratchet, and a spring second end that is connected to the spindle. The second end of the first rod and the second end of the second rod each include teeth configured to cooperatively engage with a corresponding side of the ratchet.
- Among other advantages, the spinal implant described herein includes a spring loaded mechanism that corrects spinal curvature while automatically compensating for growth. In particular, overlapping rods allow for continued growth while a spring-loaded mechanism maintains a relatively constant distraction force along the spine, preventing loss of distraction while permitting growth and relatively free spinal movement. Since the spinal implant compensates for growth and permits subtle movements in the cranial-caudal direction, autofusion is reduced.
- Further advantageously, once the spinal implant has been implanted, no additional or “repeat” surgeries are necessary to adjust the mechanism. This is in contrast to some conventional spinal implants that require repeat surgeries to expand the implant to allow for growth. Since only a single surgery is required for implementation, there is reduced risk for complications associated with repeat surgeries, including infection, wound healing issues and loss of bone fixation.
- Still further advantageously, the spinal implant includes a first rod having a first end configured to be connected to a first bone and a second rod having a first end configured to be connected to a second bone. The first and second rods are connected using a coupling that maintains the rods in a non-coaxial configuration and urges the first rod and the second rod in opposed directions that are parallel to the first rod longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the non-coaxial configuration of the rods permits the spinal implant to have increased lateral span relative to some telescoping (coaxial) spinal implants. The increased lateral span can be very helpful in accommodating the spinal geometries including lateral relative vertebral offsets associated with scoliosis.
- Modes for carrying out the present invention are explained below by reference to an embodiment of the present invention shown in the attached drawings. The above-mentioned object, other objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the embodiment of the invention presented below in conjunction with the attached drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a rear view of a scoliotic human spine including a spinal implant extending between a rib and a vertebra below the ribcage. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the spinal implant ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the spinal implant ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is an isolated perspective view of the spring-loaded mechanism of the housing ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the spinal implant ofFIG. 1 as seen along line A-A ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the spinal implant ofFIG. 1 as seen along line B-B ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the housing of the spinal implant. -
FIG. 8 is an isolated perspective view of the spring-loaded mechanism of the housing ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the spinal implant as seen along line C-C ofFIG. 7 . - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , due to the lateral curvature of the scoliotic spine 1, the vertical spacing of the ribs 3 a on a concavely-curved side A of the spine 1 become more closely spaced, whileribs 3 b on the opposed, convexly-curved side B become more greatly spaced. To correct or stabilize the lateral curvature, aspinal implant 10 is surgically implanted on thevertebrae 2 of the spine 1, or on boney structures that contact the spine, for example, the ribs 3 orpelvis 4. Thespinal implant 10 includes acoupling 60 that supports afirst rod 12 and asecond rod 32 in a parallel configuration such that therods longitudinal axes rods 12, 13. Each of thefirst rod 12 and thesecond rod 32 is fixed to one of thevertebrae 2, ribs 3, or thepelvis 4 on the concavely-curved side A of the spine 1. Thespinal implant 10 includes a spring-loaded mechanism 100 (best seen inFIGS. 3 and 4 ) disposed in thecoupling 60 that urges therods longitudinal axis 24. As a result, a distraction force is applied to the spine 1 that corrects spinal curvature while automatically compensating for growth, as discussed further below. - The
first rod 12 includes afirst end 14, asecond end 16 opposed to thefirst end 14, and alongitudinal axis 24 that extends between thefirst end 14 and thesecond end 16. Similarly, thesecond rod 32 includes afirst end 34, asecond end 36 opposed to thefirst end 34, and alongitudinal axis 44 that extends between thefirst end 34 and thesecond end 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the first andsecond rods first rod 12 will be described in detail. - The
first rod 12 is an elongated, solid cylinder having a uniform outer diameter and smooth outer surface in the regions extending from thefirst end 14 and including a mid portion 18. Adjacent to and including thesecond end 16, the outer surface of thefirst rod 12 is formed havingteeth 40. Eachtooth 40 extends about the circumference of thefirst rod 12 and is circular in a cross-section transverse to thelongitudinal axis 24. Eachtooth 40 includes atransverse surface 46 that extends in a plane transverse to thelongitudinal axis 24, and aninclined surface 48 that is formed at an acute angle relative to thelongitudinal axis 24. Thetransverse surface 46 and theinclined surface 48 intersect at the outer periphery of the transverse surface, which has the same outer diameter as thefirst end 14. In addition, theinclined surface 48 forms a conical inward taper that is widest at thetransverse surface 46, and decreases in outer diameter moving toward the rodfirst end 14. - In some embodiments, the
toothed portion 30 extends over about fifty percent of the overall length of thefirst rod 12. In other embodiments, thetoothed portion 30 extends over about twenty-five percent of the overall length of thefirst rod 12. In still other embodiments, thetoothed portion 30 extends over about 10 percent of the overall length of therod 12. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, thefirst rod 12 has an overall length fromfirst end 14 tosecond end 16 of twenty-four inches, and thetoothed portion 30 extends over three inches (e.g., over twelve and a half percent of the overall length). It is understood that the overall rod length is determined at least in part by the size of the spine to be treated. In some embodiments, thefirst rod 12 is provided in an oversized length, and is cut to an appropriate length at the time of implantation by removing material from the rodfirst end 14. - A
connector first end rod first end vertebrae 2, ribs 3, or thepelvic bone 4. For example, theconnector fastener 50 that passes through a throughhole (not shown) that extends through therod 12 in a direction transverse to thelongitudinal axis 24. Theconnector connector - In the
spinal implant 10, thefirst rod 12 is arranged to extend in parallel to, and spaced apart from, thesecond rod 32. In addition, at least a portion of thesecond end 36 of thesecond rod 32 overlaps thesecond end 16 of thefirst rod 12 when viewed along an axis transverse to thelongitudinal axis 24. The second ends 16, 36 of eachrod respective throughchannels housing 61, which houses and supports the spring-loadedmechanism 100 that urges therods longitudinal axis 24, and prevents retraction of therods - Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , thecoupling 60 includes ahousing 61 and the spring-loaded mechanism disposed in thehousing 61. Thehousing 61 is generally rectangular and includes the twothroughchannels throughchannels longitudinal axis 24 of the first rod 12). Each of thethroughchannels rods rod longitudinal axis housing 61 has a length dimension, corresponding to the length of thethroughchannels first rod 12 and thesecond rod 32, and to accommodate the spring loadedmechanism 100. - The
coupling 60 includes aninternal passageway 70 disposed generally centrally within thehousing 61 that provides a connection between therespective throughchannels mechanism 100 is disposed in thepassageway 70, and is thus able to simultaneously engage the respective toothed portions of both of therods throughchannels housing 61 is closed on all sides, whereby the spring-loadedmechanism 100 is retained within the housing. - Referring to
FIGS. 4-6 , the spring-loadedmechanism 100 includes afirst latch 102 and asecond latch 112 that are connected by acoil spring 130. The spring-loadedmechanism 100 is disposed in thepassageway 70 in such a way that the springlongitudinal axis 136 is parallel to thethroughchannels longitudinal axis 24 of thefirst rod 12. Thecoil spring 130 includes a first end 132 that is connected to thefirst latch 102, and a second end 134 that is opposed to the first end 132 and connected to thesecond latch 112. - The
first latch 102 and thesecond latch 112 are each generally semi-spherical, including abase surface 106, and aconvex surface 104 opposed to the base surface. A portion of the arcuate periphery of eachlatch side surface 108 that is perpendicular to thebase surface 106. Theside surface 108 has a linear edge in common with thebase surface 106, and a curved edge in common with theconvex surface 104. - The
coil spring 130 is non-rotatably connected to thebase surface 106 of eachlatch latches coil spring 130 so that theconvex surface 104 faces outward in a direction corresponding to the springlongitudinal axis 136. In addition, thelatches longitudinal axis 136. In particular, the respective side surfaces 108 of thefirst latch 102 and thesecond latch 112 face in opposed directions. - In the illustrated embodiment, when the spring-loaded
mechanism 100 is disposed in thepassageway 70, thecoil spring 130 is under tension such that thefirst latch 102 is urged toward thesecond latch 112 by the spring force. In addition, thebase surface 106 of thefirst latch 102 engages atooth 40 of thesecond rod 32, and thebase surface 106 of thesecond latch 112 engages atooth 40 of thefirst rod 12. The portion of thebase surface 106 that contacts thetooth 40 corresponds to the curved periphery at a location that is furthest from theside face 108. As a result, the spring force of thecoil spring 130 is transferred to theteeth 40 via therespective latches rods longitudinal axis 24. - In this configuration, the
flat surface 108 of thefirst latch 102 faces thefirst rod 12 but is spaced apart from the outer surface of thefirst rod 12. Similarly, theflat surface 108 of thesecond latch 112 faces thesecond rod 32 but is spaced apart from the outer surface of thesecond rod 32. Thus, by providing thelatches first latch 102 to engage theteeth 40 of thesecond rod 32 without interfering with the axial movement of thefirst rod 12 within thethroughchannel 62. Likewise, it is possible for thesecond latch 112 to engage with theteeth 40 of thefirst rod 12 without interfering with the axial movement of thesecond rod 32 within thethroughchannel 64. - In addition, the
latches implant 10 to accommodate growth that results in increased separation of the first rodfirst end 14 relative to the second rodfirst end 34. Specifically, when alatch rod tooth 40, the curvedconvex surface 104 of thelatch 102 faces the rod tooth inclinedsurface 48. Theconvex surface 104 serves as a sliding surface, whereby theconvex surface 104 of thelatch inclined surface 48 of thetooth 40 are permitted to slide past each other in the direction of growth. At the same time, the engagement of the tooth flattransverse surface 46 with the correspondinglyflat base surface 106 prevents retraction of therods - Referring to
FIGS. 7-9 , an alternative embodiment spring-loadedmechanism 200 is disposed in thepassageway 70 of thehousing 61. The spring loadedmechanism 200 includes aratchet 202, aspindle 220 that rotatably supports theratchet 202 within thehousing 61, and atorsion spring 230 that connects theratchet 202 to thespindle 220 and urges theratchet 202 to rotate relative to thespindle 220 about a spindlelongitudinal axis 222. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , theratchet 202 is a thin plate having acentral opening 204 and a generally circular peripheral edge 206. The peripheral edge 206 includes ratchetteeth 208 that extend about a circumference of theratchet 202. In the illustrated embodiment, eachtooth 208 has aflat side 210, and acurved side 212 that intersects with the flat side at atooth apex 214. Theflat side 210 extends generally radially, and thecurved side 212 extends generally circumferentially. Thecentral opening 204 receives thespindle 220, and is dimensioned to receive thespindle 220 with minimum clearance to permit free rotation of theratchet 202 about thespindle axis 222. - The
spindle 220 extends between and is fixed to opposed interior surfaces of thepassageway 70. Thetorsion spring 230 is connected at one end to theratchet 202, and at an opposed end to thespindle 220, and is wound to drive theratchet 202 about thespindle axis 220 in a direction toward the ratchet teeth flat side 210 (e.g., in a clockwise direction for the orientation shown inFIG. 6 ). - Referring again to
FIG. 7 , in the illustrated embodiment, when the spring-loadedmechanism 200 is disposed in thepassageway 70, theratchet 202 is disposed centrally within thepassageway 70 and is dimensioned so that theratchet teeth 208 engage therod teeth 40 of both thefirst rod 12 andsecond rod 32 simultaneously. In addition, thetorsion spring 230 is under tension such that the ratchet toothflat side 210 is urged against the respective rod toothtransverse surface 46 by the spring force. As a result, the spring force of thetorsion spring 230 is transferred to theteeth 40 via theratchet 202, and therods longitudinal axis 24. - In addition, the
ratchet 202 is configured to permit theimplant 10 to accommodate growth that results in increased separation of the first rodfirst end 14 relative to the second rodfirst end 34. Specifically, when a ratchet tooth 408 is engaged with arod tooth 40, thecurved side 212 of theratchet tooth 208 generally faces theinclined surface 48 of theadjacent rod tooth 40. Thecurved side 212 of theratchet tooth 208 serves as a sliding surface whereby theratchet teeth 208 and the inclined tooth surfaces 48 are permitted to slide past each other in the direction of growth. At the same time, the engagement of the tooth flattransverse surface 46 with the correspondinglyflat base surface 106 prevents retraction of therods - Although the illustrated embodiment shows a single spinal implant used to treat scoliosis, more than one spinal implant can be used. For example, a spinal implant can be implanted on each of the concavely curved side A and the convexly-curved side B of the spine to provide a distracting force on both sides of the spine.
- Although the
spinal implant 10 has been described herein as being configured to provide distraction between boney structures within the body, the invention is not limited to this configuration. In particular, in some embodiments, thespinal implant 10 can be configured to provide compression between boney structures within the body rather than distraction. Moreover, both types of spinal implant could be used at the same time. For example, a distracting spinal implant can be implanted on the closely-spaced ribs 3 a corresponding to the concavely-curved side A of the spinal column, while a compressing spinal implant is implanted on the widely-spacedribs 3 b corresponding to the convexly-curved side B of the spinal column. - A selected illustrative embodiment of the invention is described above in some detail. It should be understood that only structures considered necessary for clarifying the present invention have been described herein. Other conventional structures, and those of ancillary and auxiliary components of the system, are assumed to be known and understood by those skilled in the art. Moreover, while a working example of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the working example described above, but various design alterations may be carried out without departing from the present invention as set forth in the claims.
Claims (19)
1. A spinal implant configured to provide distraction between a first bone and a second bone, the spinal implant comprising:
a first rod having a first end configured to be connected to the first bone, a second end opposed to the first end, and a first rod longitudinal axis that passes through the first and second ends;
a second rod having a first end configured to be connected to the second bone, a second end opposed to the first end, and a second rod longitudinal axis that is non-coaxial with the first rod longitudinal axis, at least a portion of the second end of the second rod overlapping the second end of the first rod when viewed along an axis transverse to the first rod longitudinal axis, and
a coupling that connects the second end of the first rod to the second end of the second rod, the coupling configured to urge the first rod and the second rod in opposed directions that are parallel to the first rod longitudinal axis.
2. The spinal implant of claim 1 wherein the coupling comprises:
a housing, the housing including
a first throughchannel extending through the housing, and a portion of the first rod is disposed in the first throughchannel;
a second throughchannel extending through the housing in parallel with, and spaced apart from, the first throughchannel, and a portion of the second rod is disposed in the second throughchannel; and
a passage extending between and connecting the first throughchannel to the second throughchannel, and
a mechanism disposed in the passage and configured to engage both the first rod and the second rod.
3. The spinal implant of claim 2 , wherein the mechanism comprises
a first latch member,
a second latch member, and
an elastic member disposed between the first latch member and the second latch member, the elastic member configured to urge the first latch member and the second latch member in opposed directions that are parallel to the first rod longitudinal axis.
4. The spinal implant of claim 3 , wherein the second end of the first rod and the second end of the second rod each include teeth configured to cooperatively engage with a corresponding one of the first latch member and the second latch member.
5. The spinal implant of claim 3 , wherein each latch member comprises a planar side that connects to the elastic member, and an outwardly-protruding convex side opposed to the planar side.
6. The spinal implant of claim 5 , wherein the convex side is truncated to form a flat surface that is perpendicular to the planar side.
7. The spinal implant of claim 3 , wherein the elastic member is a coil spring including a spring first end that is connected to the first latch member, and a spring second end that is connected to the second latch member.
8. The spinal implant of claim 2 , wherein the mechanism comprises
a ratchet,
a spindle that rotatably supports the ratchet, and
an elastic member that connects the ratchet to the spindle, and the elastic member is configured to bias the ratchet to rotate about the spindle.
9. The spinal implant of claim 8 , wherein the elastic member is a torsion spring including a spring first end that is connected to the ratchet, and a spring second end that is connected to the spindle.
10. The spinal implant of claim 8 , wherein the second end of the first rod and the second end of the second rod each include teeth configured to cooperatively engage with a corresponding side of the ratchet.
11. A spinal implant configured to provide distraction between a first bone and a second bone, the spinal implant comprising:
a housing;
a first throughchannel extending through the housing;
a second throughchannel extending through the housing in parallel with and spaced apart from the first throughchannel,
a passage within the housing that extends between and connects the first throughchannel to the second throughchannel,
a first rod disposed in the first throughchannel, the first rod having a first end configured to be connected to the first bone, a second end opposed to the first end, and a first rod longitudinal axis that passes through the first and second ends;
a second rod disposed in the second throughchannel, the second rod having a first end configured to be connected to the second bone, a second end opposed to the first end, at least a portion of the second end of the second rod overlapping the second end of the first rod when viewed along an axis transverse to the first rod longitudinal axis, and
a mechanism disposed in the passage, the mechanism connecting the second end of the first rod to the second end of the second rod, the mechanism configured to urge the first rod and the second rod in opposed directions that are parallel to the first rod longitudinal axis.
12. The spinal implant of claim 11 , wherein the mechanism comprises
a first latch member,
a second latch member, and
an elastic member disposed between the first latch member and the second latch member, the elastic member configured to urge the first latch member and the second latch member in opposed directions that are parallel to the first rod longitudinal axis.
13. The spinal implant of claim 12 , wherein the second end of the first rod and the second end of the second rod each include teeth configured to cooperatively engage with a corresponding one of the first latch member and the second latch member.
14. The spinal implant of claim 12 , wherein each latch member comprises a planar side that connects to the elastic member, and an outwardly-protruding convex side opposed to the planar side.
15. The spinal implant of claim 14 , wherein the convex side is truncated to form a flat surface that is perpendicular to the planar side.
16. The spinal implant of claim 12 , wherein the elastic member is a coil spring including a spring first end that is connected to the first latch member, and a spring second end that is connected to the second latch member.
17. The spinal implant of claim 11 , wherein the mechanism comprises
a ratchet,
a spindle that rotatably supports the ratchet, and
an elastic member that connects the ratchet to the spindle, and the elastic member is configured to bias the ratchet to rotate about the spindle.
18. The spinal implant of claim 17 , wherein the elastic member is a torsion spring including a spring first end that is connected to the ratchet, and a spring second end that is connected to the spindle.
19. The spinal implant of claim 17 , wherein the second end of the first rod and the second end of the second rod each include teeth configured to cooperatively engage with a corresponding side of the ratchet.
Priority Applications (1)
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US14/303,759 US20140364911A1 (en) | 2012-04-05 | 2014-06-13 | Spring loaded mechanism for managing scoliosis |
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US201261620539P | 2012-04-05 | 2012-04-05 | |
US13/855,010 US8808328B2 (en) | 2012-04-05 | 2013-04-02 | Spring loaded mechanism for managing scoliosis |
US14/303,759 US20140364911A1 (en) | 2012-04-05 | 2014-06-13 | Spring loaded mechanism for managing scoliosis |
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US13/855,010 Continuation US8808328B2 (en) | 2012-04-05 | 2013-04-02 | Spring loaded mechanism for managing scoliosis |
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US20140364911A1 true US20140364911A1 (en) | 2014-12-11 |
Family
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US13/855,010 Active US8808328B2 (en) | 2012-04-05 | 2013-04-02 | Spring loaded mechanism for managing scoliosis |
US14/303,759 Abandoned US20140364911A1 (en) | 2012-04-05 | 2014-06-13 | Spring loaded mechanism for managing scoliosis |
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US13/855,010 Active US8808328B2 (en) | 2012-04-05 | 2013-04-02 | Spring loaded mechanism for managing scoliosis |
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CN109907807A (en) * | 2018-10-18 | 2019-06-21 | 温州医科大学附属第二医院、温州医科大学附属育英儿童医院 | A kind of extending internal fixer of vertebration |
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US20130268003A1 (en) | 2013-10-10 |
US8808328B2 (en) | 2014-08-19 |
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