초록 ▼

An apparatus, method and system for treating spinal conditions by moving or spatially fixing at least one vertebra relative to another vertebra. The invention includes a link member the ends of which are configured to be secured to adjacent vertebrae and which are offset from a central portion of th

An apparatus, method and system for treating spinal conditions by moving or spatially fixing at least one vertebra relative to another vertebra. The invention includes a link member the ends of which are configured to be secured to adjacent vertebrae and which are offset from a central portion of the link member. The link members can be in the form of a C-shaped or V-shaped rod or plate to form the offset. The offset provides increased bone volume that can be used for grafts or fusion. Attachment structure in the form of bone screws, bolts, or hook members are provided to secure the link members to respective vertebrae. A plurality of link members can be connected in chain-like fashion to connect multiple points on a plurality of vertebrae even though those points are nonlinear. In another aspect of the invention, the links are pre-curved in the lateral plane for use in correcting spinal conditions or deformities.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for treating spinal conditions by spatially fixing at least a first vertebra relative to a second vertebra while leaving exposed at least a lateral marginal area of the lamina of one of said vertebrae, the method including steps of: fixing a first attachment member to the first vertebra at

A method for treating spinal conditions by spatially fixing at least a first vertebra relative to a second vertebra while leaving exposed at least a lateral marginal area of the lamina of one of said vertebrae, the method including steps of: fixing a first attachment member to the first vertebra at a selected position; fixing a second attachment member to the second vertebra at a selected position; providing at least one one-piece spinal implant link member in the form of a substantially flat plate having an apertured first end, an apertured second end, and an offset middle portion, the first and second ends of the link member defining an open space therebetween which space is disposed adjacent the middle portion and extends away from the middle portion; attaching said first end of said at least one link member to said first attachment member which is fixed to the first vertebra by placing the aperture in said first end around the first attachment member; and attaching said second end of said at least one link member to said second attachment member which is fixed to the second vertebra by placing the aperture in said second end around the second attachment member, so that a force is exerted on the first vertebra by said at least one link member; whereby a lateral marginal area of the lamina of one of said vertebrae is exposed by said space of said link member and provides an area for performing a bone graft.