Expansion interspinous fixation device and method

摘要

A device and method for performing interspinous fixation or spinal fusion is provided. The device may generally include a first plate and a second plate, each having an adjustable length, and a mechanical actuator for increasing or reducing the length of the plates and, correspondingly, the device. Operation of the mechanical actuator causes first and second inner expansion portions of each plate to simultaneously slide on an outer fixed portion of the plate, to increase or decrease (depending on the direction of operation of the mechanical actuator) the separation between the first and second inner expansion portions, and thus, lengthen or shorten the plates and device.

主权项

1. An expandable interspinous fixation device, the device comprising:
a first expandable plate, including:
a first outer fixed portion, a first inner expansion portion and a second inner expansion portion, said first inner expansion portion and said second inner expansion portion being connected to said first outer fixed portion and slidable relative to one another; a second expandable plate, including:
a second outer fixed portion, a third inner expansion portion and a fourth inner expansion portion, said third inner expansion portion and said fourth inner expansion portion being connected to said second outer fixed portion and slidable relative to one another; a mechanical actuator linked to at least said first and second inner expansion portions to move said first inner expansion portion relative to said second inner expansion portion when operated; said mechanical actuator including a first gear engaged with teeth on said first and second inner expansion portions, wherein rotation of said first gear moves said first and second inner expansion portions relative to one another; said first gear and the teeth on said first and second inner expansion portions forming a worm drive mechanism; said mechanical actuator further including:
a second gear disposed in a housing of said first outer fixed portion and linked to said first gear, wherein rotation of said second gear drives said first gear; anda third gear engaged with the second gear, wherein rotation of said third gear drives said first and second gears; wherein the third gear is a worm gear and the third and second gears form a worm drive, wherein rotation of said worm gear results in a linear sliding movement of at least said first and second inner portions.