System and method for dynamic vertebral stabilization

摘要

An intervertebral stabilization device and method is disclosed. The device preferably includes a planar spring enclosed within a housing. The housing is joined to an articulation component at either end, and the articulation components have couplings connectable to anchoring components which are securable to adjacent vertebrae. The planar spring can flex and retract providing relative motion between the adjacent vertebrae. The articulation components are ball and socket joints which allow the entire assembly to flexibly follow the curvature of the spine. A fusion rod with articulation components and couplings at either end may be substituted for the spring device. The couplings enable interchangeability between a fusion rod assembly and spring assembly, so that dynamic stabilization can occur at one vertebral level and fusion at the adjacent vertebral level. An overhung spring assembly with a sideways displaced housing which allows for a shorter pedicle to pedicle displacement is also disclosed.

主权项

1. A method of positioning a spinal stabilizer comprising:
attaching a first section of a first stabilizer to a first vertebral body of a spinal column of a patient, the spinal column having a long axis; attaching a second section of the first stabilizer to a second vertebral body of the spinal column; and arranging a planar spring defining a first plane and coupled to the first and second sections of the first stabilizer so that the first plane of the spring is substantially transverse to the long axis of the spinal column when the planar spring is implanted in an unflexed state, wherein the planar spring has a diameter substantially transverse to a central axis of the planar spring, the central axis being substantially aligned with the spinal column when the planar spring is implanted in its unflexed state, and wherein the planar spring is configured to flex out of the first plane to allow for movement of the first section of the first stabilizer toward or away from the second section.