Tissue retraction and vertebral displacement devices, systems, and methods for posterior spinal fusion

摘要

Devices for retracting tissue during a minimally-invasive, posterior spinal fusion procedure include a blade positionable along a passageway device connected to a connecting element implanted in a vertebra of the spine, such that the blade covers at least a portion of a longitudinal opening of the passageway device. The blade may be coupled to the passageway device by receiving the passageway device with a receiving portion. Systems for displacing the vertebrae of the spine include first and second extenders, the distal ends of each of which are configured to engage the connecting elements. Each extender may include a shaft configured to be securely engaged within a cage of the respective connecting element. The devices and systems of the present invention may be used in connection with an interbody fusion technique performed through an opening extending between the passageway devices, and an intermediate retractor blade may provide additional tissue retraction.

主权项

1. A method of displacing tissue within a body, comprising:
connecting a first connecting element to a first vertebra of a spine within the body, the first connecting element having a first passageway device connected thereto and extending proximally therefrom along a first longitudinal axis, the first passageway device defining an at least partially enclosed first tubular space adapted to receive a spinal fusion rod therein, and the first passageway device defining a first longitudinal opening into the first tubular space, the first longitudinal opening extending along at least a portion of the first longitudinal axis; connecting a second connecting element to a second vertebra of the spine, the second connecting element having a second passageway device connected thereto and extending proximally therefrom along a second longitudinal axis, the second passageway device defining an at least partially enclosed second tubular space adapted to receive the spinal fusion rod therein, and the second passageway device defining a second longitudinal opening into the second tubular space, the second longitudinal opening extending along at least a portion of the second longitudinal axis; positioning a first retractor blade along at least a portion of the first longitudinal opening such that a solid portion of the first retractor blade covers the portion of the first longitudinal opening; and positioning a second retractor blade along at least a portion of the second longitudinal opening such that a solid portion of the second retractor blade covers the portion of the second longitudinal opening.