Methods and devices for correcting spinal deformity with pharmaceutical-eluting pedicle screws

摘要

A method of correcting spinal deformity, which includes locating pharmaceutical-loaded implants adjacent to targeted spinal growth plates, and then eluting the pharmaceutical onto the growth plates. Preferably, the method involves correcting spinal deformity by simply inserting a pharmaceutical-eluting pedicle screw onto the concave side of a scoliotic curve. In some embodiments, the screw has a cannulated internal reservoir that contains a growth-inhibiting pharmaceutical (such as a tetracycline) and at least one fenestration that allows the pharmaceutical to elute onto the vertebral body growth plate.

主权项

1. A method of correcting spinal deformity comprising the steps of:
a) locating a cycline-loaded implant adjacent to a spinal growth plate in a patient having a scoliotic spinal deformity, and b) eluting the cycline onto the growth plate in an amount effective to retard bone growth in the spinal growth plate,wherein the implant has a distal exit port adapted for eluting a cycline, andwherein the distal exit port is located in a vertebral body,wherein the cycline is substantially eluted onto the growth plate on a convex side of the spinal deformity,wherein the implant comprises a cannulated bone screw, andwherein the screw is remotely activated to initiate or accelerate cycline elution at a desired time and location.