Methods and devices for polyaxial screw alignment

摘要

Devices and methods for aligning the components of polyaxial screws are described herein. In one embodiment, an alignment instrument includes an elongate frame having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of connection caps slidably disposed along the elongate frame. Each connection cap can removably couple to a polyaxial screw extension tube and selectively lock relative to the elongate frame such that a distance between the plurality of connection caps and an angular orientation of each connection cap relative to the elongate frame is maintained. The instrument can also include a transverse angle indicator to indicate an angular orientation of the elongate frame in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate frame. The device can, for example, capture the orientation of a plurality of polyaxial screws during spinal surgery such that the screws can be returned to the same orientation after manipulation to correct a spinal deformity, etc.

主权项

1. A polyaxial screw alignment instrument, comprising:
an elongate frame having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough; a plurality of connection caps slidably disposed along the elongate frame, each connection cap being configured to removably couple to a polyaxial screw extension tube and to selectively lock relative to the elongate frame such that a distance between the plurality of connection caps and an angular orientation of each connection cap relative to the elongate frame is maintained; and a transverse angle indicator that is coupled to the elongate frame such that the transverse angle indicator can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the elongate frame to indicate an angular orientation of the elongate frame in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate frame; wherein the transverse angle indicator comprises a bubble level coupled to the elongate frame.