Minimally invasive spinal fusion system and method

摘要

Disclosed herein are minimally invasive systems and method for stabilizing the spine, while preserving a degree of spinal flexion and extension of the spine at the level of the stabilized vertebrae postoperatively. The systems and methods can include an expandable anchor and rod that span an intervertebral disc. The anchor can have interstices, and ends in two adjacent vertebral bodies. The system can also include a volume of bone cement media.

主权项

1. A method for stabilizing the spine, comprising:
creating a pedicular access channel in a pedicle to access the interior of a first vertebral body; inserting an introducer cannula into the pedicle; inserting a hollow needle through a central lumen of the introducer cannula into the interior of the first vertebral body, through an intervertebral disc, and into the interior of a second vertebral body adjacent the first vertebral body; inserting an anchor having interstices through a central lumen of the hollow needle such that a distal end of the anchor is within the interior of the second vertebral body, a proximal end of the anchor is within the interior of the first vertebral body, and a central portion of the anchor spans the intervertebral disc; expanding the distal end of the anchor within the interior of the second vertebral body; expanding the proximal end of the anchor within the interior of the first vertebral body; flowing a first volume of bone cement media into the distal end of the anchor within the interior of the second vertebral body, wherein bone cement media flows through the interstices of the anchor outside the anchor and into the interior of the second vertebral body; flowing a second volume of bone cement media into the proximal end of the anchor within the interior of the first vertebral body; and inserting a flexible rod through the central lumen of the hollow needle, such that a distal portion of the flexible rod is positioned within the interior of the second vertebral body and in contact with the first volume of bone cement media, the proximal portion of the flexible rod is positioned within the interior of the first vertebral body, and a central portion of the rod spans the intervertebral disc, wherein the flexible rod resides at least partially within an interior of the anchor.