Interspinous internal fixation/distraction device

摘要

Disclosed are an apparatus for an interspinous fixation and/or distraction of vertebrae and a methodology for minimally invasive implantation of the apparatus in the spine of a patient. The apparatus corresponds to a pair of teardrop shaped lateral wing elements spaced apart by a central core element that may be selectively sized during the implantation process. The wings and central core are held together by a single threaded bolt and locking nut configuration resulting in a simple structure that may be easily implanted with minimal patient discomfort.

主权项

1. A surgical method comprising:
exposing a pair of spinous processes having an interspinous space therebetween; inserting a device into the interspinous space, wherein the device comprises a proximal wing and a distal wing operably coupled by an elongated shaft; and rotating the device within the interspinous space such that the proximal wing is along one side of the pair of spinous processes and the distal wing is along the opposite side of the pair of spinous processes wherein the elongated shaft comprises a central core member extending between the proximal wing and the distal wing, the central core member comprising a bore for receiving a bolt therethrough; wherein the proximal wing is fixed to one end of the bolt; wherein the bolt is configured to extend through the bore of the central core member and through the distal wing; wherein a nut is positioned on the bolt after passing the bolt through the distal wing to secure the distal wing to the central core member; wherein the distal wing is rotatable with respect to the bolt; and wherein a pilot hole is configured in a central shaft of the bolt and wherein the pilot hole extends throughout the bolt and the nut for receiving a lever device for rotating the wings from a first position to a second position.