SPINAL STABILIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

A spinal stabilization system may include a pair of structural members coupled to at least a portion of a human vertebra with connectors. Connectors may couple structural members to spinous processes. Some embodiments of a spinal stabilization system may include fasteners that couple structural members to vertebrae. In some embodiments, a spinal stabilization system, provides three points of fixation for a single vertebral level. A fastener may fixate a facet joint between adjacent vertebrae and couple a stabilization structural member to a vertebra. Connectors may couple the structural members to the spinous processes of the vertebrae. Use of a spinal stabilization system may improve the stability of a weakened or damaged portion of a spine. When used in conjunction with an implant or other device, the spinal stabilization system may immobilize vertebrae and allow for fusion of the implant or other device with vertebrae.

主权项

1. A spinal stabilization device for stabilizing a portion of the spine, comprising:
a first structural member, the first structural member including:
a first portion extending generally along a first plane;a second portion connected to the first portion and extending generally along a second plane different from the first plane; anda third portion connected to the second portion and extending generally along a third plane different from the first plane and the second plane, the third portion including an opening extending therethrough; a second structural member, the second structural member including:
a first portion extending generally along a first plane;a second portion connected to the first portion and extending generally along a second plane different from the first plane; anda third portion connected to the second portion and extending generally along a third plane different from the first plane and the second plane, the third portion including an opening extending therethrough; and a connector configured to be positioned through the opening in the third portion of the first structural member and the opening in the third portion of the second structural member.