The disclosure relates to devices and methods for implantation of an orthopedic device between skeletal segments using limited surgical dissection. The implanted devices are used to adjust and maintain the spatial relationship(s) of adjacent bones. Depending on the implant design, the motion between the skeletal segments may be increased, limited, modified, or completely immobilized.

Devices and methods for inter-vertebral orthopedic device placement

The present invention relates to a brace installation instrument placement that is mounted to anchors secured in an animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position a brace in a position more proximate the anchors. The brace can be indexed for insertion at a predetermined orientation with respect to the installation instrument. Methods and techniques for using the installation instrument are also provided.

Instruments and methods for stabilization of bony structures

A percutaneous access device includes an inner tube and an outer tube disposed about at least a portion of the inner tube. The outer tube may be sized to span from a skin incision in a patient to a site proximate the spine of the patient. The distal end of the outer tube may be adapted to releasably engage a bone anchor. The inner tube may be adjustable relative to the outer tube between a first position and a second position in which the distal end of the inner tube contacts the bone anchor. A bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor having a distal bone engaging portion and a receiving member having a recess for receiving a spinal fixation element. The proximal end of the receiving member may have an arcuate groove formed on an exterior surface thereof to facilitate connection of an instrument to the receiving member.

Percutaneous access devices and bone anchor assemblies

The present invention relates to a brace installation instrument placement (220) that is mounted to anchors (60) secured in an animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions (230) coupled to the anchors (60). The instrument (220) is movable with respect to the anchors (60) to position a brace in a position more proximate the anchors (60). The brace (290) can be indexed for insertion at a predetermined orientation with respect to the installation instrument (220). Methods and techniques for using the installation instrument (220) are also provided.

Instrument for stabilization of bony structures

A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws. The tool set includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Intermediate guide tools having guiding pass through slots are utilized to guide intermediate locations along the rod toward associated bone screws. An attachment structure operably connects the guide tools to the bone screws. The guide tools each include a lower guide and advancement structure to allow a closure top with mating structure to be rotated and driven downward against the rod and to cooperate with similar structure in the bone screw to seat and lock the rod therein. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the rod in the patient.

Orthopedic implant rod reduction tool set and method

A novel guide or jig for safe and accurate placement of fixation screws across a sacroiliac joint uses the tip of a sacro-pedicle targeting screw inserted from the rear into a human sacrum as a target for guiding fixation screws. The head of the targeting screw attaches to one end of a straight first arm of a jig member. The other end of the straight arm of the jig member is attached at an angle to a semicircular second arm of the jig member. The semicircular second arm has an open slot to which is attached a bushing assembly which can be moved along and fixed in place anywhere along the slot. A cannulated pin set fits through the bushing assembly. The dimensions of the targeting screw and the jig member, including the angle between the two arms of the jig member and the radius of curvature of the semicircular second arm, are such that the cannulated pin set, when inserted through the bushing assembly, lies along a line drawn as a radius from the tip of the targeting screw. The cannulated pin set is used to guide and insert fixation screws across the sacroiliac joint. The jig insures that at any position of the bushing assembly along the semicircular second arm a fixation screw will be properly guided into position across the joint.

James E. Cain

Papers

Sacroiliac joint fixation guide