Patent ID: 8043378
Filing Date: 2011-10-25
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An intercostal spacer device for use in correcting a spinal deformity comprising: a spacer member having an exterior, wherein the exterior includes a posterior face and an opposite anterior face facing away from the posterior face; first and second pairs of arms extending upwardly from the spacer member and spaced from each other; the first and second pair of arms forming first and second channels respectively, the first and second channels being disposed between the posterior face and the anterior face; a third pair of arms extending downwardly from the spacer member; the third pair of arms forming a third channel extending parallel to the first and second channels; a fourth channel extending from the posterior face to the anterior face such that the fourth channel extends through the exterior surface and wherein the fourth channel extends transverse to the first, second, and third channels and separates the first channel from the second channel; a theoretical plane extending through the spacer and bisecting a distance between the first and second channels, the third pair of arms extending through the theoretical plane; the first and second channels each having a depth measured in a direction from the third pair of arms toward the first and second pair of arms, the depths of the first and second channels being substantially the same; wherein the spacer member, first pair of arms, second pair of arms, and third pair of arms are sized and configured to allow for placement of the intercostal spacer device between two adjacent ribs of a patient to dynamically produce a force for correcting a spinal deformity of the patient.