Patent ID: 7794476
Filing Date: 2010-09-14
Classification: A61B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A system for treating a spinal defect said system, comprising: a rod member including an elongate body provided in a first configuration sufficient to extend from a first vertebra to a second vertebra, said elongate body formed of a shape memory polymeric material; a first fixation device connected to the rod member; and a second fixation device connected to the rod member and spaced axially from the first fixation device, whereby the elongate body upon absorption of thermal energy deforms to a second configuration different from the first configuration; and wherein each of the fixation devices comprises a bone anchor portion adapted to be anchored to vertebral bone and a head having a recess formed therein and a collar comprising a cylindrical sleeve extending along a longitudinal axis and having concentric inner and outer circular surfaces extending about the longitudinal axis, the cylindrical sleeve positioned within the recess in the head and configured to at least partially encircle the rod member with the rod member positioned within the cylindrical sleeve and extending along the longitudinal axis; and wherein the collar is formed of a shape memory polymeric material and having a first configuration that allows movement of the rod member relative to the fixation device, the collar being transitioned to a second configuration upon absorption of thermal energy that inhibits movement of the rod member relative to the fixation device.