Patent ID: 6468276
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: A61B,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of stabilizing motion of a plurality of involved spinal diseased vertebrae with a spinal fixation device, the spinal fixation device containing a plurality of pedicle screws, the pedicle screws containing a first and second end, the first end containing thread means and the second end containing a spherical handle end and a multi-sided fastening member, the spinal fixation device further containing a plurality of ball clamp means for securing onto the spherical handle ends, a plurality of interconnecting rods for interconnecting the ball clamp means, and a wedge member, the method comprising the steps of:a. performing two posterior lateral incisions or one posterior incision on a back of a patient to an area of the involved spinal diseased vertebrae; b. exposing a transverse process of the involved spinal diseased vertebrae; c. dissecting between and lateral to the transverse process of the involved spinal diseased vertebrae so that nerve roots and an annulus fibrosis are exposed; d. placing a cruciate incision in the annulus fibrosis posterior laterally near an intervertebral foramen; e. removing a gelatinous disc material and cartilage end plate of the involved spinal diseased vertebrae to form an inter-discal space; f. determining a proper size and length of the pedicle screws; g. placing a drill point on a vertebral body starting at the base of the transverse process of each of the involved spinal diseased vertebrae; h. drilling bore holes in the pedicles of the involved spinal diseased vertebrae for placement of the pedicle screws; i. rotating the pedicle screws into the bored holes of the involved spinal diseased vertebrae; and j. applying a spreader to the pedicle screws to expand the inter-discal space to receive the wedge member.