Patent ID: 7419499
Filing Date: 2008-09-02
Classification: A61B,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of stabilizing spaced vertebra bodies in the human spine with minimally invasive surgery, comprising the steps of: providing an elongate implant plate assembly having proximal and distal ends with first and second screw receiving socket elements configured for respective attachment to first and second spaced vertebra with the aid of bone fixation screws, said elements slidably received with respect to each other for adjustably changing the distance between said screw receiving socket elements, and having a lock assembly for selectively locking said first and second screw receiving socket elements from further relative sliding, said second socket element positioned adjacent the proximal end of said plate assembly; additionally providing an elongate insertion tool which is releaseably securable to the proximal end of said plate assembly whereby said tool and elongate plate assembly extend together end to end in their direction of elongation when secured together, and configured for manipulating said plate assembly and for remotely manipulating said socket elements for adjusting the distance therebetween; securing said insertion tool to the proximal end of said plate assembly for manipulation thereof; making an incision adjacent said second vertebra for inserting said implant plate assembly; inserting said plate assembly into said incision, distal end first, and positioning said second screw receiving socket over said second vertebra by manipulation with said insertion tool; extending said distal end relative to said proximal end and thereby positioning said first screw receiving socket over said first vertebra by remote manipulation with said insertion tool; securing said distal and proximal ends respectively to said first and second vertebra with bone fixation screws received in said first and second screw receiving sockets; adjusting the distance between said first and second socket elements to a desired degree by remote manipulation of said socket elements with said insertion tool for thereby adjusting the distance between the two secured vertebra; locking said socket elements from further relative motion with said lock assembly; and detaching said insertion tool from said implant plate assembly.