Abstract:
An enhanced pedicle rod clamp device for connecting two or more pedicle rods in spinal surgery is disclosed. The device may include an arm, an upper clamp, and a lower clamp, which are configured for coupling to a pedicle rod. The upper clamp may be coupled to the arm, and the lower clamp may be coupled to the upper clamp. The upper clamp may be rotationally and/or translationally movable with respect to at least one of the arm and the lower clamp. The lower clamp may be rotationally and/or translationally movable with respect to at least one of the arm and the upper clamp.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/868,357, filed on Oct. 5, 2007, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field 
     This disclosure relates generally to novel structures of, and approaches to, spinal correction and in particular to connecting and securing two or more pedicle rods. In particular, the present invention relates to cross bars with tightening and closure driven by collet rotation. 
     2. General Background 
     Procedures for operating on a spine and devices used therein often employ pedicle rods that are disposed longitudinally along the length of the spine. The pedicle rods may be attached to the spine with pedicle screws anchored into adjoining vertebrae. The pedicle rods, being attached to the pedicle screws or otherwise connected to at least one pedicle of the spine, help maintain a certain position and orientation of each attached vertebra with respect to other vertebrae. Where multiple pedicle rods are employed, each pedicle rod may be stabilized with respect to another pedicle rod by connecting the pedicle rods. 
     A device that offers medical personnel a larger number of options with regard to the position and orientation of the device with respect to the pedicle rods is a long-felt need not adequately addressed prior to the instant teachings. The instant teachings address and overcome these longstanding needs by providing increased and improved options to medical personnel. Likewise, maintaining spinal stability during and after procedures ameliorates and overcomes artifacts of surgery that are undesirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     Briefly stated, an enhanced pedicle rod clamp device is disclosed, offering more and improved options with regard to structures and methods for positioning and orientating the pedicle rod clamp device with respect to two pedicle rods and connecting the pedicle rod clamp device to the two or more pedicle rods. 
     According to embodiments, a pedicle rod clamp device includes an arm, an upper clamp, and a lower clamp, which are configured for coupling to a pedicle rod. The upper clamp may be coupled to the arm, and the lower clamp may be coupled to the upper clamp. The upper clamp may be rotationally and/or translationally movable with respect to at least one of the arm and the lower clamp. The lower clamp may be rotationally and/or translationally movable with respect to at least one of the arm and the upper clamp. 
     According to embodiments, a pedicle rod clamp device includes an arm, an upper clamp, and a lower clamp, which are configured for coupling to a pedicle rod. The upper clamp may be coupled to the arm, and the lower clamp may be coupled to the upper clamp. A location of coupling between the upper clamp and the arm and a location of coupling between the lower clamp and the upper clamp may be points along an axis, which may be a line or a curve. The upper clamp may rotate about and/or move translationally along the axis. The lower clamp may rotate about and/or move translationally along the axis comprising a ramp along a leading edge of the lower clamp to persuade placement of a bar. 
     According to embodiments, a method is also disclosed, which includes the step of providing a pedicle rod clamp device, and emplacement of the same in a patient in need of the same, whereby a collet is closed by a quarter turn and further rotation of a nut causing the pedicle rod to be emplaced and further rotation of the nut closes the clamping space. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned features and objects of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of a pedicle rod clamp device, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pedicle rod clamp device, showing an arm, an upper clamp, a lower clamp, and an outer nut, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a partially exploded view of an embodiment of a pedicle rod clamp device, showing an arm, an upper clamp, a lower clamp, and an outer nut, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pedicle rod clamp device, showing a collar, a center nut, an upper arm, and a lower arm, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the disclosure will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. On the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. As such, the descriptions of the embodiments that follow are for purposes of illustration and not limitation. 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of pedicle rod clamp device shown generally at  10 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Artisans appreciate the instant system as adjustable and configured to optimally support a patient&#39;s needs, as determined by qualified care providers. 
     According to embodiments, pedicle rod clamp device  10  includes upper arm  12   a , wherein upper arm  12   a  may include first upper clamp  14   a , first lower clamp  16   a , and first outer nut  18   a , wherein first upper clamp  14   a  and first lower clamp  16   a  form first clamp space  22   a . First clamp space  22   a  may be configured to receive a first pedicle rod (not shown). 
     According to embodiments, pedicle rod clamp device  10  may also include lower arm  12   b , wherein lower arm  12   b  may include second upper clamp  14   b , second lower clamp  16   b , and second outer nut  18   b , wherein second upper clamp  14   b  and second lower clamp  16   b  form second clamp space  22   b . Second clamp space  22   b  may be configured to receive a second pedicle rod (not shown). 
     According to embodiments, upper arm  12   a  and lower arm  12   b  may be fixedly or adjustably coupled. In at least one embodiment, upper arm  12   a  and lower arm  12   b  are adjustably coupled such that the distance between first clamp space  22   a  and second clamp space  22   b  may be selectively adjusted. For example, the distance between first clamp space  22   a  and second clamp space  22   b  may be adjusted to accommodate a first pedicle rod and a second pedicle rod that are separated by a given distance. Such adjustability enables a surgeon, for example, to achieve the manner of structural support needed by a patient whereby tissue insult and injury is mitigated or prevented. 
     In at least one embodiment, upper arm  12   a , first upper clamp  14   a , first lower clamp  16   a , and first outer nut  18   a  may each include substantially similar structures as those of lower arm  12   b , second upper clamp  14   b , second lower clamp  16   b , and second outer nut  18   b , respectively. For example, first clamp space  22   a  and second clamp space  22   b  may be configured to receive a first pedicle rod and a second pedicle rod, wherein the first pedicle rod and the second pedicle rod are each of a substantially similar shape and size. Symmetrical support and load bearing become key features of the present disclosure when optimally emplaced by a skilled surgeon. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that other configurations are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, each of upper arm  12   a  and lower arm  12   b  and their respective components may be configured to couple to any of a pedicle rod, a pedicle screw, a vertebra, or any other object near the pedicle rod clamp device. 
     With this understanding, reference will now be made to components of embodiments of a pedicle rod clamp device without using the prefix “first” or “second” and without reference to the suffix “a” or “b.” It will be understood by those skilled in the art that such references may apply to the components of either, both, or none of upper arm  12   a  and lower arm  12   b . Further, “arm  12 ” will be understood to refer to either or both of upper arm  12   a  and lower arm  12   b.    
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of pedicle rod clamp device shown generally at  10 , showing arm  12 , upper clamp  14 , lower clamp  16 , and outer nut  18 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     According to embodiments, pedicle rod clamp device  10  may include arm  12 , upper clamp  14 , lower clamp  18 , outer nut  20 . Upper clamp  16  and lower clamp  18  may determine the shape and size of clamp space  22 . For example, the shape and size of clamp space  22  may correspond to the shape and size of the pedicle rod, such that the pedicle rod is securely held within clamp space  22  by upper clamp  14  and lower clamp  18 . 
       FIG. 3  is a partially exploded view of an embodiment of pedicle rod clamp device shown generally at  10 , showing arm  12 , upper clamp  14 , lower clamp  16 , and outer nut  18 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     According to embodiments, lower clamp  16  may be inserted along axis  20  into an opening of upper clamp  14 . Lower clamp  16  may also be inserted along axis  20  into an opening of arm  12 . Outer nut  18  may secure lower clamp  16 . For example, outer nut  18  may be configured to thread onto a portion of lower clamp  16 . 
     According to embodiments, upper clamp  14  may rotate about axis  20  with respect to arm  12  and with respect to lower clamp  16 . Lower clamp  16  may rotate about axis  20  with respect to arm  12  and with respect to upper arm  14 . Upper clamp  14  may be secured with respect to arm  12  and lower clamp  16 . For example, pressure between arm  12  and lower clamp  16  may secure upper clamp  14 . Arm  12  may be secured with respect to outer nut  18  and upper clamp  14 . For example, pressure between outer nut  18  and upper clamp  14  may secure arm  12 . At least one of pressure between arm  12  and lower clamp  16  and between outer nut  18  and upper clamp  14  may be provided by tightening outer nut  18  onto lower clamp  16 . 
     According to embodiments, a surface of arm  12  and a surface of upper clamp  14  may provide friction between arm  12  and upper clamp  14  at an area of contact between arm  12  and upper clamp  14 . In at least one embodiment, arm  12  and upper clamp  14  may include at least one tooth configured to allow arm  12  and upper clamp  14  to interlock with respect to each other. 
     According to embodiments, at least one of a surface of upper clamp  14  and a surface of lower clamp  16  may be configured to provide friction between upper clamp  14  and lower clamp  16  at an area of contact between upper clamp  14  and lower clamp  16 . In at least one embodiment, each of upper clamp  14  and lower clamp  16  may include at least one tooth configured to allow upper clamp  14  and lower clamp  16  to interlock with respect to each other. 
     According to embodiments, the rotation of upper clamp  14  about axis  20  with respect to arm  12  may be limited by the shapes of upper clamp  14  and arm  12 . For example, arm  12  may include a protrusion that refuses rotation of upper clamp  14  beyond a certain rotation about axis  20 . In at least one embodiment, the rotation of lower clamp  16  about axis  20  with respect to upper clamp  14  may be limited by the respective shapes of lower clamp  16  and upper clamp  14 . For example, upper clamp  14  may include a protrusion that refuses rotation of lower clamp  16  beyond a certain rotation about axis  20 . 
     According to embodiments, lower clamp  16  may be configured to move translationally along axis  20  with respect to at least one of upper clamp  14  and arm  12 . For example, tightening nut  18  onto lower clamp  16  may cause lower clamp  16  to move translationally toward nut  18 ; loosening nut  18  from lower clamp  16  may cause lower clamp  16  to move translationally away from nut  18 . Those skilled in the art will understand other structures and methods for causing lower clamp  16  to move translationally along axis  20 . 
     According to embodiments, a location of coupling between upper clamp  14  and arm  12  and a location of coupling between lower clamp  16  and upper clamp  14  may be points along an axis  20 . In at least one embodiment, axis  20  may be a line, such that lower clamp  16  may move translationally along a linear path formed by axis  20 . In at least one embodiment, lower clamp  16  may be a curve, such that lower clamp  16  may move translationally along a curved path formed by axis  20 . 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of pedicle rod clamp device shown generally at  10 , showing collar  24 , center nut  26 , upper arm  12   a , and lower arm  12   b , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. With reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 4 , according to embodiments, upper arm  12   a  and lower arm  12   b  may be connected by collar  24  and a center nut  26 . 
     According to embodiments, a portion of upper arm  12   a  and a portion of lower arm  12   b  may both be inserted through an opening of collar  24 . Arm  12  may include at least one of outer binder  28  and inner binder  30 , such that collar  24  does not move translationally along the longitudinal length of arm  12 . Center nut  26  may be tightened onto collar  24 , such that center nut  26  causes collar  24  to be brought toward center nut  26 . In at least one embodiment, tightening center nut  26  onto collar  24  causes upper arm  12   a  and lower arm  12   b  to be secured with respect to each other. For example, center nut  26  may come into contact with at least one of outer binder  28  and inner binder  30 , such that tightening center nut  26  onto collar  24  causes lower arm  12   b  to be brought closer to upper arm  12   a . While upper arm  12   a  and lower arm  12   b  are in contact with each other, friction provided by the contact may prevent upper arm  12   a  and lower arm  12   b  from moving with respect to each other. In at least one embodiment, lower arm  12   b  may include a stopper  32 , which prevents lower arm  12   b  from being removed from the opening of collar  24 . 
     While the apparatus and method have been described in terms of what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure need not be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims, the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures. The present disclosure includes any and all embodiments of the following claims. 
     It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the disclosure. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that this disclosure is intended to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the disclosure both independently and as an overall system and in both method and apparatus modes. 
     Further, each of the various elements of the disclosure and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. 
     Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the disclosure, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms—even if only the function or result is the same. 
     Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this disclosure is entitled. 
     It should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. 
     Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. 
     Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in this application for patent are hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in at least one of a standard technical dictionary recognized by artisans and the Random House Webster&#39;s Unabridged Dictionary, latest edition are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Finally, all referenced listed in the Information Disclosure Statement or other information statement filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference; however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/these disclosure(s), such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant(s). 
     In this regard it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid adding potentially hundreds of claims, the applicant has presented claims with initial dependencies only. 
     Support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter laws—including but not limited to United States Patent Law 35 U.S.C. §132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept. 
     To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative embodiments. 
     Further, the use of the transitional phrase “comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term “compromise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. 
     Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive forms so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible.