Abstract:
A spinal implant provides supplemental and dynamic fixation and/or stabilization of the spine via connection to one or more existing or new spinal fixation and/or stabilization spinal constructs. The supplementary spinal fixation/stabilization implant has a first attachment device configured to couple to an existing or new spinal fixation/stabilization construct and a second attachment device configured to couple to the existing or new spinal fixation/stabilization construct at a second location. The first and second attachment devices are joined to each other via a resilient connector that allows dynamic movement between the first and second attachment devices.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of and/or priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/162,874 filed Mar. 24, 2009, entitled “Supplementary Spinal Fixation/Stabilization Apparatus With Dynamic Inter-Vertebral Connection” the entire contents of which is specifically incorporated herein by this reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to spinal fixation devices for the internal fixation or stabilization of the spine such as spinal implants for holding vertebral bones fixed relative to one another and, more particularly, to spinal implants that are connectable as additive to existing and/or other primary spinal implants. 
     2. Background Information 
     Spinal implants have been used for many years to increase spine stability following single and multi-level spinal surgery. Implants such as spine plates, spine rods and spine rod holders, implant assemblies, cross-members and/or the like are implanted during surgery for reasons such as disease, trauma, defect, accident or the like, in order to stabilize and/or fix one or more spinal vertebrae. Stabilization and/or fixation leads to a proper healing and/or a desired outcome. Spinal surgery is thus performed to install the implant(s). 
     Over time, however, natural wear and tear can diminish or impair the effectiveness of fixation and/or stabilization provided by the existing spinal implant(s). In these cases, it may be necessary to provide re-fixation/stabilization or additional fixation/stabilization that supplements the original fixation/stabilization. Additionally, continued disease, further trauma, accident or the like may also diminish or impair the effectiveness of fixation and/or stabilization provided by the existing spinal implant(s). Again, it may be necessary to provide re-fixation/stabilization or additional fixation/stabilization that supplements the original fixation/stabilization. Sometimes, however, existing spinal implants just require additional, supplemental or auxiliary support or fixation in order to provide the necessary stabilization. Also, it may sometimes be necessary to stabilize one or more additional vertebrae after the initial vertebrae stabilization. In this case, the surgeon must contend with the previously installed spinal hardware. 
     While current spinal fixation devices may be used as auxiliary or supplemental spinal implants, they are static in nature and thus do not allow or provide for dynamic action. 
     In view of the above, it would thus be desirable to have a dynamic supplemental spinal fixation/stabilization device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a spinal fixation/stabilization device that provides supplementary fixation and/or stabilization of the spine via connection to existing spinal fixation and/or stabilization spinal constructs. The supplementary spinal fixation/stabilization device is connectable to existing spinal fixation/stabilization assemblies, constructs or devices for providing supplemental spinal fixation and/or stabilization. The supplementary spinal fixation/stabilization device includes a first connector configured for attachment to the existing spinal fixation/stabilization construct at a first location and a second connector configured for attachment to the existing spinal fixation/stabilization construct at a second location. The first and second connectors are joined to each other via a resilient connector that allows dynamic movement between the first and second connectors. 
     In one form, the present invention is a supplementary spinal fixation/stabilization apparatus that provides dynamic inter-vertebral connection. The supplementary spinal fixation/stabilization apparatus includes a first connector that is adapted to connect, couple or attach to an existing spinal fixation/stabilization assembly, construct or bone screw assembly that has been affixed to one or more vertebrae, a second connector that is adapted to connect, couple or attach to an existing spinal fixation/stabilization assembly, construct or bone screw assembly that has been affixed to one or more adjacent vertebrae or a new spinal fixation/stabilization assembly, construct or bone screw assembly of one or more adjacent vertebrae, and a resilient and/or elastomeric connector joining the first and second connectors. 
     The first and second connectors provide fixation to adjacent vertebrae while the resilient/elastomeric connector provides for dynamic (i.e. bending or flexing) between the two connectors. 
     In one form, the first and second connectors are identical. The first and second identical connectors are configured for attachment to existing spine rods, spine plates and/or other spinal implants or constructs of adjacent vertebrae. In another form, the first connector is configured for attachment to an existing spine rod, spine plate and/or other spinal implant or construct of one vertebra and the second connector is configured for attachment to a spine rod holder/holder assembly of a new or existing spine rod bone screw assembly of an adjacent vertebra. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a supplementary spinal fixation/stabilization device providing dynamic intervertebral connection fashioned in accordance with the present principles; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of a supplementary spinal fixation/stabilization device providing dynamic intervertebral connection fashioned in accordance with the present principles; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a portion of a human spine having the supplementary spinal fixation/stabilization device of  FIG. 1  connected to an existing spinal fixation construct and a spinal bone screw assembly each of which are affixed to lateral portions of adjacent vertebrae of the spine; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a portion of the human spine having the supplementary spinal fixation/stabilization device of  FIG. 1  connected to another existing spinal fixation construct and a spinal bone screw assembly each of which are affixed to lateral portions of adjacent vertebrae; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a portion of the human spine having the supplementary spinal fixation/stabilization device of  FIG. 2  connected to two existing spinal fixation constructs each of which are affixed to lateral portions of adjacent vertebrae; and 
         FIG. 6  is isometric view of a portion of the human spine having the supplementary spinal fixation/stabilization device of  FIG. 2  connected to two other existing spinal fixation constructs each of which are affixed to lateral portions of adjacent vertebrae. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts throughout the several figures. 
     A description of the features, functions and/or configuration of the spine plates depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of the spine plates of the figures are necessarily described. Some of these non discussed features as well as discussed features are inherent from the figures. Other non discussed features may be inherent in component geometry and/or configuration. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is depicted an exemplary embodiment of a spine or spinal implant embodied as a supplemental or supplementary spinal fixation/stabilization apparatus or device that provides dynamic intervertebral connection (dynamic supplemental or supplementary spinal fixation/stabilization apparatus) generally designated  10  fashioned in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The dynamic supplemental spinal fixation/stabilization apparatus  10  is formed of a suitable biocompatible material. 
     The dynamic supplemental spinal fixation/stabilization apparatus  10  is characterized by an attachment device or connector  12  that is configured, adapted and/or operative to connect, attach or couple to a previous fusion (e.g. a spine rod, not shown, of a spinal rod fixation device, not shown), a resilient and/or elastomeric connector  16  that is configured, adapted and/or operative to flex and/or bend, and a secondary attachment device or connector  14  that is configured, adapted and/or operative to connect, attach or couple to an adjacent vertebral level in order to prevent it from degenerating further. 
     The attachment device  12  is made from a biocompatible material such as titanium, stainless steel, PEEK (polyetheretherketone) or the like. The attachment device  12  is formed as a generally rectangular body  18  (other shapes being contemplated) with a generally annular channel or groove  22  extending from one end of the body  18  to the other end of the body  18 . The channel  22  is configured to be received on or onto a spinal rod. The attachment device  12  also includes a first set screw  24   a  that is situated in a first bore  26   a . The first bore  26   a  extends from a top or upper side or surface of the body  18  to a lower or under side or surface of the body  18  that intersects in, terminates in, or opens into the channel  22 . The first bore  26   a  angles into the channel  22  from the upper side of the body  18 . The first set screw  24   a  extends through the first bore  26   a  and provides contact with the spinal rod that is seated in the channel  22  (see  FIG. 2  where end  25   b  of second set screw  24   b  can be seen extending into the channel  22 ). The first set screw  24   a  thus fixes (or aids in fixing) the attachment device  12  to the spinal rod. 
     The attachment device further includes a second set screw  24   b  that is situated in a second bore  26   b . The second bore  26   b  extends from the top or upper side or surface of the body  18  to the lower or under side or surface of the body  18  that intersects in, terminates in, or opens into the channel  22 . The second bore  26   b  angles into the channel  22  from the upper side of the body  18 . The second set screw  24   b  extends through the second bore  26   b  and provides contact with the spinal rod that is seated in the channel  22  (again, see  FIG. 2  where end  25   b  of second set screw  24   b  can be seen extending into the channel  22 ). The second set screw  24   b  thus fixes (or aids in fixing) the attachment device  12  to the spinal rod. 
     The attachment device  12  moreover includes a reinforced or raised rear portion  20  through which one end of the elastomeric connector  16  extends and/or is received (an end of which can be seen in  FIG. 1 ). The elastomeric connector  16  is non-rotatably held by the portion  20  and is shown as a generally square (rectangular) rod. Other shapes are contemplated whose shapes aid in preventing twisting or rotation between the attachment device  12  and the secondary attachment device  14 . The other end of the connector  16  is received by/in the secondary attachment device  14 . Particularly, the other end of the connector  16  is non-rotatably received by or in a generally tubular body  28  of the secondary attachment device  14 . The secondary attachment device  14  further includes a rod  30  that is configured for attachment to an adjacent further rod attachment device (i.e. one or more spine rod holders of one or more spine rod bone screw assemblies—not shown) in an adjacent vertebra. The rod  30  is retained in the adjacent further rod attachment device of the adjacent vertebra (not shown). 
     The attachment device  12  is fixed to an existing spinal fixation/stabilization assembly while the secondary attachment device  14  is fixed to an adjacent level spinal fixation device. The elastomeric connector  16  thus provides flexing or bending relative to the attachments devices  12 ,  14  and thus between the vertebrae to which they are fixed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2  there is depicted another exemplary embodiment of a spine or spinal implant embodied as a supplemental or supplementary spinal fixation/stabilization apparatus or device that provides dynamic intervertebral connection (dynamic supplemental or supplementary spinal fixation/stabilization apparatus) generally designated  50  fashioned in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The dynamic supplemental spinal fixation/stabilization apparatus  50  is formed of a suitable biocompatible material. 
     The dynamic supplemental spinal fixation/stabilization apparatus  50  is characterized by an attachment device or connector  12  that is configured, adapted and/or operative to connect, attach or couple to a previous fusion (e.g. a spine rod, not shown, of a spinal rod fixation device, not shown), a resilient and/or elastomeric connector  16  that is configured, adapted and/or operative to flex and/or bend, and a secondary attachment device or connector  12  that is configured, adapted and/or operative to connect, attach or couple to an adjacent vertebral level in order to prevent it from degenerating further. 
     The attachment device  12  is made from a biocompatible material such as titanium, stainless steel, PEEK (polyetheretherketone) or the like. The attachment device  12  is formed as a generally rectangular body  18  (other shapes being contemplated) with a generally annular channel or groove  22  extending from one end of the body  18  to the other end of the body  18 . The channel  22  is configured to be received on or onto a spinal rod. The attachment device  12  also includes a first set screw  24   a  that is situated in a first bore  26   a . The first bore  26   a  extends from a top or upper side or surface of the body  18  to a lower or under side or surface of the body  18  that intersects in, terminates in, or opens into the channel  22 . The first bore  26   a  angles into the channel  22  from the upper side of the body  18 . The first set screw  24   a  extends through the first bore  26   a  and provides contact with the spinal rod that is seated in the channel  22  (see  FIG. 2  where end  25   b  of second set screw  24   b  can be seen extending into the channel  22 ). The first set screw  24   a  thus fixes (or aids in fixing) the attachment device  12  to the spinal rod. 
     The attachment device further includes a second set screw  24   b  that is situated in a second bore  26   b . The second bore  26   b  extends from the top or upper side or surface of the body  18  to the lower or under side or surface of the body  18  that intersects in, terminates in, or opens into the channel  22 . The second bore  26   b  angles into the channel  22  from the upper side of the body  18 . The second set screw  24   b  extends through the second bore  26   b  and provides contact with the spinal rod that is seated in the channel  22  (again, see  FIG. 2  where end  25   b  of second set screw  24   b  can be seen extending into the channel  22 ). The second set screw  24   b  thus fixes (or aids in fixing) the attachment device  12  to the spinal rod. 
     The attachment device  12  moreover includes a reinforced or raised rear portion  20  through which one end of the elastomeric connector  16  extends and/or is received (an end of which can be seen in  FIG. 2 ). The elastomeric connector  16  is non-rotatably held by the portion  20  and is shown as a generally square (rectangular) rod whose shape aids in preventing twisting or rotation between the attachment device  12  and the secondary attachment device  12 . The other end of the connector  16  is received by/in the secondary attachment device  12 . Particularly, the other end of the connector  16  is non-rotatably received by or in reinforced or raised rear portion  20  through which one end of the elastomeric connector  16  extends and/or is received. 
     The attachment device  12  is fixed to an existing spinal fixation/stabilization assembly while the secondary attachment device  12  is fixed to an adjacent level spinal fixation device. The elastomeric connector  16  thus provides flexing or bending relative to the attachments devices  12 ,  12  and thus between the vertebrae to which they are fixed. 
       FIG. 3  depicts the dynamic supplemental spinal fixation/stabilization apparatus  10  affixed to spinal fixation/stabilization constructs on one lateral side of the spine to provide additional, supplemental or supplementary fixation/stabilization between one fixation portion of the spine (i.e. vertebrae V 1  and V 2  labeled through their spinous processes SP 1  and SP 2 ) and another portion of the spine; namely adjacent vertebra (vertebra V 3  labeled through its spinous process SP 3 ). Particularly,  FIG. 3  depicts an existing spinal fixation/stabilization construct, fixing/stabilizing two adjacent vertebrae, defined by a spine rod  70  held by and between two adjacent vertebral bone screw assemblies  60  (located on pedicles P 1  and P 2  of adjacent vertebrae), and an additional vertebral level; namely vertebral bone screw assembly  60  (located on a lower adjacent vertebra pedicle P 3 ), hence inter-vertebral. The dynamic supplemental spinal fixation/stabilization apparatus  10  is shown on one lateral side of the vertebrae with the attachment device  12  affixed to the spinal rod  70  wherein the set screws  24   a ,  24   b  engage the spinal rod  70 . The rod  30  of the secondary attachment device  14  is held by a vertebral bone screw assembly  60  affixed on the pedicle P 3  of a lower adjacent vertebra. The supplementary spinal implant  10  thus provides dynamic fixation between the first level of fixation/stabilization (two adjacent vertebrae) and an additional lower vertebral level. 
       FIG. 4  depicts the dynamic supplemental spinal fixation/stabilization apparatus  10  affixed to spinal fixation/stabilization constructs on another lateral side of the spine to provide additional, supplemental or supplementary fixation/stabilization between one fixation portion of the spine (i.e. vertebrae V 4  and V 3  labeled through their spinous processes SP 4  and SP 3 ) and another portion of the spine; namely adjacent vertebra (vertebra V 2  labeled through its spinous process SP 2 ). Particularly,  FIG. 4  depicts an existing spinal fixation/stabilization construct, fixing/stabilizing two adjacent vertebrae, defined by a spine rod  80  held by and between two adjacent vertebral bone screw assemblies  60  (located on pedicles P 4  and P 3  of adjacent vertebrae), and an additional vertebral level; namely vertebral bone screw assembly  60  (located on an upper adjacent vertebra pedicle P 2 ), hence inter-vertebral. The dynamic supplemental spinal fixation/stabilization apparatus  10  is shown on one lateral side of the vertebrae with the attachment device  12  affixed to the spinal rod  80  wherein the set screws  24   a ,  24   b  engage the spinal rod  80 . The rod  30  of the secondary attachment device  14  is held by a vertebral bone screw assembly  60  affixed on the pedicle P 2  of an upper adjacent vertebra. The supplementary spinal implant  10  thus provides dynamic fixation between the first level of fixation/stabilization (two adjacent vertebrae) and an additional upper vertebral level. 
       FIG. 5  depicts the dynamic supplemental spinal fixation/stabilization apparatus  50  affixed to two separate spinal fixation/stabilization constructs on one lateral side of the spine to provide additional, supplemental or supplementary fixation/stabilization between one fixation portion of the spine (i.e. vertebrae V 1  and V 2  labeled through their spinous processes SP 1  and SP 2 ) and another fixation portion of the spine (vertebra V 3  and V 4  labeled through their spinous process SP 3  and SP 4 ). Particularly,  FIG. 5  depicts two existing spinal fixation/stabilization constructs, each fixing/stabilizing two adjacent vertebrae, with one construct defined by a spine rod  80  held by and between two adjacent vertebral bone screw assemblies  60  (located on pedicles P 1  and P 2  of adjacent vertebrae), and another construct defined by a spine rod  90  held by and between two adjacent vertebral bone screw assemblies  60  (located on pedicles P 3  and P 4  of adjacent vertebrae); hence inter-vertebral. The dynamic supplemental spinal fixation/stabilization apparatus  50  is shown on one lateral side of the vertebrae with the attachment device  12  affixed to the spinal rod  80  wherein the set screws  24   a ,  24   b  engage the spinal rod  80  and the other attachment device  12  affixed to the spinal rod  90  wherein the set screws  24   a ,  24   b  engage the spinal rod  90 . The supplementary spinal implant  50  thus provides dynamic fixation between the first level of fixation/stabilization (two adjacent vertebrae) and an additional level of fixation/stabilization (two adjacent vertebrae) that are adjacent the first level of fixation/stabilization. 
       FIG. 6  depicts the dynamic supplemental spinal fixation/stabilization apparatus  50  affixed to two separate spinal fixation/stabilization constructs on another lateral side of the spine to provide additional, supplemental or supplementary fixation/stabilization between one fixation portion of the spine (i.e. vertebrae V 1  and V 2  labeled through their spinous processes SP 1  and SP 2 ) and another fixation portion of the spine (vertebra V 3  and V 4  labeled through their spinous process SP 3  and SP 4 ). Particularly,  FIG. 6  depicts two existing spinal fixation/stabilization constructs, each fixing/stabilizing two adjacent vertebrae, with one construct defined by a spine rod  100  held by and between two adjacent vertebral bone screw assemblies  60  (located on pedicles P 1  and P 2  of adjacent vertebrae), and another construct defined by a spine rod  110  held by and between two adjacent vertebral bone screw assemblies  60  (located on pedicles P 3  and P 4  of adjacent vertebrae); hence inter-vertebral. The dynamic supplemental spinal fixation/stabilization apparatus  50  is shown on one lateral side of the vertebrae with the attachment device  12  affixed to the spinal rod  80  wherein the set screws  24   a ,  24   b  engage the spinal rod  100  and the other attachment device  12  affixed to the spinal rod  110  wherein the set screws  24   a ,  24   b  engage the spinal rod  110 . The supplementary spinal implant  50  thus provides dynamic fixation between the first level of fixation/stabilization (two adjacent vertebrae) and an additional level of fixation/stabilization (two adjacent vertebrae) that are adjacent the first level of fixation/stabilization. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected and their equivalents.