Connectors for use in systems and methods for reducing the risk of proximal junctional kyphosis

US11298158B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Medos International Sarl · CH

Inventors

• Christopher Mickiewicz · Bridgewater, US
• Michael O'Neil · West Barnstable, US
• Connor Engstrom · Hopkinton, US
• Michael O'Brien · Manasquan, US
• Christopher Ames · Mill Valley, US
• Munish Gupta · Rancho Cordova, US
• Matthew Scott-Young · Southport, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 26, 2019
• Grant date: Apr 12, 2022
• Expiry date: May 8, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2017/7073
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Systems and methods for reducing the risk of PJK, PJF, and other conditions are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a longitudinal extension can be added to a primary fixation construct to extend the construct to one or more additional vertebral levels. The extension can be attached to a first attachment point, such as a spinous process of a vertebra that is superior to the primary construct. The extension can also be attached to a second attachment point, such as a component of the primary construct or an anatomical structure disposed inferior to the first attachment point. The extension can be more flexible than the primary construct and/or can limit motion to a lesser degree than the primary construct, thereby providing a more-gradual transition from the instrumented vertebrae to the natural patient anatomy adjacent thereto. The extension can be placed with little or no soft tissue disruption.