Apparatus and method for maintaining vertebrae in a desired relationship
US4648388A · kind A · utility
295Cited by
4References
8Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 1985 |
| Grant date | Mar 10, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/701
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method is provided to maintain vertebrae in a desired relationship. The apparatus includes a rod, a plurality of clamps, and a plurality of fastener assemblies. The method involves inserting threaded members into openings in a displaced vertebra and at least one vertebra on each side of the displaced vertebra. A clamp is placed on each fastener. The rod is bent to correspond to a desired spinal curvature and inserted into the clamps. A nut is tightened on each threaded member to hold the clamp to each vertebra and to press the clamp against the rod to hold the rod against axial and rotational movement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.