Methods and apparatus for improving shear loading capacity of a spinal segment
US8668719B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2010 |
| Grant date | Mar 11, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/7053
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for improving shear loading capacity of a spinal segment having a superior vertebra, an inferior vertebra or sacrum, and a facet joint, includes providing a constraint device having an upper portion, a lower portion and a compliance member coupled therebetween. The constraint device is coupled with the spinal segment such that the upper portion of the constraint device is coupled with the superior vertebra and the lower portion of the constraint device is coupled with the inferior vertebra or a sacrum. The constraint device provides a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment. Also, length or tension in the constraint device is adjusted so as to increase engagement between an upper portion of the facet joint and a lower portion of the facet joint, thereby increasing capacity of the spinal segment to resist shear loading.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.