Orthopedic extendable rods

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10617446-B2
Application number	US-201916253445-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jan 22, 2019
Priority date	Oct 15, 2014
Publication date	Apr 14, 2020
Grant date	Apr 14, 2020

Abstract

Embodiments herein are generally directed to extendable rods for use in orthopedic assemblies. In some embodiments, these implants may be used in conjunction with procedures to treat spinal deformities, including, but not limited to, early onset scoliosis.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A method for stabilizing spinal elements comprising the steps of:
providing an extendable rod assembly, comprising:
an elongate sleeve having a central longitudinal axis comprising a conduit extending therethrough, and further comprising a housing member in fluid communication with the conduit;
a gear assembly disposed within the housing member, the gear assembly having an input gear that is offset from the central longitudinal axis and an output gear, wherein a diameter of the input gear and a diameter of the output gear each extend along a longitudinal axis of the elongate sleeve;
an actuating rod capable of linear translation at least partially disposed within the conduit and extending in a first direction, the actuating rod comprising a plurality of teeth configured to mesh with a member of the gear assembly, wherein the gear assembly is in direct contact with the actuating rod; and
a fixed rod at least partially disposed within the conduit and extending in a second direction, wherein the fixed rod is formed as a monolithic body with the elongate sleeve; and

positioning the extendable rod assembly between vertebral bodies.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the gear assembly comprises a gear train, the gear train comprising the input gear and the output gear.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the input gear comprises a socket configured to receive a drive member.

4. The method of claim 2 , wherein one revolution of the input gear is configured to translate the actuating rod by a distance in the range of from 4 mm to 12 mm.

5. The method of claim 2 , wherein one revolution of the input gear is configured to translate the actuating rod by a distance in the range of from 9 mm to 12 mm.

6. The method of claim 2 , wherein the output gear is configured to engage the actuating rod.

7. The method of claim 2 , wherein the gear train further comprises a compound gear configured to couple with the input gear and the output gear.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the gear assembly further comprises a locking member configured to prevent translation of the actuating rod in a proximal direction.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the locking member comprises a spring-loaded pawl.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the locking member is configured to directly engage the compound gear.

11. The method of claim 8 , further comprising a lever configured to disengage the locking member.

12. A method for stabilizing vertebral bodies, comprising:
providing an extendable rod assembly having: an elongate sleeve having a central longitudinal axis comprising a conduit extending therethrough and a housing member disposed thereon, wherein the housing member is in fluid communication with the conduit;
a gear assembly mounted in the housing member, the gear assembly having an input gear that is offset from the central longitudinal axis and an output gear, wherein a diameter of the input gear and a diameter of the output gear each extend along a longitudinal axis of the elongate sleeve;
an actuating rod capable of linear translation at least partially disposed within the conduit and extending in a first direction; and
a fixed rod at least partially disposed within the conduit and extending in a second direction, wherein the fixed rod is formed as a monolithic body with the elongate sleeve;

wherein a member of the gear assembly is configured to directly engage the actuating rod; and
positioning the extendable rod assembly between vertebral bodies.

13. The method claim 12 , wherein at least one of the elongate sleeve and the housing member comprises a cover.

14. The method of claim 13 , further comprising a drive member coupled with the housing member and configured to engage the gear assembly.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the cover comprises an aperture, and the drive member is rotatably disposed within the aperture.

16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the drive member comprises a driver interface section and a gear interface section, and wherein the driver interface section is configured to extend out of the housing member.

Assignees

• Globus Medical Inc

Inventors

• Lynch Bobby
• Faulhaber Kurt

Classifications

• A61B17/7017

  pneumatic or hydraulic means · CPC title

• A61B17/7025 Primary

  with a sliding joint · CPC title

• A61B17/702

  having a core or insert, and a sleeve, whereby a screw or hook can move along the core or in the sleeve · CPC title