Spinal plate system for stabilizing a portion of a spine

Abstract

A spinal plate system that maintains intervertebral spacing and spinal stability is provided. In an embodiment, a spinal compression plate may include two or more plates coupled together form an adjustable-length plate. Movement of plates in a spinal compression plate may be uni-directional. Compression of a spinal compression plate movement may mimic natural settling of bones in a spine and/or distribute at least a portion of a vertebral load to an implant positioned between two vertebrae. Maintaining at least a portion of the vertebral load on an insert may increase bone growth and increase fusion between an implant and surrounding vertebrae.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A spinal plate system for a human spine, comprising: 
 a first plate configured to be coupled to human bone, wherein the first plate comprises extensions;    a second plate configured to be coupled to human bone, wherein the second plate comprises slots;    a movement mechanism configured to allow movement of the first plate relative to the second plate during use; and    wherein at least one of the extensions on the first plate is configured to couple to at least one of the slots on the second plate to form an adjustable-length spinal plate.    
     
     
         2 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the extensions on the first plate is configured to mate with at least one of the slots on the second plate.  
     
     
         3 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , wherein two extensions on the first plate are configured to be coupled to two slots on the second plate.  
     
     
         4 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , wherein two extensions on the first plate are configured to mate with two slots on the second plate.  
     
     
         5 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , wherein extensions on the first plate are coupled to slots on the second plate.  
     
     
         6 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , wherein the spinal plate system is configured to couple to two human vertebrae.  
     
     
         7 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , wherein one extension on the first plate is configured to be coupled to one slot on the second plate.  
     
     
         8 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , wherein the spinal plate system is configured to compress along a longitudinal axis such that lordotic alignment is maintained during use.  
     
     
         9 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , wherein the spinal plate system is configured to compress to correspond to bone settling during use.  
     
     
         10 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the slots and at least one of the extensions have mating stepped portions.  
     
     
         11 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , further comprising a pin configured to inhibit decoupling of the first plate and the second plate during use.  
     
     
         12 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , wherein the movement mechanism is configured to allow uni-directional movement in a longitudinal direction of the first plate relative to the second plate.  
     
     
         13 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , wherein the movement mechanism is configured to allow longitudinal compression of the spinal plate system during use.  
     
     
         14 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , wherein the movement mechanism is configured to inhibit longitudinal expansion of the spinal plate system during use.  
     
     
         15 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , wherein the movement mechanism is configured to allow longitudinal movement of the spinal plate system after a compressive load greater than about a pre-determined load is applied to the spinal plate system during use.  
     
     
         16 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , wherein the first plate is configured to conform to a lordotic curvature of a spine.  
     
     
         17 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , wherein the second plate is configured to conform to a lordotic curvature of a spine.  
     
     
         18 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , wherein the adjustable-length spinal plate is configured to conform to a curvature of a spine.  
     
     
         19 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , wherein the spinal plate system is configured to conform to a radial curvature of a spine.  
     
     
         20 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , wherein the spinal plate system is configured to provide structural support for a spinal implant.  
     
     
         21 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one bending region on the adjustable-length spinal plate, wherein the bending region is configured to facilitate bending of the adjustable-length spinal plate.  
     
     
         22 . The spinal plate system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one groove on the adjustable-length spinal plate, wherein at least one groove is configured to facilitate bending of the adjustable-length spinal plate.  
     
     
         23 . A spinal plate system for a human spine, comprising: 
 a first plate configured to be coupled to human bone, wherein the first plate comprises an opening;    a second plate configured to be coupled to human bone, wherein the second plate comprises an opening;    wherein the first plate is configured to be coupled to the second plate to form an adjustable-length spinal plate with at least one opening through the adjustable-length spinal plate;    a movement mechanism configured to allow movement of the first plate relative to the second plate during use; and    a retainer configured to be positioned in at least one opening through the adjustable-length spinal plate.    
     
     
         24 . The spinal plate system of  claim 23 , wherein the first plate is coupled to the second plate.  
     
     
         25 . The spinal plate system of  claim 23 , wherein the retainer is positioned in the opening in the first plate.  
     
     
         26 . The spinal plate system of  claim 23 , wherein the retainer is positioned in the opening in the second plate.  
     
     
         27 . The spinal plate system of  claim 23 , wherein the opening is located at or near a center of the adjustable-length spinal plate.  
     
     
         28 . The spinal plate system of  claim 23 , wherein the first plate comprises at least one extension.  
     
     
         29 . The spinal plate system of  claim 23 , wherein the second plate comprises at least one slot.  
     
     
         30 . The spinal plate system of  claim 23 , wherein the first plate comprises at least one extension and the second plate comprises at least one slot, and wherein at least one extension of the first plate is configured to be coupled to at least one slot of the second plate.  
     
     
         31 . The spinal plate system of  claim 23 , wherein the first plate comprises at least one extension and the second plate comprises at least one slot, and wherein at least one extension of the first plate is configured to be coupled to at least one slot of the second plate  
     
     
         32 . The spinal plate system of  claim 23 , wherein the retainer is substantially ring-shaped.  
     
     
         33 . The spinal plate system of  claim 23 , wherein the retainer is configured to inhibit backout of a fastener when a head of the fastener is positioned in the opening.  
     
     
         34 . The spinal plate system of  claim 23 , wherein the retainer is configured to inhibit backout of a fastener when a head of the fastener is positioned in the opening, and wherein the fastener couples to the spinal plate to bone during use.  
     
     
         35 . The spinal plate system of  claim 23 , further comprising a coupling member, wherein the coupling member is configured to couple the first plate to the second plate such that at least a portion of the first plate overlays at least a portion of the second plate.  
     
     
         36 . The spinal plate system of  claim 23 , wherein the adjustable-length spinal plate is configured to compress to correspond to bone settling during use.  
     
     
         37 . The spinal plate system of  claim 23 , wherein the movement mechanism is configured to allow uni-directional movement of the first plate relative to the second plate during use.  
     
     
         38 . The spinal plate system of  claim 23 , wherein the adjustable-length spinal plate is configured to conform to a curvature of a spine.  
     
     
         39 . The spinal plate system of  claim 23 , wherein the spinal plate system is configured to compress along a longitudinal axis such that lordotic alignment is maintained during use.  
     
     
         40 . A spinal plate system for a human spine, comprising: 
 a first plate configured to be coupled to human bone;    a second plate configured to be coupled to human bone;    a movement mechanism configured to allow movement of the first plate relative to the second plate during use;    wherein the first plate is configured to be coupled to the second plate to form an adjustable-length spinal plate;    wherein the adjustable-length spinal plate comprises at least one elongated opening; and    wherein a retainer is configured to be positioned in at least one elongated opening such that the retainer can longitudinally move.    
     
     
         41 . The spinal plate system of  claim 40 , wherein the first plate comprises at least one extension.  
     
     
         42 . The spinal plate system of  claim 40 , wherein the second plate comprises at least one slot.  
     
     
         43 . The spinal plate system of  claim 40  wherein the first plate comprises at least one extension and the second plate comprises at least one slot, and wherein at least one extension of the first plate is configured to be coupled to at least one slot of the second plate.  
     
     
         44 . The spinal plate system of  claim 40 , wherein the retainer is substantially ring-shaped.  
     
     
         45 . The spinal plate system of  claim 40 , wherein the retainer comprises projections.  
     
     
         46 . The spinal plate system of  claim 40 , wherein the retainer is configured to inhibit backout of a fastener from the at least one elongated opening.  
     
     
         47 . The spinal plate system of  claim 40 , wherein the retainer is configured to inhibit backout of a fastener from the at least one elongated opening, and wherein the fastener couples the spinal plate to bone during use.  
     
     
         48 . The spinal plate system of  claim 40 , wherein the movement mechanism is configured to allow for compression of the adjustable-length spinal plate.  
     
     
         49 . The spinal plate system of  claim 40 , wherein the movement mechanism inhibits expansion of the adjustable-length spinal plate.  
     
     
         50 . A spinal plate system for a human spine, comprising: 
 a first plate configured to be coupled to human bone;    a second plate configured to be coupled to human bone;    a movement mechanism configured to allow movement of the first plate relative to the second plate during use;    wherein the first plate is configured to be coupled to the second plate to form an adjustable-length spinal plate;    wherein the adjustable-length spinal plate comprises at least one elongated opening; and    wherein a retainer is configured to be positioned in at least one of the elongated openings such that the retainer can uni-directionally move during use.    
     
     
         51 . The spinal plate system of  claim 50 , wherein uni-directional movement comprises longitudinal movement.  
     
     
         52 . The spinal plate system of  claim 50 , wherein the retainer comprises serrations.  
     
     
         53 . The spinal plate system of  claim 50 , wherein at least one elongated opening comprises serrations.  
     
     
         54 . The spinal plate system of  claim 50 , wherein the retainer comprises serrations, wherein at least one elongated opening comprises serrations, and wherein serrations of the retainer contact serrations of at least one elongated opening.  
     
     
         55 . The spinal plate system of  claim 50 , wherein the first plate comprises at least one extension.  
     
     
         56 . The spinal plate system of  claim 50 , wherein the second plate comprises at least one slot.  
     
     
         57 . The spinal plate system of  claim 50  wherein the first plate comprises at least one extension and the second plate comprises at least one slot, and wherein at least one extension of the first plate is configured to be coupled to at least one slot of the second plate.  
     
     
         58 . The spinal plate system of  claim 50 , wherein the retainer is substantially ring-shaped.  
     
     
         59 . The spinal plate system of  claim 50 , wherein the retainer is configured to inhibit backout of a fastener from the elongated opening.  
     
     
         60 . The spinal plate system of  claim 50 , wherein the retainer is configured to inhibit backout of a fastener from the elongated opening, and wherein the fastener couples the plate to the bone during use.  
     
     
         61 . A spinal plate system for a human spine, comprising: 
 a first plate configured to be coupled to human bone;    a second plate configured to be coupled to human bone;    wherein the first plate is configured to be coupled to the second plate to form an adjustable-length spinal plate;    a movement mechanism configured to allow movement of the first plate relative to the second plate during use; and    a removable spacer configured to establish an initial length of the adjustable-length spinal plate during use.    
     
     
         62 . The spinal plate system of  claim 61 , wherein the first plate is coupled to the second plate.  
     
     
         63 . The spinal plate system of  claim 61 , wherein the spacer is configured to establish a separation distance between the first plate and the second plate during use.  
     
     
         64 . The spinal plate system of  claim 61 , wherein the spacer establishes a separation distance between the first plate and the second plate during use.  
     
     
         65 . The spinal plate system of  claim 61 , wherein the spacer is configured to establish a separation distance of about 4 mm between the first plate and the second plate during use.  
     
     
         66 . The spinal plate system of  claim 61 , wherein the spacer establishes a separation distance of about 4 mm between the first plate and the second plate during use.  
     
     
         67 . The spinal plate system of  claim 61 , wherein the spacer is coupled to the adjustable-length spinal plate before insertion of the adjustable-length spinal plate into a patient.  
     
     
         68 . The spinal plate system of  claim 61 , wherein the spacer is configured to establish a length of an adjustable-length spinal plate to facilitate coupling of the adjustable-length spinal plate to two or more vertebrae.  
     
     
         69 . The spinal plate system of  claim 61 , wherein the spacer is coupled to an opening in the adjustable-length spinal plate during use.  
     
     
         70 . A spinal plate system for a human spine, comprising: 
 a first plate configured to be coupled to human bone;    a second plate configured to be coupled to human bone;    wherein the first plate is configured to be coupled to the second plate to form an adjustable-length spinal plate;    wherein the adjustable-length spinal plate comprises a uni-directional mechanism; and    wherein at least part of an edge of the uni-directional mechanism is curved.    
     
     
         71 . The spinal plate system of  claim 70 , wherein the uni-directional mechanism comprises a ratcheting mechanism.  
     
     
         72 . The spinal plate system of  claim 70 , wherein the uni-directional mechanism comprises serrations.  
     
     
         73 . The spinal plate system of  claim 70 , wherein the uni-directional mechanism comprises: 
 one or more first protrusions on the first plate;    a second protrusion on the second plate; and    wherein at least one first protrusion on the first plate engages the second protrusion on the second plate.    
     
     
         74 . The spinal plate system of  claim 70 , wherein the uni-directional mechanism is configured to allow longitudinal compression of the adjustable-length spinal plate during use.  
     
     
         75 . The spinal plate system of  claim 70 , wherein the unidirectional mechanism is configured to inhibit longitudinal expansion of the adjustable-length spinal plate during use.  
     
     
         76 . The spinal plate system of  claim 70 , wherein the uni-directional mechanism is configured to allow the adjustable-length spinal plate to compress to correspond to bone settling during use.  
     
     
         77 . The spinal plate system of  claim 70 , wherein the uni-directional mechanism is configured to allow the adjustable-length spinal plate to compress along a longitudinal axis such that lordotic alignment is maintained during use.  
     
     
         78 . The spinal plate system of  claim 70 , wherein the uni-directional mechanism is configured to transfer at least a portion of a compressive load distributed between the spinal plate system and a spinal implant to the spinal implant.  
     
     
         79 . The spinal plate system of  claim 70 , wherein the uni-directional mechanism may be released by inserting a probe through an opening in the adjustable-length spinal compression plate.  
     
     
         80 . A spinal plate system for a human spine, comprising: 
 a first plate configured to be coupled to human bone;    a second plate configured to be coupled to human bone;    wherein the first plate is configured to be coupled to the second plate to form an adjustable-length spinal plate; and    wherein the adjustable-length spinal plate comprises an opening, wherein the opening is configured to facilitate release of a uni-directional mechanism of the adjustable-length spinal plate.    
     
     
         81 . The spinal plate system of  claim 80 , wherein the opening is configured to allow X-ray viewing of the uni-directional mechanism to determine an amount of compression of the spinal compression system.  
     
     
         82 . The spinal plate system of  claim 80 , wherein the opening is in the first plate.  
     
     
         83 . The spinal plate system of  claim 80 , wherein the opening is in the second plate.  
     
     
         84 . The spinal plate system of  claim 80 , wherein the opening is a slot.  
     
     
         85 . The spinal plate system of  claim 80 , wherein release of the uni-directional mechanism allows expansion of the adjustable-length spinal plate.  
     
     
         86 . The spinal plate system of  claim 80 , wherein the unidirectional mechanism comprises: 
 one or more first protrusions on the first plate;    a second protrusion on the second plate; and    wherein at least one first protrusion on the first plate engages the second protrusion on the second plate.    
     
     
         87 . A spinal plate system for a human spine, comprising: 
 a first plate configured to be coupled to human bone;    a second plate configured to be coupled to human bone;    wherein the first plate is configured to be coupled to the second plate to form an adjustable-length spinal plate; and    wherein the adjustable-length spinal plate comprises an opening, wherein the opening is configured to facilitate viewing of a uni-directional mechanism.    
     
     
         88 . The spinal plate system of  claim 87 , wherein viewing comprises X-ray viewing.  
     
     
         89 . The spinal plate system of  claim 87 , wherein viewing of a uni-directional mechanism allows compression of an adjustable-length spinal plate to be monitored after the spinal plate has been inserted into a patient.  
     
     
         90 . The spinal plate system of  claim 87 , wherein the unidirectional mechanism comprises a ratcheting mechanism.  
     
     
         91 . The spinal plate system of  claim 87 , wherein the uni-directional mechanism comprises serrations.  
     
     
         92 . The spinal plate system of  claim 87 , wherein the uni-directional mechanism comprises: 
 one or more first protrusions on the first plate;    a second protrusion on the second plate; and    wherein at least one first protrusion on the first plate engages the second protrusion on the second plate.    
     
     
         93 . A spinal plate system for a human spine, comprising: 
 two or more plates configured to be coupled to human bone;    wherein the two or more plates are configured to be coupled together to form an adjustable-length spinal plate;    a movement mechanism configured to allow movement of the first plate relative to the second plate during use; and    wherein at least one of the two or more plates comprises one or more bending regions configured to facilitate bending of the adjustable-length spinal plate at one or more bending regions to achieve a desired curvature.    
     
     
         94 . The spinal plate system of  claim 93 , wherein at least one of the one or more bending regions comprises a groove.  
     
     
         95 . The spinal plate system of  claim 93 , wherein one of the two or more plates comprises two bending regions.  
     
     
         96 . The spinal plate system of  claim 93 , wherein two of the two or more plates each comprise two bending regions.  
     
     
         97 . A spinal plate system for a human spine, comprising: 
 two or more plates configured to be coupled to human bone;    wherein the first plate and the second plate are configured to be coupled together to form an adjustable-length spinal plate;    a movement mechanism configured to allow movement of the first plate relative to the second plate during use; and    wherein the adjustable-length spinal plate comprises at least one irregularly shaped opening configured to facilitate insertion of a retainer into the opening.    
     
     
         98 . The spinal plate system of  claim 97 , wherein the retainer is substantially ring-shaped.  
     
     
         99 . The spinal plate system of  claim 97 , wherein a first portion of at least one irregularly shaped opening may have a radius of curvature larger than a radius of curvature of a second portion of the opening.  
     
     
         100 . A spinal plate system for a human spine, comprising: 
 three or more plates configured to be coupled to human bone;    wherein the three or more plates are configured to be coupled together to form an adjustable-length spinal plate;    at least one movement mechanism configured to allow movement of a first plate relative to a second plate during use; and    wherein the adjustable-length spinal plate is configured to be fastened to at least four adjacent vertebrae.    
     
     
         101 . The spinal plate system of  claim 100 , wherein the spinal plate system is configured to span three vertebral levels.  
     
     
         102 . The spinal plate system of  claim 100 , wherein the spinal plate system is spans three vertebral levels.  
     
     
         103 . The spinal plate system of  claim 100 , wherein the spinal plate system is configured to span four vertebral levels.  
     
     
         104 . The spinal plate system of  claim 100 , wherein the spinal plate system is configured to span four vertebral levels.  
     
     
         105 . The spinal plate system of  claim 100 , adjustable-length spinal plate comprises at least three openings.  
     
     
         106 . An adjustable-length spinal plate kit for a human spine, comprising: 
 an adjustable-length spinal plate comprising at least one opening;    a movement mechanism configured to allow movement of a first plate of the adjustable-length spinal plate relative to a second plate of the adjustable-length spinal plate; and    a spacer configured to establish a length of the adjustable-length spinal plate during use.    
     
     
         107 . The kit of  claim 106 , further comprising a plate insertion instrument for inserting the spinal plate into a patient.  
     
     
         108 . The kit of  claim 106 , further comprising two or more spacers.  
     
     
         109 . The kit of  claim 106 , wherein the spacer is configured to establish a separation between components of the adjustable-length spinal plate during use.  
     
     
         110 . The kit of  claim 106 , wherein the spacer is configured to establish a separation of about 4 mm between components of the adjustable-length spinal plate during use.  
     
     
         111 . The kit of  claim 106 , further comprising a fastener guide to facilitate positioning of a fastener in at least one opening of the spinal plate.  
     
     
         112 . An adjustable-length spinal plate kit for a human spine, comprising: 
 an adjustable-length spinal plate comprising one or more openings;    a movement mechanism configured to allow movement of a first plate of the adjustable-length spinal plate relative to a second plate of the adjustable-length spinal plate; and    a fastener guide with at least one guide member, the fastener guide being configured to guide insertion of fasteners in one or more of the openings during use.    
     
     
         113 . The kit of  claim 112 , wherein the fastener guide comprises at least two guide members.  
     
     
         114 . The kit of  claim 112 , further comprising a plate insertion instrument.  
     
     
         115 . The kit of  claim 112 , further comprising at least one drill configured to be inserted in the fastener guide.  
     
     
         116 . The kit of  claim 112 , further comprising at least one tap configured to be inserted in the fastener guide.  
     
     
         117 . An adjustable-length spinal plate kit for a human spine, comprising: 
 an adjustable-length spinal plate;    a movement mechanism configured to allow movement of a first plate of the adjustable-length spinal plate relative to a second plate of the adjustable-length spinal plate;    a spacer configured to establish a length of the adjustable-length spinal plate during use; and    a positioner configured to position a portion of an adjustable-length spinal plate in a patient.    
     
     
         118 . The kit of  claim 117 , further comprising a plate insertion instrument.  
     
     
         119 . The kit of  claim 117 , wherein the positioner comprises a pointed end for penetration of a bone.  
     
     
         120 . The kit of  claim 117 , further comprising two or more spacers.  
     
     
         121 . The kit of  claim 117 , wherein the spacer is configured to establish a separation between components of the adjustable-length spinal plate during use.  
     
     
         122 . The kit of  claim 117 , wherein the spacer is configured to establish a separation of about 4 mm between components of the adjustable-length spinal plate during use.  
     
     
         123 . The kit of  claim 117 , further comprising a fastener guide to facilitate positioning of a fastener in at least one opening of the spinal plate.  
     
     
         124 . A method of stabilizing a portion of a spine, comprising: 
 establishing a separation distance between a first plate and second plate of an adjustable-length spinal plate with a spacer, wherein the first plate is coupled to the second plate by a movement mechanism;    coupling the adjustable-length spinal plate to vertebrae; and    removing the spacer.    
     
     
         125 . The method of  claim 124 , wherein removing the spacer allows the first plate to move relative to the second plate to accommodate reduction of a separation distance between the vertebrae during use.  
     
     
         126 . The method of  claim 124 , wherein coupling the adjustable-length spinal plate to vertebrae comprises attaching a fastener to a fastener insertion tool; using the insertion tool to position the tool in an opening in a vertebra below an opening through the adjustable-length spinal plate; and using the insertion tool to thread the fastener into the vertebra to draw the adjustable-length spinal plate against the vertebra.  
     
     
         127 . The method of  claim 126 , wherein a head of the fastener is inserted into a retainer positioned in the opening through the adjustable-length spinal plate.  
     
     
         128 . A method of monitoring compression of a first vertebra relative to a second vertebra, comprising: 
 taking an initial x-ray image of an installed spinal compression plate, wherein the spinal compression plate comprises a movement mechanism to limit movement of a first plate of the spinal compression plate relative to a second plate of the spinal compression plate;    measuring a distance between an end of an opening in a first plate and an end of a member of a second plate from the x-ray image to determine an initial separation distance;    taking a second x-ray image of the installed spinal compression plate at a subsequent time;    measuring a distance between the end of the opening in the first plate and the end of the member of the second plate from the second x-ray image to determine a second separation distance;    calculating an amount of compression of the spinal compression plate using the initial separation distance and the second separation distance.