Method and apparatus for spinal fusion

Abstract

Disclosed is a bone fracture fixation device, such as for reducing and compressing fractures in the proximal femur. The fixation device includes an elongate body with a helical cancellous bone anchor on a distal end. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device. The device is rotated into position across the fracture or separation between adjacent bones and into the adjacent bone or bone fragment, and the proximal anchor is distally advanced to apply secondary compression and lock the device into place. The device may also be used for soft tissue attachments.

1 - 52 . (canceled)  
     
     
         53 . A method of aiding bone fusion between first and second vertebral bodies of the spine, comprising the steps of: 
 advancing a fixation device through the first vertebral body in the direction of the second vertebral body;    rotating at least a distal anchor of the fixation device to secure the fixation device to the second vertebral body; and    axially advancing a proximal anchor distally along the fixation device to engage the first vertebral body.    
     
     
         54 . A method of aiding bone fusion as in  claim 53 , wherein the first and second vertebral bodies of the spine are adjacent to each other.  
     
     
         55 . A method of aiding bone fusion as in  claim 53 , wherein the axially advancing step comprises rotating the proximal anchor about a longitudinal axis of the fixation device.  
     
     
         56 . A method of aiding bone fusion as in  claim 53 , wherein the axially advancing step comprises advancing the proximal anchor distally along the fixation device without rotation.  
     
     
         57 . A method of aiding bone fusion as in  claim 53 , wherein the advancing a proximal anchor step comprises advancing a tubular sleeve distally along the fixation device.  
     
     
         58 . A method of aiding bone fusion as in  claim 53 , comprising drilling a bore through the first vertebral body fragment and into the second vertebral body and advancing the fixation device through the bore.  
     
     
         59 . A method of aiding bone fusion as in  claim 58 , wherein the drilling a bore step comprises drilling a bore having a diameter which is slightly larger than the diameter of the distal anchor.  
     
     
         60 . A method of aiding bone fusion as in  claim 53 , wherein the proximal anchor is carried by the fixation device prior to the advancing a fixation device step.  
     
     
         61 . A method of aiding bone fusion as in  claim 53 , wherein the advancing a proximal anchor distally along the fixation device step comprises anchoring an engagement surface on the proximal anchor into the first vertebral body.  
     
     
         62 . A method of aiding bone fusion as in  claim 53 , wherein the proximal anchor comprises a bone contacting surface which resides on a plane which is inclined at an angle within the range of from about 90 degrees to about 140 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fixation device.  
     
     
         63 . A method of aiding bone fusion as in  claim 62 , wherein the angle is about 90 degrees.  
     
     
         64 . A method of aiding bone fusion as in  claim 62 , wherein the angle is adjustable.  
     
     
         65 . A method of aiding bone fusion as in  claim 62 , comprising adjusting the angle between the bone contacting surface and the longitudinal axis of the fixation device.