Percutaneous spinal stabilization device and method

Abstract

A system for the percutaneous stabilization of adjacent vertebrae includes a plurality of elongated stabilization devices. Each stabilization device includes a radius of curvature. Each stabilization device further includes a leading end and a trailing end wherein the leading end is pointed for penetration through a vertebral body.

1 . A system for the percutaneous stabilization of adjacent vertebrae, comprising: 
 a plurality of elongated stabilization devices;    each stabilization device includes a radius of curvature, each stabilization device further including a leading end and a trailing end wherein the leading end is pointed for penetration through a vertebral body.    
   
   
       2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system includes at least four stabilization devices.  
   
   
       3 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the stabilization devices is made of a shape memory or super elastic material.  
   
   
       4 . The system according to  claim 1 , further including an introducer needle shaped and dimensioned for penetration within the pedicles of vertebrae, wherein the introducer needle includes a lumen sized for the passage of the elongated stabilization devices therethrough.  
   
   
       5 . The system according to  claim 4 , further including an introducer rod selectively secured to each of the stabilization devices at a respective trailing end thereof, the introducer rod is used to force the stabilization devices through the vertebral bodies during insertion of the stabilization devices within the vertebral bodies.  
   
   
       6 . The system according to  claim 5 , wherein threading respectively formed along the trailing end of each of the stabilization devices and the introducer rod releasably secures the stabilization devices to the introducer rod.  
   
   
       7 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the stabilization devices includes barbs adjacent the trailing end for fixation with the vertebral body.  
   
   
       8 . The system according to  claim 1 , further including an introducer rod selectively secured to each of the stabilization devices at a respective trailing end thereof, the introducer rod is used to force the stabilization devices through the vertebral bodies during insertion of the stabilization devices within the vertebral bodies.  
   
   
       9 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein threading respectively formed along the trailing end of each of the stabilization devices and the introducer rod releasably secures the stabilization devices to the introducer rod.  
   
   
       10 . A method for the percutaneous stabilization of adjacent vertebral bodies, comprising: 
 inserting an elongated stabilization device within the vertebrae such that it extends between adjacent vertebral bodies to securely stabilize the adjacent vertebral bodies.    
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the stabilization device is substantially cylindrical in cross section with a radius of curvature, and the stabilization device includes a leading end and a trailing end wherein the leading end is pointed for penetration through a vertebral body.  
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 10 , further including the step of inserting a plurality of elongated stabilization devices within the vertebrae such that they extend between adjacent vertebral bodies to securely stabilize the adjacent vertebral bodies.  
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein at least four stabilization devices are inserted.  
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the stabilization device is made of a shape memory material.  
   
   
       15 . The method according to  claim 10 , further including the step of inserting an introducer needle within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies prior to insertion of the stabilization device, wherein the stabilization device is inserted through the introducer needle.  
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the step of inserting includes releasably securing the stabilization device to an introducer rod and using the introducer rod to force the stabilization device through the adjacent vertebral bodies during insertion.  
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein threading respectively formed along the trailing end of the stabilization device and the introducer rod releasably secures the stabilization device to the introducer rod.  
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the stabilization device includes barbs adjacent the trailing end for fixation with the vertebral body.  
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the step of inserting includes securing the stabilization device to an introducer rod and using the introducer rod to force the stabilization device through the adjacent vertebral bodies during insertion.  
   
   
       20 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the introducer rod is releasably secured to the trailing end of the stabilization device.  
   
   
       21 . The method according to  claim 20 , wherein threading respectively formed along the trailing end of the stabilization device and the introducer rod releasably secures the stabilization device to the introducer rod.