Spinal Marker System and Methods of Use

Abstract

Temporary, radiographically opaque, bone markers having first and second penetration members that are concentric with one another and are configured to pierce bone are provided herein. Bone markers can non-exclusively be used to help verify the correct surgical site along the vertebrae, locate the vertical midline, and as a fixed point for aligning surgical instruments. Insertion and extraction devices for use with the bone markers are also provided herein.

1 . A temporary surgical marker comprising:
 a first penetration member having an apex configured to pierce bone, and a base that is concentric and operably coupled to an apex of a second penetration member configured to pierce bone, wherein the second penetration member comprises a larger cross-sectional body than the first penetration member.   
     
     
         2 . The surgical marker of  claim 1 , wherein the marker comprises a radiographically opaque material. 
     
     
         3 . The surgical marker of  claim 1 , wherein the second penetration member comprises a base operably coupled to a guard having a larger cross-section than the base. 
     
     
         4 . The surgical marker of  claim 3 , further comprising a groove positioned between the guard and an upper section of the marker. 
     
     
         5 . The surgical marker of  claim 4 , wherein where the groove is an annular groove. 
     
     
         6 . The surgical marker of  claim 1 , wherein neither the first nor the second penetration member comprises a cannula. 
     
     
         7 . The surgical marker of  claim 1 , wherein the marker is configured to align the placement of a surgical instrument when the second penetration member is embedded in bone. 
     
     
         8 . A kit for temporarily marking a bone comprising:
 a temporary surgical marker comprising a first penetration member having a main body, an apex configured to pierce bone, and a base that is concentric and operably coupled to an apex of a second penetration member configured to pierce bone, wherein the second penetration member comprises a larger cross-sectional body than the first penetration member; and   an insertion device comprising means for releasably housing said surgical marker such that said first and second penetration members are exposed.   
     
     
         9 . The kit of  claim 8 , wherein said means for releasably housing the surgical marker comprise a release lever having a latch configured to operably couple to the groove. 
     
     
         10 . The kit of  claim 7 , wherein said insertion device further comprises means for extracting the marker when its first or second penetration member is embedded into bone. 
     
     
         11 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein said means for extracting the marker comprise a flange configured to operably couple to the groove. 
     
     
         12 . The kit of  claim 7 , wherein neither the first nor the second penetration member comprises a cannula.