Modular vertebral stabilizer

Abstract

A stabilizer device for the spinal column, comprising a first body ( 2 ) and a second body ( 2 ) adapted to be mutually connected by a rod-like element ( 5 ), the first and second bodies ( 2 ) being adapted to be fitted around first and second pedicle screws ( 3 ), which are adapted to be inserted in turn in two mutually adjacent vertebrae, the first and second bodies ( 2 ) being fixable on the pedicle screws ( 3 ), the first and second bodies ( 2 ) being fork-shaped and adapted to accommodate locking means ( 20 ), the locking means ( 20 ) being adapted to pass from a position for accommodating the pedicle screw ( 3 ) to a position for locking the pedicle screw ( 3 ) within the fork-shaped body ( 2 ).

1 . A stabilizer device for the spinal column, comprising a first body and a second body adapted to be mutually connected by a rod-like element, said first and second bodies being adapted to be fitted around first and second pedicle screws, which are adapted to be inserted in turn in two mutually adjacent vertebrae said first and second bodies being fixable on said pedicle screws, characterized in that said first and second bodies are forked shaped and adapted to accommodate locking means, said locking means being adapted to pass from a position for accommodating said pedicle screw to a position for locking said pedicle screw within said fork-shaped body. 
     
     
         2 . The stabilizer device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said locking means comprise a substantially C-shaped annular element, which is adapted to rotate freely within said fork-shaped body and to pass from a position for accommodating said pedicle screw to a position for locking said pedicle screw when said C-shaped element is rotated about said pedicle screw. 
     
     
         3 . The stabilizer device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said first and second fork-shaped bodies have a protruding portion that blends with said body to accommodate said rod-like element. 
     
     
         4 . The stabilizer device according to  claim 1 , wherein said rod-like element is rigid. 
     
     
         5 . The stabilizer device according to  claim 1 , wherein said rod-like element is elastic. 
     
     
         6 . The stabilizer device according to  claim 1 , wherein said rod-like element is provided with a pair of mutually opposite lateral recesses to accommodate a retention cord that is adapted to be gripped around said rod-like element. 
     
     
         7 . The stabilizer device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that at least one of said first and second fork-shaped bodies is provided with means for mating with a respective similar fork-shaped body. 
     
     
         8 . The stabilizer device according to  claim 7 , characterized in that said mating means allow to mate two mutually identical fork-shaped bodies around said pedicle screw. 
     
     
         9 . The stabilizer device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said fork-shaped body is provided with at least one hole on its upper surface which is adapted to allow the insertion of a tool for the rotation of said C-shaped annular element. 
     
     
         10 . The stabilizer device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said protruding portion of said fork-shaped body is provided with at least one hole for the insertion of said cord or of a grub screw that is adapted to lock said rod-like element within said protruding portion. 
     
     
         11 . An element for fixing to a pedicle screw, comprising a body adapted to be fitted around said pedicle screw, characterized in that said body is fork-shaped and accommodates locking means which are adapted to pass from a position for accommodating said pedicle screw within said body to a position for locking said pedicle screw within said body. 
     
     
         12 . The fixing element according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said locking means comprises C-shaped open annular element, which is adapted to rotate within said fork-shaped body and to pass from a position for accommodating said pedicle screw to a position for locking said pedicle screw when said open annular element is locked around said pedicle screw. 
     
     
         13 . The fixing element according to  claim 11 , characterized in that said fork shaped body is provided with means for mutual mating with a respective similar fork-shaped body, for the mating of said fork-shaped bodies around said pedicle screw. 
     
     
         14 . The fixing element according to  claim 11 , characterized in that said fork-shaped body contains a protruding portion provided with at least one hole for the passage of a retention cord or of a grub screw that is adapted to lock a rod-like element within said protruding portion.