Methods and Apparatus for Treating Spinal Stenosis

Abstract

This invention relates generally to spine surgery and, in particular, to methods and apparatus for treating spinal stenosis.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A system for treating spinal stenosis, comprising
 an implant, the implant dimensioned to fit between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process, the implant being configured to promote fusion to the superior spinous process, the implant further being configured to discourage fusion to the inferior spinous process; and   at least one of a tether, screw, clamp, and zip cable to couple the implant to the superior spinous process.   
     
     
         24 . The system of claim  0 , wherein the implant includes at least one aperture to allow bone to grow into the implant. 
     
     
         25 . The system of claim  0 , wherein the implant includes an interior chamber in communication with the at least one aperture, the chamber dimensioned to receive fusion inducing material one of before and after coupling the implant to the spinous process. 
     
     
         26 . The system of claim  0 , wherein the fusion inducing material includes any of Bone Morphogenic Protein, demineralized bone matrix, allograft cancellous bone, autograft bone, hydroxy appetite, and coral. 
     
     
         27 . The system of claim  0 , wherein the at least one aperture is positioned such that it contacts the superior spinous process. 
     
     
         28 . The system of claim  0  of, wherein the implant includes an aperture for releasably attaching an insertion tool. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 28 , wherein the insertion tool includes a pair of prongs that engage a pair of insertion apertures dimensioned to receive the prongs. 
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 29 , wherein the implant includes at least two pairs of apertures for engaging the insertion tool in different orientations. 
     
     
         31 . The system of claim  0 , wherein the tether is one of a wire, cable, suture, and allograft tissue. 
     
     
         32 . The method of claim Error! Reference source not found., wherein the implant includes at least one aperture dimension to receive the tether and comprising the additional step of tying the tether each of through the at least one aperture dimensioned to receive the tether and the superior spinous process. 
     
     
         33 . The system of claim  0 , wherein a zip cable is used, the zip cable including a cable, two bases and two locking pins, the cable being dimension to wrap around the superior spinous process and lockingly engage both bases. 
     
     
         34 . The system of claim  0 , wherein the implant includes a main aperture to allow bone growth into the implant and at least one secondary aperture to allow bone growth into the implant. 
     
     
         35 . The system of claim  0 , wherein the implant includes a notch dimensioned to receive a portion of the superior spinous process. 
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 35 , wherein the at least one aperture for allowing bone to grow into the implant is positioned within the notch. 
     
     
         37 . The system of  claim 36 , wherein a second notch is positioned on a bottom of the implant and is dimensioned to engage the inferior spinous process. 
     
     
         38 . The system of claim  0 , wherein the implant is made of non-bone material. 
     
     
         39 . The system of  claim 38 , wherein the implant is made from one of polyetheretherketone and polyetherketoneketone. 
     
     
         40 . The system of  claim 38 , wherein the implant includes at least one radio-opaque marker viewable using an imaging technique. 
     
     
         41 . The system of  claim 40 , wherein the marker is positioned at the center of the implant in a posterior-anterior direction, the marker being alignable with a top portion of the superior spinous process and inferior spinous process to ensure proper placement. 
     
     
         42 . The system of  claim 41 , wherein additional markers are positioned in sides of the implant, at least one side marker being positioned in anterior aspect of the implant, the side marker in the anterior aspect of the implant being alignable relative to the spinal canal. 
     
     
         43 . (canceled)