System and method for minimally invasive posterior fixation

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for aligning and implanting orthopedic fixation or stabilization implants within the body. In one embodiment, the system includes at least two bone anchors, at least one of which is provided with an angularly adjustable connector. In one aspect, the system also includes at least one linkage rod, for linking two or more bone anchors through their respective adjustable connectors. The bone anchors and the linkage rod may be locked into place to form a spinal fusion or fixation prosthesis. An alignment tool is provided, for guiding a guidewire through one or more connectors.

1 . A prosthesis assembly for minimally invasive posterior fixation, comprising:
 a curved rod, having a proximal end and a distal end, and releasable coupling on the proximal end; and   a bone anchor provided with an adjustable connector, said adjustable connector including a lock to securely engage said rod at any of a variety of angular orientations between the rod and the bone anchor.   
     
     
         2 . The prosthesis assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a second bone anchor having a connector adapted to securely engage said rod. 
     
     
         3 . The prosthesis assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the bone anchor comprises a head and a rotatable connector disposed within said head, said rotatable connector adapted to securely engage said rod. 
     
     
         4 . A prosthesis for minimally invasive posterior fixation, comprising:
 a bone anchor having a head;   a transverse portal extending through said head along an axis transverse to a central axis of said bone anchor;   a rod extending through said transverse portal;   a rotating connector with an aperture seated in a groove within said head; said aperture adapted to securely engage said rod; and   a locking cap which secures said rotating connector against said groove and said rod within said aperture.   
     
     
         5 . The prosthesis of  claim 4 , wherein said rotating connector further comprises indentations on its exterior adapted to cooperate with complementary projections within said head to limit the rotation of said rotating connector. 
     
     
         6 . The prosthesis of  claim 4 , wherein said rotating connector further comprises at least one compression gap. 
     
     
         7 . The prosthesis of  claim 4 , wherein said rod is adapted to be detachably secured to an insertion tool used to insert said rod into said aperture. 
     
     
         8 . A guide wire introducer for inserting a guide wire through a transverse portal of a bone anchor, comprising:
 an adapter aligned with a central axis of said bone anchor;   a handle attached at a pivot to said adapter; and   an access needle on said handle adapted for insertion through said transverse portal of said bone anchor.   
     
     
         9 . The guide wire apparatus of  claim 8  further comprising an obturator. 
     
     
         10 . The guide wire apparatus of  claim 8  further comprising a guide wire capture device. 
     
     
         11 . The guide wire apparatus of  claim 10  wherein said guide wire capture device further comprises a retractable conical funnel. 
     
     
         12 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A guide wire insertion device to insert a guide wire through a portal of a bone anchor, comprising:
 A central arm adapted to engage said bone anchor;   A radial arm attached to said central arm at a pivot;   A hollow access needle secured to said radial arm;   Wherein said radial arm pivots on said pivot to move said access needle through said port of said bone anchor.   
     
     
         18 . The guide wire insertion device of  claim 17 , further comprising a guide wire capture device. 
     
     
         19 . The guide wire insertion device of  claim 18  wherein said guide wire capture device further comprises a conical receiving end which comprises one or more partial conical segments. 
     
     
         20 - 39 . (canceled)