System and method for lengthening an existing spinal support structure

Abstract

A system for interfacing a first spinal support rod to a second spinal support rod may optionally comprise a rod interface device configured to receive a portion of the first rod and grip a portion of the second rod to secure the second rod to the first rod. The system may optionally comprise a screw interface device configured to receive a portion of the first rod and configured to mount on a head portion of a pedicle screw.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A system for interfacing a first support rod to a second support rod, comprising
 a rod interface device configured to receive a portion of a first support rod and grip a portion of a second support rod to secure the second support rod to the first support rod, the rod interface device comprising:
 a frame having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall extending from the bottom wall to partially define an interior configured to receive a portion of the first support rod therein; and 
 a pair of gripping jaws movably mounted on the frame such that the gripping jaws are movable with respect to each other between a gripping position in which the second rod is gripped by the jaws and a release position in which the second rod is released from any grip of the gripping jaws. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the rod interface device additionally comprises a rod securing element positionable in the frame to secure the first support rod in the interior of the frame. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the perimeter wall of the frame has an inward surface with threads formed thereon and the rod securing element has an outer peripheral surface with threads for engaging the threads on the inward surface of the frame such that rotation of the rod securing element presses the first support rod toward the bottom wall of the frame. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the gripping jaws are pivotally mounted such that the jaws pivot with respect to each other. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein each of the gripping jaws includes an inner surface facing an inner surface of the other jaw, the inner surface of at least one jaw having a recess for receiving a portion of the second support rod. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein each of the jaws has an inboard end and an outboard end and an outer surface, the outer surface tapering smaller toward the outboard end and larger toward the inboard end. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the rod interface device additionally comprises a jaw manipulation structure configured to move the jaws between the gripping position and the release position. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7  wherein the jaw manipulation structure includes a jaw closer element configured to contact the jaws and move the jaws toward the gripping position and a jaw spreader element configured to move the jaws into the release position. 
     
     
         9 . A system for interfacing a first support rod to a second support rod, comprising
 a screw interface device configured to receive a portion of a first support rod and being configured to mount on a head portion of a screw, the screw interface device comprising:
 a screw mount element configured to be removably mounted on the head portion of the screw, the screw mount element being insertable into the cavity to secure the second support rod in the cavity; and 
 a rod mount element mounted on the screw mount element, the rod mount element defining a pocket for receiving a portion of the first support rod. 
   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the head portion of the screw has a cavity for receiving a portion of the second support rod, the cavity being defined by inner surfaces with threads formed thereon, and
 wherein the screw mount element has threads formed thereon configured to engage threads of the cavity of the head portion. 
 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the rod mount element is mounted on the screw mount element in a manner permitting movement of the rod mount element with respect to the screw mount element. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the screw mount element includes:
 a first mount portion having a threaded outer surface for engaging the threads of the head portion of the screw; and 
 a second mount portion extending from the first mount portion, the second mount portion defining a cavity receiving a portion of the first mount portion. 
 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 9  additionally comprising a screw with a head portion defining a cavity for receiving a portion of the second support rod, the cavity being defined by inner surfaces with threads formed thereon; and
 wherein the screw mount element has threads formed thereon, the threads engaging threads on the inner surface of the cavity of the head portion to secure the screw interface device to the screw. 
 
     
     
         14 . A surgical spinal support construct comprising:
 a primary spine stabilization structure comprising:
 a pair of primary pedicle screws each configured for threaded insertion into a vertebra of the patient, each of the primary pedicle screws including a threaded body portion and a head portion defining a cavity; 
 a primary rod extending between the pedicle screws with portions of the primary rod extending into the cavities of the primary pedicle screws; and 
   a secondary spine stabilization structure comprising:
 a secondary pedicle screw configured for threaded insertion into a vertebra of the patient, the secondary pedicle screws including a threaded body portion and a head portion defining a cavity; 
 a secondary rod having a portion positioned in the cavity of the secondary pedicle screw and extending to the primary spine stabilization structure; and 
 an interface structure linking the secondary rod to primary spine stabilization structure. 
   
     
     
         15 . The construct of  claim 14  wherein the interface structure comprises a rod interface device receiving a portion of the secondary rod and gripping a portion of the primary rod to secure the secondary rod to the primary rod. 
     
     
         16 . The construct of  claim 14  wherein the interface structure comprises a screw interface device receiving a portion of a secondary rod and being mounted on the head portion of one of the primary pedicle screws.