Orthopedic Fixation Devices and Instruments for Installation Thereof

Abstract

Minimally invasive vertebral stabilization systems may include at least one fastener, at least one coupling element connected to the fastener, and an elongate rod member. The fastener is deliverable to a vertebral body of a patient through an opening. The coupling element has at least one extended tab which defines an open central portion and a central longitudinal axis. The elongate rod member is configured to extend through the open central portion and be secured to the coupling element. The extended tab is configured to be removed from the coupling element once the elongate rod is secured to the coupling element.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A minimally invasive vertebral stabilization system, comprising:
 at least one fastener deliverable to a vertebral body of a patient through an opening;   at least one coupling element connected to the fastener, the coupling element having at least one extended tab connected thereto, the at least one extended tab defining an open central portion; and   an elongate rod member extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the rod member being configured to extend through the open central portion and be secured to the coupling element,   wherein the at least one extended tab is configured to be removed from the coupling element once the elongate rod is secured to the coupling element.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one extended tab includes a first extension element connected to the coupling element. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the first extension element includes a threaded interior surface. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one extended tab includes a first extension element connected to the coupling element at a break point. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the break point includes a machined groove configured to break when the extended tab is moved inward or outward. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one extended tab includes a second extension element connected to the first extension element. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the second extension element is connected to the first extension element by a dovetail joint. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the second extension element is welded to the first extension element. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one extended tab comprises at least one indentation configured to receive a sleeve. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the indentation is positioned at a distal end of the second extension element. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a sleeve positioned over the at least one extended tab. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one extended tab includes a pair of diametrically opposed extended tabs defining opposed longitudinal openings, the longitudinal openings providing lateral access to the open central portion. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein at least a portion of the elongate rod member is extendable through the longitudinal openings. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener includes polyaxial screws. 
     
     
         15 . A minimally invasive vertebral stabilization system, comprising:
 a fastener deliverable to a vertebral body of a patient,   a coupling element connected to the fastener, the coupling element having at least one extended tab connected thereto, the at least one extended tab including a first extension element connected to the coupling element at a break point and a second extension element connected to the first extension element, and the at least one extended tab defining an open central portion and a central longitudinal axis; and   an elongate rod member configured to be secured to the coupling element,   wherein the at least one extended tab is configured to be removed from the coupling element at the break point once the elongate rod is secured to the coupling element.   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the break point includes a machined groove configured to break when the at least one extended tab is moved inward or outward relative to the central longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         17 . A minimally invasive vertebral stabilization system, comprising:
 a fastener deliverable to a vertebral body of a patient;   a coupling element connected to the fastener, the coupling element having at least one extended tab connected thereto, the at least one extended tab defining an open central portion and a central longitudinal axis, the at least one extended tab including a pair of diametrically opposed extended tabs defining opposed longitudinal openings, the longitudinal openings providing lateral access to the open central portion; and   an elongate rod member configured to extend through the longitudinal openings,   wherein the at least one extended tab is configured to be removed from the coupling element once the elongate rod is secured to the coupling element.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein an insertion instrument is configured and dimensioned to be received within the open central portion such that the insertion instrument is moveable along or parallel to the central longitudinal axis.