Interlaminar Fixation Device

Abstract

An interlaminar fixation device (“ILFD”) and related tools for implanting and extracting the ILFD in surgical procedures to provide support for patients having degenerative spinal conditions. The ILFD comprises an implant body, a pair of fixation pin assemblies, and a locking plug. The body may be a boxlike structure made of a material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or other material with similar beneficial properties. An implant-sizing tool is provided for determining the appropriately sized ILFD. An implant-grasper tool is provided for grasping the ILFD for insertion and positioning of the ILFD. A bone-punch tool is provided for creating openings aligned for insertion of fixation pins. A pin-inserter tool is provided for urging fixation pins into position. A locking-plug inserter tool is provided for inserting the locking plug into the body of the ILFD. A locking-plug extractor tool is provided for removing the locking plug.

1 . An inserter for inserting a spinal implant, comprising:
 a pair of handle elements pivotally coupled to one another, each of the handle elements comprising:
 an upper portio; and, 
 a lower portion perpendicular to the upper portion; 
   an implant grasper formed by the lower portions of the handle elements;   a handle formed by the upper portions; and,   a locking mechanism for locking the handle and implant grasper in a locked position.   
     
     
         2 . A bone-punch engageable with a spinal implant, comprising:
 a first handle element comprising a first handle portion and a first lower portion perpendicular to the handle portion;   a second handle element comprising a second handle portion and a second lower portion perpendicular to the handle portion;   the first handle element pivotally connected to the second handle element such that the lower portions are urged apart when the handle portions are urged apart; and,   a pair of pins coupled to the first lower portion and extending perpendicularly outward from the first lower portion.   
     
     
         3 . An implant-grasper for manipulating a spinal implant, comprising:
 a first handle element comprising a first handle portion and a first lower portion perpendicular to the handle portion;   a second handle element comprising a second handle portion and a second lower portion perpendicular to the handle portion;   a pivot fastener pivotally connecting the first handle element to the second handle element such that the lower portions are urged apart when the handle portions are urged apart;   a grasper portion extending perpendicularly outward from the lower portions of each the first and second handle elements; and,   the grasper portions configured for grasping a spinal implant.   
     
     
         4 . A locking-plug inserter for inserting a locking plug into a spinal implant, comprising:
 a plunger comprising:
 a connection end; and, 
 a means for detachably securing a locking plug; and, 
   a handle element comprising:
 a grip; 
 a fulcrum-slot configured for insertion into a inserter tool and for providing a fulcrum for depressing the plunger; and, 
 a connection end pivotally connected to the connection end of the plunger. 
   
     
     
         5 . A locking-plug inserter, comprising:
 an inserter-plunger element comprising:
 an elongated plunger body; 
 a plunger trigger protruding outward from the plunger body; and, 
 an inserter tip at one end of the plunger body configured for mating with an opening on a locking plug; and, 
   a housing comprising:
 a hollow interior configured for housing the plunger body in a slidable relation; 
 a seat at a first end of the housing; 
 an open end at a second end of the housing distal the first end; 
 an assembly channel configured to permit passage of the plunger trigger during assembly of the locking-plug inserter tool; 
 a guide channel configured to permit a predetermined amount of slidable travel of the inserter-plunger when the locking-plug inserter tool is assembled; and, 
 a trigger protruding outward from the housing. 
   
     
     
         6 . A locking-plug extractor for removing a locking plug from the spinal implant of  claim 1 , comprising:
 an extractor nut comprising:
 a cylindrical body having a first and a second end; 
 a threaded tip at the first end of the body; 
 an enlarged head coupled to the second end of the body; and, 
 a wing capable of manual rotation of the extractor nut coupled to the head; 
   an extractor cam comprising:
 a handle; and, 
 a cam head coupled to the handle; 
   an extractor body comprising:
 a handle; 
 a frame coupled to the handle; 
 an opening in the frame configured for receiving the extractor nut and to permit slidable movement of the extractor nut; 
   the extractor cam being pivotally fastened to the extractor body; and,   wherein the extractor cam urges the extractor nut when the extract cam is pivoted relative to the extractor body.   
     
     
         7 . An implant sizing tool for determining the appropriate sized spinal implant, comprising:
 an extension;   a grip located on one end of the extension;   a pair of interchangeable trial implants connectable to the opposite end of the extension;   the first trial implant having a height of about 14 MM; and,   the second trial implant having a height of about 16 MM.