Laminoplasty plates, systems, and devices, and methods relating to the same

Abstract

Disclosed are laminoplasty devices and systems, kits that include such laminoplasty devices or systems or components thereof; and methods of assembling and using such laminoplasty devices and systems. In particular, articulating laminoplasty devices are provided that allow lamina plates to be adjusted angularly and transitionally with respect to a cage connecting the lamina plates. Also provided are laminoplasty plates that are configured so as to be assembled with a bone graft housing, and which provide an opening configured to facilitate bone graft insertion into the housing. Further provided are expandable laminoplasty fixation systems that include a lateral mass plate, a lamina plate and a set screw that when screwed and unscrewed, allows one to contract and expand the plates with respect to one another.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An articulating laminoplasty device comprising:
 a cage connecting one or more lamina plates, wherein said one or more lamina plates are attached to the cage by a slotted hinge,   wherein the slotted hinge allows the lamina plates to be adjusted angularly and transitionally with respect to the cage.   
     
     
         2 . The articulating laminoplasty device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more lamina plates comprises one or more openings adapted for receiving a bone fastener. 
     
     
         3 . The articulating laminoplasty device of  claim 1 , further comprises at least one bone strut to an inner surface of at least one of said lamina plates. 
     
     
         4 . The articulating laminoplasty device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said lamina plates comprises titanium. 
     
     
         5 . A kit comprising the articulating laminoplasty device of  claim 1  and at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of: instructions for using the device in a laminoplasty procedure; one or more bone fasteners or screws; and a screwdriver. 
     
     
         6 . An expandable laminoplasty fixation system comprising:
 a lateral mass plate having a set screw housing;   a lamina plate having angled grooves; and   a set screw positioned at least partially within said set screw housing, wherein said set screw has set screw thread, which set screw thread is mated with the angled grooves of the lamina plate such that when the set screw is screwed or unscrewed the lateral mass plate and lamina plate contract or expand with respect to one another.   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , further comprising at least one kick stand on at least one of the lateral mass plate and the lamina plate. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the kick stand is configured to sustain the plate between a patient's lamina and lateral mass/pedicle during a laminoplasty procedure. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the set screw housing is at least partially translucent. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the plate comprises a malleable material. 
     
     
         11 . A kit comprising the expandable laminoplasty fixation system of  claim 6 , and at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of: instructions for using the expandable laminoplasty fixation system in a laminoplasty procedure; one or more bone fasteners or screws; and a screwdriver.