Device and method for correcting spinal deformities in patients

Abstract

Devices and related methods for the dynamic correction of spinal deformities are disclosed. The devices and methods are particularly useful for correcting an abnormal curvature of the spine. In one exemplary embodiment, a method for correcting deformity via a spinal implant that can include a polymer between or attached to a top and bottom plate, which can exist in a wedge-shaped configuration in order to apply asymmetric forces to the spinal column, is provided. The implant may be inserted between adjacent vertebrae comprising part of the abnormal curvature, thereby restoring the normal curvature of a spine.

1 . A spinal intervertebral disc implant device for alignment and/or realignment of a spinal column in more than one plane or axis comprising an elastic polymer component, wherein the spinal intervertebral disc implant device further comprises a top face and a bottom face, wherein a space between the top face and the bottom face is capable of being adjusted prior to or following insertion of the spinal intervertebral disc implant device, and wherein the spinal intervertebral disc implant device is capable of:
 (a) absorbing shock;   (b) applying asymmetric force(s) to a vertebrae or vertebral element and adjacent vertebrae or vertebral element from within an intervertebral disc space by extension and/or contraction of one or more portions of the elastic polymer component;   (c) aligning and/or realigning a spinal column; and   (d) responding to loading and/or movement of the spinal column.   
     
     
         2 . The spinal intervertebral disc implant device of  claim 1 , wherein the space between the top face and the bottom face is manually adjusted. 
     
     
         3 . The spinal intervertebral disc implant device of  claim 1 , wherein the space between the top face and the bottom face is adjustable by internal gears and hinges that are capable of being manually adjustable by an external mechanism, tool, or force. 
     
     
         4 . The spinal intervertebral disc implant device of  claim 1 , wherein the space between the top face and the bottom face is manually adjustable by expansion of a hinge in the device by an external mechanism, tool, or force. 
     
     
         5 . The spinal intervertebral disc implant device of  claim 1 , wherein the asymmetric force(s) are provided by:
 a. polymeric and metallic materials combined to form one or more springs, solid bodies, or porous structures; or   b. one or more metal springs, solid bodies, or porous structures.   
     
     
         6 . A method of treating spinal deformity comprising implanting an elastic device capable of applying asymmetric forces to adjacent vertebrae to realign a vertebrae, vertebral element, and/or spinal column, wherein the asymmetric forces propagate through all or part of a spinal column in which the elastic device is implanted, wherein the elastic device comprises a rigid, multi-angled wedged device capable of applying the asymmetric forces by contacting the adjacent vertebral elements, and wherein the device comprises an elastic metallic material. 
     
     
         7 . The spinal intervertebral disc implant device of  claim 1 , wherein the spinal intervertebral disc implant device is inserted using a tool that creates a temporary bond with the spinal intervertebral disc implant device. 
     
     
         8 . The method of treating spinal deformity according to  claim 6 , wherein the elastic device is inserted using a tool that creates a temporary bond with the elastic device. 
     
     
         9 . The spinal intervertebral disc implant device of  claim 1 , wherein the spinal intervertebral disc implant device is inserted via an anterior plane. 
     
     
         10 . The spinal intervertebral disc implant device of  claim 1 , wherein the spinal intervertebral disc implant device is inserted via a lateral plane. 
     
     
         11 . The spinal intervertebral disc implant device of  claim 1 , wherein the spinal intervertebral disc implant device is inserted via a posteriolateral plane. 
     
     
         12 . The spinal intervertebral disc implant device of  claim 1 , wherein the spinal intervertebral disc implant device is inserted via a transforaminal plane. 
     
     
         13 . The method of treating spinal deformity according to  claim 6 , wherein the elastic device is inserted via an anterior plane. 
     
     
         14 . The method of treating spinal deformity according to  claim 6 , wherein the elastic device is inserted via a lateral plane. 
     
     
         15 . The method of treating spinal deformity according to  claim 6 , wherein the elastic device is inserted via a posterolateral plane. 
     
     
         16 . The method of treating spinal deformity according to  claim 6 , wherein the elastic device is inserted via a transforaminal plane.