Support device and method for use

Abstract

Devices and methods for orthopedic support are disclosed. The device can have a first rigid section hingedly attached to a second rigid section. The device can be curved or rotated around obstructions along an access path to a target site. The device can be delivered to an intervertebral location in a patient.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for inserting a support device to a target site in a spine adjacent a first vertebra comprising:
 creating a channel through a non-vertebral bone and a vertebra, wherein the creating of a channel through the vertebra comprises creating a channel through a vertebral end plate, and wherein creating the channel comprises drilling with a flexible drill, and wherein the non-vertebral bone comprises a pelvis; and   inserting the support device through the channel and into the target site, wherein inserting the support device through the channel and into the target site comprises:   inserting a first rigid section of the support device through the channel and into the target site,   inserting a second rigid section of the support device through the channel,   rotating the second rigid section of the support device with respect to the first rigid section, wherein the first rigid section is hingedly attached to the second rigid section; and   inserting the second rigid section of the support device into the target site.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the non-vertebral bone comprises an ilium. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the non-vertebral bone comprises a sacrum. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising inserting a steering tube through the channel. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first rigid section has gaps, wherein the second rigid section has teeth, and wherein inserting the support device through the channel and into the target site comprises sliding the teeth through the gaps. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first rigid section has first teeth, wherein the second rigid section has second teeth, and wherein inserting the support device through the channel and into the target site comprises sliding the first teeth by the second teeth. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first rigid section has first teeth and gaps between the first teeth, wherein the second rigid section has second teeth, and wherein inserting the support device through the channel and into the target site comprises moving the second teeth through the gaps. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first rigid section has first teeth and first gaps between the first teeth, wherein the second rigid section has second teeth and second gaps between the second teeth, and wherein inserting the support device through the channel and into the target site comprises moving the first teeth through the second gaps and moving the second teeth through the first gaps. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first rigid section has a first tooth, a second tooth, and a gap between the first tooth and the second tooth, wherein the second rigid section has a third tooth, and wherein inserting the support device through the channel and into the target site comprises moving the third tooth through the gap. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first rigid section has a first tooth, a second tooth, and a first gap between the first tooth and the second tooth, wherein the second rigid section has a third tooth, a fourth tooth, and a second gap between the third tooth and the fourth tooth, and wherein inserting the support device through the channel and into the target site comprises moving the first tooth through the second gap and moving the third tooth through the first gap.