Devices and methods for transpedicular stabilization of the spine

Abstract

According to some embodiments, a method of accessing an intervertebral space of a patient's spine in a minimally invasive manner compromises creating a passage from a posterior end of a pedicle of a vertebral member using a probe, advancing the probe through the pedicle and to a main body portion of the vertebral member, advancing the probe through a superior endplate of the vertebral member and into the intervertebral space and enlarging the passage using at least one tap to create an enlarged passage from a posterior of the pedicle to the intervertebral space. In some embodiments, the enlarged passage traverses at least three cortical layers of the vertebral member.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of fusing a first vertebra to a second vertebra, said second vertebra being immediately adjacent and above the first vertebra, the method comprising:
 creating a passage from a posterior end of a pedicle of the first vertebra through a superior endplate of the first vertebra, such that the passage extends into an intervertebral space located generally between the first and second vertebrae;   removing native tissue located within the intervertebral space by advancing a tissue removal tool through the passage and selectively moving said tissue removal tool within the intervertebral space;   delivering at least one of an implant and a grafting material through the passage, wherein said implant or grafting material is configured to promote fusion between the superior endplate of the first vertebra and an inferior endplate of the second vertebra; and   advancing a first bone screw through the passage, such that a distal end of the first bone screw extends at least partially into the intervertebral space.