Apparatus and method for the manipulation of the spine and sacrum in the treatment of spondylolisthesis

• Main Author: Rogozinski, Chaim
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 20.05.2003

This invention relates generally to the field of medical devices and methods of treatment of spondylolisthesis, and more particularly to the field of such devices and methods for manipulation of adjacent vertebrae or of the lower vertebrae and the sacrum (which in humans is formed of fused vertebrae), whereby the adjacent vertebrae or the vertebrae and sacrum are properly aligned and positioned such that fixation structures can be utilized to secure the adjacent vertebrae or the vertebrae and sacrum in the proper relation. Even more particularly, the invention relates to a mechanical apparatus or jack which can be temporarily attached to spinal implants permanently affixed to both the vertebrae and the sacrum, whereby the surgeon performs the spondylolisthesis reduction by manipulating the jack to properly position the vertebrae and sacrum and then securing the sacrum spinal implant to the vertebral, spinal implant in rigid manner. An apparatus and a method for performing spondylolisthesis reduction utilizing spinal link implants, the apparatus comprising a jack which is temporarily affixed to the spinal links, where the jack is constructed to provide leverage or fulcrum points such that the vertebrae or sacrum can be moved as required for, proper realignment and to position adjacent link members for connection. The jack comprises a pair of outrigger members connected to a levering member such that each is free to pivot, whereby the relative angle between the members may be altered by movement of the levering member, which is provided with at least one handle to be gripped by the surgeon. Optionally, an outrigger stabilizer member is also provided. The ends of the outrigger members are provided with connector means for temporarily securing the outriggers to the linking members in a secure manner such that any manipulation of the outrigger members is transferred to the spinal link members and thus to the vertebra or sacrum to which they are affixed. With the sacrum and vertebrae properly aligned and positioned, the spinal links are joined to form a rigid structure and the jack is removed.