Dynamic spinal stabilization device

Abstract

The present invention provides a dynamic stabilization device positionable about a portion of a spinal column. The stabilization device may generally include a first component and a second component, where the first and second components are movably coupled to one another to define an arcuate path of motion. The stabilization device may also include one or more adjustment elements positionable within first and second adjustment openings to affect the path of motion between the first and second components and/or the behavior and characteristics of the movement. In addition, one or more resistive elements may be adjustably positionable within either and/or both of the first and second adjustment openings to provide resistance and/or dampening of the forces experienced as the first and second components move relative to one another. The stabilization device may further define a joint having three degrees of freedom to adapt to movement of a spinal column.

1 . A spinal stabilization device, comprising:
 a first component adapted to be coupled to a posterior side of a spinal segment, and   a second component adapted to be coupled to a posterior side of a spinal segment, wherein the second component is movably coupled to the first component to define an arcuate path of motion.   
   
   
       2 . The spinal stabilization device according to  claim 1 , wherein the path of motion between first and second components is selectively adjustable. 
   
   
       3 . The spinal stabilization device according to  claim 2 , further including a first adjustment element coupled to at least one of the first and second components to affect the path of motion between the first and second components. 
   
   
       4 . The spinal stabilization device according to  claim 3 , wherein the first component defines a first adjustment opening, and wherein the adjustment element is movably positionable within the first adjustment opening. 
   
   
       5 . The spinal stabilization device according to  claim 4 , wherein the first component defines a second adjustment opening, the spinal stabilization device further comprising a second adjustment element movably positionable within the second adjustment opening. 
   
   
       6 . The spinal stabilization device according to  claim 4 , further comprising at least one of a resistive element and a dampening element positionable within the first adjustment opening. 
   
   
       7 . The spinal stabilization device according to  claim 5 , further comprising at least one of a resistive element and a dampening element positionable within the second adjustment opening. 
   
   
       8 . The spinal stabilization device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a joint element movably coupled to at least one of the first and second components, wherein the joint element provides at least two degrees-of-freedom of movement. 
   
   
       9 . The spinal stabilization device according to  claim 8 , wherein the joint element provides at least three degrees-of-freedom of movement. 
   
   
       10 . The spinal stabilization device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a first attachment element coupled to the first component, and a second attachment element coupled to the second component to facilitate attachment of the spinal stabilization device to a spinal segment. 
   
   
       11 . The spinal stabilization device according to  claim 10 , further comprising a first connector element coupled to the first attachment element, wherein the first connector element defines a collar portion and an opening therein, and wherein at least a portion of the first attachment element is positionable within the opening in the collar portion. 
   
   
       12 . The spinal stabilization device according to  claim 11 , further comprising a second connector element coupled to the second attachment element, wherein the second connector element defines a collar portion and an opening therein, and wherein at least a portion of the second attachment element is positionable within the opening in the collar portion. 
   
   
       13 . The spinal stabilization device according to  claim 11 , further comprising a bearing connector coupled to the first connector element, wherein the bearing connector and the first connector element are coupled to form a joint having at least two degrees-of-freedom. 
   
   
       14 . The spinal stabilization device according to  claim 13 , wherein the bearing connector and the first connector element are coupled to form a joint having at least three degrees-of-freedom. 
   
   
       15 . A spinal stabilization device, comprising:
 a first component adapted to be coupled to a posterior side of a spinal segment, and   a second component adapted to be coupled to a posterior side of a spinal segment, wherein the second component is movably coupled to the first component to define a path of motion that is selectively adjustable.   
   
   
       16 . The spinal stabilization device according to  claim 15 , further comprising a first adjustment element movably positionable within the first component to contact at least a portion of the second component. 
   
   
       17 . The spinal stabilization device according to  claim 16 , further comprising a second adjustment element movably positionable within the first component to contact at least a portion of the second component. 
   
   
       18 . A spinal stabilization device, comprising:
 a first component defining a first adjustment opening and a second adjustment opening;   a first adjustment element movably positionable within the first adjustment opening,   a second adjustment element movably positionable within the second adjustment opening;   at least one of a resistive element and a dampening element positionable within at least one of the first adjustment opening and second adjustment opening; and   a second component movably coupled to the first component, wherein the first and second components define an arcuate path of motion, and wherein the spinal stabilization device defines a joint having at least two degrees of freedom.   
   
   
       19 . The spinal stabilization device according to  claim 18 , wherein the spinal stabilization device defines a joint having at least three degrees of freedom. 
   
   
       20 . A method of performing spinal arthroplasty, comprising the steps of:
 providing a first spinal stabilization device having a first component and a second component movably coupled to the first component, wherein the first and second components define a first arcuate path of motion;   coupling the first component of the first spinal stabilization device to a portion of a first vertebral body; and   coupling the second component of the first spinal stabilization device to a portion of a second vertebral body.   
   
   
       21 . The method according to  claim 20 , wherein the first component is coupled to a posterior side of the first vertebral body. 
   
   
       22 . The method according to  claim 21 , wherein the second component is coupled to a posterior side of the second vertebral body 
   
   
       23 . The method according to  claim 20 , further comprising the step of adjusting the first path of motion. 
   
   
       24 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the step of adjusting the first path of motion includes positioning a first adjustment element to contact a portion of the second component. 
   
   
       25 . The method according to  claim 24 , wherein the first adjustment element is coupled to the first component. 
   
   
       26 . The method according to  claim 20 , further comprising the step of adjusting a resistance to the motion between the first and second components of the first stabilization device. 
   
   
       27 . The method according to  claim 20 , further comprising the steps of:
 providing a second spinal stabilization device having a first component and a second component movably coupled to the first component, wherein the first and second components define a second arcuate path of motion;   coupling the first component of the second spinal stabilization device to a posterior portion of the first vertebral body; and   coupling the second component of the second spinal stabilization device to a posterior portion of the second vertebral body.   
   
   
       28 . The method according to  claim 27 , further comprising the step of adjusting the second path of motion. 
   
   
       29 . The method according to  claim 28 , wherein the step of adjusting the second path of motion includes positioning a second adjustment element to contact a portion of the second component of the second stabilization element. 
   
   
       30 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein the second adjustment element is coupled to the first component of the second stabilization element. 
   
   
       31 . The method according to  claim 27 , further comprising the step of adjusting a resistance to the motion between the first and second components of the second stabilization device.