Systems and methods for stabilization of bone structures

Abstract

A dynamic bone stabilization system is provided. The system may be placed through small incisions and tubes. The system provides systems and methods of treating the spine, which eliminate pain and enable spinal motion, which effectively mimics that of a normally functioning spine. Methods are also provided for stabilizing the spine and for implanting the subject systems.

1 - 31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . A bone stabilization device, comprising:
 a first and a second bone anchor, wherein the first and the second bone anchor are coupled to bone at a first and a second location respectively; and   at least one dynamic rod coupling the bone anchors, wherein the dynamic rod is intraoperatively selected and/or adjusted such that the range of spinal motion allowed is adjustable, from some motion allowed to all motion prevented, and wherein the bone stabilization device is structured and configured such that the bone stabilization device is capable of being delivered percutaneously.   
     
     
         33 . The bone stabilization device of  claim 32 , further comprising at least one adjustment mechanism wherein the allowed range of motion may be adjusted. 
     
     
         34 . The bone stabilization device of  claim 33 , wherein the adjustment mechanism is a set screw. 
     
     
         35 . The bone stabilization device of  claim 33 , wherein the adjustment mechanism is disposed in a housing, the housing having an interior. 
     
     
         36 . The bone stabilization device of  claim 35 , wherein the housing further comprises a filling or covering to prevent contamination or wear or debris from the interior of the housing. 
     
     
         37 . A method of stabilizing bone, comprising:
 providing a bone stabilization device having a dynamic rod that is intraoperatively selected and/or adjusted such that the range of spinal motion allowed is adjustable, from some motion allowed to all motion prevented;   securedly coupling a first bone anchor to bone at a first location via a percutaneous procedure through a first incision;   securedly coupling a second bone anchor to bone at a second location via a percutaneous procedure through a second incision;   securedly coupling the bone stabilization device to the first bone anchor;   adjusting the range of allowed spinal motion of the bone stabilization device; and   rotating the dynamic rod and securedly coupling the dynamic rod to the second bone anchor.   
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising adjusting a property of the bone stabilization device post-implantation. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the adjusting further comprises adjusting at least one adjustment mechanism. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the adjustment mechanism is a set screw. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the adjustment mechanism is disposed in a housing having an interior. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the housing further comprises a filling or covering to prevent contamination or wear or debris from the interior of the housing. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the adjusting is performed more than 24 hours post-implantation. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the adjusting is performed surgically. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the adjusting is performed percutaneously. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising adjusting a property of the bone stabilization device, wherein the adjusting the range and the adjusting a property of the bone stabilization device are performed in the same procedure. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising adjusting a property of the bone stabilization device, wherein the adjusting the range and the adjusting a property of the bone stabilization device are performed in different procedures.