Hard tissue anchors and delivery devices

Abstract

The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for anchoring medical devices to hard tissues, such as bones or bony structures, particularly vertebrae. By anchoring these medical devices directly to the surrounding hard tissue, the devices are anchored closer to the source of treatment. This provides additional stability and reduces migration of the device at the treatment site. Also, by attaching to hard tissue rather than soft tissue, a stronger attachment is often able to be made.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for anchoring an element within the body, the method comprising:
 positioning the element so that a portion resides within the epidural space and portion resides outside of the epidural space;   driving a penetrating end of a hard tissue anchor into a surface of a vertebrae; and   fixing the portion of the element residing outside of the epidural space to the head of the hard tissue anchor so as to substantially maintain the position of the element.