Apparatus, systems, and methods for the fixation or fusion of bone

Abstract

Assemblies of one or more implant structures make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of the SI-joint and/or lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. The representative lumbar spine interventions, which can be performed on adults or children, include, but are not limited to, SI-joint fusion or fixation; lumbar interbody fusion; translaminar lumbar fusion; lumbar facet fusion; trans-iliac lumbar fusion; and the stabilization of a spondylolisthesis.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for trans-iliac lumbar fusion, the method comprising:
 creating an insertion path entering from a posterior region of the iliac spine of the ilium, angling in a cranial direction through the SI-Joint into and through the sacral vertebra S1, and terminating in an opposite anterolateral region of a lumbar vertebra L5;   providing a bone fixation implant; and   inserting the bone fixation implant through the insertion path from a posterior region of the iliac spine of the ilium, angling in a cranial direction through the SI-Joint into and through the sacral vertebra S1, and terminating in an opposite anterolateral region of a lumbar vertebra L5.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the insertion path is created in a non-invasive manner without prior removal of the intervertebral disc. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the insertion path comprises a bore sized approximately at or approximately about an outer maximum dimension of the bone fixation implant. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least a first implant structure enters through an insertion path from a left posterior region of the iliac spine of the ilium, angling in a cranial direction through the SI-Joint into and through the sacral vertebra S1, and terminating in a right anterolateral region of a lumbar vertebra L5, and wherein at least a second implant structure enters through an insertion path from a right posterior region of the iliac spine of the ilium, angling in a cranial direction through the SI-Joint into and through the sacral vertebra S1, and terminating in a left anterolateral region of a lumbar vertebra L5, the first and second implant structures crossing each other in transit through the intervertebral disc. 
     
     
         5 . A method of fusing a sacroiliac joint, the method comprising:
 inserting an implant having a cross-sectional profile defined by a plurality of apices into the ileum, across the sacroiliac joint, and into the sacrum.