Laminoplasty fixation devices

Abstract

Devices and methods for treating degenerative conditions of the spine or for alleviating pain or discomfort associated with the spinal column are disclosed. In particular, laminoplasty fixation devices and methods are disclosed. Also disclosed, is a vertebral implant comprising a first bone engaging portion configured for securing to a first cut portion of a vertebra and a second bone engaging portion configured for securing to a second cut portion of the vertebra. A body portion is provided for associating the first and second bone engaging portions at a preselected spacing from each other, wherein the implant is adjustable to select said spacing.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A vertebral implant, comprising:
 a first bone engaging portion having spaced tines and at least one opening for receiving a variable angle screw configured for securing to a first cut portion of a vertebra;   a second bone engaging portion having at least one opening for receiving a variable angle screw configured for securing to a second cut portion of the vertebra; and   a connecting member configured for maintaining the first and second bone engaging portions at a preselected spacing from each other;   wherein the connecting member includes at least one opening extending therethrough.   
     
     
         2 . The vertebral implant of  claim 1 , wherein the implant is a laminoplasty implant. 
     
     
         3 . The vertebral implant of  claim 2 , wherein the bone engaging portion is capable of engaging a lateral mass or a portion of a lamina of the vertebra, and the second bone engaging portion is capable of engaging a portion of the lamina. 
     
     
         4 . The vertebral implant of  claim 1 , wherein the first bone engaging portion is in fixed association with the connecting member. 
     
     
         5 . The vertebral implant of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second bone engaging portions are secured to the first and second cut portions, respectively. 
     
     
         6 . The vertebral implant of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting member comprises a central longitudinal axis extending along its length and the connecting member is slidable with respect to the second bone engaging portion along the longitudinal axis and the connecting member is substantially constrained from movement with respect to the second bone engaging portion in all other directions. 
     
     
         7 . The vertebral implant of  claim 6 , wherein the connecting member and second bone engaging portion interconnect in a dovetail. 
     
     
         8 . The vertebral implant of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the connecting member and second bone engaging portion comprises a ratchet mechanism that is adjustable for selecting the preselected spacing. 
     
     
         9 . A vertebral implant, comprising:
 a first bone engaging portion having spaced tines and at least one opening for receiving a variable angle screw configured for securing to a first cut portion of a vertebra;   a second bone engaging portion having at least one opening for receiving a variable angle screw configured for securing to a second cut portion of the vertebra; and   a connecting member configured for maintaining the first and second bone engaging portions at a preselected spacing from each other;   wherein the connecting member includes at least one opening extending therethrough, and   wherein the second bone engaging portion includes a ratchet mechanism that is adjustable for selecting the preselected spacing.   
     
     
         10 . The vertebral implant of  claim 9 , wherein the implant is a laminoplasty implant. 
     
     
         11 . The vertebral implant of  claim 10 , wherein the bone engaging portion is capable of engaging a lateral mass or a portion of a lamina of the vertebra, and the second bone engaging portion is capable of engaging a portion of the lamina. 
     
     
         12 . The vertebral implant of  claim 9 , wherein the first bone engaging portion is in fixed association with the connecting member. 
     
     
         13 . The vertebral implant of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second bone engaging portions are secured to the first and second cut portions, respectively. 
     
     
         14 . The vertebral implant of  claim 9 , wherein the connecting member comprises a central longitudinal axis extending along its length and the connecting member is slidable with respect to the second bone engaging portion along the longitudinal axis and the connecting member is substantially constrained from movement with respect to the second bone engaging portion in all other directions. 
     
     
         15 . The vertebral implant of  claim 14 , wherein the connecting member and second bone engaging portion interconnect in a dovetail. 
     
     
         16 . The vertebral implant of  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the connecting member and second bone engaging portion comprises a ratchet mechanism that is adjustable for selecting the preselected spacing.