Method and apparatus for spinal stabilization

Abstract

A method of limiting at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebral body and an inferior vertebral body of a patient includes advancing a distal end of a stabilization device into a pedicle of the inferior vertebral body. A proximal portion of the stabilization device is positioned such that the proximal portion limits at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebral body and an inferior vertebral body by contacting a surface of the superior vertebral body.

1 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A spinal stabilization device, comprising:
 an elongate body comprising a first portion and a second portion that are coupled together at a junction, wherein the first portion comprises a distal anchor, wherein the second portion forms a proximal end of the elongate body, wherein the first portion and the second portion are detachably coupled to each other;   a retention structure on the elongate body, proximal to the distal anchor; and   a proximal anchor, moveably carried by the elongated body, and including at least one surface configured to abut against a surface of an inferior articular process of the superior adjacent vertebral body when the spinal stabilization device is inserted into the inferior adjacent vertebral body; and   at least one complementary retention structure on the proximal anchor configured to permit distal movement of the proximal anchor with respect to the elongate body but resist proximal movement of the proximal anchor with respect to the elongate body.   
     
     
         9 . The spinal stabilization device of  claim 8 , wherein the first portion and the second portion are detachably coupled to each other via interlocking threads. 
     
     
         10 . The spinal stabilization device of  claim 8 , wherein the elongate body comprises a central lumen. 
     
     
         11 . The spinal stabilization device of  claim 8 , wherein the distal anchor comprises a helical flange. 
     
     
         12 . The spinal stabilization device of  claim 8 , wherein the retention structure on the elongate body and the least one complementary retention structure on the proximal anchor comprise a series of ridges and grooves. 
     
     
         13 . The spinal stabilization device of  claim 8 , further comprising a tensioning element. 
     
     
         14 . The spinal stabilization device of  claim 8 , wherein proximal traction can be applied to the first portion of the elongate body through the second portion of the elongate body. 
     
     
         15 . A spinal stabilization device comprising:
 an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the elongate body comprises a central lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end;   a distal anchor on the distal end of the elongate body;   a retention structure on the elongate body, proximal to the distal anchor;   a proximal anchor comprising a shaped surface configured to limit compression of the adjacent vertebral bodies; and   at least one complementary retention structure on the proximal anchor configured to permit distal movement of the proximal anchor with respect to the elongate body but resist proximal movement of the proximal anchor with respect to the elongate body.   
     
     
         16 . The spinal stabilization device of  claim 15 , wherein at least a portion of the elongate body is detachable. 
     
     
         17 . The spinal stabilization device of  claim 15 , further comprising a tensioning element configured to permit proximal tension to be placed on the distal anchor. 
     
     
         18 . The spinal stabilization device of  claim 15 , further comprising releasable connector. 
     
     
         19 . The spinal stabilization device of  claim 15 , wherein a portion of the elongate body is removed after implantation. 
     
     
         20 . The spinal stabilization device of  claim 15 , wherein the proximal anchor is polygonal. 
     
     
         21 . A spinal stabilization device comprising:
 an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end;   a distal anchor on the distal end of the elongate body;   a retention structure on the elongate body, proximal to the distal anchor;   a proximal anchor configured to reduce or dissipate the shock or forces generated as the proximal anchor abuts or wedges against an inferior articular process of a superior adjacent vertebrae; and   at least one complementary retention structure on the proximal anchor configured to permit distal movement of the proximal anchor with respect to the elongate body but resist proximal movement of the proximal anchor with respect to the elongate body.   
     
     
         22 . The spinal stabilization device of  claim 21 , further comprising a tensioning element configured to apply tension while the proximal anchor is advanced distally. 
     
     
         23 . The spinal stabilization device of  claim 22 , wherein the tensioning element is a tube. 
     
     
         24 . The spinal stabilization device of  claim 22 , wherein the tensioning element is a suture or a wire. 
     
     
         25 . The spinal stabilization device of  claim 24 , further comprising an eye, hook, or transverse bar around which or through which the suture or wire is advanced 
     
     
         26 . The spinal stabilization device of  claim 21 , further comprising an anti-rotation lock. 
     
     
         27 . The spinal stabilization device of  claim 21 , further comprising an interfit structure between the proximal anchor and the elongated body.