Lordotic rod-washer implant for lumbo-sacral fusion

Abstract

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally described as a lordotic pre-sacral rod implant, or implant construct, for use in association with spinal fusion procedures. In an embodiment, the lordotic pre-sacral rod implant incorporates a washer configured to press against the endplate of the L5 vertebral body and thereby force the vertebral bodies of the lumbosacral junction into a lordotic orientation.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An implant, comprising:
 a sacrum anchor;   a distraction rod;   a fixation screw; and   a washer having an elongated slot disposed the entire way through the washer.   
     
     
         2 . The implant of  claim 1 , the distraction rod is configured to be controllably advanceable relative to the sacrum anchor via a screwing motion. 
     
     
         3 . The implant of  claim 1 , the washer further comprising a recessed chamfer. 
     
     
         4 . The implant of  claim 3 , the distraction rod further comprising a tip having a shape corresponding to the beveled edge of the elongated slot disposed in the washer. 
     
     
         5 . The implant of  claim 1 , the distraction rod configured to apply force upon the washer as it advances distally to cause the washer to press upon the L5 vertebral body. 
     
     
         6 . The implant of  claim 1 , the sacrum anchor further comprising custom bone threads. 
     
     
         7 . The implant of  claim 1 , the distraction rod further comprising a tapered cut. 
     
     
         8 . The implant of  claim 1 , the distraction rod further comprising internal retention threads. 
     
     
         9 . The implant of  claim 1 , configured to fixate in a position such that the forces placed upon the L5 vertebral body via the washer hold the vertebral bodies comprising the lumbo-sacral junction in a lordotic orientation.