Bone Screw
A bone screw and method of inserting a bone screw into a bone is disclosed. In one example, the bone screw includes a tip segment for creating a starter hole in the bone. A pilot segment is located proximally of the tip segment for creating a pilot hole in the bone after creation of the starter hole. A threaded segment is located proximally of the pilot segment for fixedly securing the bone screw in the bone. A head is located proximally of the threaded segment for allowing a surgical rod to be fixedly secured to the bone screw.
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The present invention relates generally to bone screws, and more particularly to a bone screw that does not require preparation of a bone or bone segment prior to insertion into the bone.
BACKGROUNDBone screws have been used in spinal instrumentation since at least as early as the 1960s. A bone screw is a screw that is usually made of titanium and perhaps finished with inert titanium nitride (gold colored finish). If a bone screw is used in a pedicle of the spine, then it is called a pedicle screw. Pedicle screws are most often used as part of a system of screws, plates and rods that immobilize part of the spine. During anterior fixation or plating of cervical vertebral bodies, the spine is approached from an anterior or anterlo-lateral direction and bone screws are typically used to solidly mount a spinal plate to the affected vertebrae. This helps spinal fusion wherein two or more vertebrae are encouraged to grow together after damage to the intervening disks or spinal fracture makes the original structure unstable.
Current pedicle screws require multiple steps in order to implant the screw in the pedicle. Typically, these steps include creating a starting hole with a very small drill bit, pedicle or bone probe, or awl. Once the starter hole is created, a bigger drill bit or pedicle probe may be used to create a pilot hole. After the pilot hole has been created, the pilot hole may then be tapped in a size compatible with the threads of the pedicle screw using a tap. Some pedicle screws are self-tapping thereby eliminating the step of tapping the pilot hole. Some bone screws, not pedicle screws, include a drill-bit feature associated with a thread and shaft. Each additional step required during a surgical procedure requiring the use of bone screws creates a greater potential for the patient to experience complications from the procedure as well as the chances for a physician to make a mistake due to fatigue during long constructs requiring numerous bone screws.
Thus, there remains a need for improved, inexpensive, and easy to use bone screws and methods for inserting bone screws in bone that minimize the need for preparatory steps prior to insertion of the bone screws into the bone.
SUMMARYA bone screw is disclosed that is capable of directly being inserted into a bone without the requirement of separately creating a starter hole, a pilot hole and tapping the pilot hole. In one embodiment, the bone screw includes a distal tip segment, an intermediate pilot segment, an intermediate threaded segment, and a proximal head or fixation segment. The distal tip segment is used to create a starter hole in the bone. The intermediate pilot segment is used to create a pilot hole in the bone and the intermediate threaded segment is used to fixedly secure the bone screw into the bone. In alternative embodiments, the distal tip segment and the intermediate pilot segment may be combined into a pilot segment which, in essence, eliminates the starter hole segment. This embodiment may be useful for procedures in which a starter hole is not necessary, is being placed in the bone by another instrument, or where paddle probes are used as the tip segment.
The fixation segment is used as an anchor for a rod or the like that is utilized as part of an immobilization system for a spine. In one embodiment, the fixation segment comprises a head that has a U-shaped format. In other embodiments, the fixation segment may comprise a straight shaft that is clamped onto by other devices. It is envisioned that the bone screw disclosed herein may be used for other types of surgical procedures beyond spinal procedures such as, implant or replacement procedures for example, and as such, may include other head configurations.
The tip segment of the bone screw comprises a conical shaped portion that includes a cutout that forms a cutting edge in the tip segment. In another embodiment, the tip segment comprises an awl or a probe. As set forth above, the tip segment is used to create a starter or small hole in the bone prior to creation of a pilot hole. The pilot segment comprises an elongate shaft that includes a flute running up the elongate shaft. The flute may be a straight flute or a spiral flute. The elongate shaft may be tapered such that it increases in size as the pilot segment enters the bone, but in other embodiments it may not be tapered. The flute includes a cutting edge for removing bone to create the pilot hole for the bone screw. The pilot segment may be formed like a drill bit for the purposes of removing bone.
The threaded segment is used to fixedly secure the bone screw in place in the bone. The threaded segment includes a thread that is used to secure the bone screw in the bone. In one embodiment, the thread is formed as a self-tapping thread so that the pilot hole does not need to be tapped. In another embodiment, the threaded segment includes a self-tapping feature as well as threads. The self-tapping features taps the pilot hole prior to the threads of the threaded segment being inserted into the threads created in the bone by the self-tapping feature. The head of the bone screw may be a conventional type screw head, but in one embodiment, comprises a U-shaped head designed to receive a rod of an implant. As such, the bone screw disclosed herein is capable of providing three functions that include creating a starter hole, creating a pilot hole, and creating a threaded connection that fixedly secures the bone screw in the bone. This eliminates the need for a surgeon to perform three separate steps in order to insert a bone screw into a bone.
In another embodiment, a bone screw is disclosed that includes a drill bit segment located at a distal end of the bone screw. The drill bit segment is used to create a pilot hole in the bone. A threaded segment is located proximate the drill bit segment for fixedly securing the bone screw in the bone. The threaded segment may include a self-tapping feature that taps the pilot hole created by the drill bit segment prior to entry of the threads of the threaded segment. A head may be located proximate the threaded segment which may comprise a conventional head or a U-shaped head designed to receive a rod.
In yet another embodiment, a bone screw is disclosed that includes a probe segment located at a distal end of the bone screw. The probe segment is used to create a pilot hole in the bone. A threaded segment is located proximate the drill bit segment for fixedly securing the bone screw in the bone. The threaded segment may include a self-tapping feature that taps the pilot hole created by the drill bit segment prior to entry of the threads of the threaded segment. A head located proximate the threaded segment may comprise a conventional head or a U-shaped head designed to receive a rod.
Another aspect includes a method of inserting a bone screw into a bone. In this embodiment, a starter hole is formed in the bone with a tip segment of the bone screw. Once the starter hole is formed, a pilot hole is formed in the bone with a pilot segment of the bone screw. Finally, a threaded connection in the bone is formed with a threaded segment of the bone screw proximate the pilot segment such that the bone screw is fixedly secured in the bone.
Another method for inserting a bone screw in a bone involves the use of a drill bit segment or a probe segment. The drill bit or probe segment, depending on which embodiment is used, is used to form a pilot hole in the bone. The bone screw includes a threaded segment that is used to create a threaded connection between the bone and the bone screw once the pilot hole is formed.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims.
The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
Referring collectively to
As set forth in greater detail below, in one embodiment of the present invention, the bone screw 10 is operable to create a starter hole, to create a pilot hole, and to fixedly secure the bone screw 10 in a bone of a patient with threads. This saves the surgeon time and shortens the length of surgical procedures involving placement of multiple bone screws 10. As a result, the patient does not have to spend as much time undergoing a surgical procedure and the stress experienced by physicians during long procedures is reduced. In other embodiments, creation of a starter hole may not be necessary and as such, only a pilot segment 14 may be included in these embodiments of the bone screw 10. In these embodiments, the tip segment 12 and the pilot segment 14 may be viewed as one and the same.
The tip segment 12 transitions into a pilot segment 14 that is located proximate to the tip segment 12. The pilot segment 12 is used to create a pilot hole 32 in the bone 22 after the starter hole 20 has been formed by the tip segment 12 or by a separate instrument. The pilot segment 12 includes an elongate cylindrical portion 34 that includes a straight flute 36 traversing upwardly a predetermined distance of the elongate cylindrical portion 34. The straight flute 36 includes a cutting edge 38 for cutting the pilot hole 32 in the bone 22. The cylindrical portion 34 may slightly increase in diameter or be tapered as it approaches the threaded segment 16. As such, the pilot segment 14 is operable to form a pilot hole 32 in the bone 22. This eliminates the need for a surgeon to utilize a second instrument to create a pilot hole 32 after the starter hole 20 has been created in the bone 22, which eliminates a surgical step.
The pilot segment 14 transitions into a threaded segment 16 that is located proximate to the pilot segment 14. The threaded segment 16 is used to fixedly secure the bone screw 10 in the bone 22. The threaded segment 16 has a helically wound, radially outwardly extending bone implantable thread 40 axially extending from the end of the pilot segment 14 to approximately the fixation segment 18. The threaded segment 16 may also include a self-tapping feature 42 located at the transition point between the pilot segment 14 and the threaded segment 16. The self-tapping feature 42 cuts a thread in the inside surface of the pilot hole 32 so that the threads 40 of the threaded segment 16 engage or mate with the threads cut in the pilot hole 32. In alternative embodiments, the threads 40 may comprise self-tapping threads 40 thereby eliminating the need for the self-tapping feature 42 to be included in the threaded segment 16.
As set forth above, the threaded segment 16 transitions into a fixation segment 18 that is located proximate to the pilot segment 14. In one embodiment, the fixation segment 18 comprises a U-shaped head that includes a pair of opposed upwardly standing arms 44 that extend upwardly from a cylindrical base 46 to a top surface 48. The arms 44 form a U-shaped cradle 50 and define a U-shaped channel 52 between the arms 44. The U-shaped cradle 50 has substantially the same radius of rods used in spinal procedures for operably snugly receiving the rod, such as rod 11 shown in dashed lines in
Each of the arms 44 has an interior surface 54 that defines a cylindrical profile. The interior surface 54 of each of the arms 44 includes an inner threaded member 56 located distally of the top surface 48 and running about half way down the arms 44. Although the inner threaded member 56 is illustrated as a helical thread, it is also envisioned that a buttress thread, a square thread, a reverse angle thread or other thread-like structures could be used. A locking member or set screw 58 is included for securing the rod in the U-shaped cradle 50. The locking member 58 screws into the inner threaded member 56 to apply pressure or force to the rod 11 thereby ensuring that the rod 11 is fixed in place.
Although the fixation segment 18 is illustrated as a U-shaped head throughout the figures, it should be appreciated that the term fixation segment should be broadly construed to include other types of fixation mechanisms. For example, the fixation segment 18 may comprise an elongate shaft (e.g. shaft 102 of
Referring to
The U-shaped head 62 is generally configured the same as in the previous embodiment of the present invention except that it includes an axial opening 68 to permit passage of a shank portion 70 of the bone screw 10 there through while maintaining the spherical head 66 therein. A compression cap 72, which is adapted to be positioned within the U-shaped head 62, has a generally cylindrical shape and includes a rod-receiving surface 74. The bone screw 10 disclosed herein is provided in one embodiment with a polyaxial head assembly 60 that allows the shank portion 70 of the bone screw 10 to have free or selective angular movement with respect to the U-shaped head 62. The polyaxial head assembly 60 set forth in
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Yet another embodiment includes a method of inserting a bone screw 10 in a bone 22, comprising the steps of (a) forming a pilot hole 32 with a drill bit segment 80 (see
In yet another embodiment, a third method of inserting a bone screw 10 in a bone 22 comprises the steps of (a) forming a pilot hole 32 with a probe segment 100 (see
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While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character.
Claims
1. A bone screw, comprising:
- a pilot segment for creating a pilot hole in said bone after creation of said starter hole;
- a threaded segment proximate said pilot segment for fixedly securing said bone screw in said bone; and
- a fixation segment proximate said threaded segment.
2. The bone screw of claim 1, further comprising a tip segment at a distal end of said fixation point and proximate said pilot segment for creating a starter hole in a bone.
3. The bone screw of claim 1, wherein said pilot segment may comprise a probe.
4. The bone screw of claim 3, wherein said pedicle probe may be selected from the group consisting of a Lenke style probe, a curved paddle probe, a paddle style probe, an acorn style probe, and a curette style probe.
5. The bone screw of claim 1, wherein said tip segment comprises an awl.
6. The bone screw of claim 2, wherein said tip segment comprises an awl that transitions into a probe portion.
7. The bone screw of claim 1, wherein said pilot segment comprises a drill bit having a cutting edge.
8. The bone screw of claim 7, wherein said drill bit includes at least one spiral flute.
9. The bone screw of claim 7, wherein said drill bit includes at least one straight flute.
10. The bone screw of claim 1, wherein said threaded segment includes a self-tapping feature.
11. The bone screw of claim 1, wherein said fixation segment comprises a head that associated with said threaded segment in a polyaxial arrangement such that said head may be disposed at an angle relative to said threaded segment, said pilot segment and said tip segment.
12. The bone screw of claim 1, wherein said fixation segment comprises a U-shaped head that includes a spherical base integral with said threaded segment and a pair of opposed upstanding arms.
13. The bone screw of claim 1, wherein said fixation segment comprises an elongate shaft.
14. A bone screw, comprising:
- a drill bit segment located at a distal end of said bone screw;
- a threaded segment proximate said drill bit segment; and
- a fixation point proximate said threaded segment.
15. The bone screw of claim 14, wherein said drill bit segment includes an elongate cylindrical shaft having a flute defining a cutting edge.
16. The bone screw of claim 15, wherein said flute comprises a straight flute.
17. The bone screw of claim 15, wherein said flute comprises a spiral flute.
18. The bone screw of claim 14, wherein said threaded segment includes a self-tapping feature.
19. The bone screw of claim 14, further comprising a tip segment located at a distal end of said fixation point proximate said drill bit segment.
20. A bone screw, comprising:
- a probe segment located at a distal end of said bone screw;
- a threaded segment proximate said probe segment; and
- a head proximate said threaded segment.
21. The bone screw of claim 20, wherein said threaded segment includes a self-tapping feature.
22. The bone screw of claim 20, wherein said probe segment comprises a pedicle probe.
23. The bone screw of claim 22, wherein said pedicle probe may be selected from the group consisting of a Lenke style pedicle probe, a curved paddle probe, a paddle style pedicle probe, an acorn style pedicle probe, and a curette style pedicle probe.
24. The bone screw of claim 20, wherein said head is pivotally coupled to said threaded segment.
25. A method of inserting a bone screw in a bone, comprising:
- forming a pilot hole with a pilot segment of said bone screw proximate said tip segment; and
- forming a threaded connection in said bone with a threaded segment of said bone screw proximate said pilot segment such that said bone screw is fixedly secured in said bone.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of forming a starter hole with a tip segment of said bone screw.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein said tip segment comprises an awl.
28. The method of claim 26, wherein said tip segment comprises a conical shaped portion having a cutout forming a cutting edge.
29. The method of claim 25, wherein said pilot segment comprises a probe.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein said probe may be selected from the group consisting of a Lenke style probe, a curved paddle probe, a paddle style probe, an acorn style probe, and a curette style probe.
31. The method of claim 25, wherein said pilot segment comprises a drill bit having a cutting edge.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein said cutting edge is located on a spiral flute.
33. The method of claim 31, wherein said cutting edge is located on a straight flute.
34. The method of claim 25, wherein said threaded segment includes a self-tapping feature.
34. A method of inserting a bone screw in a bone, comprising:
- (a) forming a starter hole in said bone with a tip segment of said bone screw;
- (b) forming a pilot hole with a drill bit segment of said bone screw;
- (c) forming a threaded connection in said bone with a threaded segment of said bone screw proximate said drill bit segment such that said bone screw is fixedly secured in said bone; and
- wherein steps (a), (b), and (c) above are performed by said bone screw in one fluid surgical step.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein said drill bit segment includes an elongate cylindrical shaft having a flute defining a cutting edge.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein said flute comprises a straight flute.
37. The method of claim 35, wherein said flute comprises a spiral flute.
38. The method of claim 34, wherein said threaded segment includes a self-tapping feature proximate said drill bit segment.
39. A method of inserting a bone screw in a bone, comprising the steps of forming a pilot hole with a probe segment of said bone screw; and
- forming a threaded connection in said bone with a threaded segment of said bone screw proximate said probe segment such that said bone screw is fixedly secured in said bone.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein said threaded segment includes a self-tapping feature.
41. The method of claim 39, wherein said probe segment comprises a pedicle probe.
42. The method of claim 41, wherein said pedicle probe may be selected from the group consisting of a Lenke style pedicle probe, a curved paddle probe, a paddle style pedicle probe, an acorn style pedicle probe, and a curette style pedicle probe.
43. The method of claim 39, wherein said threaded segment includes a self-tapping feature.
44. The method of claim 39, wherein said probe segment comprises an awl.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 8, 2013
Publication Date: Sep 5, 2013
Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC. (WARSAW, IN)
Inventor: Anthony J. Melkent (Germantown, TN)
Application Number: 13/858,725
International Classification: A61B 17/86 (20060101);