SINGLE LEVEL FUSION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF ASSEMBLY AND USE
The present invention discloses single level fusion systems and methods of use. The single level fusion systems include a first fastener, a second fastener, and a connector to secure the first fastener to the second fastener. The method of assembling a single level fusion system including obtaining a first fastener, a second fastener, and a connector, securing the first fastener to the connector, and securing the second fastener to the connector. Methods of using the single level fusion systems are also disclosed.
1 . A spinal fusion system, comprising:
a first fastener with a head portion; and
a second fastener with a protrusion for engaging the head portion.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the first fastener further comprises:
a shaft coupled to the head portion.
3 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the first fastener further comprises:
a neck extending away from the head portion and coupled to the shaft.
4 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the shaft comprises:
an attachment portion positioned at a first end of the shaft; and
a threaded portion, wherein the threaded portion extends between a second end of the shaft and the attachment portion.
5 . The system of claim 4 , wherein the neck receives the attachment portion of the shaft to couple the head portion to the shaft.
6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the neck further comprises:
two arms positioned parallel to each other to form a channel to receive the attachment portion;
a hinge member; and
an opening in at least one arm to receive the hinge member, wherein the hinge member passes through the attachment portion.
7 . The system of claim 4 , wherein the neck is coupled to the head portion on a first end and the shaft on a second end, and wherein the head portion is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft.
8 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the neck is tapered from the head portion to the shaft.
9 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the head portion comprises:
a first opening extending through the head portion.
10 . The system of claim 9 , wherein the first opening is threaded, and wherein the head portion further comprises:
a second opening for receiving a portion of the second fastener; and wherein the first opening intersects the second opening.
11 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the system further comprises:
a set screw received within the first opening for engaging a portion of the second fastener.
12 . The system of claim 9 , wherein the second fastener comprises:
a shaft and the shaft comprises:
an attachment portion; and
a threaded portion, wherein the threaded portion extends between a second end of the shaft and the attachment portion.
13 . The system of claim 12 , wherein the attachment portion comprises:
a protrusion extending away from a portion of the attachment portion.
14 . The system of claim 13 , wherein the protrusion has at least one of a spherical shape and a cylindrical shape.
15 . The system of claim 13 , wherein the protrusion is received within the second opening of the first fastener.
16 . The system of claim 13 , wherein a set screw is inserted and pressingly engages the protrusion of the second fastener.
17 . A method of assembling a single level fusion system, comprising:
obtaining a first fastener and a second fastener;
inserting a portion of the second fastener into the first fastener; and
inserting a set screw to secure the first fastener to the second fastener.
18 . A surgical method for inserting a spinal fusion system, comprising:
exposing the patient's vertebrae;
obtaining the spinal fusion system;
inserting a first fastener into a first vertebra;
inserting a second fastener into a second vertebra to the first vertebra; and
coupling the first fastener and second fastener.
19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the spinal fusion system comprises:
a first fastener with a head portion; and
a second fastener with a protrusion for engaging the head portion.
20 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are inserted to allow for divergence in at least one of one dimension and multiple directions.