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Publication Number
US-12758274-B2
Publication Date
2026-10-13
Expiration Date
Abstract
Distractor and retractor systems and methods of using the same. A pedicle-based distractor assembly may include a base supporting a distraction rack, a pair of moveable arms coupled to the distraction rack, a connector at the end of each arm, each connector having a through-opening, and a pair of distractor elements each configured to attach to a pedicle screw. Each distractor element may be positioned through the through-opening in the respective connector. The distractor elements are modular such that different types of distractor elements, such as headless posts, pre-assembled posts, or minimally invasive towers, are interchangeable with the connectors. The assembly may also include a retractor assembly with a medial retractor blade for retracting soft tissue. The medial retractor blade may have one or more translating components at a distal for retracting soft tissue.
Core Innovation
The claimed method for pedicle-based surgical distraction utilizes a modular distractor and retractor system configured with a base, a distraction rack, side arms, a central arm, connectors, and interchangeable distractor elements that attach to pedicle screws. The modular distractor elements include a headless post, a pre-assembled post, or a minimally invasive tower that interchange with connectors at the distal ends of the side arms.
A medial retraction blade assembly couples to the central arm and includes a medial blade body and two translating components that engage soft tissue. The translating components engage the blade body through dovetail features and translate independently between retracted and extended positions. A blade connector features an axial opening, a spring-loaded button, and a star grind that intermeshes with a corresponding star grind on the blade body shaft.
Claims Coverage
The two independent claims are claims 1 and 8, reciting three inventive features covering a method for pedicle-based surgical distraction using modular distractor elements and a medial retraction blade assembly.
Modular pedicle-based distractor elements and rack-supported arms
A base supports a distraction rack, a pair of side arms, and a central arm movable along the rack. Modular distractor elements engage side-arm connectors, attach to pedicle screws, and comprise headless posts, pre-assembled posts, or minimally invasive towers that are interchangeable with the connectors.
Medial retraction blade connector interface
A medial retraction blade assembly couples to the central arm and includes a medial blade body, a blade body shaft, and a connector with an axial opening, a star grind, and a spring-loaded button. When locked, corresponding star grinds intermesh and the button engages the shaft, with claim 8 specifying a click-in blade connector.
Independently translating blade components
First and second translating components engage soft tissue and each independently translate between a retracted position and an extended position. Dovetail features engage corresponding features on the medial blade body, and a screw through the distal end of the blade body retains the components in a desired position.
The independent claims cover a rack-supported pedicle distractor and retractor system having interchangeable distractor elements, a medial blade connector interface, and two independently translating blade components, with claim 8 specifying a click-in blade connector.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
A method for performing pedicle-based surgical distraction, using distractor elements attached to pedicle screws and a medial retraction blade assembly that engages soft tissue.
Disc-space distraction.
Soft-tissue retraction.
Surgical-site visualization.
TLIF applications.
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