DR. ROBERT ELLIOTT JACOBSON, M.D.
Psychiatric at 57 Ave, Miami, FL

5382248, Jan 17, 1995

Sep 10, 1992

7/944206

Robert E. Jacobson - Coral Gables FL
Brian J. Mirson - Miami FL

H. D. Medical, Inc. - Miami FL

A61B 1756

606 60

An apparatus for stabilizing a plurality of bone segments, such as vertebrae of a spinal column, comprises one or more fixation devices. Each fixation device comprises an elongated rod having a longitudinal slot through its upper and lower surfaces and having threaded lateral surfaces. Slotted or axially threaded block members are slideably or rotatably movable along each rod into predetermined positions corresponding to locations selected for securing the apparatus to the bone. Posts are provided having have threaded distal ends, such that the distal end of each such post is inserted into the bone. The proximal end of each post is passed through the longitudinal slot in the rod and also through a vertical bore in the block member. The locations at which corrective forces are applied by the posts may be changed relative to the rods in three planes. A transverse connector system, included when at least two implant sets are used permits the implant sets to be spaced different distances apart and at different angular orientations.

4545374, Oct 8, 1985

Sep 3, 1982

6/414779

Robert E. Jacobson - Miami FL

A61B 1700

128303R

A method for percutaneously accessing the lumbar region of the spinal column by laterally inserting a cannula through the patient's side above the pelvic crest to contact a predetermined position in the lumbar region and passing objects such as medical instruments through the cannula. This method is useful for performing percutaneous lumbar diskectomies by cutting a portion of the patient's disc capsule and nucleus through the cannula and removing a desired amount of nucleus material. The cannula has a tubular member and anchor means attached to one end of the member for anchoring the cannula in body tissue to prevent shearing movement between it and the tissue. Other instruments for performing a percutaneous lumbar diskectomy are disclosed, including a speculum and trocar for percutaneously inserting the cannula into the patient's body, a diskectomy knife for cutting disc nucleus material and rongeur forceps for removing the disc material. The above instruments may be combined in a surgical apparatus.