US 12,251,142 B2
Systems and methods for performing spine surgery
Thomas Scholl, San Diego, CA (US); and DJ Geiger, San Diego, CA (US)
Assigned to NuVasive, Inc., San Diego, CA (US)
Filed by NuVasive, Inc., San Diego, CA (US)
Filed on Nov. 22, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/532,645.
Application 17/532,645 is a continuation of application No. 16/655,172, filed on Oct. 16, 2019, granted, now 11,213,326.
Application 16/655,172 is a continuation of application No. 15/879,397, filed on Jan. 24, 2018, granted, now 10,485,589, issued on Nov. 26, 2019.
Application 15/879,397 is a continuation of application No. 14/887,246, filed on Oct. 19, 2015, granted, now 9,913,669, issued on Mar. 13, 2018.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/065,531, filed on Oct. 17, 2014.
Prior Publication US 2022/0087723 A1, Mar. 24, 2022
Int. Cl. A61B 17/70 (2006.01); A61B 17/88 (2006.01); A61B 90/00 (2016.01); A61B 17/00 (2006.01); B21D 7/02 (2006.01); B21D 7/024 (2006.01); B21D 7/04 (2006.01); B21D 7/06 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 17/7083 (2013.01) [A61B 17/8863 (2013.01); A61B 90/06 (2016.02); A61B 90/39 (2016.02); A61B 2017/00221 (2013.01); A61B 2090/3987 (2016.02); A61B 2090/3991 (2016.02); B21D 7/021 (2013.01); B21D 7/024 (2013.01); B21D 7/04 (2013.01); B21D 7/063 (2013.01)] 13 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method comprising:
making a digitizer pointer available for use;
coupling a tracking array to the digitizer pointer;
adjusting an offset feature of the digitizer pointer;
adjusting a swivel feature the digitizer pointer;
adjusting a translating feature of the digitize pointer; and
digitizing, with the digitizer pointer, a location of a screw implanted in a patient, wherein the digitizer pointer includes:
a first elongated element having:
a proximal end comprising a first attacher; and
a distal end comprising a recess; and
a second elongated element defining a middle portion of the digitizer pointer and being linearly aligned with the first elongated element, wherein the second elongated element comprises:
a proximal elongated shaft segment having:
a proximal end comprising a cavity formed within the proximal end; and
a retention element engaging the recess;
a distal elongated shaft segment having a distal end comprising a second attacher; and
a guide pin extending laterally away from the second elongated element.