Prosthesis (i.e. – artificial body members) – parts thereof – or ai – Implantable prosthesis – Bone
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-09
2001-12-04
Robert, Eduardo C. (Department: 3732)
Prosthesis (i.e., artificial body members), parts thereof, or ai
Implantable prosthesis
Bone
Reexamination Certificate
active
06325827
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The field of this invention is intervertebral implant instrumentation and methods of implantation.
A variety of different intervertebral implants and distraction tools have been designed, used and patented. Intervertebral implants are used to replace diseased or damaged vertebral discs. Some implant designs are hollow to allow for the insertion of bone graft material that can fuse adjoining vertebrae. Some implant designs are nearly square in shape. The square shape typically tends to prevent the easy insertion of the implant into the intervertebral space. Many of the existing implant designs require complex and potentially dangerous pre-drilling and tapping of the intervertebral space prior to inserting the implant.
Some implants include vertical ridges at the surfaces that contact the vertebral laminar surface. Simple vertical ridges typically do not prevent retropulsion of the implant relative to the intervertebral space. Furthermore, vertical ridges can prevent easy insertion of the implant.
In some instances, the surgical implant can become unstable after the surgical insertion. The implant can be subject to torsional forces that can jeopardize the integrity of the procedure.
A distraction tool is used for preparing an intervertebral space prior to insertion of an implant. Some of the existing distraction tools include a tapered proximal end and some include square corners about the cross section. The square cross section provides a stable footing once the distractor is inserted. Other distraction tools include rounded corners about the cross section. Such a configuration allows for easy insertion of the distractor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to new and improved intervertebral implant instrumentation and methods of intervertebral implantation. According to the invention, an intervertebral implant is provided that has an elongated body that is narrower on each end than in the middle. The body includes interconnected, parallel walls that include barbs positioned along the outer edges thereof. The barbs are typically inclined rearwardly thereby allowing easy insertion, yet preventing retropulsion or migration of the implant from the vertebral interspace.
In another aspect, the invention relates to an intervertebral implant distraction tool that includes a body that has an ellipsoidal shaped end, a shank that is narrower than the ellipsoidal shaped end and a handle. The Ellipsoidal shaped end has a cross section that comprises a rounded edge on each of two diagonally opposed corners and a square edge on each of two diagonally opposed corners. The unique corner configuration of the distraction tool allows easy insertion between adjacent vertebrae and provides a stable footing once the distractor is inserted.
An inventive intervertebral implantation kit for surgically inserting an intervertebral implant into an interspace between adjacent vertebrae comprises the intervertebral implant and a distraction tool.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4349921 (1982-09-01), Kuntz
patent: 4772287 (1988-09-01), Ray et al.
patent: 4820305 (1989-04-01), Harms et al.
patent: 4834757 (1989-05-01), Brantigan
patent: 4878915 (1989-11-01), Brantigan
patent: 4898161 (1990-02-01), Grundel
patent: 4936848 (1990-06-01), Bagby
patent: 4961740 (1990-10-01), Ray et al.
patent: 5015247 (1991-05-01), Michelson
patent: 5015255 (1991-05-01), Kuslich
patent: 5026373 (1991-06-01), Ray et al.
patent: 5055104 (1991-10-01), Ray et al.
patent: 5059193 (1991-10-01), Kuslich
patent: 5147402 (1992-09-01), Bohler
patent: 5263953 (1993-11-01), Bagby
patent: 5306307 (1994-04-01), Senter et al.
patent: 5339194 (1994-08-01), Mikhail
patent: 5423817 (1995-06-01), Lin
patent: 5425772 (1995-06-01), Brantigan
patent: 5489307 (1996-02-01), Kuslich et al.
patent: 5489308 (1996-02-01), Kuslich et al.
patent: 5505732 (1996-04-01), Michelson
patent: 5514180 (1996-05-01), Heggeness et al.
patent: 5562662 (1996-10-01), Brumfield et al.
patent: 5607424 (1997-03-01), Tropiano
patent: 5609635 (1997-03-01), Michelson
patent: 5630816 (1997-05-01), Kambin
patent: 5653761 (1997-08-01), Pisharodi
patent: 5653762 (1997-08-01), Pisharodi
patent: 5658336 (1997-08-01), Pisharodi
patent: 5658356 (1997-08-01), Pishanodi
patent: 5665122 (1997-09-01), Kambin
patent: 5683391 (1997-11-01), Boyd
patent: 5693100 (1997-12-01), Pisharodi
patent: 5709683 (1998-01-01), Bagby
patent: 5716355 (1998-02-01), Jackson et al.
patent: 5720748 (1998-02-01), Kuslich et al.
patent: 5766252 (1998-06-01), Henry et al.
patent: 5776199 (1998-07-01), Michelson
patent: 5785710 (1998-07-01), Michelson
patent: 5797917 (1998-08-01), Boyd et al.
patent: 5803904 (1998-09-01), Mehdizadeh
patent: 5860977 (1999-01-01), Zucherman et al.
patent: 5865845 (1999-02-01), Thalgott
patent: 5865847 (1999-02-01), Kohrs et al.
Depraetere et al., Interbody Cages in PLIF Surgery, A Multicentric Report.
Brantigan, I/F Cage for PILF, Acromed.
BAK/Proximity Posterior Interbody Fusion System, Spinetech.
Ray et al., A Prosthetic Lumbar Nucleus Artificial Disc, Stryker Implants.
A Cellular Structural Biomaterial, Hedrocel.
BlackSheep Technologies, Inc.
Calfee Halter & Griswold LLP
Robert Eduardo C.
LandOfFree
Intervertebral implant does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Intervertebral implant, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Intervertebral implant will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2587501