Prosthesis (i.e. – artificial body members) – parts thereof – or ai – Implantable prosthesis – Bone
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-20
2001-10-02
Hirsch, Paul J. (Department: 3732)
Prosthesis (i.e., artificial body members), parts thereof, or ai
Implantable prosthesis
Bone
Reexamination Certificate
active
06296665
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an orthopedic surgical procedure, and more particularly to a method and an apparatus for spinal fixation.
2. Description of the Related Art
In various orthopedic surgical procedures, it is necessary to secure portions of a spinal column in a relatively fixed relationship. This need is often a result of disease, damage or congenital deformation. Heretofore, surgeons have used various types of bone and bone substitutes to help stabilize the spinal column and promote fusion. It is also known to insert an implant or prosthesis in place of a disk or vertebral body that has been removed.
While known devices for spinal fixation have proven to be effective in various applications to support the spinal column and promote fusion, they nevertheless can be the subject of certain improvements. In this regard, conventional spinal fixation devices do not provide flexible structural support allowing for adequate load sharing. Additionally, many spinal fixation devices rely on cutting through adjacent endplates for proper anchoring which may not be suitable for all applications. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide an apparatus for spinal fixation and related method that improve upon known devices.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for spinal fixation is provided including a longitudinally extending core and a pair of platform members which radially extend relative to an axis defined by the core.
An advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for spinal fixation and a related method which enhances bone fusion and minimizes stress shielding.
A related advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for spinal fixation and a related method that provides a flexible structural support which allows load sharing in all directions.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for spinal fixation that is easily implanted.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for spinal fixation and a related method that do not cut through adjacent endplates of the vertebral body.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for spinal fixation that may be quickly and easily adjusted in length.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for spinal fixation and a related method that promote the fusion rate of bone.
A related advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for spinal fixation and a related method that provide electrical current for enhancing bone growth.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for spinal fixation and a related method which allow a first degree of flexibility during spinal column flexion and a second, smaller degree of flexibility during spinal column extension.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for spinal fixation and a related method which substantially allows unobstructed post-operative x-ray vision of the bone fusion site between adjacent vertebral bodies.
Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
In one particular form, the particular invention provides an apparatus for spinal fixation. The apparatus includes a core, an upper platform and a lower platform member. The core longitudinally extends along an axis. The upper platform member radially extends about the axis. The lower platform member radially extends about the axis. At least one of the upper and lower platform members includes a plurality of radially extending arms defining openings therebetween for permitting bone ingrowth.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3987499 (1976-10-01), Scharbach et al.
patent: 4309777 (1982-01-01), Patil
patent: 4401112 (1983-08-01), Rezaian
patent: 4553273 (1985-11-01), Wui
patent: 4657550 (1987-04-01), Daher
patent: 4932975 (1990-06-01), Main et al.
patent: 4946378 (1990-08-01), Hirayama et al.
patent: 4997432 (1991-03-01), Keller
patent: 5062850 (1991-11-01), MacMillan et al.
patent: 5192327 (1993-03-01), Brantigan
patent: 5236460 (1993-08-01), Barber
patent: 5306308 (1994-04-01), Gross et al.
patent: 5336223 (1994-08-01), Rogers
patent: 5360430 (1994-11-01), Lin
patent: 5370697 (1994-12-01), Baumgartner
patent: 5423816 (1995-06-01), Lin
patent: 5458641 (1995-10-01), Ramirez Jimenez
patent: 5534030 (1996-07-01), Navarro et al.
patent: 5562738 (1996-10-01), Boyd et al.
patent: 5571192 (1996-11-01), Schonhoffer
patent: 5683464 (1997-11-01), Wagner et al.
patent: 5683465 (1997-11-01), Shinn et al.
patent: 5702453 (1997-12-01), Rabbe et al.
patent: 5723013 (1998-03-01), Jeanson et al.
patent: 5755798 (1998-05-01), Papavero et al.
patent: 5800550 (1998-09-01), Sertich
patent: 5888223 (1999-03-01), Bray, Jr.
patent: 5888227 (1999-03-01), Cottle
patent: 5893889 (1999-04-01), Harrington
patent: 5895428 (1999-04-01), Berry
patent: 5972031 (1999-10-01), Biedermann et al.
patent: 6015436 (2000-01-01), Schonhoffer
patent: 6019792 (2000-02-01), Cauthen
Bailey Kirk J.
Strnad Lee A.
Electro-Biology, Inc.
Harness & Dickey & Pierce P.L.C.
Hirsch Paul J.
LandOfFree
Method and apparatus for spinal fixation does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for spinal fixation, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for spinal fixation will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2577558