Patents Assigned to Spinal Kinetics, Inc.
  • Patent number: 10517650
    Abstract: This specification describes spinal stabilization devices that may be introduced into the spine via surgical procedures. In particular, this specification describes an inter-spinous process spacer having a core chosen, in one variation, to provide a kyphotic or lordotic angle to the device. The specification also describes systems including the described devices and methods of introducing the devices and systems into the spine to provide effective stabilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Spinal Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Reo, Shigeru Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20190388234
    Abstract: A prosthetic intervertebral disc and methods for using the same are provided. The subject prosthetic discs are characterized by including top and bottom endplates separated by a fibrous compressible element that includes an annular region and a nuclear region. The two plates are held together at least one fiber wound around at least one region of the top endplate and at least one region of the bottom endplate. The subject discs may be employed with separate vertebral body fixation elements, or they may include integrated vertebral body fixation elements. Also provided are kits and systems that include the subject prosthetic discs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: SPINAL KINETICS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel H. Kim, Sung Kyu Ha, Kungwoo Lee, Frank W. Frank
  • Publication number: 20170325853
    Abstract: Spinal stabilization devices, systems, and methods are described. Foramenal spacers including a rigid member adapted to maintain the integrity of the foramenal space. Facet joint stabilizing members and prosthetic facet joints that augment or replace the native facet joint are also described. Lateral spinal stabilization systems that may be attached to the lateral surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies are described. Also described are anterior spinal stabilization systems that are to be attached to the anterior surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies. Several variations of dynamic spinal stabilization devices and systems are described. Each of the foregoing devices, systems, and methods may be used independently, in combination with the other devices, systems, and methods described herein, and/or in combination with prosthetic intervertebral discs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Applicant: Spinal Kinetics Inc.
    Inventors: Darin C. Gittings, Michael L. Reo, Janine C. Robinson
  • Patent number: 9750615
    Abstract: Prosthetic intervertebral discs and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The prosthetic discs described herein include one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece structures. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the sagittal plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components of the discs. The interface mechanism between the endplates and the core members of several embodiments of the described prosthetic discs enables a very easy surgical operation for implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: SPINAL KINETICS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel H. Kim, Thomas A. Afzal, Michael L. Reo, Uriel Hiram Chee, In Haeng Cho, Kunwoo Lee, Curtis W. Frank, Sung Kyu Ha
  • Patent number: 9737409
    Abstract: Spinal implants are described that may be surgically implanted into the spine to replace damaged or diseased discs using a posterior approach. The implants are prosthetic devices that can approach or mimic the physiological motion and reaction of the natural disc. The implants are adapted to be used in minimally invasive surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: SPINAL KINETICS INC.
    Inventors: Janine C. Robinson, Frank Fellenz
  • Patent number: 9597125
    Abstract: Spinal stabilization devices, systems, and methods are described. Foramenal spacers including a rigid member adapted to maintain the integrity of the foramenal space. Facet joint stabilizing members and prosthetic facet joints that augment or replace the native facet joint are also described. Lateral spinal stabilization systems that may be attached to the lateral surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies are described. Also described are anterior spinal stabilization systems that are to be attached to the anterior surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies. Several variations of dynamic spinal stabilization devices and systems are described. Each of the foregoing devices, systems, and methods may be used independently, in combination with the other devices, systems, and methods described herein, and/or in combination with prosthetic intervertebral discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: SPINAL KINETICS, INC.
    Inventor: Darin C. Gittings
  • Publication number: 20160242926
    Abstract: A prosthetic intervertebral disc and methods for using the same are provided. The subject prosthetic discs are characterized by including top and bottom endplates separated by a fibrous compressible element that includes an annular region and a nuclear region. The two plates are held together at least one fiber wound around at least one region of the top endplate and at least one region of the bottom endplate. The subject discs may he employed with separate vertebral body fixation elements, or they may include integrated vertebral body fixation elements. Also provided are kits and systems that include the subject prosthetic discs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Applicant: Spinal Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel H. Kim, Sung Kyu Ha, Kungwoo Lee, Frank W. Frank
  • Patent number: 9381098
    Abstract: Described are tools—including distractor, trial, chisel, and inserter—that may be used as a system for implanting a prosthetic intervertebral disc in a spine. The distractor moves vertebrae and may have angled forks optionally offset for visibility with removable jaws optionally matching desired lordotic angles. The trial tool(s) may fit within the distractor forks, include a lordotic angle, and may include a disc portion, an adjustable stop, and a feature to control movement of the disc portion relative to the adjustable stop. The chisel tool cuts grooves in the vertebral bodies, which grooves affix the disc to the vertebrae. The chisel(s) may fit within openings in the trial, where those openings also serve as a guide during the groove-cutting step. The inserter tool, optionally with a movable pusher, is used for inserting the prosthetic disc into the prepared intervertebral disc space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: SPINAL KINETICS, Inc.
    Inventors: Darin C. Gittings, Frank Fellenz, Jeffrey J. Dolin, Janine C. Robinson, Daren L. Stewart
  • Patent number: 9364337
    Abstract: Prosthetic intervertebral discs and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The prosthetic discs described herein include one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece structures. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the saggital plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components of the discs. The interface mechanism between the endplates and the core members of several embodiments of the described prosthetic discs enables a very easy surgical operation for implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: SPINAL KINETICS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel H. Kim, Thomas A. Afzal, Michael L. Reo, Uriel Hiram Chee, In Haeng Cho, Kunwoo Lee, Curtis W. Frank, Sung Kyu Ha
  • Patent number: 9364336
    Abstract: A prosthetic intervertebral disc and methods for using the same are provided. The subject prosthetic discs are characterized by including top and bottom endplates separated by a fibrous compressible element that includes an annular region and a nuclear region. The two plates are held together at least one fiber wound around at least one region of the top endplate and at least one region of the bottom endplate. The subject discs may be employed with separate vertebral body fixation elements, or they may include integrated vertebral body fixation elements. Also provided are kits and systems that include the subject prosthetic discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: SPINAL KINETICS INC.
    Inventors: Daniel H. Kim, Kunwoo Lee, Curtis W. Frank, Sung Kyu Ha
  • Patent number: 9278007
    Abstract: This description deals with a medical device, specifically a prosthetic intervertebral disc having a compressible core and at least one cast, polymeric end plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: SPINAL KINETICS, Inc.
    Inventor: Janine C. Robinson
  • Patent number: 9044278
    Abstract: The described devices are useful in the treatment of spinal disorders and pain. In particular, the described devices are designed to stabilize a portion of the spine by restoring and maintaining spacing between two adjacent vertebrae. The devices are compressible spacers that may be situated between the spinous processes of those adjacent vertebrae. The described inter spinous process spacers also allow a range of spinal motion and mimic the motion of a normally functioning spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: SPINAL KINETICS INC.
    Inventor: Shigeru Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8998989
    Abstract: Prosthetic intervertebral discs and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The prosthetic discs described herein include one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece structures. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the sagittal plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components of the discs. The interface mechanism between the endplates and the core members of several embodiments of the described prosthetic discs enables a very easy surgical operation for implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Spinal Kinetics Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel H. Kim, Thomas A. Afzal, Michael L. Reo, Uriel Hiram Chee, In Haeng Cho, Kunwoo Lee, Curtis W. Frank, Sun-Kyu Ha
  • Patent number: 8808381
    Abstract: Prosthetic intervertebral discs and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The prosthetic discs described herein include one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece structures. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the saggital plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components of the discs. The interface mechanism between the endplates and the core members of several embodiments of the described prosthetic discs enables a very easy surgical operation for implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Spinal Kinetics Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel H. Kim, Thomas A. Afzal, Michael L. Reo, Uriel Hiram Chee, In Haeng Cho, Kunwoo Lee, Curtis W. Frank, Sung Kyu Ha
  • Patent number: 8795374
    Abstract: The described devices are spinal implants that may be surgically implanted into the spine to replace damaged or diseased discs using a posterior approach. The discs are prosthetic devices that approach or mimic the physiological motion and reaction of the natural disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Spinal Kinetics Inc.
    Inventor: Uriel Hiram Chee
  • Patent number: 8403987
    Abstract: This description deals with a medical device, specifically a prosthetic intervertebral disc having a compressible core bounded by a fiber-containing or fiber-reinforced membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Spinal Kinetics Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Reo, Elizabeth V. Wistrom, Frank Fellenz, Thomas A. Afzal
  • Patent number: 8377138
    Abstract: Prosthetic intervertebral discs, systems including such prosthetic intervertebral discs, and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the saggital plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components, construction, and other features of the discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Spinal Kinetics Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Reo, Darin C. Gittings
  • Patent number: 8361154
    Abstract: The described devices are bound spinal implants that may be surgically implanted into the spine to replace damaged or diseased discs using a posterior approach. The discs are prosthetic devices that approach or mimic the physiological motion and reaction of the natural disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Spinal Kinetics Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Reo
  • Publication number: 20120296431
    Abstract: Prosthetic intervertebral discs and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The prosthetic discs described herein include one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece structures. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the sagittal plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components of the discs. The interface mechanism between the endplates and the core members of several embodiments of the described prosthetic discs enables a very easy surgical operation for implantation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: SPINAL KINETICS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel H. Kim, Thomas A. Afzal, Michael L. Reo, Uriel Hiram Chee, In Haeng Cho, Kunwoo Lee, Curtis W. Frank, Sun-Kyu Ha
  • Patent number: 8100978
    Abstract: The described devices are spinal implants that may be surgically implanted into the spine to replace damaged or diseased discs using a posterior approach. The discs are prosthetic devices that approach or mimic the physiological motion and reaction of the natural disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Spinal Kinetics Inc.
    Inventor: Elisa Bass