Patents by Inventor Michael Ensign
Michael Ensign has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20080071273Abstract: A system for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment includes a fastener including an anchoring portion and a coupling portion, and a longitudinal support member coupled to the fastener, wherein a portion of the system is formed from a super-elastic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: David Hawkes, Michael Ensign
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Publication number: 20080009880Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a pivotable interbody spacer system includes an insertion instrument configured to manipulate a pivotable interbody spacer during surgical insertion, wherein the insertion instrument includes means for coupling the interbody spacer and a means for fixing the angular position of the interbody spacer. According to one exemplary method for inserting the interbody spacer in a spinal disc space, the interbody spacer is grasped by the insertion instrument and fixed at a first angular position; the interbody spacer is inserted into the surgical site; the interbody spacer is released from the first angular position; the insertion instrument is pivoted about the coupling such that the interbody spacer is in a second angular position; the angular position of interbody spacer is fixed in the second angular position; the insertion process continues until the interbody spacer is positioned in the desired location.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2007Publication date: January 10, 2008Inventors: David Warnick, Michael Ensign
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Publication number: 20070135817Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, the present exemplary system provides a connection member for coupling to one or more orthopedic fasteners that includes a fastener head securing member including a fastener head securing cavity having an axis defined by a wall member, a compressible seating member disposed within the head securing cavity, an compressible seating member coupled to a surface of the wall member, a rod coupled to the wall member, the rod being substantially transverse to the axis, and a fastener head receiving orifice formed coaxially with the axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2006Publication date: June 14, 2007Inventor: Michael Ensign
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Publication number: 20070093826Abstract: The systems, assemblies, devices and methods described herein provide a variety of ways to intra-operatively select and/or configure a pedicle screw system. The pedicle screw system components described herein may be readily interchangeable and may be made available to the surgeon as a kit, thus giving the surgeon greater options on structurally fusing, correcting, or otherwise operating on a patient's vertebrae. In one embodiment, a modular pedicle screw kit includes a pedicle screw having a threaded shaft coupled to a head portion and a plurality of tulip assemblies that may be intra-operatively assembled with the pedicle screw. Each tulip assembly includes a tulip body, a rod receiving portion, and a pedicle screw head coupling member that releasably couples the tulip body to the pedicle screw.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2006Publication date: April 26, 2007Inventors: David Hawkes, David Warnick, Michael Ensign, Thomas Sweeney
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Publication number: 20060276792Abstract: A pedicle screw and rod assembly is provided which has a low profile in the final assembled position. The pedicle screw includes a screw having a threaded portion and a head portion. A tulip is positioned on the head portion of the screw. A fastener assembly is coupled to the tulip and positioned to retain the tulip on the head portion. A rod retainer member is positioned inside the tulip and grips the rod, to hold it in position relative to the tulip assembly and pedicle screw. The top of rod retaining member is approximately equal in height to, or lower than the rod itself. This provides a low profile pedicle screw and rod assembly since the rod itself will normally be the uppermost member of the completed assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2006Publication date: December 7, 2006Inventors: Michael Ensign, David Hawkes
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Publication number: 20060241600Abstract: An exemplary connection member for percutaneously coupling to one or more orthopedic fasteners includes a tulip assembly, and, a rod, wherein the rod is permanently coupled to the tulip assembly. According to another embodiment, a connection member for percutaneously coupling to one or more orthopedic fasteners includes a fastener head securing member including a fastener head securing orifice having an axis defined by a wall member terminating in a seating member, an adjustable compression member coupled to a surface of the wall member, a rod coupled to the wall member, and a fastener head receiving orifice formed in the wall member, wherein the fastener head receiving orifice is formed transverse to and intersects the screw head securing orifice axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2006Publication date: October 26, 2006Inventors: Michael Ensign, Thomas Sweeney
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Publication number: 20060235279Abstract: A less invasive access port for use in minimally invasive surgery allows for manipulation of the viewing angle into the working site in a transverse plane. According to one exemplary embodiment, the less invasive access port is designed to minimize the need for muscle retraction. Additionally, the less invasive access portal provides sufficient light, irrigation, suction and space for sundry medical instruments. According to one exemplary embodiment, a less invasive access port device includes a two-piece retractor having locking arms secured by a latch. The latch is located outside a wound during operation for ease of access. A cannula includes integrated interfaces for light, irrigation and suction. A housing forms a collar around a top of the cannula and houses the light, irrigation and suction mechanisms. Instruments and implants may be passed through the cannula and into the working space created by the two-piece retractor. Visualization of the working site can be attained under direct vision.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2006Publication date: October 19, 2006Inventors: David Hawkes, Thomas Sweeney, Michael Ensign
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Publication number: 20060206114Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to rod-coupling assemblies for coupling rods from separate pedicle screw systems. The rod-coupling assemblies generally include at least one rod-receiving body and at least one cam mechanism. The rod-receiving body and cam mechanism cooperate to capture and retain a distraction rod therewith. The cam mechanism includes a helical cam surface that mates with the rod and urges the rod into a retained position by rotation of the cam mechanism. In one embodiment, the assembly is configured to capture and retain two rods with one rod-receiving body. In another embodiment, the assembly is configured to capture and retain a rod and a head portion of a pedicle screw in one rod-receiving body. In yet another embodiment, the assembly includes a lever that is actuated to fix a first rod-receiving body to a second rod-receiving body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2005Publication date: September 14, 2006Applicant: Alphaspine, Inc.Inventors: Michael Ensign, David Hawkes, Thomas Sweeney
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Publication number: 20060200147Abstract: An orthopedic bone fixation device for stabilizing a plurality of bone segments includes a bone plate and a screw assembly. The bone plate includes a body defining at least one thru-bore, wherein the thru-bore is defined to include a central cavity, the central cavity having a middle diameter, an entry diameter, and an exit diameter, the middle diameter being larger than both the entry diameter and the exit diameter. Further, the screw assembly is configured to be coupled to the bone plate, wherein the screw assembly includes a bone screw having a head section, a thread section, and a central bore, an expandable ring coupled to the head section, and a pin at least partially disposed in the central bore, wherein the pin includes a varying outer profile that engages the expandable ring to vary an outer diameter of the expandable ring to lock the screw assembly in the thru-bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2006Publication date: September 7, 2006Inventors: Michael Ensign, David Hawkes
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Publication number: 20060195191Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a modular disc that is insertable by sections into a disc space located between vertebral bodies. The primary segments of the modular disc are one or more middle members engageable with first and second side members. The first and second side members are successively inserted into and positioned in the disc space one at a time. The middle member is then slidably engaged on rails extending from the respective first and second side members. Eventually, the middle member is moved along the guides and positioned between the respective first and second side members and the guides or rails are detached. Optionally, a cushioning and/or biasing member may be located between upper and lower portions of the side members and/or middle member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2006Publication date: August 31, 2006Applicant: Alphaspine Inc.Inventors: Thomas Sweeney, David Hawkes, Michael Ensign
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Publication number: 20060173456Abstract: A fastener and a bone fixation assembly for the internal fixation of vertebral bodies such as a pedicle screw is provided which allows a detachable tulip to be provisionally locked to a pedicle screw, while separately, the rod securely locks to the tulip. According to one exemplary embodiment, the tulip assembly includes a tulip body and an inner tulip member, the tulip body having a non-circular surface disposed on an outer surface. Additionally, a fastener is coupled to the tulip assembly and positionable to retain the tulip assembly on the head of a screw. Further, a cap having an outer surface and a plurality of inner protrusions is provided, wherein the plurality of inner protrusions are configured to mateably connect to the non-circular surface on the tulip body to compress the tulip assembly and secure a rod.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2006Publication date: August 3, 2006Inventors: David Hawkes, David Warnick, Michael Ensign
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Publication number: 20060173547Abstract: A knee prosthesis includes a femoral component and a stem for implanting in a femur. A modular junction is provided for attaching the stem to the femoral component. The femoral component may include a boss having a slot for receiving the components of the modular junction. A portion of the modular junction may be placed within the slot and the modular junction may be tightened in place on the boss by threading the stem into engagement with a portion of the modular junction. Accordingly, the stem may be connected to the femoral component by a single threaded engagement and the position of the stem may be adjusted to any desired location along the anterior-posterior direction on the femoral component.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2005Publication date: August 3, 2006Inventor: Michael Ensign
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Publication number: 20060161152Abstract: A pedicle screw system includes a pedicle screw and a tulip assembly. A rod is inserted and fixed in the pedicle screw system to surgically connect vertebral bodies. The pedicle screw includes a head portion and a threaded shaft. In one embodiment, the tulip assembly includes a tulip body, a rod-support member, a collar member, a cap, and a fastening member. The tulip body has an upper portion and a lower portion, these portions being displaceable in opposite directions relative to an intermediate web. The tulip body can be intra-operatively coupled to the pedicle screw after the screw has been inserted into the bone. The cap engages with the tulip body to lock the tulip body onto the pedicle screw and thus fix the tulip body at a desired angle relative to the pedicle screw.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2005Publication date: July 20, 2006Applicant: Alphaspine, Inc.Inventors: Michael Ensign, David Hawkes
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Publication number: 20060161153Abstract: The pedicle screw system may be used for fixation of spinal segments and may be advantageous when minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques are employed. The pedicle screw system includes a tulip assembly comprising a tulip body, a inner member, an expansion member, and a cap assembly. Installation of the pedicle screw system into pedicles of the spine, for example, includes inserting the pedicle screw into a portion of the spine, coupling a partial assembly comprising the tulip body, inner member, and expansion member to the pedicle screw, placing a rod in the tulip assembly, and then coupling the cap assembly to the tulip body. Coupling the cap assembly to the tulip body includes initially locking the tulip assembly to the pedicle screw and then locking the rod in the tulip assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2005Publication date: July 20, 2006Applicant: Alphaspine, Inc.Inventors: David Hawkes, Michael Ensign, Thomas Sweeney, David Warnick
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Publication number: 20060129244Abstract: An expandable interbody spacer (IBS) device designed to restore the disc height between vertebral bodies. The expandable interbody spacer device has an integral, moveable expansion member or spreader, provided between two plates. The plates are connected by one or more connecting members that retain the plates in a position proximate to one another while allowing the plates to move from a first unexpanded position to a second expanded position upon activation of the expansion member. According to aspects of the invention, the interbody spacer device can be implanted in an unexpanded or collapsed configuration, and then expanded to full height by engaging the expansion member. In other embodiments, the interbody spacer device may take various forms, for example, it may be cashew, rectangular or annular.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2005Publication date: June 15, 2006Applicant: Alphaspine, Inc.Inventor: Michael Ensign
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Publication number: 20060100714Abstract: An orthopedic augment member and connection to an implant is disclosed. The connection may be formed between the implant, comprising a recess with a ledge formed therein, and the augment member by utilizing a fastener, and a connector, which may be configured and dimensioned to snap-fit into the recess formed in the implant forming an interference fit therebetween. The fastener may further comprise a body member with threads located thereon for matingly engaging a threaded wall defining a recess formed in the augment member, thereby securing the augment member to the recess of the implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2005Publication date: May 11, 2006Inventor: Michael Ensign
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Publication number: 20050049603Abstract: An orthopedic A/P cutting guide device, including a cut guide member, a support member and a positioning member for permitting both (i) rotational, and (ii) translational movement after the A/P cutting guide device has been attached to the distal femur by quick pins or other securing devices, is disclosed. Rotational movement may occur by loosening a knob thereby releasing the positioning member and the cut guide member from the support member, which may be fixed in position by the quick pins, and rotating the positioning member and the cut guide member together. Translational movement may occur by loosening a plurality of knobs thereby releasing the cut guide member from the support member and the positioning member, and moving the cut guide member anteriorly or posteriorly. After the device has been rotated and translated, the knobs may be tightened, thus securing the device from further movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2003Publication date: March 3, 2005Inventors: Thomas Calton, Matthew Lowe, Michael Ensign, Scott Shaver