Rod Connectors, Per Se Patents (Class 606/278)
  • Patent number: 11737788
    Abstract: Spinal correction surgical techniques and methodologies for correction of scoliosis using non fusion anterior scoliosis correction, including soft tissue releases, unique correction techniques such as de-rotation, and unique single and dual anchor screw/cord applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Institute for Spine & Scoliosis, P.A.
    Inventors: M Darryl Antonacci, Randal R Betz, Laury Cuddihy, Azmi Hamzaoglu, Meric Enercan
  • Patent number: 11648039
    Abstract: A tool set for implanting bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a rod into the bone screws includes end guide tools having flexible back wall flaps that receive opposite ends of the rod and intermediate guide tools that hold the rod in intermediate locations between the end guide tools. Both the end and intermediate guide tools include an attachment structure for operably connecting the guide tool to a bone screw. The attachment structure includes an undercut and/or recess so as to resist splaying and separation of the guide tool from an attached bone screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11471195
    Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a shank with a head, an anchor portion, and a neck extending between the head and the anchor portion, and a receiver with upright arms defining a channel for receiving a rod and a central bore extending downward to a lower portion of the receiver. The assembly also includes a retaining structure rotatably coupled with the receiver with an internal seating structure pivotally supporting the head while providing for independent rotation of the shank prior to locking the assembly with the rod and a closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11439437
    Abstract: Bottom-loading bone anchor assemblies and components thereof are disclosed that have a reduced profile and can be utilized with bone screws of various size. Bone anchor assemblies of the present disclosure can include a receiver member, a drag retaining ring, and a shank. The retaining ring and shank can be inserted proximally into a bore of the receiver member. The drag ring can have a base and a walled portion extending proximally therefrom. The drag retaining ring can be disposed in a groove of the receiver member with the base forming a seat for the shank head that can hold the shank within the receiver. The walled portion of the drag retaining ring can impart a drag force on the shank head seated in the base to prevent unintended movement between the shank and the receiver member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Medos International Sarl
    Inventors: Ellen Roberts, Eric Biester, Christopher Mickiewicz
  • Patent number: 11426210
    Abstract: Bone anchor assemblies and related methods are disclosed herein that can provide for improved fixation of a primary bone anchor. A bone anchor assembly can include a wing with a distal portion that can define a plurality of auxiliary bone anchor openings. Each auxiliary bone anchor opening can receive an auxiliary bone anchor that can augment fixation of a primary bone anchor of the bone anchor assembly. The plurality of auxiliary bone anchor openings can be oriented such that, when the wing is coupled to a primary bone anchor assembly of a vertebral level in a first configuration, at least one auxiliary bone anchor can be driven to extend across a facet plane of the vertebral level and, when coupled in a second configuration, each auxiliary bone anchor received within the wing can be driven to conform to the vertebral level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Medos International Sàrl
    Inventors: Kevin Lee, Christopher Ramsay, J. Riley Hawkins, Albert Montello
  • Patent number: 11382665
    Abstract: An implantable stabilization apparatus stabilizes a portion of a skeletal structure of a living patient. The implantable stabilization apparatus includes an elongated fixation rod that includes a plurality of different rod regions having different cross-sectional dimensions are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the fixation rod. A transition region integrally formed as part of a common monolithic structure with the different rod regions is tapered, and separates the different rod regions from each other along the longitudinal axis of the fixation rod. A fastener system couples the elongated fixation rod to the skeletal structure. The fastener system includes an anchor that is to be secured to the skeletal structure, a saddle coupled to the anchor, and a locking member that maintains cooperation between the saddle and the portion of at least one of the different rod regions interfere with separation of the fixation rod from the fastener system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventor: Bernard M. Bedor
  • Patent number: 11331124
    Abstract: A modular tulip assembly has a rod receiving tulip and a saddle. The saddle is interlockingly held inside a distal portion of the tulip. The saddle has an external locking groove or recess. The tulip has a locking projection. The locking projection is positioned into the external locking groove or recess and holds the saddle in a pre-loaded unlocked state ready to be pushed onto a head of an implanted bone screw. Upon receiving the head of the bone screw, the saddle can be moved distally relative to the tulip to a locked state by moving the locking groove or recess distally past the locking projection to where the proximal end of the saddle is past abutting the locking projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Spiral Elements, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Toon, David Cain, Joshua Gunn
  • Patent number: 11317958
    Abstract: A fixation assembly includes a tapered cannula, a post, and a snap ring. The snap ring is attachable to the post and the tapered cannula. The snap ring is configured to maintain the tapered cannula axially fixed in relation to the post such that the tapered cannula and the post are rotatable relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Errico, Peter Newton, Harry Shufflebarger, Larry E. McClintock
  • Patent number: 11311317
    Abstract: A spinal fixation device for securing two stabilizing rods to bone has a threaded shaft, a first rod coupling head connected to the threaded shaft and a secondary rod coupling head. The first rod coupling head has a side wall and a cavity with an open top for receiving a rod. In a neutral position of the first rod coupling head, the first rod coupling head extends symmetrically around the longitudinal axis of the threaded shaft. The second rod coupling head is rotatably connected to the first rod coupling head, around an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is disposed at an angle that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the threaded shaft when the first rod coupling head is in the neutral position. This allows for two rods to be manipulated independently through different axis planes at any single point of bony fixation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventor: Stelios Koutsoumbelis
  • Patent number: 11291480
    Abstract: A tool set for implanting bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a rod into the bone screws includes end guide tools having flexible back wall flaps that receive opposite ends of the rod and intermediate guide tools that hold the rod in intermediate locations between the end guide tools. Both the end and intermediate guide tools include an attachment structure for operably connecting the guide tool to a bone screw. The attachment structure includes an undercut and/or recess so as to resist splaying and separation of the guide tool from an attached bone screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11272960
    Abstract: An orthopedic connection assembly is described that comprises a housing member for receiving an implant that is operably connected to a receiving member for receiving an anchor member. The connection assembly is configured to have a locking mechanism that secures and fixes the relative orientation between the implant and the anchor member. The connection assembly can comprise a plate member receivable within the housing member. When a securing member such as a set screw is introduced downwardly into the housing member to secure the implant, the securing member applies a lateral force to the plate member, which presses against an interference member within the receiving member. The interference member presses against the anchor member, such that the anchor member is fixed in a position relative to the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Globus Medical Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Harper
  • Patent number: 11259846
    Abstract: A rod connector device includes a first clamp having, on one side thereof, a first grip groove and a first grip expansion groove sequentially connected to each other, a second clamp contacting the first clamp, the second clamp having, on another side thereof, a second grip groove and a second grip expansion groove sequentially connected to each other, a grip applying a binding force to a first rod and a second rod, when the first and second clamps are connected to each other so that the first and second grip expansion grooves communicate with each other, and the first and second rods are grip-secured in the first and second grip grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Solco Biomedical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hwi Geun Yu, Mi Rim Hyeon
  • Patent number: 11219472
    Abstract: A fixation system includes an elongated rod, a fastener, a yoke, and an insert. The fastener includes a head with a truncated top portion. The yoke receives the rod and includes a yoke opening and a yoke cavity. The yoke cavity supports the head allowing for angular movement of the fastener. The insert is inserted into the yoke above the fastener and includes an insert base and a plurality of prongs. The insert base defines a base cavity that provides clearance for the head. The prongs extend away from the insert base and contact the head of the fastener below the truncated top portion. At least one set of the prongs has a length such that when the fastener is moved to a position of maximum angular movement within the yoke, at least one of the prongs is out of contact with the head of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Nexxt Spine. LLC
    Inventors: Alaedeen Abu-Mulaweh, Austin Clemens, Andrew Elsbury
  • Patent number: 11213324
    Abstract: A spinal screw assembly is provided. The assembly may be provided with a screw and a movable head in which angulation of the screw relative to the movable head is constrained so that angulation within limits is allowed in one plane but lesser or no angulation is allowed in another plane. Methods to assemble the disclosed apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Theken Spine, LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Lab, Joel P. Bales, Simon Gerhard Sjovold, Keun-Young Anthony Kim
  • Patent number: 11185349
    Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a receiver with an open channel configured to receive an elongate rod and a central bore having an inwardly protruding interference structure with a discontinuous annular upper surface. The assembly also includes a shank having a head positionable within the central bore and an anchor portion for fixation to the bone of a patient, and an insert positionable into the central bore in an initial position that is constrained from vertical movement in at least one direction by engagement between outer curvate side surfaces of the insert and the discontinuous annular upper surface. The insert is configured for forced downward displacement within the central bore by tooling from the initial position to a lower position in which the outer curvate side surfaces of the insert are wedged against the interference structure to inhibit the insert from moving back up within the central bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11160582
    Abstract: A receiving part for receiving a rod for coupling the rod to a bone anchoring element includes a receiving part body including a first end and a second end, and having a substantially U-shaped recess at the first end forming a channel for receiving the rod, and an accommodation space for accommodating a head of the bone anchoring element, the accommodation space having an opening at the second end for introducing the head; and a pressure element arranged at least partially in the accommodation space, the pressure element including a first section having a second recess for receiving the rod, and a second section having a flexible portion to clamp the head, the first section and the second section being fixed relative to each other, wherein said pressure element is insertable from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: BIEDERMANN TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis
  • Patent number: 11154331
    Abstract: A modular tulip assembly has a rod receiving tulip and a saddle. The saddle is interlockingly held inside a distal portion of the tulip. The saddle has a locking projection. The tulip has a pair of grooves or recesses. The locking projection is positioned into the proximal tulip groove or recess and holds the saddle in a pre-loaded unlocked state ready to be pushed onto a head of an implanted bone screw. Upon receiving the head of the bone screw, the saddle can be moved distally relative to the tulip to a locked state by moving the locking projection distally into the distal tulip locking groove or recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Toon, David Brett Cain, Joshua David Gunn
  • Patent number: 11026724
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixing rod connecting device and, more specifically, to a fixing rod connecting device, comprising: a main body having a space into which one or more rods can be inserted; and a fixing screw fastened to the main body so as to fix the rod, wherein one side surface of the main body is formed to have a predetermined upward inclination angle relative to the other side surface thereof, thereby eliminating interference with other surgical instruments when the fixing screw is fastened, enabling an incision area of a patient to be minimized, and enabling three-dimensional alignment and fixation of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignees: GBS Commonwealth Co., Ltd., PMT Republic, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyoung Gee Ahn
  • Patent number: 11006978
    Abstract: An extender system is configured to couple a vertebral bone anchor that has been previously implanted in a vertebra, or is newly implantable in a vertebra, to an adjacent bone, which can be an additional spinal level or an occiput, for example. The extender system includes an extension member having a body and an engagement member coupled to the body. The extension member defines an aperture extending through the engagement member. A screw is configured to attach the extension member to the vertebral bone anchor. The extension member can be fastened to the adjacent bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Montello, Oleg Levin, William Strausbaugh, Thomas Kueenzi
  • Patent number: 10993746
    Abstract: A transverse connector includes a cross member assembly, a first connector assembly, and a second connector assembly. The cross member assembly includes a cross member, a first ring, and a second ring. The cross member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first ring is receivable on the first end portion of the cross member and the second ring is receivable on the second end portion of the cross member. The first and second connector assemblies are coupled to the first and second rings of the cross member assembly, respectively, to support the cross member between the first and second connector assemblies. The first and second connector assemblies are configured to selectively and releasably secure to bone anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Finn, Christopher Harrod, Sergey Neckrysh, Peter Newton, Harry Shufflebarger, Timmon Ark, Theo Choi
  • Patent number: 10973553
    Abstract: A modular pedicle screw assembly has a multi-part cam lock structure for fixing a threaded shank to a head subassembly. A modular pedicle screw assembly provides capture and release of a spherical end of a threaded shank by a head through rotation of closures radially disposed in an internal chamber of the head. Geometry of the closures cooperate with geometry of the internal chamber, providing a selective cam action between the closures and the internal chamber to increase and decrease size of an opening formed by the closures. Closure rotation produces an open state where the spherical end of the threaded shank can pass through the closures, releasing the spherical end of the threaded shank from the head, and a closed state where the spherical end of the threaded shank cannot pass through the closures thereby capturing the spherical end of the threaded shank in the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: LIFE SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Forrest Samuel, Gregory Palagi
  • Patent number: 10893889
    Abstract: A bone screw system includes a bone screw having a tulip that forms a seat for a longitudinal support for surgical connection of adjacent bone screws. The tulip has a tulip thread into which a clamping screw is screwed. The clamping screw has a clamping screw thread for locking the longitudinal support by clamping within the seat. The clamping screw thread is provided on the run-in side with a thread chamfer. The thread chamfer is introduced to the clamping screw thread while chamfering a thread elevation in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: AESCULAP AG
    Inventors: Stephan Lindner, Sven Krüger, Alexander Haas
  • Patent number: 10881435
    Abstract: The invention relates to a polyaxial pedicle screw (2) comprising a screw anchor (4), which has a threaded shaft (6) and a head (8), and comprising a fork head (10), which is U-shaped in side view and has a receiving opening (16) for a corrective element, in particular a correcting rod, and two arms (12), wherein the head is polyaxially pivotably mounted in a distal end region (14) of the fork head and the fork head can be fixed in a pivoted position intended by the surgeon relative to the head, and also comprising a pressure piece (18) which can be arranged in the fork between the head and the corrective element which, on the one hand, rests on the head and, on the other hand, can be loaded by the corrective element, wherein the region of one arm of the fork head the pressure piece is supported by means of a pivot bearing (54) against this arm in the axial direction (20), and that diametrically opposite the pressure piece has a receiving region (42) for a positioning force (44) acting in the axial direction
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Silony Medical International AG
    Inventor: Frank Heuer
  • Patent number: 10874439
    Abstract: A connection element between bars in a spinous reconstruction system comprising: a main body; at least a first and a second housing seat for a respective first and a second bar, arranged inside said main body; a tightening means for locking the first bar and the second bar in an operative position with respect to the main body, and for preventing relative movements between the first and said second bar, wherein the connection element comprises an interference means for at least restraining the free sliding of said first bar or said second bar inside the respective housing seat. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: MEDACTA INTERNATIONAL S.A.
    Inventors: Meinrad Fiechter, Michele Incandela, Massimiliano Martis, Francesco Siccardi
  • Patent number: 10779865
    Abstract: A spinal cross-connector comprises an elongated member, a first connector and a second connector. The first connector and the second connector are configured to receive spinal rods and adaptable to directly attach with pedicle screws. The first connector includes a first collet head, a first clamp and a first locking means. The second connector includes a second collet head, a second clamp and a second locking mans. The first locking means is configured to tighten over a first collet head and engage with the first connector. Similarly, the second locking means is configured to tighten over a second collet head and engage with the second connector. The engagement of the first locking means with the first connector and the second locking means with the second connector locks the spinal cross-connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene Shoshtaev
  • Patent number: 10765457
    Abstract: An orthopedic connection assembly is described that comprises a housing member for receiving an implant that is operably connected to a receiving member for receiving an anchor member. The connection assembly is configured to have a locking mechanism that secures and fixes the relative orientation between the implant and the anchor member. The connection assembly can comprise a plate member receivable within the housing member. When a securing member such as a set screw is introduced downwardly into the housing member to secure the implant, the securing member applies a lateral force to the plate member, which presses against an interference member within the receiving member. The interference member presses against the anchor member, such that the anchor member is fixed in a position relative to the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Globus Medical Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Harper
  • Patent number: 10758277
    Abstract: An anchor assembly for use in spinal fixation to interconnect a longitudinal spinal rod with a patient's vertebra. The anchor assembly preferably includes a bone anchor, a body with a rod-receiving channel, an insert member (preferably a bushing), and a locking cap. The anchor assembly enables in-situ assembly where the bone anchor may be secured to the patient's vertebra prior to being received within the body of the bone anchor assembly. Accordingly, the anchor assembly enables a surgeon to implant the bone anchor without the body to maximize visibility and access around the anchoring site. Once the bone anchor has been secured to the patient's vertebra, the body may be snapped onto the bone anchor and a spinal rod may be inserted into the rod-receiving channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Fridolin Schlaepfer, Martin Schnider, Helmut Rutschmann
  • Patent number: 10631899
    Abstract: A system for flexibly stabilizing a vertebral motion segment by connecting a first vertebra and a second vertebra is disclosed. The system includes an elongate connection element with end portions interconnected by a flexible coupling member. The system includes first and second attachment portions for connecting the connection element to the vertebrae. A first resilient member is positioned between the first end portion and the first attachment portion, and a second resilient member is positioned between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. The system is designed such that the second resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions move towards each other, and the first resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions extend away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Friedrich, Andrew Iott, Edward Karpowicz, Anand Balasubramanian, Edward Dwyer
  • Patent number: 10624677
    Abstract: Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment is disclosed, including a connection assembly with a connection piece of open type and a mating component piece positioned one with respect to the other. The connection piece includes a hole, where the mating piece is dimensioned to be engaged in the interior of the hole in a fit adjusted manner and is slidable within the hole. The connection piece is assembled to the mating component piece in separated apart position based on a force that is less than a clamping force exerted by a nut to be screwed on to a proximal threaded pin of an anchoring member that can be tightened so as to bring the connection piece and the mating component piece in a close position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: MEDICREA INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Thomas Mosnier, David Ryan
  • Patent number: 10617447
    Abstract: A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having at least one transition portion and cooperating outer sleeve, both the transition portion and sleeve being disposed between the two bone anchors. The transition portion includes a rigid length or rod having apertures therein and a molded plastic length that extends through the apertures, thus attaching the plastic length to the rigid length. The sleeve surrounds the transition portion and extends between the pair of bone anchors, the sleeve being compressible in a longitudinal direction between the bone anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10531898
    Abstract: A sacroiliac fixation implant comprising a one-piece anchoring component supporting a connecting element of the linking rod and provided with three orifices for the passage of anchoring screws, where the anchoring component comprises: an elongated main wall in which are formed two orifices, where the connecting element is interposed between the two orifices; and a secondary wall protruding from the main wall at the level of one end so that the anchoring component has a general «L» shape, a third orifice being formed on said secondary wall; wherein each orifice is internally delimited by a spherical shaped bearing face extended by a truncated-cone shaped flared face centered on a central axis, and wherein the orientations of the central axes and the taper angles of the flared faces are shaped so as to enable an arrangement of the screwing axes of the three anchoring screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: ORTHOPAEDIC & SPINE DEVELOPMENT (OSD)
    Inventor: Jacques Boulot
  • Patent number: 10507043
    Abstract: An apparatus and method related to a collet for a spinal screw are described herein. In some embodiments, such an apparatus includes a screw, a movable head comprising a top portion and a bottom portion, a concave interior larger than a screw head, a connecting rod, a locking element screw, and a collet interposed between the screw head and the concave interior of the movable head, where the collet comprises a flexible hinge, and where the collet reduces axial compression force transferred from the set screw to the screw head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: SEASPINE ORTHOPEDICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Corey Noel Gladieux
  • Patent number: 10499968
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a cable plug and a cable wire attachment plate are disclosed herein. Each plug or plate has a cable retaining portion and a fastening portion disposed from the cable retaining portion about a longitudinal axis of the plug or plate. Each cable retaining portion preferably has an aperture or channel for receiving a cable wire therein, while each fastening portion is adapted to engage a portion of a bone plate, such as a hole in the bone plate or an exterior surface of the bone plate. Related methods, systems, and kits are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Wiederkehr, Pierre-Luc Sylvestre
  • Patent number: 10492835
    Abstract: Devices and methods that allow a rod to be offset in a relatively small amount of space are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, first and second offset rods can be joined by a plate-type connector having a reduced thickness suitable for insertion into a small space, e.g., between adjacent bone anchors. In some embodiments, first and second offset rods can be joined by a curved connector that conforms to adjacent bone anchors and likewise has a reduced thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Medos International Sàrl
    Inventors: Kevin Lee, Ben Johnston, Frank Spratt, Samuel Jacobs
  • Patent number: 10485588
    Abstract: A tool set for implanting bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a rod into the bone screws includes end guide tools having flexible back wall flaps that receive opposite ends of the rod and intermediate guide tools that hold the rod in intermediate locations between the end guide tools. Both the end and intermediate guide tools include an attachment structure for operably connecting the guide tool to a bone screw. The attachment structure includes an undercut and/or recess so as to resist splaying and separation of the guide tool from an attached bone screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger P Jackson
  • Patent number: 10485594
    Abstract: A modular tulip assembly has a rod receiving tulip and a saddle. The saddle is interlockingly held inside a distal portion of the tulip. The saddle has an external locking groove or recess. The tulip has a locking projection. The locking projection is positioned into the external locking groove or recess and holds the saddle in a pre-loaded unlocked state ready to be pushed onto a head of an implanted bone screw. Upon receiving the head of the bone screw, the saddle can be moved distally relative to the tulip to a locked state by moving the locking groove or recess distally past the locking projection to where the proximal end of the saddle is past abutting the locking projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventors: Geoffrey Toon, David Brett Cain, Joshua David Gunn
  • Patent number: 10463400
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bone surgical apparatus that includes a unit with a first end and an opposed second end. The first end of the unit includes a female component with an interior dimension and the second end includes a male component having exterior dimension. The female component and the male component are capable of mating. At least one of the female and male components also includes an adjustment mechanism with a first position that allows the component to rotate in a both a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposed to the first rotational direction, and a second position that prevents rotation of the component in the second rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventor: Saechin Kim
  • Patent number: 10441324
    Abstract: A spinal construct comprises a fastener having a head. A member includes an inner surface defining a cavity configured for disposal of the head and a groove configured for disposal of a band. The band is engageable with the head to connect the fastener and the member. A longitudinal element is connectable to the member. A body is disposable with the longitudinal element and defines an implant cavity. A coupling member is engageable with the body. Implants, systems, instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventor: William Alan Rezach
  • Patent number: 10441319
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in a receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. The upper portion expands a retaining member in the receiver cavity to capture the shank upper portion in the receiver. In some embodiment either the retaining member or an insert provide for a friction fit of the shank upper portion in the receiver resulting in non-floppy placement of the shank with respect to the receiver. Some retainers and inserts have a lock-and-release feature. Final locking of the polyaxial mechanism is provided by frictional engagement between the shank upper portion and the retaining member. A pre-assembled receiver, retaining member and optional insert may be popped-on or snapped-on to the shank upper portion prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10420590
    Abstract: A vertebral fixation system comprising two fixation parts which each have a pedicular element that can be engaged in a vertebral pedicle and are connected to each other by a connecting element. The connecting element is a flexible strip, the pedicular elements are screws, and each fixation part comprises a fixation head on a rod secured to means for adjustably locking the flexible strip under tension in relation to the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: IMPLANET
    Inventors: Régis Le Couëdic, Denis Pasquet
  • Patent number: 10398473
    Abstract: A device for bracing the vertebrae of the human spinal column, having at least one pedicle screw with a head that is formed so as to be at least partially spherical and that is received into an at least partially spherical mounting area of a pedicle head, wherein the pedicle head has a centric recess which includes the mounting area and a slit for receiving a rod that is arranged transversely with respect to the centric recess, as well as an internal thread which is formed inside the centric recess opposite the mounting area and inside of which a safety screw for clamping the rod is arranged, wherein the safety screw is provided with an anti-rotation device at that side that is facing towards the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: GEBR. BRASSELER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Michael Kuellmer, Frank Hagemann
  • Patent number: 10390972
    Abstract: Orthopedic trialing systems include a stem, an adaptor and a trial member. The stem may be a trial or implant stem. The trial member may be a cup or head. The adaptor is used to account for the difference in the coupling of the trial member and stem and an implant member and stem. The stem has a first coupling feature and a shaft portion adapted to be received in a canal of a bone of a patient. The adaptor has planar top and bottom surfaces and at least one aperture therethrough. The trial member has a second coupling feature, wherein one of the first and second coupling features of either the trial member or stem extends through the aperture of the adaptor and at least partially into the other of the first and second coupling features for coupling together the trial member, the adaptor and the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventor: Koustubh Rao
  • Patent number: 10368915
    Abstract: A tulip assembly configured to be coupled to a screw head having a first diameter includes a housing, wherein the housing defines an inner diameter configured to engage the first diameter of the screw head. The exemplary inner diameter of the housing being smaller than the first diameter of the screw head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Inventors: Michael D. Ensign, David T. Hawkes
  • Patent number: 10285737
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring element having a head, a receiving part having a channel for receiving a rod and an accommodation space for pivotably holding the head, and a pressure member having a pressure exerting surface and a deformable portion with a free end. The deformable portion is adjustable from a first configuration where a first part of the deformable portion is supported at a first axial position relative to the receiving part while a second part of the deformable portion protrudes further radially into the channel than parts of the deformable portion positioned axially above the second part, to a second configuration where the second part of the deformable portion is deformed radially outwardly and the pressure exerting surface is shifted lower axially to exert pressure on the head while the first part of the deformable portion remains supported at the first axial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: BIEDERMANN TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Bernd Fischer
  • Patent number: 10265102
    Abstract: Open implant closure structures include a helically wound guide and advancement flange form having splay control surfaces. Multi-start closures and closures with inner set screws have splay control contours for interlocking with cooperating flange forms of bone anchor receivers. Flange form heights, thicknesses and other geometry, such as splay control ramp angle may be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10238430
    Abstract: A cervical polyaxial bone anchor includes a shank having an integral spherical head and a receiver having an upper channel for receiving a rod and a lower seat near a lower opening for receiving a closed retainer that includes a compressible upper portion engaged with the receiver seat and an expandable lower portion capturing the shank head. An outer sleeve slidable with the receiver prohibits expansion of the retainer lower portion during operation. A compression insert engages the retainer upper portion and is in friction fit with the shank head prior to fixing of an angle of the shank with respect to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10201377
    Abstract: A method of treating a spinal column shape deformation includes fixing at least two fixation screw assemblies to respective vertebrae, sliding a rod between the arm extensions on each of the fixation screw assemblies, swinging the channels of the screw assemblies relative to the fixation screws so that the channels become less inclined to the axes of the fixation screws, and so that the rod is located generally posteriorly of the spinal column, locking the channel against swinging relative to the screw, rotating the rod about its axis relative to at least one of the channels, and locking the rod against movement relative to the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Medos International Sarl
    Inventor: John Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 10172649
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in an integral receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. A down-loadable compression insert with tool receiving arm extensions, a down-loadable friction fit split retaining ring and an uploadable shank upper portion cooperate to provide for pop- or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver either prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra. The shank and receiver once assembled cannot be disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10172650
    Abstract: A spinal implant system comprises a plate including a surface that defines a first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity is oriented to implant a multi-axial fastener with a sacrum. The second cavity is oriented to implant a fastener with an ala of a sacrum. A surgical instrument is engageable with the plate. At least one of the plate and the surgical instrument includes an engagement surface for connection therebetween. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Hynes, Alan Rezach, Rodney R Ballard
  • Patent number: 10143497
    Abstract: An orthopedic connection assembly is described that comprises a housing member for receiving an implant that is operably connected to a receiving member for receiving an anchor member. The connection assembly is configured to have a locking mechanism that secures and fixes the relative orientation between the implant and the anchor member. The connection assembly can comprise a plate member receivable within the housing member. When a securing member such as a set screw is introduced downwardly into the housing member to secure the implant, the securing member applies a lateral force to the plate member, which presses against an interference member within the receiving member. The interference member presses against the anchor member, such that the anchor member is fixed in a position relative to the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Harper