Patents Assigned to K2M
  • Publication number: 20140066989
    Abstract: An axial spinal rod connector includes a central connector and first and second portions. The first and second portions are each integrally formed with the central connector to define a longitudinal axis. Each of the first and second portions includes an outer end portion and a set screw. The outer end portion defines a passage about the longitudinal axis and defines a blind hole orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The blind hole extends into the passage. The passage is sized and configured to slidably receive a spinal rod. The set screw is sized and configured to engage the blind hole. The set screw at lease partially interfering with the passage when engaged with the blind hole to fix a spinal rod relative to the spinal rod connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: K2M
    Inventors: Gregory Mundis, Burt Yaszay
  • Patent number: 8663330
    Abstract: An expandable cage supports adjacent vertebra in spine surgery. The expandable cage includes a first supporting member configured to engage tissue and a second supporting member operatively associated with the first supporting member. The first and second supporting members are movable relative to each other. The expandable cage further includes a cam lock mechanism configured to maintain the first and second supporting members in a fixed relative position. In another embodiment, the expandable cage includes a ring plate lock mechanism in lieu of the cam lock mechanism. The ring plate lock mechanism is adapted to maintain the first and second supporting members in a fixed relative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry McClintock, Kevin R. Strauss, Atiq Durrani
  • Publication number: 20140058458
    Abstract: A polyaxial screw assembly includes a pedicle screw, a coupling, an insert, and a housing. The pedicle screw includes a shank having a helical thread formed thereon and a head at one end. The coupling is positioned on top the pedicle screw and releasably engages portions of the head. The coupling and pedicle screw are positioned within a distal portion of the housing. The pedicle screw is slid through an opening in the insert and the insert is thread into the distal portion of the housing to retain the coupling and the pedicle screw within the housing. The pedicle screw is rotatable and pivotable relative to the housing. Compressing the coupling within the housing locks the pedicle screw in a desired orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: K2M, INC.
    Inventor: K2M, INC.
  • Patent number: 8636738
    Abstract: A dynamic cervical plate includes a first end section and a second end section. In embodiments, the dynamic cervical plate may include one or more middle sections positioned between the first and second end sections. Each section may be longitudinally repositionable. Each section may include a plurality of openings for receiving threaded fasteners such as a self-starting screw or a self-tapping screw. In addition, each section may include an orifice for releasably mating with a drill guide. Each of the end sections may include a notch at one end for aligning with the drill guide or fixation pins. In one embodiment, a pin is used to interconnect the sections. In other embodiments, support bars are used to limit flexure between sections. In embodiments, one or more locking elements and/or one or more support bars may operably interconnect each section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry McClintock, Todd Wallenstein, Peter Harris, Kevin R. Strauss, Megan Carnes
  • Patent number: 8636657
    Abstract: A minimal incision maximal access system allows for maximum desirable work space exposure within the incision along with maximum access to the operative field utilizing a minimum incision as small as the width of the working tube. Instead of multiple insertions of dilating tubes the design is a streamlined single entry device to avoid repetitive skin surface entry. The system offers the capability to expand to optimum exposure size for the surgery utilizing retractors depending from a bi-hinged frame having internal or external controls to control the angle and separation of the retractors. Interchangeable retractor blades can be attached to the frame. Both retractor blades are independently controlled as to displacement and angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventor: James S Hamada
  • Publication number: 20140012379
    Abstract: The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize an apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra or a channel submerged within the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra. In more particular embodiments such apparatuses and methods including forming an arcuate channel and which channel can receive therein a curved rod or implant member. Also featured are systems, apparatuses and methods for removably suspending a spacer in the intervertebral space while forming such a channel as well as systems, apparatuses and methods for use of dynamized implant members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Carl, Josef K. Winkler, Robert Floyd Beisel, Spanky Allen Raymond, Daniel Stephen Savage, Jason John Gromek, Carl Michael Nilsson, Nathan Jeffrey Pierce
  • Patent number: 8617213
    Abstract: Provided is a novel low profile transverse connector system having a first and second spinal rod connection member disposed at opposing ends of an elongated cross connection device, each connection member having a distal end configured to be capable of connecting to a spinal rod and a proximal end having a multidirectional articulation joint at which a centrally disposed cross connecting assembly is provided to attach the first and second connection members to each other, the first and second spinal rod connection members each defining two opposing compression slots that serve to facilitate a secure connection to spinal rods and to the cross connecting assembly by the tightening of only one locking screw. Also provided is a method of stabilizing vertebrae using the disclosed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Moore, Scott A. Jones
  • Patent number: 8603098
    Abstract: Provided is a system and devices for use in the treatment and repair of moveable skeletal joints in the body of a subject. In particular, the present invention relates to the complete or partial posterior modular disc replacement of damaged or diseased fibrocartilage intervertebral discs in a subject wherein the replacement disc is capable of rotation and translation articulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Woods, Hallett H. Mathews, Richard D. Guyer, Charles S. Theofolis, Gordon D. Donald, Jean-Jaques Abitol
  • Patent number: 8585761
    Abstract: An apparatus supports the spine between vertebrae and promotes spinal fusion. The apparatus generally includes a first supporting member, a second support member, and an expansion member. The first support member has a first longitudinal passage extending there through and a first supporting end configured to engage tissue. The second supporting member contains a second longitudinal passage extending there through and a second supporting end configured to engage tissue. The second longitudinal passage is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the first supporting member. The first and second supporting members are configured to move with respect to each other. The expansion member is removably positioned between the first and second supporting members and is adapted to maintain the first and second supporting members in a fixed relative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Theofilos
  • Patent number: 8579903
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods deliver implants through a posterior aspect of a vertebral body such as a pedicle and place the implant or perform a procedure into the anterior aspect of the vertebral body. A representative apparatus includes an outer cannula, an advancer tube and a drill assembly. It is envisioned that at least one of the outer cannula, the advancer tube or the drill assembly can be viewed in vivo using for example, a CT scan or fluoroscope. Also included is an apparatus for forming an arcuate channel in bone material. The apparatus includes an advancer tube and a drill assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen Carl
  • Patent number: 8574272
    Abstract: A semi-constrained screw and a cervical plate assembly that engages to a cervical area of the human vertebrae system are disclosed. The semi-constrained screw and cervical plate assembly includes a cervical plate and one or more semi-constrained bone screws. Each semi-constrained bone screw includes an elongated shank, which is mechanically and releasably coupled to a head portion. The head portion includes one or more threaded segments which define one or more slits therebetween. As the semi-constrained bone screw is driven through the screw opening in the cervical plate and into the bone, the head portion allows poly-axial movement of the shank relative to the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Wallenstein, Larry McClintock, Scott Jones
  • Publication number: 20130245768
    Abstract: A system and method for inserting an implant into a cavity is disclosed, which may include advancing an implant insertion instrument toward a pair of adjacent bodies, the implant insertion instrument having two opposed ramps, wherein each ramp has a distal tip and wherein the longitudinal axes of the opposed ramps are separated by an initial angle; inserting the distal tips of the opposed ramps between the adjacent bodies, thereby creating an initial interbody cavity between the adjacent bodies; expanding the interbody cavity while maintaining the initial angle between the longitudinal axes of the opposed ramps; placing the implant in a final location between the adjacent bodies; transferring a compressive force urging the adjacent bodies together from the opposed ramps to the implant; and extracting the implant insertion instrument from the interbody cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: K2M, INC.
    Inventors: Bret M. Berry, Richard D. Guyer, Jack Zigler, Adam A. Pike, Randall F. Lee
  • Publication number: 20130237990
    Abstract: A surgical access device including a frame, first and second supports, and first and second retractor blades releasably coupled with the first and second supports, respectively. The frame has first and second arms. The first support is releasably coupled with the first and second arms. The second support is slidably mounted on the first and second arms. The second support is movable between a first position with the retractor blades in close cooperative position and a spaced apart position with respect to the first support. The first and second retractor blades each have a distal end portion configured and adapted to engage a vertebral body. In one method of use, the retractor is inserted through an incision in first orientation with the blades in close approximation and rotated approximately 90°, before spreading the retractor blades to retract tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Pierce Nunley, Colin Natali, Faheem Sandhu, Ronald Childs, Brandon Moore
  • Publication number: 20130237767
    Abstract: A surgical access device including a frame, first and second supports, and first and second retractor blades releasably coupled with the first and second supports, respectively. The frame has first and second arms. The first support is releasably coupled with the first and second arms. The second support is slidably mounted on the first and second arms. The second support is movable between a first position with the retractor blades in close cooperative position and a spaced apart position with respect to the first support. The first and second retractor blades each have a distal end portion configured and adapted to engage a vertebral body. In one method of use, the retractor is inserted through an incision in first orientation with the blades in close approximation and rotated approximately 90°, before spreading the retractor blades to retract tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Pierce Nunley, Colin Natali, Faheem Sandhu, Ronald Childs, Brandon Moore
  • Publication number: 20130238097
    Abstract: An intervertebral instrument includes a shaft having distal and proximal ends. The proximal end of the shaft includes an attaching feature connected to handle. The shaft defines a pair tracks disposed along a portion of the surface thereof. The distal end includes a pair of wings. Each track guides instruments and implants along the intervertebral instrument. The implants are configured to receive bone graft or bone enhancers. The distal end of the shaft may include a removably attachable tip configured to engage the implants. The implants and the removably attachable tip form an implantable intervertebral disk. An intervertebral instrument and implant kit is also disclosed. A method of inserting intervertebral implants is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: K2M, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry McClintock
  • Publication number: 20130226245
    Abstract: A bone screw for attaching a bone plate to bone includes a shank defining a lumen extending at least partially therethrough from a proximal end thereof, a head defining a lumen therethrough, and a rod member. The rod member is configured for insertion through the lumen of the head and into the lumen of the shank. The rod member is fixedly engageable with the shank and moveably coupled to the head such that both the rod member and the shank are moveable with respect to the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: K2M, Inc.
    Inventor: K2M, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130225935
    Abstract: A surgical access device including a frame, first and second supports, and first and second retractor blades releasably coupled with the first and second supports, respectively. The frame has first and second arms. The first support is releasably coupled with the first and second arms. The second support is slidably mounted on the first and second arms. The second support is movable between a first position with the retractor blades in close cooperative position and a spaced apart position with respect to the first support. The first and second retractor blades each have a distal end portion configured and adapted to engage a vertebral body. In one method of use, the retractor is inserted through an incision in first orientation with the blades in close approximation and rotated approximately 90°, before spreading the retractor blades to retract tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: K2M, Inc.
    Inventor: K2M, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8506603
    Abstract: A method for cutting surgical rod in situ is provided. The method includes positioning an operable end of a surgical rod scorer around surgical rod that has been previously affixed to a spinal segment via at least two pedicle screws. A portion of the surgical rod is scored with the surgical rod scorer. The scored surgical rod is grasped with a surgical rod bender. And, the scored surgical rod is bent such that the surgical rod separates along the scored portion of the surgical rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry McClintock, Kevin R Strauss, Faheem Sandhu
  • Patent number: 8496660
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for forming an arcuate channel in one or more segments of a bone, bony structure or adjacent vertebrae of a spine. The apparatus includes, inter alia, a base member which is positioned proximate to the surgical site, a support arm extending proximally from the base member, an arcuate guide member and a drill assembly. The arcuate guide member is slidably mounted to the support arm. The drill assembly is operatively coupled to the support arm and includes a drill bit attached to the distal end of a flexible drive cable. The flexible drive cable extends axially along the support arm and is axially and rotationally movable with respect thereto. The drill bit is operatively coupled to an end of the arcuate guide member such that when the drill assembly is moved distally, the arcuate guide member slides with respect to the support arm and forces the drill bit to traverse an arcuate path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Carl, Josef K. Winkler, Robert F. Beisel, Spanky A. Raymond, Daniel S. Savage, Jason J. Gromek, Carl M. Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20130184763
    Abstract: A compressor/distractor system for operating on a spine is disclosed. The system includes two rod reducers which each advance a spinal rod into the shoulder portion of a pedicle screw. Each rod reducer includes an inner member, an outer member, and a pair of gripping members. Each outer member receives and advances the spinal rod into the pedicle screw. The outer member also includes a through slot which receives the proximal end of each of the pair of gripping members which may limit the longitudinal translation of the outer member with respect to the inner member. The compressor/distractor system may include a compressor/distractor device which has a compressing, a distracting, and a neutral configuration. A method for using the minimally invasive rod reducers with the compressor/distractor system to secure at least two pedicle screws in desired positions on a spinal rod is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: K2M, INC.
    Inventor: K2M, Inc.