Patents Examined by Devanie Dufour
  • Patent number: 7789895
    Abstract: A sacral reconstruction fixation device aids in stabilizing the pelvis and the lumbar spine after a sacrectomy in cooperation with a spinal rod and transiliac rod. A pair of the fixation devices may be secured to respective ilia and respective spinal rods. The transiliac rod may be secured to both of the fixation devices. The fixation devices include first and second parts that are initially relatively rotatable about a common axis to aid in connecting the fixation devices to the spinal rod and transiliac rod. The body part is intended to be mated to the spinal rod, while the second part is intended to be mated to the transiliac rod. The fixation device's parts are subsequently locked against rotation and against longitudinal translation, advantageously both relative to each other and the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric S. Heinz
  • Patent number: 7771430
    Abstract: Provided is a novel rod reducing device for use in spinal fixation procedures. The device is capable with a single action of securely grasping the head of a bone screw while reducing a connecting rod into the head of the bone screw and while in position on the bone screw provide a cannula access for a bone screw locking cap and tightening instrument and securing the bone screw during the tightening of the locking cap so as to provide an anti-torque effect. The device is also capable of releasing from the bone screw with a reversal of the single action used to activate the device. A method of using the device and a kit wherein the device is one component is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Jones, Andy Rock
  • Patent number: 7766946
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for securing a spinal rod to a fixation device such as a pedicle screw or a lamina hook. The device disclosed herein includes a head portion configured to receive a spinal rod, a locking cap configured to engage the head portion and the spinal rod upon rotation of the locking cap relative to the head portion to secure the position of the head portion and the locking cap relative to the spinal rod, and a fastener portion extending from the head portion and configured to engage the spine. The fastener portion of the device can be in the form of a screw, hook or clamp, or any other configuration known in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Frank Emile Bailly
  • Patent number: 7744649
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided that allow for the realignment and stabilization of adjacent vertebrae. An implant of this invention both repositions adjacent vertebrae and remains in situ to maintain the new position. The implant has two halves which are interlocked such that they can slide horizontally with respect to each other. Movement of the implant halves and their respective positions are controlled by set screw within the implant. The implant includes radial anchors which fit into alignment slots made in the misaligned vertebra by the disclosed method. The set screws are used to advance the halves of the implant which in turn move the misaligned vertebrae back into correct positions. The correct position of the vertebrae is locked in place through a nut and a plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Mark R. Moore
  • Patent number: 7744635
    Abstract: A spinal fixation system includes a pedicle screw having a longitudinal axis. A fixation element is configured to connect the pedicle screw to at least one additional pedicle screw. A coupling mechanism includes a pedicle screw securing device adapted to secure the coupling mechanism to the pedicle screw and a fixation element securing device configured to secure the coupling mechanism to the fixation element. A fastening mechanism is configured to fasten both the pedicle screw securing device and the fixation element securing device. The fastening mechanism is located along the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Spinal Generations, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick J. Sweeney, Michael S. Butler, Michael J. Milella, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7686809
    Abstract: An inserter tool for coupling a spinal rod with an implant includes an outer shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongated opening extending between the proximal and distal ends, a handle secured to the proximal end of the outer shaft, and an inner shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the inner shaft being telescopically received within the elongated opening of the outer shaft and being adapted to move between the proximal and distal ends of the outer shaft. The tool includes a compressible clamping tip secured to the distal end of the inner shaft, the clamping tip including a first section secured to the distal end of the inner shaft, a flexible arm that extends from the first section, and an opening disposed between the first section and the flexible arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Stryker Spine
    Inventors: Daniel Triplett, T. Wade Fallin, Karen Mohr, Thierry Millard
  • Patent number: 7635380
    Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Spartek Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Zucherman, Ken Y. Hsu, Charles J. Winslow, Henry A. Klyce, Matthew Hannibal, James A. Rinner, Jay A. Markwart
  • Patent number: 7632271
    Abstract: An external fixation device for the extension of the distance between two clamping members of an external fixator has a central internal rod and an outer hollow housing. The internal rod is movable axially. One end of the internal rod projects over the one end of the housing, and serves to fix the one clamping member. An adjusting member is provided disposed at the other end of the housing and is connected with internal rod and/or the outer hollow housing, whereby the axial position of the interior shaft can be adjusted in relation to the housing by means of rotation of the adjusting member. Furthermore, an adjusting knob is provided that can be detachably attached to the adjusting member with an essentially positive fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma S.A.
    Inventors: Thomas Baumgartner, Andreas Bernhard