Patents by Inventor John D. Dorchak
John D. Dorchak 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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Patent number: 8083744Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion cages adapted for insertion into an unreamed disc space are provided to enhance load distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies and lateral stability of the spinal column. The fusion cages may be inserted after distracting the disc space with the distractor assembly. Instruments for preparing the disc space through the inserted fusion cages or for use with the distractor assembly are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2007Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: John D. Dorchak, J. Kenneth Burkus, Eddie F. Ray, III, John L. White
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Patent number: 8038714Abstract: Intervertebral spacers and methods of promoting fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae are provided. The spacers include an elongated body having a first end, a second end and an outer surface. Side walls connect the first and second ends. The elongated body also defines an interior cavity. The side wall defines an opening to the interior cavity in a side of the elongated body. At least one of the first and second ends has a discontinuity, such as a concave surface, for nesting with an adjacent spacer. The methods of promoting fusion bone growth include utilizing the inventive spacers described herein.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence M. Boyd, J. Kenneth Burkus, John D. Dorchak, Bradley T. Estes, Eddie F. Ray, III
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Publication number: 20090254181Abstract: Intervertebral spacers and methods of promoting fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae are provided. The spacers include an elongated body having a first end, a second end and an outer surface. Side walls connect the first and second ends. The elongated body also defines an interior cavity. The side wall defines an opening to the interior cavity in a side of the elongated body. At least one of the first and second ends has a discontinuity, such as a concave surface, for nesting with an adjacent spacer. The methods of promoting fusion bone growth include utilizing the inventive spacers described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventors: Lawrence M. Boyd, J. Kenneth Burkus, John D. Dorchak, Bradley T. Estes, Eddie F. Ray, III
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Patent number: 7534265Abstract: Intervertebral spacers, tools for implanting intervertebral spacers and methods of promoting fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae are provided. The spacers include an elongated body having a first end, a second end and an outer surface. Side walls connect the first and second ends. The elongated body also defines an interior cavity. The side wall defines an opening to the interior cavity in a side of the elongated body. At least one of the first and second ends has a discontinuity, such as a concave surface, for nesting with an adjacent spacer. The tools include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means includes a plate extendible from the housing. In one specific embodiment the plate defines a groove which is disposed around a fastener attached to the housing so that the plate is slideable relative to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2000Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence M. Boyd, J. Kenneth Burkus, John D. Dorchak, Bradley T. Estes, Eddie F. Ray, III
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Patent number: 7316686Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion cages adapted for insertion into an unreamed disc space are provided to enhance load distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies and lateral stability of the spinal column. The fusion cages may be inserted after distracting the disc space with the distractor assembly. Instruments for preparing the disc space through the inserted fusion cages or for use with the distractor assembly are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: John D. Dorchak, J. Kenneth Burkus, Eddie F. Ray, III, John L. White
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Patent number: 7285135Abstract: An interbody osteogenic fusion device is provided that includes a rigid elongated central element and a pair of opposing bone engaging members. The device promotes fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae. In one aspect, a cylindrical end cap is coupled to one end of the central element. The opposing bone engaging members are configured to contact and support the adjacent vertebrae. The opposing bone engaging members are coupled at opposite sides of the central element and extend from the end cap to the other end of the central element. The central element, cylindrical end cap, and bone engaging members define opposite cavities for containing osteogenic material.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: William F. McKay, John D. Dorchak
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Publication number: 20040172037Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion cages adapted for insertion into an unreamed disc space are provided to enhance load distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies and lateral stability of the spinal column. The fusion cages may be inserted after distracting the disc space with the distractor assembly. Instruments for preparing the disc space through the inserted fusion cages or for use with the distractor assembly are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: John D. Dorchak, J. Kenneth Burkus, Eddie F. Ray, John L. White
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Patent number: 6723096Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion cages adapted for insertion into an unreamed disc space are provided to enhance load distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies and lateral stability of the spinal column. The fusion cages may be inserted after distracting the disc space with the distractor assembly. Instruments for preparing the disc space through the inserted fusion cages or for use with the distractor assembly are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.Inventors: John D. Dorchak, J. Kenneth Burkus, Eddie F. Ray, III, John L. White
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Patent number: 6719760Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion cages adapted for insertion into an unreamed disc space are provided to enhance load distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies and lateral stability of the spinal column. The fusion cages may be inserted after distracting the disc space with the distractor assembly. Instruments for preparing the disc space through the inserted fusion cages or for use with the distractor assembly are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2003Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.Inventors: John D. Dorchak, Eddie F. Ray, III, John L. White, Bret M. Berry
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Publication number: 20030212404Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion cages adapted for insertion into an unreamed disc space are provided to enhance load distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies and lateral stability of the spinal column. The fusion cages may be inserted after distracting the disc space with the distractor assembly. Instruments for preparing the disc space through the inserted fusion cages or for use with the distractor assembly are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2003Publication date: November 13, 2003Inventors: John D. Dorchak, Eddie F. Ray, John L. White, Bret M. Berry
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Publication number: 20030195520Abstract: A method and instrumentation particularly adapted for disc space preparation from an anterior approach to the spine. The invention provides an improved guide sleeve defining a channel having overlapping cylindrical working channel portions and lateral non-distracting extensions extending from reduced thickness wall portions. The guide sleeve has an overall reduced width configuration adjacent the distal end due to the overlapping working channel portions and reduced thickness wall portions. A pair of distractors are provided. A first distractor includes a shaft and distal tip, each having convex walls. A second distractor includes a shaft and distal tip including a recessed area at least along the tip. The first distractor is at least partially received within the recessed area of the second distractor when the first and second distractors are in side-by-side relation and a reduced overall width of the distractors is obtained. Preferably, the first and second distractors are used with the guide sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: Lawrence M. Boyd, Eddie F. Ray, Bradley T. Estes, J. Kenneth Burkus, John D. Dorchak
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Patent number: 6582437Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion cages adapted for insertion into an unreamed disc space are provided to enhance load distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies and lateral stability of the spinal column. The fusion cages may be inserted after distracting the disc space with the distractor assembly. Instruments for preparing the disc space through the inserted fusion cages or for use with the distractor assembly are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.Inventors: John D. Dorchak, Eddie F. Ray, III, John L. White
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Patent number: 6575981Abstract: A method and instrumentation particularly adapted for disc space preparation from an anterior approach to the spine. The invention provides an improved guide sleeve defining a channel having overlapping cylindrical working channel portions and lateral non-distracting extensions extending from reduced thickness wall portions. The guide sleeve has an overall reduced width configuration adjacent the distal end due to the overlapping working channel portions and reduced thickness wall portions. A pair of distractors are provided. A first distractor includes a shaft and distal tip, each having convex walls. A second distractor includes a shaft and distal tip including a recessed area at least along the tip. The first distractor is at least partially received within the recessed area of the second distractor when the first and second distractors are in side-by-side relation and a reduced overall width of the distractors is obtained. Preferably, the first and second distractors are used with the guide sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2000Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence M. Boyd, Eddie F. Ray, Bradley T. Estes, J. Kenneth Burkus, John D. Dorchak
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Publication number: 20030055504Abstract: An interbody osteogenic fusion device is provided that includes a rigid elongated central element and a pair of opposing bone engaging members. The device promotes fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae. In one aspect, a cylindrical end cap is coupled to one end of the central element. The opposing bone engaging members are configured to contact and support the adjacent vertebrae. The opposing bone engaging members are coupled at opposite sides of the central element and extend from the end cap to the other end of the central element. The central element, cylindrical end cap, and bone engaging members define opposite cavities for containing osteogenic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventors: William F. McKay, John D. Dorchak
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Publication number: 20010031968Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion cages adapted for insertion into an unreamed disc space are provided to enhance load distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies and lateral stability of the spinal column. The fusion cages may be inserted after distracting the disc space with the distractor assembly. Instruments for preparing the disc space through the inserted fusion cages or for use with the distractor assembly are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2001Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventors: John D. Dorchak, Eddie F. Ray, III, John L. White
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Publication number: 20010001129Abstract: An interbody osteogenic fusion device is provided that includes a rigid elongated central element and a pair of opposing bone engaging members. The device promotes fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae. In one aspect, a cylindrical end cap is coupled to one end of the central element. The opposing bone engaging members are configured to contact and support the adjacent vertebrae. The opposing bone engaging members are coupled at opposite sides of the central element and extend from the end cap to the other end of the central element. The central element, cylindrical end cap, and bone engaging members define opposite cavities for containing osteogenic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2000Publication date: May 10, 2001Inventors: William F. McKay, John D. Dorchak