Patents by Inventor Michael C. Sherman

Michael C. Sherman 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).

  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTRAVERTEBRAL REDUCTION
    Publication number: 20110015680
    Abstract: Intravertebral reduction systems are provided to restore a deformed or damaged vertebral body to a desired configuration. The reduction systems can include a plurality of reduction elements sequentially positionable in the intravertebral space for reduction of the same. The reduction systems can also include reduction elements that include a linear insertion configuration and are deformable transversely to the linear insertion configuration in the intravertebral space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Jeff R. Justis, Michael C. Sherman
  • Instruments and methods for stabilization of bony structures
    Patent number: 7867259
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and instruments for placing a brace or connecting element into an animal subject for engagement with anchors secured in the animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position the connecting element in a position more proximate the anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin T. Foley, Michael C. Sherman, Jeff R. Justis
  • Instruments and methods for stabilization of bony structures
    Patent number: 7862595
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and instruments for placing a brace or connecting element into an animal subject for engagement with anchors secured in the animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position the connecting element in a position more proximate the anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin T. Foley, Michael C. Sherman, Jeff R. Justis
  • Interspinous process spacer
    Patent number: 7862590
    Abstract: Embodiments of an interspinous spacer that maintains spacing between a superior vertebra and inferior vertebra following a laminectomy. The interspinous spacer may include a superior arch engaging the spinous process of a superior vertebra and an inferior arch engaging the spinous process of an inferior vertebra. The superior arch and inferior arch may define a central opening in the interspinous spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Lim, Michael C. Sherman
  • Systems and methods for spinal stabilization with flexible elements
    Patent number: 7815664
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for spinal stabilization with flexible elements and other elements engaged to the vertebrae. Also provided are instruments and methods for insertion of the flexible stabilization elements and other elements and for reduction of displacement between adjacent vertebrae in a minimally invasive surgical approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Sherman, Roy Lim, Kevin T. Foley
  • Systems and methods for intravertebral reduction
    Patent number: 7803188
    Abstract: Intravertebral reduction systems are provided to restore a deformed or damaged vertebral body to a desired configuration. The reduction systems can include a plurality of reduction elements sequentially positionable in the intravertebral space for reduction of the same. The reduction systems can also include reduction elements that include a linear insertion configuration and are deformable transversely to the linear insertion configuration in the intravertebral space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff R. Justis, Michael C. Sherman
  • Curable orthopedic implant devices configured to harden after placement in vivo by application of a cure-initiating energy before insertion
    Patent number: 7771476
    Abstract: An orthopedic implant device is non-rigid, i.e., flexible and/or malleable, in a first form for insertion into a desired in vivo site, and then transformable into a rigid, or hardened, form for providing a load-bearing function or providing other structural and/or mechanical function after implant. The device includes a biocompatible sheath and a curable material sealed within the sheath. The curable material is provided in a first form that provides flexibility to the device and is structured to rigidize in a second form after insertion to an in vivo location as a result of application of a cure-initiating energy to the material prior to insertion. Related methods and kits are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventors: Jeff R. Justis, Hai H. Trieu, Dimitri Protopsaltis, Michael C. Sherman
  • Slotted screw for use with a vertebral member
    Patent number: 7749259
    Abstract: A screw for use with vertebral members having one or more slots that extend along at least a section of the length. The slots are sized to contain bone growth material. A portion of the screw length may also include threads to assist in inserting and anchoring the screw into a vertebral member. In use, the bone growth material is loaded into one or more of the slots. Once loaded, the screw may be inserted into the vertebral member to a predetermined depth. At this depth, the slots deliver the bone growth material to a position to allow for bone growth to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy K Lim, Michael C. Sherman
  • Compositions and methods for treating intervertebral discs with collagen-based materials
    Patent number: 7744651
    Abstract: A method of augmenting an intervertebral disc nucleus by injecting or otherwise adding to a disc nucleus a plurality of particles of natural, collagen-rich tissue. The mean particle size of the pieces of natural, collagen-rich tissue may be between 0.25 mm and 1.0 mm. The particles may be dehydrated before implantation, and rehydrated after implantation, or they may be implanted in a “wet” state—such as a slurry or gel. Radiocontrast materials may be included to enhance imaging of the injected material. Other additives may include analgesics, antibiotics, proteoglycans, growth factors, stem cells, and/or other cells effective to promote healing and/or proper disc function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventors: Hai H. Trieu, Michael C. Sherman
  • Collagen-based materials and methods for treating synovial joints
    Patent number: 7731981
    Abstract: A method of treating a synovial joint by injecting particles of collagen-based material into the joint. The particles may be dehydrated before implantation, and rehydrated after implantation, or they may be implanted in a “wet” state—such as a slurry or gel. Radiocontrast materials may be included to enhance imaging of the injected material. Other additives may include analgesics, antibiotics, proteoglycans, growth factors, and/or other cells effective to promote healing and/or proper joint function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: Hai H. Trieu, Michael C. Sherman
  • Instruments and methods for stabilization of bony structures
    Patent number: 7717944
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and instruments for placing a brace or connecting element into an animal subject for engagement with anchors secured in the animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position the connecting element in a position more proximate the anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventors: Kevin T. Foley, Michael C. Sherman, Jeff R. Justis
  • Collagen-based materials and methods for augmenting intervertebral discs
    Patent number: 7713303
    Abstract: A method of augmenting an intervertebral disc by injecting particles of collagen-based material into the disc. The particles may be dehydrated before implantation, and rehydrated after implantation, or they may be implanted in a “wet” state—such as a slurry or gel. Radiocontrast materials may be included to enhance imaging of the injected material. Other additives may include analgesics, antibiotics, proteoglycans, growth factors, and/or other cells effective to promote healing and/or proper disc function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventors: Hai H. Trieu, Michael C. Sherman
  • Apparatus and method for providing dynamizable translations to orthopedic implants
    Patent number: 7699879
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to orthopedic devices and methods for treating bone defects. The orthopedic devices can provide sufficient support to the bone defect while allowing bone ingrowth and minimizing the risk to stress shield and/or pseudo-arthrodesis. The bone fixation devices include a biodegradable material or component that further resists relative motion of attached bones and allows the device to gradually transfer at least some load from the device to the growing bone structure in vivo and permitting an increase in the relative motion of bones attached to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventors: Michael C. Sherman, Jeff R. Justis
  • Formed in Place Corpectomy Device
    Publication number: 20090312806
    Abstract: An inflatable corpectomy device comprises a balloon, which defines a cavity for receiving a hardenable media. The device can be inserted in an un-inflated form into a space formerly occupied by a diseased or damaged vertebrae bone. When inflated with a hardenable material, the device expands and fills the space. Various bone anchors or plates can be used in combination with the inflatable device to bridge the space and stabilize the spine while the device hardens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Michael C. Sherman, Samuel M. Shaolian
  • Minimally invasive instruments and methods for inserting implants
    Publication number: 20090312797
    Abstract: Instruments and methods for inserting one or more implants to a surgical site in a patient in a surgical procedure, including minimally invasive surgical procedures are provided. The implant is mountable to the instrument in a reduced profile orientation and after insertion is manipulated with the insertion instrument to the desired orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Roy Lim, Michael C. Sherman
  • Formed in place corpectomy device
    Patent number: 7628800
    Abstract: An inflatable corpectomy device includes a balloon, which defines a cavity for receiving a hardenable media. The device can be inserted in an un-inflated form into a space formerly occupied by a diseased or damaged vertebrae bone. When inflated with a hardenable material, the device expands and fills the space. Various bone anchors or plates can be used in combination with the inflatable device to bridge the space and stabilize the spine while the device hardens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventors: Michael C. Sherman, Samuel M. Shaolian
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REPLACING THE FUNCTION OF FACET JOINTS
    Publication number: 20090287250
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for replacing the functions of a facet joint between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra without necessarily requiring an anatomical implant. The method includes: providing one or more flexible posterior devices to replace main functions of the facet joint; and adapting a first one of the one or more posterior devices for a first attachment to a first pedicle, and a second attachment to a second pedicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred J. Molz, IV, Jeff Justis, Michael C. Sherman
  • Self Centering Nucleus Implant
    Publication number: 20090222099
    Abstract: An intervertebral disc augmentation implant for implantation between a pair of vertebral bodies comprises an elastically deformable outer casing having at least one thickness dimension and a core member having isotropic material properties. The core member is entirely encased within the outer casing and has a height dimension along an axis defined by the pair of vertebral bodies. The modulus of elasticity of the core member is greater than a modulus of elasticity of the outer casing, and the height dimension of the core member is greater than the at least one thickness dimension of the outer casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Mingyan Liu, Hai H. Trieu, Michael C. Sherman
  • Spinal nucleus replacement with varying modulus
    Publication number: 20090222098
    Abstract: An intervertebral disc augmentation implant comprises an implant body adapted for implantation within an annulus fibrosis the intervertebral disc, adjacent to an at least partially intact nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc, and comprising a core area, a peripheral wall area, a top face area, and a bottom face area. The implant body is formed from at least one material and the implant body has a modulus of elasticity gradient that gradually changes from the core area of the implant body to the peripheral wall area of the implant body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Hai H. Trieu, Michael C. Sherman, Mingyan Liu
  • Minimally invasive instruments and methods for inserting implants
    Patent number: 7572276
    Abstract: Instruments and methods for inserting one or more implants to a surgical site in a patient in a surgical procedure, including minimally invasive surgical procedures are provided. The implant is mountable to the instrument in a reduced profile orientation and after insertion is manipulated with the insertion instrument to the desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventors: Roy Lim, Michael C. Sherman