Patents by Inventor Michael S. Schular

Michael S. Schular 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).

  • Patent number: 9066811
    Abstract: A method of stabilizing a human spine is provided. The spine may be stabilized by inserting one or more dynamic interbody devices in a disc space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra. A dynamic interbody device may be inserted using an anterior approach. One or more dynamic interbody devices may be inserted using a posterior approach. One or more of the dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra. The spine may also be stabilized by installing one or more posterior dynamic stabilization systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Erik J. Wagner, Michael S. Schular
  • Patent number: 8940022
    Abstract: A stabilization system for a human spine is provided. The stabilization system may include two dynamic interbody devices and/or one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic interbody devices may be inserted into a disc space using a posterior approach. The dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of vertebrae adjacent to the dynamic interbody devices. The dynamic posterior stabilization systems may provide resistance to movement that mimics the resistance provided by a normal functional spinal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Erik J. Wagner, Michael S. Schular
  • Patent number: 8940051
    Abstract: Provided is a system for implanting an interbody device into a disc space located between a first and second vertebra includes a guide frame including a guide member having an opening. The system further includes an implant trial including an elongated body and a base plate coupled to the elongated body. The elongated body of the implant trial is releasably coupled to the guide member of the guide frame during use such that the opening guides longitudinal movement of the implant trial relative to the guide frame. The system still further includes a dilator operatively coupled to the elongated body during use for distracting the disc space. The system still further includes an insertion instrument including an elongated body and an insertion member coupled to the elongated body. The elongated body of the insertion instrument is releasably coupled to the guide member of the guide frame during use such that the opening guides longitudinal movement of the insertion instrument relative to the guide frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner, Scott Koysh
  • Patent number: 8597358
    Abstract: A stabilization system for a human spine is provided. The stabilization system may include two dynamic interbody devices and/or one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic interbody devices may be inserted into a disc space using a posterior approach. A first portion of a dynamic interbody device may contact a lower vertebra. A second portion of the dynamic interbody device may contact an upper vertebra. The first portion may be wider than the second portion to facilitate a large contact area against the lower vertebra and to facilitate insertion of the dynamic interbody device in the available space. The dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of vertebrae adjacent to the dynamic interbody devices. The dynamic posterior stabilization systems may provide resistance to movement that mimics the resistance provided by a normal functional spinal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Erik J. Wagner, Michael S. Schular
  • Publication number: 20130245769
    Abstract: Provided is a system for implanting an interbody device into a disc space located between a first and second vertebra includes a guide frame including a guide member having an opening. The system further includes an implant trial including an elongated body and a base plate coupled to the elongated body. The elongated body of the implant trial is releasably coupled to the guide member of the guide frame during use such that the opening guides longitudinal movement of the implant trial relative to the guide frame. The system still further includes a dilator operatively coupled to the elongated body during use for distracting the disc space. The system still further includes an insertion instrument including an elongated body and an insertion member coupled to the elongated body. The elongated body of the insertion instrument is releasably coupled to the guide member of the guide frame during use such that the opening guides longitudinal movement of the insertion instrument relative to the guide frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: FLEXUSPINE
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner, Scott Koysh
  • Patent number: 8523912
    Abstract: Dynamic posterior stabilization systems and methods of stabilizing vertebrae are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include a first bone fastener configured to couple to a first vertebra, a second bone fastener configured to couple to a second vertebra, and a dampener system attached to the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener. The dampener system may include a first dampener set and a second dampener set. Compression of the first dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener. Compression of the first dampener set and the second dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8388687
    Abstract: Provided is a system for implanting an interbody device into a disc space located between a first and second vertebra includes a guide frame including a guide member having an opening. The system further includes an implant trial including an elongated body and a base plate coupled to the elongated body. The elongated body of the implant trial is releasably coupled to the guide member of the guide frame during use such that the opening guides longitudinal movement of the implant trial relative to the guide frame. The system still further includes a dilator operatively coupled to the elongated body during use for distracting the disc space. The system still further includes an insertion instrument including an elongated body and an insertion member coupled to the elongated body. The elongated body of the insertion instrument is releasably coupled to the guide member of the guide frame during use such that the opening guides longitudinal movement of the insertion instrument relative to the guide frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner, Scott Koysh
  • Patent number: 8377098
    Abstract: A stabilization system for a human spine is provided. The stabilization system may include one or more dynamic interbody devices and/or one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of vertebrae adjacent to the dynamic interbody devices. The dynamic posterior stabilization systems may provide resistance to movement that mimics the resistance provided by a normal functional spinal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Erik J. Wagner, Michael S. Schular
  • Publication number: 20120245689
    Abstract: Provided is a system for implanting an interbody device into a disc space located between a first and second vertebra includes a guide frame including a guide member having an opening. The system further includes an implant trial including an elongated body and a base plate coupled to the elongated body. The elongated body of the implant trial is releasably coupled to the guide member of the guide frame during use such that the opening guides longitudinal movement of the implant trial relative to the guide frame. The system still further includes a dilator operatively coupled to the elongated body during use for distracting the disc space. The system still further includes an insertion instrument including an elongated body and an insertion member coupled to the elongated body. The elongated body of the insertion instrument is releasably coupled to the guide member of the guide frame during use such that the opening guides longitudinal movement of the insertion instrument relative to the guide frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner, Scott Koysh
  • Patent number: 8267965
    Abstract: A stabilization system for a human spine is provided. The stabilization system may include one or more dynamic interbody devices and/or one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of vertebrae adjacent to the dynamic interbody devices. In an embodiment, the dynamic interbody device includes a keel having a neck and a cylindrical base. The cylindrical base is wider than the neck. In an embodiment, portions of the dynamic interbody device that allow for flexion and/or extension of vertebra coupled to the dynamic interbody device are coupled together by ball bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20120143254
    Abstract: Dynamic posterior stabilization systems and methods of stabilizing vertebrae are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include a first bone fastener configured to couple to a first vertebra, a second bone fastener configured to couple to a second vertebra, and a dampener system attached to the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener. The dampener system may include a first dampener set and a second dampener set. Compression of the first dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener. Compression of the first dampener set and the second dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8187330
    Abstract: Dynamic posterior stabilization systems and methods of stabilizing vertebrae are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include a first bone fastener configured to couple to a first vertebra, a second bone fastener configured to couple to a second vertebra, and a dampener system attached to the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener. The dampener system may include a single dampener set. Compression of the single dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener. Compression of the first dampener set and the second dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8182514
    Abstract: Dynamic posterior stabilization systems are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include bone fasteners and a dampener system. The dampener system may include a fixed length elongated member. The dampener system may also include one or more dampener sets. The dampener sets may provide resistance to movement of vertebrae coupled to the dynamic posterior stabilization system. In some embodiments, the elongated member has at least two portions having different diameters. The different portions interact with other portions of the dampener system to allow for compression of a dampener set. In some embodiments, the dampener system includes a sleeve coupled to the elongated member. In some embodiments, the dampener system includes a pair of washers coupled to the elongated member. The sleeve or the pair of washers allow the dampener system to be secured to a bone fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8162994
    Abstract: Dynamic posterior stabilization systems and methods of stabilizing vertebrae are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include bone fasteners and a dampener system. The bone fasteners may be secured to the vertebrae, and the dampener system may be attached to the bone fasteners. The dampener system may include a first dampener set and a second dampener set positioned on an elongated member. The first dampener set may be compressed and provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener. The second dampener set may be compressed and provide resistance to movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8157844
    Abstract: Dynamic posterior stabilization systems are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include bone fasteners and a dampener system. The dampener system may include a first elongated member and a second elongated member that couple together to form a variable length elongated member. The dampener system may also include one or more dampener sets. The dampener sets may provide resistance to movement of vertebrae coupled to the dynamic posterior stabilization system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7959677
    Abstract: Insertion methods for placing dynamic interbody devices between a first vertebra and a second vertebra using a posterior approach are provided. In an embodiment, the insertion method may be based on the first vertebra. A bridge assembly may be attached to tap shafts positioned in the first vertebra. The bridge assembly may establish an insertion angle of implants into a disc space between the vertebrae. In an embodiment, the insertion method may be based on the position of expandable trials positioned between the vertebrae. The trials may be positioned and a bridge assembly may be coupled to the expandable trials and taps positioned in the first vertebra. One or more posterior stabilization systems may be coupled to the vertebrae after insertion of the dynamic interbody devices between the vertebrae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Erik J. Wagner, Michael S. Schular, Jeffrey C. Wang
  • Patent number: 7780739
    Abstract: An acetabular prosthesis and method for its use in an orthopedic surgery is disclosed. The acetabular prosthesis forms a metal bearing, which articulates with a femoral head. The acetabular prosthesis is also configured so as to accept a polymer constraining ring. Should a revision surgery be necessary, the acetabular prosthesis may accept a polymer bearing liner over the metal bearing. The polymer bearing liner then articulates with the femoral head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Ryan C. Lakin, Troy W. Hershberger, Michael S. Schular, William J. Slone, Kim S. Parcher, Phillip M. Gibbs, Aaron P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090105829
    Abstract: Dynamic posterior stabilization systems are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include bone fasteners and a dampener system. The dampener system may include a first elongated member and a second elongated member that couple together to form a variable length elongated member. The dampener system may also include one or more dampener sets. The dampener sets may provide resistance to movement of vertebrae coupled to the dynamic posterior stabilization system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20090105759
    Abstract: A stabilization system for a human spine is provided. The stabilization system may include one or more dynamic interbody devices and/or one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of vertebrae adjacent to the dynamic interbody devices. In an embodiment, the dynamic interbody device includes a keel having a neck and a cylindrical base. The cylindrical base is wider than the neck. In an embodiment, portions of the dynamic interbody device that allow for flexion and/or extension of vertebra coupled to the dynamic interbody device are coupled together by ball bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20090105828
    Abstract: Dynamic posterior stabilization systems and methods of stabilizing vertebrae are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include bone fasteners and a dampener system. The bone fasteners may be secured to the vertebrae, and the dampener system may be attached to the bone fasteners. The dampener system may include a first dampener set and a second dampener set positioned on an elongated member. The first dampener set may be compressed and provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener. The second dampener set may be compressed and provide resistance to movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner