Patents by Inventor Stephen Kuslich

Stephen Kuslich 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).

  • Publication number: 20080086133
    Abstract: A method of treating a compression fracture in a bone comprising the steps of forming a transverse cavity within said bone defined by at least one substantially flat surface lying substantially in a transverse plane formed by and communicating with said transverse cavity, the transverse cavity having a substantially uniform transverse extent and a maximum height, the maximum height being less than said transverse extent and applying a force within said transverse cavity generally normal to said surface to displace said surface and restore said bone to its substantially normal anatomic position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen Kuslich, John Kuslich
  • Publication number: 20080045952
    Abstract: A pliable band or hoop that is flexible to normal handling, but cannot stretch circumferentially once it has reached the limits of its circumferential length. The band may have a structural portal to be used for filling, or it may simply be constructed of a fabric-like material that allows a fill tube to perforate its walls to allow for filling. In the latter case, the perforated wall tends to self-seal once the fill tube is withdrawn. The band may be flat or tubular in cross-section. However, unlike a balloon, the band does not require either a bottom or a top, as we found that a top and bottom are unnecessary when using a band or hoop to enclose material injected into a reamed out intervertebral space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen Kuslich
  • Publication number: 20070016300
    Abstract: A pliable band or hoop that is flexible to normal handling, but cannot stretch circumferentially once it has reached the limits of its circumferential length. The band may have a structural portal to be used for filling, or it may simply be constructed of a fabric-like material that allows a fill tube to perforate its walls to allow for filling. In the latter case, the perforated wall tends to self-seal once the fill tube is withdrawn. The band may be flat or tubular in cross-section. However, unlike a balloon, the band does not require either a bottom or a top, as we found that a top and bottom are unnecessary when using a band or hoop to enclose material injected into a reamed out intervertebral space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen Kuslich
  • Publication number: 20070016214
    Abstract: A tool for directing bone replacement material under pressure comprising an elongated hollow tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis; the distal end including at least one opening having a deflection structure configured to deflect the bone replacement material out of the tube at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube in response to pressure applied to the bone replacement material such that the deflected bone replacement material creates a force with at least a portion of the force generally oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Stephen Kuslich, Francis Peterson, James Ahern, John Kuslich
  • Publication number: 20060264960
    Abstract: Spinal fusion implants are laparoscopically placed in a disc space separating two vertebrae. Implant tools, including distraction spacers boring tools and implants are passed through a cannula toward the disk space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: ZIMMER SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Kuslich, Douglas Kohrs
  • Publication number: 20060149379
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of correcting numerous bone abnormalities including bone tumors and cysts, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, tibial plateau fractures and compression fractures of the spine. The abnormality may be corrected by first accessing and boring into the damaged tissue or bone and reaming out the damaged and/or diseased area using any of the presently accepted procedures or the damaged area may be prepared by expanding a bag within the damaged bone to compact cancellous bone. After removal and/or compaction of the damaged tissue the bone must be stabilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventors: Stephen Kuslich, John Kuslich
  • Publication number: 20050131417
    Abstract: The present invention is a kit and a method of using a kit for treating bone including a fill material mixture made of osteoconductive material, osteoinductive material and a lubricating carrier, a porous container to receive the fill material mixture and a tool that flowably introduces the fill material mixture into the porous container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventors: James Ahern, Arthur Gertzman, Karen Roche, Moon Sunwoo, Steven Wolfe, Stephen Kuslich, John Kuslich
  • Publication number: 20050055094
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for a partially biological disc replacement that stimulates natural fibrous, cartilaginous or other tissue growth in the DDD cavity, resulting in a partial biological disc replacement. Multiplicities of fibronous pieces of fibro-cartilaginous tissue promoting material are inserted into the DDD cavity inducing tissue growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 10, 2005
    Inventor: Stephen Kuslich