Patents by Inventor Thomas Grotz
Thomas Grotz 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: 11564806Abstract: A selectively expanding spine cage has a minimized cross section in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the diameter of the neuroforamen through which it passes in the distracted spine. The cage conformably engages between the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Expanding selectively (anteriorly, along the vertical axis of the spine) rather than uniformly, the cage height increases and holds the vertebrae with fixation forces greater than adjacent bone and soft tissue failure forces in natural lordosis. Stability is thus achieved immediately, enabling patient function by eliminating painful motion. The cage shape intends to rest proximate to the anterior column cortices securing the desired spread and fixation, allowing for bone graft in, around, and through the implant for arthrodesis whereas for arthroplasty it fixes to endpoints but cushions the spine naturally.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2020Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.Inventors: Damien J. Shulock, John E. Ashley, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti
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Patent number: 11253372Abstract: An expandable medical implant that includes a lower lifting plate, an upper lifting plat, a distal lifting block, a proximal lifting block, a rotational block, a lifting screw, and a locking nut, and related methods of use. Also, an expandable medical implant that includes a lower lifting plate having a proximal lower angled lifting portion, an upper lifting plate having a proximal upper angled lifting portion, a center fork block, a lifting lobe, a distal screw, and a proximal nut, and related methods of use.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: IORTHOPEDICS, INC.Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
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Patent number: 11202712Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one fixation element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to engage a surface of an adjacent vertebral body and secure the implant between two vertebral bodies. Preferably, the implant is expandable and has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it must pass to be deployed within the intervertebral space. Once within the space between vertebral bodies, the implant can be expanded so as to engage the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can be corrected, and natural curvatures restored and maintained.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.Inventors: R. Thomas Grotz, Rudy A. Pretti
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Patent number: 11191647Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.Inventors: John E. Ashley, Philip J. Simpson, Walter Dean Gillespie, Murali Kadaba, David G. Matsuura, George A. Mansfield, III, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti
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Publication number: 20200289289Abstract: A selectively expanding spine cage has a minimized cross section in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the diameter of the neuroforamen through which it passes in the distracted spine. The cage conformably engages between the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Expanding selectively (anteriorly, along the vertical axis of the spine) rather than uniformly, the cage height increases and holds the vertebrae with fixation forces greater than adjacent bone and soft tissue failure forces in natural lordosis. Stability is thus achieved immediately, enabling patient function by eliminating painful motion. The cage shape intends to rest proximate to the anterior column cortices securing the desired spread and fixation, allowing for bone graft in, around, and through the implant for arthrodesis whereas for arthroplasty it fixes to endpoints but cushions the spine naturally.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2020Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: Damien J. Shulock, John E. Ashley, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti
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Publication number: 20200281741Abstract: An expandable medical implant that includes a lower lifting plate, an upper lifting plat, a distal lifting block, a proximal lifting block, a rotational block, a lifting screw, and a locking nut, and related methods of use. Also, an expandable medical implant that includes a lower lifting plate having a proximal lower angled lifting portion, an upper lifting plate having a proximal upper angled lifting portion, a center fork block, a lifting lobe, a distal screw, and a proximal nut, and related methods of use.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2020Publication date: September 10, 2020Applicant: iOrthopedics, Inc.Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
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Patent number: 10617527Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant. Such implants function to pad cartilage defects, cushion, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. The walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability so as to enable immediate limb use after outpatient surgery. Appendages of the implant may repair or reconstruct tendons or ligaments, and menisci by interpositional inflatable or compliant polymer arthroplasties that promote anatomic joint motion.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2019Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: IORTHOPEDICS, INC.Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
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Patent number: 10610374Abstract: A selectively expanding spine cage has a minimized cross section in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the diameter of the neuroforamen through which it passes in the distracted spine. The cage conformably engages between the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Expanding selectively (anteriorly, along the vertical axis of the spine) rather than uniformly, the cage height increases and holds the vertebrae with fixation forces greater than adjacent bone and soft tissue failure forces in natural lordosis. Stability is thus achieved immediately, enabling patient function by eliminating painful motion. The cage shape intends to rest proximate to the anterior column cortices securing the desired spread and fixation, allowing for bone graft in, around, and through the implant for arthrodesis whereas for arthroplasty it fixes to endpoints but cushions the spine naturally.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2017Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.Inventors: Damien J. Shulock, John E. Ashley, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti
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Publication number: 20200000606Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one fixation element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to engage a surface of an adjacent vertebral body and secure the implant between two vertebral bodies. Preferably, the implant is expandable and has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it must pass to be deployed within the intervertebral space. Once within the space between vertebral bodies, the implant can be expanded so as to engage the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can be corrected, and natural curvatures restored and maintained.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2019Publication date: January 2, 2020Inventors: R. Thomas Grotz, Rudy A. Pretti
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Patent number: 10500059Abstract: Methods of additive manufacturing expandable medical implants is provided along with methods of patient imaging for 3D printing expandable spine cages and topographically matching patient specific implants. Methods for stabilizing and correcting the alignment of the spine are also provided. Spine pathologies such as lordosis, kyphosis and scoliosis can be corrected with properly expanding spine cages such as those described. Independent control and adjustment of the proximal and distal ends of spine cages allows for treating multiple horizontally affected intervertebral spaces.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2019Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: IORTHOPEDICS, INC.Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
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Publication number: 20190336298Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant. Such implants function to pad cartilage defects, cushion, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. The walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability so as to enable immediate limb use after outpatient surgery. Appendages of the implant may repair or reconstruct tendons or ligaments, and menisci by interpositional inflatable or compliant polymer arthroplasties that promote anatomic joint motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2019Publication date: November 7, 2019Applicant: iOrthopedics, Inc.Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
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Publication number: 20190328544Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2019Publication date: October 31, 2019Inventors: John E. Ashley, Philip J. Simpson, Walter Dean Gillespie, Murali Kadaba, David G. Matsuura, George A. Mansfield, III, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti
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Patent number: 10405988Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one fixation element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to engage a surface of an adjacent vertebral body and secure the implant between two vertebral bodies. Preferably, the implant is expandable and has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it must pass to be deployed within the intervertebral space. Once within the space between vertebral bodies, the implant can be expanded so as to engage the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can be corrected, and natural curvatures restored and maintained.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2018Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.Inventors: R. Thomas Grotz, Rudy A. Pretti
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Patent number: 10342673Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2016Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.Inventors: John E. Ashley, Philip J. Simpson, Walter Dean Gillespie, Murali Kadaba, David G. Matsuura, George A. Mansfield, III, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti
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Patent number: 10307258Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant. Such implants function to pad cartilage defects, cushion, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. The walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability so as to enable immediate limb use after outpatient surgery. Appendages of the implant may repair or reconstruct tendons or ligaments, and menisci by interpositional inflatable or compliant polymer arthroplasties that promote anatomic joint motion.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2018Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: IORTHOPEDICS, INC.Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
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Patent number: 10307257Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant for application into a joint to pad cartilage defects, cushion, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. The walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability so as to enable immediate limb use after outpatient surgery. Appendages of the implant may repair or reconstruct tendons or ligaments, and menisci by interpositional compliant polymer arthroplasties that promote anatomic joint motion.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2017Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: IORTHOPEDICS, INC.Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
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Publication number: 20190151112Abstract: Methods of additive manufacturing expandable medical implants is provided along with methods of patient imaging for 3D printing expandable spine cages and topographically matching patient specific implants. Methods for stabilizing and correcting the alignment of the spine are also provided. Spine pathologies such as lordosis, kyphosis and scoliosis can be corrected with properly expanding spine cages such as those described. Independent control and adjustment of the proximal and distal ends of spine cages allows for treating multiple horizontally affected intervertebral spaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2019Publication date: May 23, 2019Applicant: iOrthopedics, Inc.Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
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Patent number: 10226356Abstract: An expandable medical implant is provided with an implantable cage body. Methods for stabilizing and correcting the alignment of a spine with an expandable medical implant are provided. The proximal and distal ends of the cage body may each be provided with a plug for causing expansion of the ends of the implant and therefore the bone engaging surfaces of the implant. The proximal plug member may be configured to move longitudinally such that the proximal end of the cage body resiliently expands. The distal plug member may be configured to move longitudinally such that the distal end of the cage body resiliently expands. The proximal and distal plug members are moved longitudinally independently from one another to allow for independent expansion and contraction of each of the proximal and distal ends of the cage body itself.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2018Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: IORTHOPEDICS, INC.Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
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Publication number: 20190038416Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a resilient implant for implantation into human or animal joints to act as a cushion allowing for renewed joint motion. The implant endures variable joint forces and cyclic loads while reducing pain and improving function after injury or disease to repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint integrity. The implant is deployed in a prepared debrided joint space, secured to at least one of the joint bones and expanded in the space, molding to surrounding structures with sufficient stability to avoid extrusion or dislocation. The implant has opposing walls that move in varied directions, and an inner space filled with suitable filler to accommodate motions which mimic or approximate normal joint motion. The implant pads the damaged joint surfaces, restores cushioning immediately and may be employed to restore cartilage to normal by delivering regenerative cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Applicant: iOrthopedics, Inc.Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
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Publication number: 20190038423Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant. Such implants function to pad cartilage defects, cushion, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. The walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability so as to enable immediate limb use after outpatient surgery. Appendages of the implant may repair or reconstruct tendons or ligaments, and menisci by interpositional inflatable or compliant polymer arthroplasties that promote anatomic joint motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Applicant: iOrthopedics, Inc.Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz