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).

  • Patent number: 11564806
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Damien J. Shulock, John E. Ashley, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti
  • Patent number: 11253372
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: IORTHOPEDICS, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
  • Patent number: 11202712
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: R. Thomas Grotz, Rudy A. Pretti
  • Patent number: 11191647
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20200289289
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Damien J. Shulock, John E. Ashley, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti
  • Publication number: 20200281741
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Applicant: iOrthopedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
  • Patent number: 10617527
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: IORTHOPEDICS, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
  • Patent number: 10610374
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Damien J. Shulock, John E. Ashley, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti
  • Publication number: 20200000606
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: R. Thomas Grotz, Rudy A. Pretti
  • Patent number: 10500059
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: IORTHOPEDICS, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
  • Publication number: 20190336298
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: iOrthopedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
  • Publication number: 20190328544
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: John E. Ashley, Philip J. Simpson, Walter Dean Gillespie, Murali Kadaba, David G. Matsuura, George A. Mansfield, III, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti
  • Patent number: 10405988
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: R. Thomas Grotz, Rudy A. Pretti
  • Patent number: 10342673
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 10307258
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: IORTHOPEDICS, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
  • Patent number: 10307257
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: IORTHOPEDICS, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
  • Publication number: 20190151112
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: iOrthopedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
  • Patent number: 10226356
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: IORTHOPEDICS, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
  • Publication number: 20190038416
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: iOrthopedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
  • Publication number: 20190038423
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: iOrthopedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz