Patents by Inventor W. Bret Smith

W. Bret Smith 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: 12727895
    Abstract: A method of modifying a bone surface for receiving an implant includes: positioning a contour guide at a first bone and a second bone and across a separation between the first bone and the second bone; using the contour guide to modify a surface region of at least one of the first bone and the second bone to form a modified surface region at one or both of the first bone and the second bone; and positioning an implant in contact at least with the modified surface region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2026
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Adriaan Kuyler, W. Bret Smith, Madeline Lindemann, Sean F. Scanlan, Jason May, Robert D. Santrock, Mark Erik Easley, Paul Dayton, Jody McAleer, William T. DeCarbo, Daniel J. Hatch, Steve Norton
  • Patent number: 12721633
    Abstract: Instruments and surgical techniques may be used to correct a bone deformity, such as a bunion in which a metatarsal is misaligned with respect to a medial cuneiform. In some examples, a bone cutting guide is utilized to cut an end of the metatarsal and/or an end of the medial cuneiform to facilitate realignment of the bones. The cutting guide can have a pivotable cut guide surface along which a cutting instrument is translated to provide a precise bone cut. In some applications, after suitably preparing and aligning the bones, the bones are compressed together using a fixation pin. The fixation pin can be driven through one of the bones, into the second bone, and then further driven to compress the bones together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2026
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Hatch, Joe W. Ferguson, Paul Dayton, W. Bret Smith, Lowell Weil, Jr., F. Barry Bays
  • Patent number: 12708380
    Abstract: A method of fixating bones for fusion includes positioning an implant guide sleeve at a first bone and a second bone and across a separation between the first bone from the second bone. The method further includes using the implant guide sleeve to guide creation of a first implant hole in the first bone and to guide creation of a second implant hole in the second bone, aligning an inserter, operatively connected to an implant, with the implant guide sleeve, and advancing the inserter, relative to the implant guide sleeve, to position the implant in contact with the first bone and the second bone with the implant bridging between the first bone and the second bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2024
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2026
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Adriaan Kuyler, W. Bret Smith, Madeline Lindemann, Bryan Wilcox, Sean F. Scanlan, Jason May, Robert D. Santrock, Mark Erik Easley, Paul Dayton, Jody McAleer, William T. DeCarbo, Daniel J. Hatch, Steve Norton
  • Patent number: 12697154
    Abstract: A bone plate can be used to fixate one or more bones. In some examples, a bone plate has first, second, third, and fourth fixation holes. The first and second fixation holes may be located in a distal body region of the bone plate and co-linear with a bridge central longitudinal axis. The third and fourth fixation holes may be located in a proximal body region of the bone plate, with the third fixation hole co-linear with the bridge central longitudinal axis and the fourth fixation hole offset from the bridge central longitudinal axis in a first plane by a first angle and in a second plane by a second angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2026
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Hatch, Paul Dayton, William T. DeCarbo, Jody McAleer, Robert D. Santrock, W. Bret Smith, Mark Erik Easley, Madeline Lindemann, Jason May, Sean F. Scanlan, John T. Treace
  • Publication number: 20260083465
    Abstract: Instruments and techniques can be used to release a first metatarsal for realignment. In some implementations, a techniques involves surgically accessing a sesamoidal ligament in a foot of a patient and advancing a guiding projection of a cutting instrument under the sesamoidal ligament. This can capture the sesamoidal ligament between the guiding projection of the cutting instrument and a cutting surface of the cutting instrument that is recessed relative to a distal end of the guiding projection. The techniques further involves cutting the sesamoidal ligament with the cutting surface of the cutting instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2025
    Publication date: March 26, 2026
    Inventors: Paul Dayton, William T. DeCarbo, Daniel J. Hatch, Jody McAleer, Robert D. Santrock, W. Bret Smith, Mark Erik Easley, Bryan Wilcox
  • Publication number: 20260076683
    Abstract: A variety of surgical procedures may be performed on the bones of the foot, such as on one or more lesser metatarsals of the foot positioned laterally of the first metatarsal. For example, a surgical procedure may involve cutting an end of one or both of a second metatarsal and an intermediate cuneiform and/or cutting an end of one or both of a third metatarsal and a lateral cuneiform. The tarsometatarsal joints defined be one or both sets of bones may be cut to treat an arthritic joint, metatarsus adductus, and/or other clinical condition. In any case, various surgical instruments can be utilized during a procedure to help increase the accuracy and repeatability of the procedure patient-to-patient, improving overall patient outcomes. For example, one or more cut guides, compressor-distractor devices, and/or other instruments designed to accommodate the specific anatomical conditions of the procedure being performed may be utilized during procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2025
    Publication date: March 19, 2026
    Inventors: Adriaan Kuyler, Sean F. Scanlan, Paul Dayton, William T. DeCarbo, Mark Erik Easley, Daniel J. Hatch, Jody McAleer, Robert D. Santrock, W. Bret Smith
  • Publication number: 20260047873
    Abstract: A metatarsus adductus technique may involve cutting an end of one or both of a second metatarsal and an intermediate cuneiform to create a wedge-shaped opening between the end of the second metatarsal and the intermediate cuneiform. The method may further involve cutting an end of one or both of a third metatarsal and a lateral cuneiform to also create a wedge-shaped opening between the end of the third metatarsal and the lateral cuneiform. The second metatarsal and the third metatarsal can then be moved in a transverse plane to close a metatarsus adductus angle. Movement of the second and third metatarsal may close the wedge-shaped openings forming during bone cutting. With the second and third metatarsals appropriately realigned, the clinician can fixate the moved position of the second metatarsal and the third metatarsal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2025
    Publication date: February 19, 2026
    Inventors: Jody McAleer, William DeCarbo, Daniel Hatch, Paul Dayton, Robert Santrock, W. Bret Smith, Adriaan Kuyler, Sean Scanlan
  • Patent number: 12484917
    Abstract: Instruments and techniques can be used to release a first metatarsal for realignment. In some implementations, a techniques involves surgically accessing a sesamoidal ligament in a foot of a patient and advancing a guiding projection of a cutting instrument under the sesamoidal ligament. This can capture the sesamoidal ligament between the guiding projection of the cutting instrument and a cutting surface of the cutting instrument that is recessed relative to a distal end of the guiding projection. The techniques further involves cutting the sesamoidal ligament with the cutting surface of the cutting instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2025
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Dayton, William T. DeCarbo, Daniel J. Hatch, Jody McAleer, Robert D. Santrock, W. Bret Smith, Mark Erik Easley, Bryan Wilcox
  • Patent number: 12478381
    Abstract: A variety of surgical procedures may be performed on the bones of the foot, such as on one or more lesser metatarsals of the foot positioned laterally of the first metatarsal. For example, a surgical procedure may involve cutting an end of one or both of a second metatarsal and an intermediate cuneiform and/or cutting an end of one or both of a third metatarsal and a lateral cuneiform. The tarsometatarsal joints defined be one or both sets of bones may be cut to treat an arthritic joint, metatarsus adductus, and/or other clinical condition. In any case, various surgical instruments can be utilized during a procedure to help increase the accuracy and repeatability of the procedure patient-to-patient, improving overall patient outcomes. For example, one or more cut guides, compressor-distractor devices, and/or other instruments designed to accommodate the specific anatomical conditions of the procedure being performed may be utilized during procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2025
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc
    Inventors: Adriaan Kuyler, Sean F. Scanlan, Paul Dayton, William T. DeCarbo, Mark Erik Easley, Daniel J. Hatch, Jody McAleer, Robert D. Santrock, W. Bret Smith
  • Publication number: 20250345104
    Abstract: A method of preparing a metatarsophalangeal joint for fusion may involve surgically accessing the metatarsophalangeal joint and separating the metatarsal from the opposed proximal phalanx at the joint. The technique may involve preparing an end of the metatarsal and preparing an end of the opposed proximal phalanx for fusion. With or without the aid of a bone positioner, the metatarsal may be moved in one or more planes, such as the frontal and transverse planes. The proximal phalanx may also be moved in one or more planes, for example relative to the moved metatarsal. Subsequently, a bone fixation device can be applied across or through the metatarsophalangeal joint separating the metatarsal from the opposed proximal phalanx.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2025
    Publication date: November 13, 2025
    Inventors: William T. DeCarbo, Paul Dayton, W. Bret Smith, Robert D. Santrock, Daniel J. Hatch, Jody McAleer
  • Publication number: 20250331871
    Abstract: In some examples, a method for preparing one or more bones involves inserting a spacer into a space defined between a first bone and a second bone, such as a joint space between a first metatarsal and medial cuneiform. A bone preparation guide can be aligned with opposed ends of the first bone and the second bone using the spacer as an alignment reference. For example, the bone preparation guide may include an opening such that the guide can be installed across the joint space with the spacer received in the opening. A clinician may use the bone preparation guide to guide a tissue removing instrument to cut or otherwise prepare the ends of the first bone portion and second bone portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2025
    Publication date: October 30, 2025
    Inventors: F. Barry Bays, Paul Dayton, Joe William Ferguson, Carlos Eduardo Gil, Robert D. Santrock, Sean F. Scanlan, W. Bret Smith, John T. Treace
  • Publication number: 20250281188
    Abstract: A metatarsal correction procedure may be performed so as to minimize the length of the surgical incision created during the procedure. A variety of different instruments and/or techniques and facilitate the minimal incision procedure. In some examples, a technique involves making a comparatively small surgical incision to access a tarsometatarsal joint. A metatarsal and a cuneiform separated by the tarsometatarsal joint can be prepared. In addition, the metatarsal can be moved relative to the cuneiform using a bone positioning device having a metatarsal engagement member positioned in contact with the skin of the patient on a medial side of the metatarsal. After moving the metatarsal, a fixation device can be installed across the tarsometatarsal joint to cause fusion. In some examples, a plate holder is attached to a U-shaped bone plate to facilitate plating across the joint through the comparatively small incision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2025
    Publication date: September 11, 2025
    Inventors: Robert D. Santrock, Paul Dayton, Daniel J. Hatch, W. Bret Smith, Carlos Eduardo Gil, Sean F. Scanlan, Joe W. Ferguson, John T. Treace, Tyler Hissong, Jason May, William DeCarbo, Jody McAleer
  • Patent number: 12396770
    Abstract: A metatarsus adductus technique may involve cutting an end of one or both of a second metatarsal and an intermediate cuneiform to create a wedge-shaped opening between the end of the second metatarsal and the intermediate cuneiform. The method may further involve cutting an end of one or both of a third metatarsal and a lateral cuneiform to also create a wedge-shaped opening between the end of the third metatarsal and the lateral cuneiform. The second metatarsal and the third metatarsal can then be moved in a transverse plane to close a metatarsus adductus angle. Movement of the second and third metatarsal may close the wedge-shaped openings forming during bone cutting. With the second and third metatarsals appropriately realigned, the clinician can fixate the moved position of the second metatarsal and the third metatarsal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2025
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Jody McAleer, William DeCarbo, Daniel Hatch, Paul Dayton, Robert Santrock, W. Bret Smith, Adriaan Kuyler, Sean Scanlan
  • Patent number: 12364522
    Abstract: A method of preparing a metatarsophalangeal joint for fusion may involve surgically accessing the metatarsophalangeal joint and separating the metatarsal from the opposed proximal phalanx at the joint. The technique may involve preparing an end of the metatarsal and preparing an end of the opposed proximal phalanx for fusion. With or without the aid of a bone positioner, the metatarsal may be moved in one or more planes, such as the frontal and transverse planes. The proximal phalanx may also be moved in one or more planes, for example relative to the moved metatarsal. Subsequently, a bone fixation device can be applied across or through the metatarsophalangeal joint separating the metatarsal from the opposed proximal phalanx.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2025
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. DeCarbo, Paul Dayton, W. Bret Smith, Robert D. Santrock, Daniel J. Hatch, Jody McAleer
  • Patent number: 12349927
    Abstract: In some examples, a method for preparing one or more bones involves inserting a spacer into a space defined between a first bone and a second bone, such as a joint space between a first metatarsal and medial cuneiform. A bone preparation guide can be aligned with opposed ends of the first bone and the second bone using the spacer as an alignment reference. For example, the bone preparation guide may include an opening such that the guide can be installed across the joint space with the spacer received in the opening. A clinician may use the bone preparation guide to guide a tissue removing instrument to cut or otherwise prepare the ends of the first bone portion and second bone portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2025
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: F. Barry Bays, Paul Dayton, Joe William Ferguson, Carlos Eduardo Gil, Robert D. Santrock, Sean F. Scanlan, W. Bret Smith, John T. Treace
  • Patent number: 12310603
    Abstract: A metatarsal correction procedure may be performed so as to minimize the length of the surgical incision created during the procedure. A variety of different instruments and/or techniques and facilitate the minimal incision procedure. In some examples, a technique involves making a comparatively small surgical incision to access a tarsometatarsal joint. A metatarsal and a cuneiform separated by the tarsometatarsal joint can be prepared. In addition, the metatarsal can be moved relative to the cuneiform using a bone positioning device having a metatarsal engagement member positioned in contact with the skin of the patient on a medial side of the metatarsal. After moving the metatarsal, a fixation device can be installed across the tarsometatarsal joint to cause fusion. In some examples, a plate holder is attached to a U-shaped bone plate to facilitate plating across the joint through the comparatively small incision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Santrock, Paul Dayton, Daniel J. Hatch, W. Bret Smith, Carlos Eduardo Gil, Sean F. Scanlan, Joe W. Ferguson, John T. Treace, Tyler Hissong, Jason May, William DeCarbo, Jody McAleer
  • Publication number: 20250160848
    Abstract: A bone cutting guide may include a support that contains a shaft movable relative to the support. The shaft may carry a guide member having one or more cut guides through which a clinician inserts a cutting member to cut bone positioned under the guide cut guides. In operation, a clinician may fixate the support of the bone cutting guide to a bone and translate the guide member until the one or more cut guides are positioned at a desired cut location. The clinician may then perform a cut through the cut guide. In some examples, the bone cutting guide includes additional components, such as bridging member or secondary cut guide, to provide additional functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2025
    Publication date: May 22, 2025
    Inventors: Paul Dayton, Robert D. Santrock, Daniel J. Hatch, W. Bret Smith, Carlos Eduardo Gil, Sean F. Scanlan, Joe William Ferguson, F. Barry Bays, John T. Treace
  • Publication number: 20250160917
    Abstract: Methods for temporarily fixing an orientation of a bone or bones. Methods of correcting a bunion deformity. Bone positioning devices. Methods of using a bone positioning device. Bone preparation guides. Methods of using a bone preparation guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2025
    Publication date: May 22, 2025
    Inventors: Robert D. Santrock, Paul Dayton, Daniel J. Hatch, W. Bret Smith, F. Barry Bays, Carlos Eduardo Gil, Sean F. Scanlan, Joe W. Ferguson, John T. Treace
  • Publication number: 20250160916
    Abstract: A technique for correcting a bone deformity, such as a bunion, may be performed using an instrument. In some examples, the technique involves inserting the instrument between a first metatarsal and a second metatarsal. The technique further includes preparing an end of the first metatarsal and preparing an end of a medial cuneiform opposing the end of the first metatarsal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2025
    Publication date: May 22, 2025
    Inventors: F. Barry Bays, Robert D. Santrock, Paul Dayton, Daniel J. Hatch, W. Bret Smith, Carlos Eduardo Gil, Sean F. Scanlan, Joe William Ferguson, John T. Treace
  • Patent number: D1087337
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2025
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Adriaan Kuyler, William T. DeCarbo, Robert D. Santrock, W. Bret Smith