Ball And Socket Type (e.g., Polyaxial) Patents (Class 606/266)
  • Patent number: 11903617
    Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a collar, and a collet including an outer surface and an inner surface. The collet is connectable with a shaft. A crown includes a surface configured for disposal of a spinal rod. The collet is disposed with the collar such that the inner surface frictionally engages the spinal rod to capture the spinal rod with the crown. In some embodiments, implants, systems, instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc
    Inventor: William Alan Rezach
  • Patent number: 11504164
    Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a receiver comprising a base defining a cavity and upright arms extending upward from the base to define a channel for receiving a rod, with the cavity communicating with the channel to define a central bore and the upright arms including vertically-aligned insert guide surfaces and tool engagement grooves extending horizontally around side outer surfaces. The assembly also includes a shank comprising a proximal capture portion configured for positioning within the cavity and a distal anchor portion configured for attachment to the bone. The assembly further includes a pressure insert positionable within the central bore of the receiver after the capture portion of the shank, upon which the vertically-aligned insert guide surfaces engage outer side surfaces of the insert to maintain the pressure insert in a desired rotational alignment about a vertical centerline axis of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11478288
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for the surgical installation of a nail for stabilizing a screw-rod configuration attached to vertebrae of a spine to the rib cage of an organic body to treat Adult Spinal Deformity (ASD) and prevent proximal junctional failure (PJF). The nail may be secured at one end to an adjacent rib of the rib cage, and may extend into the rib or be secured to the rib by a rib hook. The nail may be secured at another end to a rod of the screw-rod configuration, such that the nail imparts stability from the rib cage to the screw-rod configuration and to the vertebrae of the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Inventor: Robert Alison Waldrop, III
  • Patent number: 11426207
    Abstract: A cannulated pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a shank having an anchor portion, a capture portion with a central drive structure surrounded by an upward-facing planar surface, and an axial bore extending entirely through the shank from a top of the capture portion to a bottom of the anchor portion. The cannulated pivotal bone anchor assembly also includes a head member having an internal cavity for receiving the capture portion and a channel for receiving an elongate rod and a closure top. After the shank and head member are coupled together, the cannulated pivotal bone anchor assembly is insertable along a guide wire positioned in the axial bore of the shank and implantable into a bone of a patient as a fully assembled unit, with only the elongate rod and the closure top remaining to be positioned into the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11337735
    Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a receiver with an axial bore communicating with a bottom of the receiver through a lower opening, with the bottom of the receiver including an angled planar surface extending upward to define an expanded portion of the lower opening. The receiver further includes upright arms with opposed internal surfaces extending between front and back faces of the upright arms to define an open channel, side outer surfaces opposite the internal surfaces extending downward toward the bottom of the receiver, break-off extensions integrally formed with and extending upwardly from inner edge portions of top surfaces of the upright arms, and non-threaded tool engagement grooves extending horizontally and entirely across the side outer surfaces to the front and back faces of the upright arms, with each tool engagement groove being isolated from the axial bore and located below the top of the respective upright arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11229459
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone device includes a screw, a screw housing, and a spring. The screw includes a screw head and a shaft that extends from the screw head. The screw housing defines a longitudinal axis and a bore that extends along the longitudinal axis. The screw housing includes a basewall and opposed sidewalls that extend from the basewall. The basewall defines a notch that receives the shaft to increase pivotal movement between the screw and the screw housing relative to the longitudinal axis of the screw housing. The opposed sidewalls define a rod-receiving channel. The screw housing defines a transverse hole in communication with the bore. The spring is supported in the transverse hole and extends therethrough. The spring extends into the bore to frictionally engage the screw head while the screw head is seated in the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Timmon Ark, Theo Choi, Keenan O'Brien
  • Patent number: 11219469
    Abstract: A bone screw includes a shaft with at least one thread having an external thread form. An implant receiver includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a solid configuration relative to the second portion. In some embodiments, systems, spinal constructs, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Michael Sciubba, Rodney Ray Ballard
  • Patent number: 11197694
    Abstract: A bone screw having a screw member possessing a threaded section and a head and a receiving part at the head end for receiving a rod to be connected to the bone screw is provided. The receiving part has on open first bore and a substantially U-shaped cross-section having two free legs provided with a thread. Furthermore, the receiving part has a second bore on the end opposite to the first bore whose diameter is greater than that of the threaded section and smaller than that of the head. On the bottom of the first bore a seat for the head is provided. In order that the screw member can be pivoted to at least one side by an enlarged angle, the edge bounding the free end of the second bore viewed relative to the axis of the first bore is of asymmetric construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: BIEDERMANN TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Jürgen Harms
  • Patent number: 11197696
    Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a receiver with a base defining an internal cavity with a seating surface adjacent a bottom opening and an upper portion defining a channel configured to receive an elongate rod. The assembly also includes an anchor member having a proximal end portion with a lower contact surface slidably engageable with the seating surface to establish pivotable motion between the anchor member and the receiver, and a planar upper surface surrounding an internal drive socket. The assembly further includes an insert positionable within the channel with a lower surface engageable with the proximal end portion of the anchor member to direct a downwardly-directed force onto the proximal end portion to lock the position of the anchor member relative to the receiver, with the planar upper surface remaining spaced apart from the lower surface of the insert so as to not directly receive the downwardly-directed force therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11191571
    Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shank and a head, a receiving part configured to pivotably receive the head, and a pressure member defining a head receiving recess for pivotably holding the head and having a portion configured to extend to a side opposite a free end of the head and to exert pressure on the side opposite the free end to clamp the head in the receiving part. The head has a first position indication structure configured to engage a second position indication structure of the pressure member when the shank assumes a first angular position, and to disengage from the second position indication structure when the shank is at an angular position different from the first angular position. The second position indication structure is engageable with the first position indication structure without protruding into a profile defined by the head receiving recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: BIEDERMANN TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Berthold Dannecker, Bernd Fischer
  • Patent number: 11191570
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an “extension ready” spinal support system that enables the extension to be accomplished with minimal disturbance to an existing spinal support structure to which the extension system is coupled. In some embodiments, the existing spinal support rod and pedicle screws can remain intact while extension subassemblies are mounted directly to the existing base rod receptacles. The extension subassemblies include a skirt portion that surrounds and engages the existing base receptacle to prevent splaying of the base receptacle. Additional resistance to splaying may be provided by forming a canted thread arrangement between the skirt and the base receptacle. In some embodiments, the extension receptacle presents a low profile (i.e., shortened axial length from the base rod receptacle) is fabricated with a monoaxial rotation structure that rotates about but does not pitch relative to the extension axis and is shorter relative to polyaxial rotation structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Advance Research System, LLC
    Inventor: Hamid R. Abbasi
  • Patent number: 11166751
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchor including a housing, a bone screw, and a retainer for pivotably coupling the head of the bone screw to the housing. The retainer is positioned into the bore of the housing and includes a plurality of alternating tabs and slots circumferentially arranged to define a cavity for receiving the head portion of the bone screw therein. The retainer is axially moveable in the housing from a first position in which the head portion is not passable through the lower opening of the retainer to a second position in which lie head portion is passable through the lower opening of the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan E. Shluzas, Hugh D Hestad
  • Patent number: 11141197
    Abstract: A polyaxial external fixation strut including a strut member and a first ball joint coupled to an end portion of the strut member. The first ball joint includes a first ball joint body and a first ball member. The first ball member is rotatably coupled to the first ball joint body to allow for variable angle adjustable positioning of the first ball member within the first ball joint body. The first ball joint additionally includes a friction member. The friction member is configured to create friction between the first ball member and the first ball joint body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott Lavoritano, Joseph Costanzo, Joseph Peterson, Michael Wahl
  • Patent number: 11141199
    Abstract: A pedicle screw fastening system that consists of an anchoring bone screw having a first diameter with threads on one end for use in anchoring the screw to the bone and a spherical ball connector member having a second diameter on the other end, with the second diameter smaller than the first diameter; the spherical ball connector member operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. The connecting assembly has a lower connector member with an attachment ring to secure the spherical ball connector member, allowing the use of the small diameter spherical ball connector member with a large shank anchoring bone screw. A biased retainer member maintains a positive tension between the connecting assembly and the anchored screw. The system allows for large shank screws with small connecting assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Ortho Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Doubler, John E. Hammill, Sr.
  • Patent number: 11109896
    Abstract: A pivotal uniplanar bone anchor assembly includes a shank having a shank head with a partial spherical shape at a proximal end and an anchor portion opposite the shank head for fixation to the bone of a patient. The assembly also includes a receiver having a top portion defining an open channel for receiving an elongate rod and a base defining a cavity in communication with the open channel and with a bottom surface of the receiver through a distal opening. The assembly further includes a retainer positionable into non-pivotal engagement with an inner surface of the cavity prior to the shank head being received within the cavity, with the retainer having a central passage configured to receive and support the shank head within the cavity while restricting pivotal motion between the shank and the receiver to a single plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11103288
    Abstract: Methods and devices for treating spinal deformities are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a low-profile spinal anchoring device is provided for receiving a spinal fixation element, such as a tether, therethrough. The device generally includes a staple body that is adapted to seat a spinal fixation element, a fastening element for fixing the staple body to bone, and a locking assembly for coupling a spinal fixation element to the staple body. In one embodiment, the locking assembly includes a washer that is adapted to couple to the staple body such that the spinal fixation is disposed therebetween, and a locking nut that is adapted to engage the staple body to mate the washer to the staple body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Hassan A. Serhan, Michael A. Slivka, Matthew Hannen, Peter Newton, Michael Nilsson
  • Patent number: 11076889
    Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a receiver having an axial bore communicating with a bottom surface of the receiver through a bottom opening, and a bone anchor having an attachment portion configured for attachment to the bone of a patient and a capture portion opposite the attachment portion configured for uploading into the axial bore through the bottom opening. The assembly also includes a multi-part retainer comprising at least two separable retainer parts, with each retainer part being positionable within the axial bore prior to the capture portion. The retainer parts are configured to move at least partially away from each other during the uploading of the capture portion into the axial bore, and then to operably engage and pivotably secure the capture portion in spaced relation from an internal engagement surface of the axial bore with the bone anchor extending downwardly through the bottom opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11071634
    Abstract: A separate nub component between the plate and an intervertebral fusion cage, wherein the nub is attached to the plate. The nub lessens the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. It is believed that when the nub fits snugly between the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, it acts as a stop against the undesired pivotal movement of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Pavento, John Riley Hawkins, Sheryl Furlan, Douglas Raymond
  • Patent number: 11051856
    Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a receiver having a receiver channel configured for receiving an elongate rod, an axial bore with inwardly protruding structures, and horizontally and circumferentially-extending tool engagement grooves formed into upper side outer surfaces of the receiver. The assembly also includes a shank having a proximal capture portion positionable into a lower portion of the axial bore below the inwardly protruding structures. The assembly further includes an insert positionable into the axial bore above the proximal capture portion of the shank, with the insert having an insert channel also configured for receiving the elongate rod, a bottom surface configured for frictional engagement with a partially spherical upper surface of the proximal capture portion, and vertically-elongate grooves formed into outer side surfaces of the insert and configured for receiving the inwardly protruding structures when the insert channel is co-aligned with the receiver channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11039860
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element, and including a receiving part having a first end, a second end, and an accommodation space having an opening at the second end for inserting a head of the bone anchoring element, a pressure element insertable from the first end, positionable in the accommodation space, and configured to hold the head, the pressure element having at least one spring portion extending circumferentially around the pressure element and being radially compressible, and a rod receiving element separable from the pressure element, wherein in a first position, the spring portion is configured to engage an engagement structure at an inner wall of the receiving part to prevent movement of the pressure element towards the first end, and wherein the rod receiving element is configured to move the pressure element from the first position towards the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: BIEDERMANN TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis, Dimosthenis Dandanopoulos, Achim Schünemann
  • Patent number: 11026730
    Abstract: Bone anchors and related methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a bone anchor can include a drag interface. Exemplary drag interfaces include (i) friction between a shank and a bushing, (ii) friction between a bushing and a drag ring, (iii) friction generated by a biased saddle, and (iv) combinations of the above. The drag interface can help maintain the relative position between a receiver member and a shank of the bone anchor prior to locking the bone anchor, preventing unintended movement while still allowing free movement when intended by the user. In some embodiments, a bone anchor can include over-rotation blocking features, such as a groove, lip, or protrusion formed on a bushing of the bone anchor. Various other bone anchor features are also disclosed, including high aspect ratio drag rings and compressible drag posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Medos International Sarl
    Inventors: Christopher Ramsay, J. Riley Hawkins, Albert Montello, Joseph Peterson
  • Patent number: 11020150
    Abstract: A bottom loading fastening system that consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with an anchoring bone screw. The system allows attachment of a connector assembly to the anchoring bone screw having a spherical ball connector using a blocker ring preloaded with a split ring. Upon installation, the blocker ring and split ring are expanded into an expansion slot, causing relocation of said split ring into a lower groove, permanently attaching said connector assembly to said anchoring bone screw. The blocker ring having a counter-bored inner surface allowing said split ring to be preloaded to facilitate manufacturing. Dislodgement of the split ring from the blocker ring produces an audible and tactile indication that the sufficient force has been applied to lock the connector assembly to the bone screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Ortho Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Doubler, John E. Hammill, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10987137
    Abstract: A pivotal bone screw assembly includes a bone anchor having an integral shank head receivable in a one-piece receiver having an upper channel for receiving an elongate rod and a central bore cooperating with a lower opening. The assembly includes a compression insert receivable within the central bore and having an upper surface configured for engagement with the elongate rod, a central opening, and upward-facing surfaces on tool engagement structures positioned radially outward from the central opening. The tool engagement structures are configured for direct engagement by an insert compressing tool to temporarily lock a position of the bone anchor with respect to the receiver prior to the elongate rod being secured within the upper channel in a locked arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10966759
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw for attaching a rod to a vertebra comprises a fastener having a threaded shank and a head. A yoke has a rod receiving channel for receiving the rod. A screw support rotatably attached to the yoke has a cavity articulatingly and rotatably supporting the fastener head, a hole receiving the threaded fastener shank therethrough, and a plurality of slots for maximum screw angulation. A crown has an upper rod receiving surface, a lower surface in contact with the fastener head and a projecting surface in contact with the yoke. A biasing element between the screw support and the yoke applies biasing forces among the fastener, the crown, and the yoke to provide sufficient friction to retain the yoke in a manipulable position relative to the fastener. A set screw is supported by the yoke to overcome the bias and to rigidly secure the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: SPINE WAVE, INC.
    Inventor: Zachary Jordan Gregory
  • Patent number: 10945766
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchor including a housing, a bone screw, and a retainer for pivotably coupling the head of the bone screw to the housing. The retainer is positioned into the bore of the housing and includes a plurality of alternating tabs and slots circumferentially arranged to define a cavity for receiving the head portion of the bone screw therein. The retainer is axially moveable in the housing from a first position in which the head portion is not passable through the lower opening of the retainer to a second position in which the head portion is passable through the lower opening of the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan E. Shluzas, Hugh D Hestad
  • Patent number: 10925646
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchor including a housing, a bone screw, and a retainer for pivotably coupling the head of the bone screw to the housing. The retainer is positioned into the bore of the housing and includes a plurality of alternating tabs and slots circumferentially arranged to define a cavity for receiving the head portion of the bone screw therein. The retainer is axially moveable in the housing from a first position in which the head portion is not passable through the lower opening of the retainer to a second position in which the head portion is passable through the lower opening of the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan E. Shluzas, Hugh D Hestad
  • Patent number: 10905481
    Abstract: Bone anchors and related methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a bone anchor can include a drag interface. Exemplary drag interfaces include (i) friction between a shank and a bushing, (ii) friction between a bushing and a drag ring, (iii) friction generated by a biased saddle, and (iv) combinations of the above. The drag interface can help maintain the relative position between a receiver member and a shank of the bone anchor prior to locking the bone anchor, preventing unintended movement while still allowing free movement when intended by the user. In some embodiments, a bone anchor can include over-rotation blocking features, such as a groove, lip, or protrusion formed on a bushing of the bone anchor. Various other bone anchor features are also disclosed, including high aspect ratio drag rings and compressible drag posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Medos International Sarl
    Inventors: Christopher Ramsay, J. Riley Hawkins, Albert Montello
  • Patent number: 10898231
    Abstract: A spinal alignment system can include a rod and a plurality of uniplanar screw assemblies that include a screw, a cap, and a housing. The screw and cap can be configured such that the relative angular displacement between the screw and the cap is limited to a first limit angle in a first plane and to a second limit angle in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane, the second limit angle being larger than the first limit angle. The housing can be coupled to the cap and configured to maintain the cap in proximity with the head of the screw. The housing can have two elongated elements forming a U-shaped saddle. The alignment system can also include a plurality of locking cap assemblies that capture the rod within the U-shaped saddle and are tightened to fixedly couple the rod to the respective uniplanar screw assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: SeaSpine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Di Lauro, Nicholas M. Cordaro, Raymund Woo, Devin Mathios
  • Patent number: 10874438
    Abstract: Bone anchor assemblies and related instrumentation are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a modular bone anchor assembly allows for a bone anchor to be driven into bone and a head or receiver member to be attached thereto at some later point in time. The bone anchor can have a smaller footprint than the complete assembly, which can improve visualization and anatomical spatial awareness during insertion of the bone anchor and during other surgical steps performed prior to attaching the head or receiver member to the bone anchor. A variety of modular head types are disclosed, as are various instruments for driving a bone anchor, attaching a head to a bone anchor, removing a head from a bone anchor, and making a unilateral attachment to a head of a bone anchor assembly. Drive interfaces for driving a bone anchor are disclosed, as are features that allow a bone anchor to act as a fixation point for soft tissue retraction, disc space distraction, derotation, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Medos International Sarl
    Inventors: Eric Biester, Michael Sorrenti, Ellen Wasserbauer
  • Patent number: 10835291
    Abstract: A method of assembly for a bone fastener is provided. The method includes the steps of: engaging a retainer with an implant receiver in a relatively fixed position; translating the retainer relative to the implant receiver to an expandable orientation; and manually engaging a screw shaft with the retainer to connect the implant receiver with the screw shaft. Implants, systems and instruments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason M. May
  • Patent number: 10792074
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes, a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in a receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. A retaining member for capturing the shank in the receiver includes a sloping surface for a frictional, press fit, cammed engagement with the shank. A compression insert having a resilient structure provides non-floppy positioning of the shank with respect to the receiver and also independent locking of the shank with respect to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10786289
    Abstract: A plate including elements for receiving threads of a fastener element such that the fastener element may be positioned close, if not flush, to a surface of the plate allowing placement of the assembly much closer to a joint than previous known methods and without interfering with the function of a joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado a Body Corporate
    Inventors: Vikas Patel, Jay Nanninga
  • Patent number: 10736666
    Abstract: A bone fastener includes a first member having an inner surface defining an implant cavity. A second member is disposed with the first member. The second member is configured to penetrate tissue. The second member includes a head defining a socket. A part is disposed at an angle relative to the head. The part includes a top surface configured for disposal of an implant and an opposite bottom surface configured to rotatably engage the head to selectively adjust the angle. The part includes an opening that is in communication with the socket. The opening has a diameter that is less than that of the socket. Implants, systems, constructs, instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventor: Julien J. Prevost
  • Patent number: 10702309
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper capture structure, a head and a multi-piece retainer, articulation structure. The geometry of the retainer structure pieces corresponds and cooperates with the external geometry of the capture structure to frictionally envelope the retainer structure between the capture structure and an internal surface defining a cavity of the head. The head has a U-shaped cradle defining a channel for receiving a spinal fixation or stabilization longitudinal connecting member. The head channel communicates with the cavity and further with a restrictive opening that receives retainer pieces and the capture structure into the head but prevents passage of frictionally engaged retainer and capture structures out of the head. The retainer structure includes a substantially spherical surface that mates with the internal surface of the head, providing a ball joint, enabling the head to be disposed at an angle relative to the shank body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10695102
    Abstract: A bone fastener comprises a first member defining an implant cavity and a plurality of adjacent grooves. A first band is configured for disposal within the grooves. A second band is configured for disposal within the grooves. A second member is configured to penetrate tissue and includes a head engageable with the first band to provisionally connect the members. A first part is engageable with a spinal rod disposed with the implant cavity. A second part is attached with the first part and engageable with the second band to dispose the second band adjacent the first band to fix connection of the members. Implants, systems, instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. May, William Alan Rezach
  • Patent number: 10610265
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone device includes a screw, a screw housing, and a spring. The screw includes a screw head and a shaft that extends from the screw head. The screw housing defines a longitudinal axis and a bore that extends along the longitudinal axis. The screw housing includes a basewall and opposed sidewalls that extend from the basewall. The basewall defines a notch that receives the shaft to increase pivotal movement between the screw and the screw housing relative to the longitudinal axis of the screw housing. The opposed sidewalk define a rod-receiving channel. The screw housing defines a transverse hole in communication with the bore. The spring is supported in the transverse hole and extends therethrough. The spring extends into the bore to frictionally engage the screw head while the screw head is seated in the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Timmon Ark, Theo Choi, Keenan O'Brien
  • Patent number: 10603082
    Abstract: A bone anchor having a rod housing including a base that has an internal groove oriented at an angle oblique to the longitudinal axis of the base, a capture ring situated within the groove and oriented at an angle oblique to the longitudinal axis, and a bone fastener extending into the rod housing and including a fastener head situated within the base and having a surface that mates with the capture surface of the capture ring to maintain a connection between the bone fastener and the rod housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Lish
  • Patent number: 10548640
    Abstract: A fixation system for spinal instrumentation comprising a cap (1), which houses the head of a screw (2), the end of said screw (2) projecting through a lower opening of said cap (1). A coupling element (3) having two tabs (33) on both side ends rests on the upper part of the head of said screw (2). Said coupling element (3) houses therein an adjusting ring (4) secured to a series of tabs (7), by which means the movement of the head of said screw (2) can be limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventors: Ignacio Sanpera Trigueros, Jesús Burgos Flores
  • Patent number: 10543021
    Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a shank sub-assembly comprising a shank and a coupler, and a receiver sub-assembly comprising a receiver having a bore with a bottom opening and a snap-fit assembly proximate the bottom opening comprising an insert, a retainer ring positioned within an expansion chamber, and a positioner configured to hold the retainer ring in position. The shank sub-assembly is uploaded through the receiver bottom opening such that the positioner is pushed up into a holder chamber and the retainer rings engages a circumferential locking groove of the coupler to secure the shank sub-assembly with the receiver sub-assembly with a snap-fit connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10448975
    Abstract: A spinal fixation system includes a rod and anchor devices that include a bone engaging fastener having a head defining a spherical socket. A ball insert is placed within the socket and rotated so that the ball insert is juxtaposed with the socket. The anchor device further includes a yoke defining a yoke channel for receiving the rod and a stem engaged to the ball insert captured within the socket. A sleeve disposed between the yoke channel and the fastener head supports the rod. A set screw is operable to clamp the rod against the sleeve and draw the insert into engagement within the socket. A releasable detent defined between the yoke and the fastener head is configured to releasably retain the yoke in at least one discrete position relative to the fastener. Portions of the releasable detent may also exert a frictional retention force against the fastener head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: SPINE WAVE, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Potash, Anthony James
  • Patent number: 10433877
    Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shaft and a head, a receiving part having a coaxial bore and a seat for receiving the head, a pressure element configured to be movable within the bore, and a preload element being positionable between the head and the pressure element. When the head is inserted in the receiving part, the head is pivotable with respect to the receiving part, and can be locked at an angle relative to the receiving part by the pressure element. The pressure element can assume a position relative to the receiving part where the pressure element and the preload element are in direct contact, and where the pressure element exerts a force onto the head via the preload element to maintain one of a plurality of releasable angular positions between the head and the receiving part by friction before locking the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: BIEDERMANN TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis, Martin Meer
  • Patent number: 10398474
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper portion, a receiver, a compression insert and an articulation structure made from at least two discrete pieces. The shank upper portion cooperates with the compression insert to place the retainer in frictional engagement with the receiver. The geometry of the retainer structure pieces corresponds and cooperates with the external geometry of the shank upper portion to frictionally envelope the retainer structure between the capture structure and an internal surface defining a cavity of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10398475
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in an integral receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. A down-loadable compression insert has a lower friction fit collet and an outer receiver press fit surface. A down-loadable retaining ring has at least one inner edge and outer tiered surfaces. The ring cooperates with the shank to provide for pop- or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver either prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra. The shank and receiver once assembled cannot be disassembled. A uni-planar assembly is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10368917
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to orthopedic fixation devices that comprise a coupling element and a bone fastener, whereby the bone fastener can be loaded into the coupling element through the bottom of a bore in the coupling element. The orthopedic fixation devices described herein can include modular locking clamp assemblies that can be fixed onto fasteners that are already implanted in bone. The modular locking clamp assemblies can include polyaxial locking clamp assemblies, as well as monoaxial locking clamp assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Devjeet Mishra, Michael Harper, Milan George, Katherine Manninen, John Perkins
  • Patent number: 10335200
    Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a shank, a receiver with an open channel in communication with a central bore, and a pressure insert with an upwardly-facing seating surface for receiving an elongate rod. The receiver bore includes a downwardly-facing surface below a closure top mating feature and one or more integral structures protruding inwardly toward a central longitudinal axis. The insert includes one or more notches formed into an outer side surface and an upwardly-facing surface positioned radially outward from the seating surface. Upon installation into the receiver bore, the insert is rotatable about the longitudinal axis until the insert upwardly-facing surface is rotated under the receiver downwardly-facing surface to inhibit upward movement of the insert within the receiver bore along the longitudinal axis and the receiver inwardly-protruding structures become positioned within the insert outer notches to prevent further rotation of the insert within the receiver bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10327915
    Abstract: A separate nub component between the plate and an intervertebral fusion cage, wherein the nub is attached to the plate. The nub lessens the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. It is believed that when the nub fits snugly between the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, it acts as a stop against the undesired pivotal movement of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Pavento, John Riley Hawkins, Sheryl Furlan, Douglas Raymond
  • Patent number: 10278739
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper portion, a receiver member or head, a retaining and articulating structure, and a pressure insert disposed between the shank upper portion and a rod. The receiver has a U-shaped cradle defining a channel for receiving a spinal fixation rod and a receiver cavity. The retaining and articulating structure attaches to the shank and rotates with the shank in the cavity during positioning. The pressure insert presses upon the shank upper portion and not the retaining and articulating structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10231757
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a receiver, a shank, an articulation structure for retaining the shank in the receiver and a compression insert for engagement with a longitudinal connecting member such as a rod. The articulation structure includes substantially spherical convex and concave surfaces that slidably engage both shank and receiver surfaces to provide compound articulation between the receiver and the shank. The receiver includes inwardly directed spring tabs engaging the insert and prohibiting rotation of the insert within the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10179010
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in an integral receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. The receiver can have crimp tabs, but is devoid of spring tabs and collet-like flexible structures. A down-loadable compression insert (some with lock and release feature), a down-loadable friction fit split retaining ring and an up-loadable shank upper portion cooperate to provide for pop- or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver either prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra. The shank and receiver once assembled cannot be disassembled. The receiver and insert include aligned tool receiving apertures for lock and release of the polyaxial mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10172647
    Abstract: A fixation system comprises a rod, a fastener including a head and an elongated shank, a yoke and an insert. The yoke includes opposite arms defining a slot to receive the rod, an opening to receive the shank, a surface for supporting the fastener head, and a cross bore through each of the arms. The insert has a base configured for slidable insertion between the yoke arms, and defining a rod supporting surface and an opening sized to receive the fastener shank. The insert further includes a pair of resiliently deflectable fingers extending from the base and including a tab projecting therefrom configured to be received within a cross bore. Each tab defines a beveled face configured to bear against the yoke as the insert is advanced into the yoke slot and to deflect the fingers inward until the tabs are aligned with the cross bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Nexxt Spine, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Elsbury