Head Structure Patents (Class 606/305)
  • Patent number: 8974501
    Abstract: A distal loading receiver for a polyaxial bone screw includes a body member having a circumferential wall defining a bore disposed longitudinally through the body member. A skirt depends from a distal end of the body member. The skirt defines one or more distally opening slots and an abluminal surface of the skirt includes one or more transverse ribs proximate to a distal end of the skirt. A retaining ring includes a luminal surface having one or more transverse recesses proximate to a distal end of the luminal surface and one or more walls extending inwardly from the luminal surface. The slots accommodate the walls and the recesses accommodate the ribs to attach the body member to the retaining ring when the distal end of the skirt is inserted into a proximal end of the retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean Dikeman
  • Patent number: 8968367
    Abstract: Compression-distraction spinal fixation systems, and methods of performing compression-distraction spinal fixation, are provided that include screw-rod constructs having a ratcheting mechanism. Bone screws of the screw-rod constructs can have a pawl that engages ratchet teeth on the rod of the screw-rod construct. The bone screw can be unidirectionally ratcheted along the length of the rod to apply compressive or distractive forces. Tools for manipulation of the screw-rod constructs are also provided, which tools include distal tips configured to engage the bone screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignees: The Johns Hopkins University, Neuraxis Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Ryan M. Kretzer, Bryan W. Cunningham, Jeffrey Gordon
  • Publication number: 20150051652
    Abstract: A composite fixation device is described herein which includes a first and second biodegradable material. The first and second biodegradable materials degrade at different rates thereby permitting tissue ingrowth into the device prior to degradation of the entire device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Nadya Belcheva, Joseph Hotter, Russell Heinrich
  • Publication number: 20150045840
    Abstract: A fastening device for surgical holding systems includes a holding element and a fastening element with a ball joint, which can be locked by way of rotating an eccentric ring in the holding element. The joint socket defines a joint inner surface of the ball joint and the joint head a joint outer surface of the ball joint. When the eccentric ring clamps the joint head with respect to the joint socket, the position of three contact locations of the ball joint which lock the ball joint are unambiguously defined due to the shape of at least one of the three elements: joint socket, joint head and eccentric ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Vincent Vaucher, Markus A. Muller
  • Publication number: 20150045839
    Abstract: A method for fusing bones using a guide pin and a fastener is disclosed. The method includes inserting a guide pin into two bones. The guide pin including at least one radial marking The method also including imaging the two bones and guide pin and analyzing the position of the at least one radial marking of the guide pin relative to the two bones. In addition, the method includes selecting a fastener, inserting a drill over the guide pin, drilling an opening through at least one of the two bones, and inserting the fastener into the opening. The guide pin may include an exterior surface with a first end and a second end, a cutting edge at the first end, and at least one radial marking near the first end. A system including a guide pin, a fastener, and a drill is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: PARAGON 28, INC.
    Inventors: Albert DACOSTA, Thomas SAN GIOVANNI, Michael HOUGHTON
  • Patent number: 8945194
    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 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Biedermann Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Jurgen Harms
  • Patent number: 8945139
    Abstract: The insertion tool and pusher system of the present invention includes a bone screw having a head and a shaft. An annular washer is adapted to be mounted on the bone screw shaft. An insertion tool having a longitudinally extending shaft with an axial bore therethrough is provided for receiving the bone screw. The shaft has a first end with a washer retention surface surrounding the insertion tool cannulated shaft bore. The washer is held on the retention surface which positions the washer to receive the bone screw shaft. Pin-like spring elements are used to hold the washer in position. A plate is mounted on an outer surface at the first end of the inserter shaft, the plate having a bone contacting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma GmbH
    Inventors: Jakob Kemper, Nick Morfing, Michael Archdeacon, Henry Claude Sagi
  • Publication number: 20150032165
    Abstract: Orthopedic fixation devices and methods of installing the same. The orthopedic fixation device may include 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Harper, Milan George, Katherine Manninen, John Perkins
  • Patent number: 8940031
    Abstract: A pedicle screw fixation system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a tulip is provided for holding a head of a pedicle screw substantially along a longitudinal axis. The tulip includes opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots aligned along a transverse axis. A rod is received by the opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots. A coupling collar includes a plurality of resilient fingers circumferentially disposed therearound such that a snap fit engagement with the head of the pedicle screw formed. The coupling collar includes a first deformable face operable for contact with the rod. A set screw is for adapted for driving engagement through the tulip along the longitudinal axis such that a second deformable face is positioned for contact with the rod. The first and second deformable faces conform to the shape of the rod in response to forceful engagement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Eminent Spine LLC
    Inventors: Steve Courtney, David Freehill
  • Patent number: 8932367
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to embodiments of a device for implantation into a residual amputated limb. More specifically, the subject invention provides one or more embodiments of an implantable force-distribution support that can be installed onto the terminal end of a bone or bone stump in a residual limb. The force-distribution support can restore the natural hydrodynamic system of the skeleton and can re-engage the axial skeleton as a factor in absorbing forces of ambulation. Embodiments can include a support bracket that can be attached to the terminal bone end to which a resilient-support can be attached to protect residual tissue from compression forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Larry N. Smith
  • Patent number: 8926669
    Abstract: There is provided a modular polyaxial pedicle screw assembly that includes various components which may be configured in various manners so as to provide different functionalities to the pedicle screw assembly. This advantageously decreases surgery time, reduces repetitive and tedious surgical steps, and allows for streamlining inventory of expensive medical equipment. In one embodiment, a pedicle screw assembly includes a pedicle screw, a rod holding element, a polyaxial insert, a rod, and a set screw. The pedicle screw includes a threaded shaft and a cap. The rod holding element includes a screw hole, an insert bearing area, a chamber, chamber walls, a saddle area, and a threading area. The insert is disposed within the chamber, and the insert defines a bearing surface, an upper surface, side walls and a receiving area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: The Center for Orthopedic Research and Education, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc C. Jacofsky, A. Joshua Appel
  • Publication number: 20140379037
    Abstract: A related bone screw system may include a threaded base configured to be screwed into a bone, and a first head carried by the threaded base and defining a first channel therein. The first channel may be configured to receive a first support rod, and the first head may have first internal threads within the first channel. The bone screw device may further include a second head comprising a threaded base configured to be threadably coupled with the first inner threads to secure the first support rod within the first channel of the first screw head, and an articulating head coupled to the threaded base and defining a second channel therein configured to receive a second support rod. The articulating head may be configured for polyaxial movement relative to the threaded base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Devin Datta
  • Patent number: 8911483
    Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, an expandable ring is provided including a continuous ring member having no splits or breaks. According to one exemplary embodiment, the expandable ring is a compliant mechanism configured to expand and contract due to a relative movement of related sections of the continuous ring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Nexus Spine, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael D. Ensign
  • Patent number: 8906068
    Abstract: A spinal fixation system (1) for use in the fixation of a spine having a securing element (18) having a biasing member (21) located on a lower portion (44) of the securing element (18); and a substantially concave surface (25) dimensioned for at least partially circumscribing a fixation rod (15); and a retaining element (22) having: a substantially concave top surface (23) dimensioned for at least partially circumscribing a fixation rod (15); an outwardly extending wing (16); a crimping portion (42), wherein the crimping portion (42) at least partially compresses when a force is exerted on the retaining element (22); and a substantially concave bottom surface (24) dimensioned for at least partially circumscribing a head (11) of a bone fixation element (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Bernard M. Bedor
  • Publication number: 20140358182
    Abstract: A polyaxial pedicle screw includes a threaded shaft portion for anchoring the pedicle screw in a vertebra, the pedicle screw having one axial end provided with a shaft head which is coupled to a mounting sleeve for a longitudinal beam in a rotatable and/or pivotable manner, including a fixing device for the selective positional fixation of the mounting sleeve with respect to the shaft portion. The fixing device includes a locking element as well as a counterforce part which is formed so as to be separate from the pedicle screw and counteracts the holding force of the locking element, preferably a grub screw or threaded nut, and is designed and/or retained in such a manner that the holding force of the locking element can be selectively released by means of the counterforce part, viz. is without any effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Aesculap AG
    Inventor: Andrea PUEKERT
  • Patent number: 8900272
    Abstract: A dynamic fixation medical implant includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having an elongate coil-like outer member and an inner cylindrical core attached to the outer member at only one end thereof. Some assemblies include a second longitudinal connecting member in the form of a rod that is fixed to the inner core and extends outwardly from the assembly. Certain assemblies include a threaded core or threaded inserts that cooperate with a helical slit of the coil-like outer member. Two or more cooperating bone screw assemblies attach to the connecting member assembly. The bone screw assemblies may include upper and lower compression members for affixing to and cradling the coil-like outer member only, allowing relative movement between the outer member and the inner cylindrical core. Press fit or snap-on features attach one end of the coil-like outer member to one end of the inner cylindrical core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Roger P Jackson
  • Patent number: 8888827
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Harper, Milan George, Katherine Manninen, John Perkins
  • Patent number: 8882817
    Abstract: A polyaxial pedicle screw includes a housing, a bone screw member, and an anvil. The bone screw member includes a head and a threaded shaft extending from the head. The head is selectively securable within the housing. The anvil is positionable within the housing adjacent to the head of the bone screw member when the anvil and the head of the bone screw member are positioned within the housing. The anvil may define one or more grooves in an outer surface of the anvil. The groove defines a flap that is flexibly attached to the anvil to enable the anvil to flex an amount sufficient to maintain the head of the bone screw in constant contact with the anvil when the bone screw member is moved relative to the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Jones, Oheneba Boachie-Adjei, Larry McClintock, Kevin Strauss, John Carbone
  • Publication number: 20140330323
    Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shaft and a head; a receiving part for receiving the head and a rod, the receiving part being formed in one piece and having a top end and a bottom end, a bore extending from the top end to the bottom end, an inner wall defined by the bore, a substantially U-shaped channel adjacent to the top end for receiving the rod and a seat adjacent to the bottom end for accommodating the head; a pressure element; and a spring element having a spring force. The anchoring element is inserted from the top end and is pivotable with respect to the receiving part. The pressure element is movable in the bore so as to be able to fix the anchoring element at an angle with respect to the receiving part by exerting pressure onto the head. The spring element acts between the pressure element and the receiving part and allows the pressure element to be introduced from the top end but withstands against removal of the pressure element through the top end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Biedermann Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis
  • Patent number: 8876874
    Abstract: The distal bone screw segment of a bone screw system is driven into bone. In a first state, the assembly permits relative motion between its component parts in order to facilitate the placement and correct alignment of an interconnecting rod that is used to couple multiple bone screw systems and/or other orthopedic devices. In a second state, the assembly provides relative immobilization between the assembly components and the inter-connecting rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: M. Samy Abdou
  • Publication number: 20140324109
    Abstract: A fastener, for example a bone screw, is sized to pass into an aperture of an implant, for example a bone plate, the fastener having an anchor portion engageable with body tissue, and a head portion formed by an assembly of an insert and an anchor extension. The implant has an aperture with a reduced entry dimension. The insert and anchor extension cooperate to form a reduced dimension passable into the aperture, and an expanded dimension not passable out of the aperture. The size of the assembly is configurable by bending resilient tabs of the anchor extension or the implant, using ramped surfaces, or an expanding diameter of a threadable insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Michael E. Black, Matthew Hansell, Jon Suh
  • Patent number: 8870931
    Abstract: A fastening apparatus includes a fastener and a fastener receiving member. The apparatus enables the fastener to be affixed to the fastener receiving member at a variable insertion angle selected by the user and further provides an anti-unscrewing feature. The fastener includes an elongate section and an adjoining head section having at least one slot therein. The fastener receiving member includes one or more apertures having a contact region through which one or more corresponding fasteners can be inserted. The contact region includes a matrix of protrusions having a density and strength sufficient to render contact region tappable by the thread of the head section of the fastener. The thread on the head section is driven into the contact region at the selected insertion angle. As a result, the protrusions project into the at least one slot to prevent the fastener from backing out of the fastener receiving member. A fastener driver is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignees: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, AngleFix Tech, LLC
    Inventors: Laurence E. Dahners, Nicholas F. Warner
  • Patent number: 8864803
    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: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Biedermann Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Jürgen Harms
  • Patent number: 8864800
    Abstract: Compression-distraction spinal fixation systems, and methods of performing compression-distraction spinal fixation, are provided that include screw-rod constructs having a ratcheting mechanism. Bone screws of the screw-rod constructs can have a pawl that engages ratchet teeth on the rod of the screw-rod construct. The bone screw can be ratcheted along the length of the rod to apply distractive or compressive forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignees: The Johns Hopkins University, Neuraxis LLC
    Inventors: Ryan M. Kretzer, Bryan W. Cunningham, Jeffrey Gordon
  • Patent number: 8858605
    Abstract: Presented herein is a bone screw system that comprises a fixation element, a receiving element, coupling element, and a compression element. The fixation element can be a screw. The receiving element defines an internal bore sized to receive the shank portion of the fixation element and a seat adapted to support the head portion of the fixation element. The seat of the receiving element is shaped to substantially conform to an exterior portion of the head portion of the fixation element. A breakaway groove is positioned externally on each leg or leg extension. The breakaway groove extends inwardly at least partially through the wall of each leg or leg extension. This creates an aperture or slit in the wall leaving the wall with at least on, preferably a pair of leg attachments on each leg or leg extension adjacent the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Amendia, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Glatzer, Challis King, Wells Yang, Dale Whipple, Bruce Hooper
  • Patent number: 8852252
    Abstract: Endosseous screw (1) for fixing a plate (102) to a bone site (300), comprising an at least partially threaded shaft (2), insertion means for inserting the screw into a bone site and a distal portion (33) provided for engaging said plate to fasten it to said bone site and comprising a head (3) having facets (30) defining an external peripheral profile provided for engagement with a tubular manipulating wrench, to allow the screw (1) to be extracted from the bone site (300) into which it has been inserted, wherein the facets (30) are curvilinear and the external peripheral profile defined by same facets (30) has a convex barrel-like shape, in order to allow a stable coupling between the tubular manipulating wrench and said profile, which is maintained during the untightening phase of screw from plate, even when said tubular manipulating wrench is oriented in an inclined direction with respect to a longitudinal axis (x) of the endosseous screw (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Orthofix S.r.l.
    Inventors: Daniele Venturini, Giancarlo Marazzi
  • Patent number: 8845700
    Abstract: A bone screw assembly includes a screw body, including anchor portion and rod-receiving portion, and a rod seat movably mounted in the screw body to allow for controlled angulation between a spinal connection element disposed in the rod seat and the screw body. The rod seat is pivotable in one or more selected directions about one or more axes relative to the screw body. The rod seat may include a first lower rod seat element disposed in a recess of the screw body having a cylindrical bottom surface to facilitate pivoting in a first direction. A second lower rod seat element is stacked on the first lower rod seat element and has a conical bottom surface abutting a top surface of the first lower rod seat element to facilitate pivoting in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC.
    Inventors: Seungkyu Daniel Kwak, Nam T. Chao, Andrea Burke
  • Patent number: 8840652
    Abstract: Polyaxial bone anchors include a retainer for holding a shank within a receiver, the retainer being in at least two discrete pieces and cooperating with a variety of inserts, some of which independently lock the polyaxial mechanism. Polyaxial and mono-axial bone anchor assemblies include pivot and/or pressure inserts or pads that cooperate with longitudinal connecting members to provide a desired degree of continued control of angulation of the longitudinal connecting member in the sagittal plane or to hold the connecting member in place. Pressure pads for deformable rods may also be made from a deformable plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8834539
    Abstract: Fastening apparatus includes a fastener (30, 64, 120), including a threaded shaft (34, 126) having a thread diameter and a fastening element (36, 68, 124) having a head diameter, greater than the thread diameter. An annular washer (38, 40, 66, 70, 90, 100, 110, 122), including a shape memory material, is configured to fit over and surround the shaft and has an outer diameter no greater than the head diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Nitilick Ltd.
    Inventors: Dvir Keren, Hadar Better
  • Patent number: 8834540
    Abstract: A polyaxial screw body includes a side wall defining a lumen having a first end and a second end. An opening disposed at the first end of the lumen, includes an interior surface disposed in the side wall thereabout. The interior surface is adapted to accommodate a head portion of a pedicle screw. A transverse channel extends from a first aperture through the side wall to a second aperture and is adapted to accommodate a portion of a fixation rod therebetween. A lateral connector extending integrally from the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Purcell, Darren Reimers
  • Patent number: 8834541
    Abstract: A bone fixation assembly comprises a tulip-shaped assembly and a bone fixation device such as a surgical or pedicle screw, comprising a head and a bone fixation portion. The tulip assembly comprises an upper portion to receive a rod and a lower portion that has a cavity in which the head of the bone fixation device rests. The cavity has an aperture below. The aperture has a length through which the tulip assembly may slide with respect to the bone fixation device, for movement of the tulip assembly when the bone fixation device is in place, while also maintaining the angular movement of the tulip assembly. The bone fixation device may comprise an aperture engaging part, which locks the bone fixation device position on the aperture length. A tulip assembly translation mechanism comprises a head, a cavity, an aperture to the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Héctor Anselmo Vargas Soto
  • Publication number: 20140257412
    Abstract: A system for orthopedic repair of bones, the system may include a compression screw. The screw may include a blunt tip on one end with tapped threads to allow for greater bone fixation uniform across a threaded portion of the screw. The screw may also include springs, which may be Belleville washers, which provide appropriate compression and tension and prevent excessive loosening of the screw after surgery. The springs allow the screw to retract without losing pressure on the fracture site. The system may be minimally invasive for multiple fractures on a single bone such as calcaneal fractures, and stabilizing long bone fractures without bone plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: BRIDGING MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Michael Patty, Cameron Field, Andrew Enke, Daniel Robert Patty
  • Publication number: 20140257411
    Abstract: A bone fastener includes a first member fixable with a proximal portion and includes a wall defining a groove. The wall includes an inner surface defining a first mating surface and a lateral surface defining a cavity. A second member is configured for fixation with the first member and includes a second mating surface engageable with the first mating surface. A third member defines an opening and is disposable with the groove such that the opening is aligned with the cavity. A distal portion includes a first end disposed within the members and a second end configured to penetrate tissue. The distal portion is movable relative to the proximal portion between a first orientation and a second orientation. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventor: William Alan Rezach
  • Patent number: 8828006
    Abstract: An anti-splay apparatus having a bridge and frangible connection points for use with mechanical fasteners having a shank portion and a receiving member with opposing arms is provided. The bridge may take a number of forms including a ring, a notched ring, a tube, or a notched tube and the connection points join the opposing arms of the receiving member with the bridge. Also provided is the anti-splay apparatus also having tabs connected between frangible connection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: BlackStone Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Semler, Bruce Frankel
  • Patent number: 8821522
    Abstract: There are disclosed various embodiments of surgical tacks for use in surgical procedures. The tacks generally include a head and a barrel portion extending distally from the head. Preferably, the head and the barrel portion define a throughbore for receipt of a drive instrument. A thread on the head is provided to engage threads in the installation tool. A tissue thread is provided on the barrel portion to engage tissue. Distal and proximal surfaces of the tissue thread may be oriented at various angles relative to the barrel portion. There is also disclosed an insertion instrument to insert one or more tacks as well as a method of use. There is further disclosed a model device for use in explaining the operation of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Christopher J. Criscuolo, Ernie Aranyi
  • Publication number: 20140243911
    Abstract: The invention relates to a biodegradable, magnesium-containing bone screw for implanting into a patient body for use in medical applications, such as, orthopedic, craniofacial and cardiovascular surgery. The bone screw has a head, shaft and tip. The thickness of the head is greater than the thickness of conventional bone screws. The shaft includes both a non-threaded and a threaded portion. The tip is non-threaded and pointed, such as, conical in shape. The composition of the bone screws provide for improved biodegradability and biocompatibility, and the features of the structure of the bone screws facilitate guidance and placement during implantation as well as reduce the potential for mechanical failures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH - OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: ALEJANDRO JOSE ALMARZA, JOHN A. HOLMES, WILLIAM LEE CHUNG, SARAH E. HENDERSON
  • Patent number: 8814919
    Abstract: A pedicle screw construct includes a pedicle screw, a coupling, and a collet. The pedicle screw includes a shank having a helical thread formed thereon and a head at one end. The collet is positioned atop the head of the pedicle screw. The collet and pedicle screw are inserted into the coupling. The pedicle screw is rotatable and pivotable relative to the collet and coupling assembly. The collet and the coupling each have a saddle that is adapted and configured for receiving a rod member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Barrus, Jennifer Moore
  • Publication number: 20140228897
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a system for connecting a fastener element (e.g., a pedicle screw) relative to a rod for the purposes of vertebral fixation is provided. The system may permit multi-axial movement between the fastener element and the rod. Further, the system may permit the angular relationship between the fastener element and the rod to be held in a desired orientation. For the purposes of describing and claiming the present invention, the term “rod” is intended to refer to any elongated structure. Such an elongated structure may be solid or hollow and may have any desired cross-section (e.g., circular, oval, square, rectangular). Further, for the purposes of describing and claiming the present invention, the term “interference fit” is intended to refer to physical contact between two or more components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Hammer, Alan Lombardo
  • Publication number: 20140228896
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to embodiments of a device for implantation into a residual amputated limb. More specifically, the subject invention provides one or more embodiments of an implantable force-distribution support that can be installed onto the terminal end of a bone or bone stump in a residual limb. The force-distribution support can restore the natural hydrodynamic system of the skeleton and can re-engage the axial skeleton as a factor in absorbing forces of ambulation. Embodiments can include a support bracket that can be attached to the terminal bone end to which a resilient-support can be attached to protect residual tissue from compression forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: LARRY N. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20140222089
    Abstract: The present invention generally is directed toward a spinal fixation system whereby a coupling element allows the physician to selectively lock or unlock either the connection between the coupling element and a fastener, such as to allow for repositioning of the coupling element, or the connection between the coupling element and an elongate rod. The locking or unlocking of these connections may be made independently and as desired by the physician.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew Iott, Andrew Lee, Larry Binder, David Paul
  • Publication number: 20140222090
    Abstract: A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws. The tool set includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Intermediate guide tools having guiding pass through slots are utilized to guide intermediate locations along the rod toward associated bone screws. An attachment structure operably connects the guide tools to the bone screws. The guide tools each include a lower guide and advancement structure to allow a closure top with mating structure to be rotated and driven downward against the rod and to cooperate with similar structure in the bone screw to seat and lock the rod therein. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the rod in the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8795338
    Abstract: An anti-splay member is configured for engagement with a bone fastener and includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and a threaded cavity extending along the longitudinal axis. The cavity is configured for engagement with a screw. Opposing retainer members extend transversely from the body and are configured to engage a proximal end of the bone fastener to prevent radial expansion of the proximal end. At least one locking member extends from the body and is configured for engagement with the proximal end of the bone fastener. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Dickinson
  • Publication number: 20140214097
    Abstract: A two-piece closure for polyaxial bone screws includes an outer fastener and an inner set screw, the outer fastener having a drive system with pockets that cooperate with a pronged drive tool. The polyaxial screw includes a lower pressure insert engaged with the outer fastener, the insert in some embodiments being made from a cobalt chrome alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Roger P. Jackson, James L. Surber
  • Publication number: 20140207196
    Abstract: A telescopic surgical screw comprising: (a) a first screw section including a distal threaded section and a proximal section; (b) a second screw section including a proximal threaded section and a distal section; and, (c) a reconfigurable bushing configured to be received within at least one of the first screw section and the second screw section to limit travel of the first screw section with respect to the second screw section, where at least one of the first screw section and the second screw section includes an internal cavity sized to receive the reconfigurable bushing and where the first screw section is configured to be repositionable along a length of the second screw section to change an overall length of the surgical screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Paul Slagle, Anthony Metzinger
  • Publication number: 20140194886
    Abstract: A fenestrated bone screw and method of use is disclosed in which a bone cement injection tube may be readily and sealably connected to the head of the bone screw by means of a bayonet connector so that bone cement from a cement pump may be forced into a cannula of the bone screw and into the bone structure proximate the fenestrations of the bone screw. Upon completion of the injection of the bone cement, the cement tube may be readily disconnected from the bone screw in such manner that leakage of bone cement is minimized. A surgical method of injecting bone cement into bone structure using such a cannulated, fenestrated bone screw is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Nicholas Poulos
  • Patent number: 8771324
    Abstract: A fastener, for example a bone screw, is sized to pass into an aperture of an implant, for example a bone plate, the fastener having an anchor portion engageable with body tissue, and a head portion formed by an assembly of an insert and an anchor extension. The implant has an aperture with a reduced entry dimension. The insert and anchor extension cooperate to form a reduced dimension passable into the aperture, and an expanded dimension not passable out of the aperture. The size of the assembly is configurable by bending resilient tabs of the anchor extension or the implant, using ramped surfaces, or an expanding diameter of a threadable insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Black, Matthew Hansell, Jon Suh
  • Publication number: 20140188174
    Abstract: An anchoring member is provided suitable for use in a polyaxial bone anchoring device, the anchoring member (1) comprising a bone anchoring section (2) with a bone engagement structure in at least a portion of an outer surface thereof; a head (3); a central axis (C) extending through a center of the head (3) and the bone anchoring section (2), and a neck portion (24; 24?; 24?; 24??) between the hone anchoring section and the head, wherein the neck portion is asymmetric with respect to the central axis (C); and wherein the bone anchoring section (2) has a contour in a circumferential direction adjacent to the neck portion and wherein the neck portion is at least partially recessed with respect to the contour of the bone anchoring section at one side and extends beyond the contour of the bone anchoring section at an opposite side from the central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Biedermann Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis
  • Publication number: 20140180346
    Abstract: The disclosed screw assemblies include a screw that attaches onto the bone, a housing member that connects and inter-locks the bone screw to the rod, and one or more looking members that permit immobilization of various components of the assembly relative to one another while still permitting some relative movement. The bone screws and bone screw assemblies described herein permit flexible stabilization of the spine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Samy Abdou
  • Publication number: 20140172023
    Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly includes a fixation element, a coupling element, a bottom saddle, and a compression nut. The fixation element is adapted to engage a bone having a head portion and a shank portion. The coupling element includes an internal bore sized to receive the shank portion, a seat adapted to support the head portion, and a retention region in a sidewall of the coupling element that extends from a proximal ridge to the seat, the retention region including non-parallel opposed internal surfaces therebetween. The bottom saddle is disposed within the retention region and including a frustoconical outer surface formed by opposed walls and a rod-receiving region to receive a rod. The compression nut is coupled with the coupling element and adapted to translate a force to the head portion through the rod and bottom saddle to prevent relative movement between the fixation element and the coupling element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Laszlo GARAMSZEGI
  • Publication number: 20140163618
    Abstract: A bone anchoring device for securement to a bone. The device includes an anchor, a receiver, a retainer and an insert. The receiver includes a seating surface defining a cavity communicating with the exterior of the receiver through a first opening configured to receive the connection head of the anchor therethrough. The retainer includes at least two discrete retaining members configured to engage with the receiver seating surface when they are captured between the connection head and the seating surface. The insert is disposed within the receiver and configured to frictionally engage the connection head. The insert includes a main body and at least one pin protruding from the main body, for circumferential insertion between two adjacent retaining members of the retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: ZIMMER SPINE
    Inventors: Georges Legallois, Karl Belliard, Nicolas Bidegaimberry, Thomas Bouvry