Bi-directional fixating transvertebral body screws, zero-profile horizontal intervertebral miniplates, expansile intervertebral body fusion devices, and posterior motion-calibrating interarticulating joint stapling device for spinal fusion
DC CAFCFirst Claim
1. An artificial expansile spinal implant comprising first and second shells and an expansion mechanism positioned between the first and second shells and configured to expand the artificial expansile spinal implant, wherein the expansion mechanism comprises first and second threaded bodies and a rotatable tool engagement portion configured to rotate the first threaded body with respect to the second threaded body to drive expansion between the first shell and the second shell in response to turning the rotatable tool engagement portion, wherein the artificial expansile spinal implant is configured to be introduced into an intervertebral space with the first and second shells engaging opposing vertebral bodies when inserted into the intervertebral space and wherein the tool engagement portion is positioned and configured to be engaged by a tool extending along a direction of insertion for rotating the rotatable tool engagement portion, wherein each of the first and second shells comprises a first set of engagement features extending from the first and second shells that are configured for engaging vertebral endplates of the opposing vertebral bodies to hold the artificial expansile spinal implant in place and a second set of engagement features extending from the first and second shells that are configured for engaging the vertebral endplates of the opposing vertebral bodies to hold the artificial expansile spinal implant in place, wherein the second set of engagement features are larger than the first set of engagement features, extend further than the first set of engagement features, and have substantially tapered tips configured for piercing the vertebral endplates when introduced into the intervertebral space and expanded.
2 Assignments
Litigations
1 Petition
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a shell and first and second first screw members having tapered ends and threaded bodies that are disposed within the shell. A drive mechanism rotatably drives the first and second screw members from the shell in opposite directions and causes the screw members to embed themselves in the members to be joined. The screw apparatus can be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, vertebral bodies, wood, building materials, metals, masonry, or plastics. The stapling apparatus includes first and second lever arms rotatably joined together at a fulcrum, and the lever arms rotate in opposite directions. First and second cartridges are disposed at the ends of the lever arms. Each cartridge is capable of holding a staple including a bracket, a nail member and an alignment slot. When the ends of the lever arms are rotated towards each other the staples from the cartridges are interlocked. The staples can be also be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, or vertebral bodies.
130 Citations
25 Claims
- 1. An artificial expansile spinal implant comprising first and second shells and an expansion mechanism positioned between the first and second shells and configured to expand the artificial expansile spinal implant, wherein the expansion mechanism comprises first and second threaded bodies and a rotatable tool engagement portion configured to rotate the first threaded body with respect to the second threaded body to drive expansion between the first shell and the second shell in response to turning the rotatable tool engagement portion, wherein the artificial expansile spinal implant is configured to be introduced into an intervertebral space with the first and second shells engaging opposing vertebral bodies when inserted into the intervertebral space and wherein the tool engagement portion is positioned and configured to be engaged by a tool extending along a direction of insertion for rotating the rotatable tool engagement portion, wherein each of the first and second shells comprises a first set of engagement features extending from the first and second shells that are configured for engaging vertebral endplates of the opposing vertebral bodies to hold the artificial expansile spinal implant in place and a second set of engagement features extending from the first and second shells that are configured for engaging the vertebral endplates of the opposing vertebral bodies to hold the artificial expansile spinal implant in place, wherein the second set of engagement features are larger than the first set of engagement features, extend further than the first set of engagement features, and have substantially tapered tips configured for piercing the vertebral endplates when introduced into the intervertebral space and expanded.
Specification