| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080268056 | INJECTABLE COPOLYMER HYDROGEL USEFUL FOR REPAIRING VERTEBRAL COMPRESSION FRACTURES - Embodiments of the present invention provide a biocompatible substance useful for repairing a vertebral compression fracture (VCF). The biocompatible substance can be made from two or more biocompatible polymeric hydrogels via physical cross-linking. The biocompatible substance thus made exhibits a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) phenomenon and undergoes volume and stage changes with temperature in the range of 25° C.-34° C. The biocompatible substance can be in liquid injectable form at room temperature, can cure within the human body without damaging living tissues, does not release toxic monomers during surgery, and, once cured, has optimum mechanical properties that match those of a human cancellous bone. It can be used alone in minimally invasive procedures or in combination with other spine treatments. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080269897 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE AND METHODS FOR REPAIRING ARTICULATING JOINTS FOR USING THE SAME - Embodiments of the invention provide an implantable device having a bioresorbable outer layer and a bioactive inner core. The outer layer can be porous, allowing material to pass through and bond with bones. After placement, the outer layer will dissolve into the body over time. The bioactivity, bonding ability, and mechanical properties can be manipulated in many ways. The size, shape, and number of the implantable device may vary, depending upon needs and applications. The implantable device can be introduced into the articulating joint with minimal invasion to act as both a cushion and a load-bearing device, alleviating pain associated with degenerative facet joints, eliminating the need for fusion/fixation procedures, and preserving/restoring the natural function of articulating surfaces. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20090093819 | ANISOTROPIC SPINAL STABILIZATION ROD - Embodiments of the disclosure provide an anisotropic spinal stabilization rod useful for connecting a set of bone fasteners that can anchor a spinal stabilization system onto vertebral bodies. The anisotropic spinal stabilization rod comprises a linear body made of a composite material with fibers selectively oriented in one or more directions to approximate a range of motion of a healthy spine. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090297603 | INTERSPINOUS DYNAMIC STABILIZATION SYSTEM WITH ANISOTROPIC HYDROGELS - Disclosed are embodiments of an interspinous dynamic stabilization system that can uniquely address the dynamic stabilization of a spinal segment and facet joint concurrently and that can be useful for drug delivery applications. The interspinous dynamic stabilization system comprises a relatively rigid casing and relies on the anisotropic expansion feature of specially manufactured hydrogels contained in the casing to resist and control the extension of the spine. In a surgical procedure, the casing is attached to adjacent spinous processes laterally or in an anterior-posterior direction. Dehydrated hydrogels are then inserted inside the casing, perhaps one by one in a minimally invasive manner. Upon absorption of fluid, the hydrogels swell axially in the preferred direction, eventually lifting the superior spinous process. As the casing is attached to the spinous processes, the interspinous dynamic stabilization system can also have enhanced stability against torsional and lateral bending. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20100160968 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PEDICLE SCREW-BASED SPINE STABILIZATION USING FLEXIBLE BANDS - Embodiments of the disclosure provide a spinal stabilization rod useful for connecting a set of bone fasteners that can anchor a spinal stabilization system onto vertebral bodies. The spinal stabilization rod comprises rigid sections for coupling with bone fastener assemblies engaged in vertebrae and a flexible band for coupling the rigid sections. A bumper may be disposed around the rod to encase the flexible band. The spinal stabilization system may include a dampener. | 06-24-2010 |
