| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080221686 | DEVICES USED TO TREAT DISC HERNIATION AND ATTACHMENT MECHANISMS THEREFORE - A method for retaining an intra-discal material within an annulus fibrosis having a posterior annulus, an inside surface, and an opening is described. The opening has a lateral and a vertical dimension. A retention device that includes a shape memory alloy is inserted through the opening in the annulus fibrosis. The length dimension of the device is longer than the lateral dimension of the opening and the width dimension of the device is longer than the vertical dimension of the opening in the annulus fibrosis. The retention device is positioned against the posterior annulus to rest against annulus fibrosis tissues adjacent the opening on the inside surface of the annulus fibrosis such that both a portion of the length dimension and a portion of the width dimension rests against annulus fibrosis tissues adjacent the opening. The retention device prevents the escape of intra-discal material through the opening. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080228230 | Hinged Bone Plate and Related Methods - A bone plate system comprising a thin plate and fasteners for securing the plate to at least two segments of bone. The plate may be hinged along the central axis, with a pair of collinear holes on each portion of the plate. Each of the holes accommodates a bolt which is screwed into the bone and secured to the plate using a nut. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080243256 | DEVICES USED TO TREAT DISC HERNIATION AND ATTACHMENT MECHANISMS THEREFORE - A method for retaining an intra-discal material within an annulus fibrosis is described. The annulus fibrosis has a posterior annulus, an inside surface, and an opening with a lateral and a vertical dimension. A single wire and a band is provided. The single wire is made of shape-memory material and has a first compressed configuration and a second expanded configuration. The band and the single wire, which is in the first compressed configuration, is inserted through the opening in the annulus fibrosis. After insertion through the opening, the single wire expands to the second expanded configuration. The single wire and the band are positioned near the posterior annulus to rest against annulus fibrosis tissues adjacent the opening on the inside surface of the annulus fibrosis, such that the band is positioned to rest against annulus fibrosis tissues adjacent the opening, thereby preventing escape of intra-discal material through the opening. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080262550 | CROSS-COUPLED VERTEBRAL STABILIZERS INCORPORATING SPINAL MOTION RESTRICTION - Methods for stabilizing upper and lower spinal vertebrae having a disc situated between the upper and lower vertebrae are described. First and second fasteners are inserted into the upper vertebra. Third and fourth fasteners are inserted into the lower vertebra. At least two of the first, second, third, and fourth fasteners are connected with an elongate element. In an alternative embodiment, at least three of the first, second, third, and fourth fasteners are connected with the elongate element. The elongate element may be an elastic connector or a cable. The elongate element may also have first and second ends that are connected by a crimp. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080311114 | USE OF MORPHOGENIC PROTEINS TO TREAT HUMAN DISC DISEASE - Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are introduced into an affected intervertebral disc without the inclusion of disc cells. The inventions applies to all known and yet-to-be developed or discovered BMPs, including BMP-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, -8, -9, -10, . . . BMPn. The BMP(s) may be obtained from natural and/or recombinant sources. The BMP(s) may be introduced using any surgical technique, including percutaneous or laparoscopic approaches. As one delivery mechanism, a passageway may be formed through the annulus, with the substances then being introduced through the passageway. Alternatively, a carrier may be sewn or otherwise adhered to the inside or outside of the existing annulus using standard surgical procedures. Additional therapeutic substances such as culture medium, growth factors, differentiation factors, hydrogels, polymers, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or immunosuppressive medications could be introduced in conjunction with the BMP(s). | 12-18-2008 |
| 20090024165 | METHODS OF ANNULUS AND LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION USING FLEXIBLE DEVICES - Methods for providing a flexible spinal stabilization system operative to prevent lateral bending, extension, and rotation across two or more adjacent vertebrae are described. Broadly, the invention utilizes a pair of connectors on each vertebrae, and flexible elongated elements, such as sutures or cables, in an axial and crisscrossed pattern to provide an arrangement that resists extension, lateral bending, and torsional/rotational motion. In some embodiments, the flexible stabilization system includes a pair of locking anchors and a pair of hook-like anchors. The locking anchors are pre-threaded with a suture in a loose looped configuration before insertion into the vertebra. Once the locking anchors have been inserted, the suture loops can be looped over hook-like anchors inserted into an adjacent vertebrae to join the vertebrae and apply tension across the disc space. In some embodiments, the hook-like anchors can have multiple hooks for use in joining multiple vertebral levels. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090138050 | NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL APPARATUS AND PROCEDURES - Neurophysiological instruments and techniques are improved through various enhancements. Stimulation of an instrument is possible while it is advancing into the spine or elsewhere, alerting the surgeon to the first sign the instrument or device (screw) may be too near a nerve. A directional probe helps surgeons determine the location of the hole in the pedicle. Electrically insulating sleeves prevent shunting into the soft tissues. According to a different improvement, the same probe to be used to stimulate different devices, such as screws and wires. Electrical impulses may be recorded from non-muscle regions of the body, including the spine and other portions of the central nervous system as opposed to just the extremities. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20100010367 | System and methods for monitoring during anterior surgery - The present invention involves a system and methods for nerve testing during anterior surgery, including but not limited to anterior disc replacement surgery, nucleus replacement, and interbody fusion. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100016889 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ANULUS REPAIR - Apparatus and methods facilitates reconstruction of the anulus fibrosus (AF) and/or the nucleus pulposus (NP) to prevent recurrent herniation following microlumbar discectomy. The invention may also be used in the treatment of herniated discs, anular tears of the disc, or disc degeneration, while enabling surgeons to preserve the contained nucleus pulposus. A spinal repair system according to the invention comprises flexible longitudinal fixation components adapted for placement through portions of the AF with intact fibers, a porous mesh reinforcement component adapted for placement over a region of the AF with damaged fibers, and an anti-adhesion component for placement over flexible longitudinal fixation components and the porous mesh component. Preferred embodiments of the invention include an intra-aperture component dimensioned for positioning within a defect in the AF, with one or more components being used to maintain the intra-aperture component in position. One or more lengthwise passageways through the intra-aperture component, one or more lengthwise grooves on the outer surface of the intra-aperture component, or a combination thereof, intentionally facilitate the escape of nucleus pulposus tissue through or around the intra-aperture component in response to pressure applied by the upper and lower vertebral bodies. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100241233 | SPACERLESS ARTIFICIAL DISC REPLACEMENTS - Spacerless artificial disc replacements (ADR) are disclosed. One preferred embodiment includes two saddle-shaped components to facilitate more normal spinal flexion, extension, and lateral bending while limit axial rotation, thereby protecting the facet joints and the annulus fibrosus (AF). Either or both of the superior and inferior components are made of a hard material such as chrome cobalt, titanium, or a ceramic including alumina, zirconia, or calcium phosphate. The articulating surfaces of the ADR are also preferably highly polished to reduce friction between the components. Metals, alloys or other materials with shape-memory characteristics may also prove beneficial. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20110034975 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REPAIRING AND/OR REPLACING INTERVERTEBRAL DISC COMPONENTS AND PROMOTING HEALING - Disclosed embodiments provide for treatment of the anulus fibrosus (AF) and intevertebral disc (IVD), including herniated discs, anular tears of the disc, or disc degeneration, while enabling surgeons to contain blood, fluid, proteins, or other materials that are placed into or migrate into or near defective regions of the spine. The invention also concentrates mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the surgical area and increases the area of bone to be fused. Other aspects of the invention may be used to raise the temperature of tissues, including surgical tissues, to stimulate inflammation, thereby stimulating tissue healing. According to these embodiments, the invention places a heating element below the skin and adjacent to the tissue to stimulate the healing thereof. | 02-10-2011 |
