| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20090248075 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CORRECTING SPINAL DEFORMITIES - The present application discloses methods for treating a spinal deformity. In one embodiment, an elongated member is attached to vertebral members with fasteners. A separate fastener may attach the elongated member to each of the vertebral members. The elongated member may apply a force to limit growth on one side of the vertebral members, such as a convex side of a scoliotic spine. Each fastener may be constructed to limit a direction of growth of the vertebral member thereby applying a specific, corrective force to the vertebral member. The fasteners may allow relative motion between adjacent vertebral members without losing the attachment between the vertebral members and the fasteners. The net result may be controlled modulation of growth to reduce and/or eliminate the spinal deformity through redirection of growth potential. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090261505 | POLYMER RODS FOR SPINAL APPLICATIONS - A method of manufacturing a curved spinal rod is disclosed. The method includes heating PEEK; injecting the PEEK into an arcuate spinal rod mold; holding the injected PEEK in the mold until the PEEK substantially sets; and removing the injected PEEK from the mold. In another aspect, a spinal rod is disclosed. The spinal rod includes an arcuate main body having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion. The central portion has a non-circular cross-section with a height greater than its width. The first and second end portions and the central portion of the arcuate main body are integrally formed of a polymer such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The spinal rod also includes a rounded end cap adapted to mate with at least one of the end portions. The end cap is radiopaque. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090287250 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REPLACING THE FUNCTION OF FACET JOINTS - A system and method is provided for replacing the functions of a facet joint between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra without necessarily requiring an anatomical implant. The method includes: providing one or more flexible posterior devices to replace main functions of the facet joint; and adapting a first one of the one or more posterior devices for a first attachment to a first pedicle, and a second attachment to a second pedicle. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20100023059 | INTERVERTEBRAL PROSTHETIC DEVICE FOR SPINAL STABILIZATION AND METHOD OF IMPLANTING SAME - A method of implanting a spinal prosthesis comprises inserting a first member between superior and inferior spinous processes associated with respective superior and inferior vertebrae. The superior and inferior vertebrae are separated by an intermediate vertebra. The method further includes inserting a second member through a channel in the first member. After the second member is inserted, the method requires removing the second member from the channel and inserting a third member through the channel. The third member has a different stiffness than the second member. Finally, the method requires anchoring the third member to the intermediate vertebra, while the third member is inserted through the channel. The third member is anchored at first and second locations disposed on respective first and second lateral sides of the intermediate vertebra. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100030285 | INTERVERTEBRAL PROSTHETIC DEVICE FOR SPINAL STABILIZATION AND METHOD OF IMPLANTING SAME - A method of implanting a spinal prosthesis comprises inserting a first member between superior and inferior spinous processes associated with respective superior and inferior vertebrae. The superior and inferior vertebrae are separated by an intermediate vertebra. The method further includes inserting a second member through a channel in the first member. After the second member is inserted, the method requires removing the second member from the channel and inserting a third member through the channel. The third member has a different stiffness than the second member. Finally, the method requires anchoring the third member to the intermediate vertebra, while the third member is inserted through the channel. The third member is anchored at first and second locations disposed on respective first and second lateral sides of the intermediate vertebra. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100199483 | Pivoting Joints for Spinal Implants Including Designed Resistance to Motion and Methods of Use - Methods of assembling a vertebral anchor to a body shaped to receive a longitudinal member. The methods may include inserting a wear member and a head of an anchor into a cavity through an inlet in a first end of a body. The body may further include a second end with a channel to receive the longitudinal member. The method may include deforming the first end of the body and reducing a width of the inlet measured perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body and capturing the wear member and the head in the cavity. The method may also include compressing the wear member against the head of the anchor and increasing an amount of interference between the wear member and the head. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20110022091 | LOCAL DELIVERY OF AN ACTIVE AGENT FROM AN ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANT - A posterior spinal fixation device or dynamic spinal stabilization device or other orthopedic device includes an active agent-delivery component. The active agent-delivery component has an active agent impregnated therein or adsorbed thereon or otherwise contained therein and is configured to release the active agent locally after the device is implanted in a patient. One preferred type of implant in accordance with the invention is an implant for stabilizing a spinal motion segment that includes a spacer member positionable between adjacent spinous processes or transverse processes or other posterior spinal element, including an implanted anchor element. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110190826 | Devices and Methods for Correcting Spinal Deformities - The present application discloses methods for treating a spinal deformity. In one embodiment, an elongated member is attached to vertebral members with fasteners. A separate fastener may attach the elongated member to each of the vertebral members. The elongated member may apply a force to limit growth on one side of the vertebral members, such as a convex side of a scoliotic spine. Each fastener may be constructed to limit a direction of growth of the vertebral member thereby applying a specific, corrective force to the vertebral member. The fasteners may allow relative motion between adjacent vertebral members without losing the attachment between the vertebral members and the fasteners. The net result may be controlled modulation of growth to reduce and/or eliminate the spinal deformity through redirection of growth potential. | 08-04-2011 |
