US20010039452A1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Spine distraction implant and method
Assignee: Medtronic Europe SARL
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Filing: 2001-03-15
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2021-03-15
Abstract
Abstract A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.
Inventors
- 👤 James Zucherman
- 👤 Ken Hsu
- 👤 T. Fallin
- 👤 Henry Klyce
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 00:47
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61K; A61K31/00; A61K31/33; A61K31/335; A61K31/365; A61K31/366; A61K31/37; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68; A61B17/70; A61B17/7062; A61B17/7065; A61B17/7068; A61B17/60; A61B17/66; A61B17/7071; A61B17/02; A61B17/025; A61B2017/0256
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 113
Claim 1
Independent Claim
59 words
1 . An implant for relieving pain associated with the spinal column comprising: a device that is adapted to be positionable between a first spinous process and a second spinous process; said device including a first means for not limiting flexion of the spinal column; and said device including a second means for limiting extension of the spinal column.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
59 words
1 . An implant for relieving pain associated with the spinal column comprising: a device that is adapted to be positionable between a first spinous process and a second spinous process; said device including a first means for not limiting flexion of the spinal column; and said device including a second means for limiting extension of the spinal column.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
2 . The implant of claim I wherein: said first means does not prevent the spreading apart of the first spinous process from the second spinous process; and said second means does stop the motion of the first spinous process and the second spinous process to toward each other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
3 . The implant of claim 1 wherein: said device includes a spinous process containment member; and said first means includes an open end of said spinous process containment member; and said second means includes a saddle of said spinous process containment member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
4 . The implant of claim 1 wherein: said device includes a means for distracting the first spinous process from the second spinous process.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
5 . The implant of claim 4 wherein: said distraction means can create a distraction of at least about 5 mm upon insertion between the first and the second spinous process.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
6 . The implant of claim 4 wherein: said distraction means can create a distraction of about 5mm to about 15mm upon insertion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
7 . A spinal column implant comprising: a device positionable between a first spinous process and a second spinous process; said device including a spinal column extension stop; and wherein said device does not inhibit spinal column flexion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
7 . A spinal column implant comprising: a device positionable between a first spinous process and a second spinous process; said device including a spinal column extension stop; and wherein said device does not inhibit spinal column flexion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
8 . A spinal column implant comprising: a device that is adapted to be positionable between a first spinous process and a second spinous process; said device includes a spinal column extension stop; and said device includes a spinal column flexion non-inhibitor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
8 . A spinal column implant comprising: a device that is adapted to be positionable between a first spinous process and a second spinous process; said device includes a spinal column extension stop; and said device includes a spinal column flexion non-inhibitor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
9 . The implant of claim 8 wherein: said device is comprised of one of stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, a composite material, an elastic material, a polymer, and a plastic material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
54 words
10 . An implant for relieving pain associated with the spinal column comprising: a device that is adapted to be positionable between a first spinous process and a second spinous process; and said device including means for distracting the first and the second spinous processes upon implant in order to relieve pain through distraction.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
54 words
10 . An implant for relieving pain associated with the spinal column comprising: a device that is adapted to be positionable between a first spinous process and a second spinous process; and said device including means for distracting the first and the second spinous processes upon implant in order to relieve pain through distraction.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
11 . The implant of claim 10 wherein: said distracting means causes distraction of at least about 5mm between the first and the second spinous process.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
12 . The implant of claim 10 wherein: said distracting means causes distraction of about 5mm to about 15mm.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
48 words
13 . An implant for relieving pain associated with the spinal column comprising: a device that is adapted to be positionable between a first spinous process and a second spinous process; and said device including a distracting wedge that can distract the first and the second spinous processes.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
48 words
13 . An implant for relieving pain associated with the spinal column comprising: a device that is adapted to be positionable between a first spinous process and a second spinous process; and said device including a distracting wedge that can distract the first and the second spinous processes.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
14 . The implant of claim 13 wherein: said distraction wedge can distract the first and the second spinous processes by about 5mm.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
15 . The implant of claim 8 wherein: said spinal column extension stop is adjustable to fit the size of various spinous processes.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
72 words
16 . The implant of claim 8 wherein: said spinal column extension stop is adapted to be associated with the first spinous process another spinal column extension stop adapted to be associated with the second spinous process, said spinal column extension stop spaced from the another spinal column extension stop; and a length adjustor located between the spinal column extension stops in order to selectively adjust the distance between the extension stops.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
17 . The implant of claim 8 wherein: said device is positionable adjacent to the posterior aspects of the first and the second spinous processes.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
18 . The implant of claim 8 wherein: said device is positionable adjacent to the axis of rotation of the spinal column.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
19 . The implant of claim 8 wherein: said device is positionable adjacent to the lamina of the spinal column.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
20 . The implant of claim 8 wherein: said device is flexible in order to avoid bone resorption.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
12 words
21 . The implant of claim 8 wherein: said device is flexible.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
59 words
22 . The implant of claim 8 wherein: said device includes a first member and a second member and a fastener that can secure the first member to the second member; and with said first member fastened to said second member with said fastener, said fastened together first and second members define said extension stop and another extension stop.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
49 words
23 . The implant of claim 22 wherein: said extension stop is spaced from said another extension stop; and with the device implanted in a spinal column the extension stop is associated with the first spinous process and the another extension stop is associated with the second spinous process.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
28 words
24 . The implant of claim 22 wherein: said second member is selected from a plurality of differently sized second members that can accommodate variously sized spinous processes.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
25 . The implant of clam 22 wherein: said fastener is part of either the first member or the second member.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
25 . The implant of clam 22 wherein: said fastener is part of either the first member or the second member.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
64 words
26 . An implant for relieving pain associated with the spinal column comprising: a device that is adapted to be positionable between a first spinous process and a second spinous process; and the device is adapted to increase the volume of a spinal canal and/or a neural foramen in said spinal column in association with the positioning of the device between the spinous processes.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
64 words
26 . An implant for relieving pain associated with the spinal column comprising: a device that is adapted to be positionable between a first spinous process and a second spinous process; and the device is adapted to increase the volume of a spinal canal and/or a neural foramen in said spinal column in association with the positioning of the device between the spinous processes.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
31 words
27 . The implant of claim 26 wherein: the device inhibits any decrease in the volume of the spinal cord and/or neural foramen as the spinal column is placed in extension.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
14 words
28 . The implant of claim 8 wherein: said device includes a shock absorber.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
29 . The implant of claim 13 wherein: said device includes a shock absorber.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
30 . The implant of claim 26 wherein: said device includes a shock absorber.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
14 words
31 . The implant of claim 8 wherein: said device has anatomically rounded features.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
14 words
32 . The implant of claim 13 wherein: said device has anatomically rounded features.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
33 . The implant of claim 26 wherein: said device has anatomically rounded features.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
17 words
34 . The implant of claim 8 wherein: said device is perforated in order to increase flexibility.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
17 words
35 . The implant of claim 13 wherein: said device is perforated in order to increase flexibility.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
17 words
36 . The implant of claim 26 wherein: said device is perforated in order to increase flexibility.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
103 words
37 . A method of relieving pain due to the development of spinal stenosis and the like in the spinal column including the steps of: accessing adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column; distracting the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or the neural foramen in the spinal column in order to relieve pain due to the development of spinal stenosis and the like; and implanting a device in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain due to spinal stenosis and the like.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
103 words
37 . A method of relieving pain due to the development of spinal stenosis and the like in the spinal column including the steps of: accessing adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column; distracting the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or the neural foramen in the spinal column in order to relieve pain due to the development of spinal stenosis and the like; and implanting a device in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain due to spinal stenosis and the like.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
24 words
38 . The method of claim 37 including the step of: distracting apart the first and the second spinous process at least about 5mm.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
26 words
39 . The method of claim 37 including the step of: distracting apart the first and the second spinous process from about 5mm to about 15mm.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
26 words
40 . The method of claim 37 wherein: said distracting step and said implanting step occur simultaneously as the step of implanting a device causes distraction.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
47 words
41 . The method of claim 37 wherein: said device includes a distraction wedge; and said distracting step and said implanting step occur simultaneously as the step of implanting a device causes distraction due to the distraction wedge distracting apart the first and the second spinous process.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
107 words
42 . A method of relieving pain due to the development of spinal stenosis and the like in the spinal column including the steps of: accessing adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column; implanting a device in order to distract apart the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spinal column to relieve pain due to the development of spinal stenosis and the like; and using the device in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain due to spinal stenosis and the like.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
107 words
42 . A method of relieving pain due to the development of spinal stenosis and the like in the spinal column including the steps of: accessing adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column; implanting a device in order to distract apart the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spinal column to relieve pain due to the development of spinal stenosis and the like; and using the device in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain due to spinal stenosis and the like.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
43 . The method of claim 37 including the step of: maintaining intact the superspinous ligament.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
16 words
44 . The method of claim 42 including the step of: maintaining intact the superspinous ligament.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
28 words
45 . The device of claim 8 wherein: said implant provides for dynamic distraction between the first and the second spinous processes by including a fluid filled vessel.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
22 words
46 . The device of claim 22 wherein: said fastener is part of the first member and part of the second member.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
50 words
47 . The device of claim 46 wherein: said fastener is self-engaging such that by urging the first member and the second member together in order to assembly the device a portion of the fastener in the first member engages a second portion of the fastener in the second member.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
157 words
48 . A method of relieving pain due to the development of spinal stenosis and the like in the spinal column including the steps of: accessing adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column with first and second incisions; distracting the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spinal column in order to relieve pain due to the development of spinal stenosis and the like; and implanting a first portion of a device through said first incision and a second portion of said device through said second incision, until said devices can be mated; said device including a fastener, with the fastener used in a step of securing the first portion to the second portion in the mated configuration in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain due to spinal stenosis and the like.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
157 words
48 . A method of relieving pain due to the development of spinal stenosis and the like in the spinal column including the steps of: accessing adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column with first and second incisions; distracting the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spinal column in order to relieve pain due to the development of spinal stenosis and the like; and implanting a first portion of a device through said first incision and a second portion of said device through said second incision, until said devices can be mated; said device including a fastener, with the fastener used in a step of securing the first portion to the second portion in the mated configuration in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain due to spinal stenosis and the like.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
64 words
49 . The method of claim 48 including: using a tool having a first arm on to which is mounted the first portion of the device and a second arm on to which is mounted the second portion of the device in order to urge the first portion and the second portion through the respective first and second incisions and in to mating position.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
142 words
50 . A method of relieving pain due to the development of spinal stenosis and the like in the spinal column including the steps of: accessing adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column with first and second incisions; implanting a first portion of a device through said first incision and a second portion of said device through said second incision, until said devices can be mated, and simultaneously distracting the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spinal column in order to relieve pain; and said device including a fastener, with the fastener used in a step of securing the first portion to the second portion in the mated configuration in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
142 words
50 . A method of relieving pain due to the development of spinal stenosis and the like in the spinal column including the steps of: accessing adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column with first and second incisions; implanting a first portion of a device through said first incision and a second portion of said device through said second incision, until said devices can be mated, and simultaneously distracting the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spinal column in order to relieve pain; and said device including a fastener, with the fastener used in a step of securing the first portion to the second portion in the mated configuration in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
94 words
51 . An implant for relieving pain associated with the spinal column comprising: a device that is adapted to be positionable between a first spinous process and a second spinous process; said device including a first forked end and a second forked end; said device including an interbody which is operably connected to the first and second forked ends so that rotation of the interbody causes the first and second forked ends to move apart from each other in order to distract the first and the second spinous processes with respect to each other.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
94 words
51 . An implant for relieving pain associated with the spinal column comprising: a device that is adapted to be positionable between a first spinous process and a second spinous process; said device including a first forked end and a second forked end; said device including an interbody which is operably connected to the first and second forked ends so that rotation of the interbody causes the first and second forked ends to move apart from each other in order to distract the first and the second spinous processes with respect to each other.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
78 words
52 . A method using an implant for relieving pain associated with the spinal column comprising the steps of: accessing the space between a first spinous process and a second spinous process of the spinal column; positioning an implant between the first spinous process and the second spinous process; wherein said implant includes a first means for not limiting flexion of the spinal column; and said implant including a second means for limiting extension of the spinal column.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
78 words
52 . A method using an implant for relieving pain associated with the spinal column comprising the steps of: accessing the space between a first spinous process and a second spinous process of the spinal column; positioning an implant between the first spinous process and the second spinous process; wherein said implant includes a first means for not limiting flexion of the spinal column; and said implant including a second means for limiting extension of the spinal column.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
59 words
53 . A method of relieving pain using a spinal column implant comprising the steps of accessing the space between a first spinous process and a second process; positioning the implant between the first spinous process and the second spinous process; wherein said device including a spinal column extension stop; and said device includes a spinal column flexion non-inhibitor.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
59 words
53 . A method of relieving pain using a spinal column implant comprising the steps of accessing the space between a first spinous process and a second process; positioning the implant between the first spinous process and the second spinous process; wherein said device including a spinal column extension stop; and said device includes a spinal column flexion non-inhibitor.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
20 words
54 . The method of claim 48 wherein: the distracting step includes wedging the first and second spinous processes apart.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
86 words
55 . A method for relieving pain associated with the spinal column including the steps of: accessing first and second spinous processes; distracting the first and second spinous processes in order to increase the volume of a spinal cord and/or neural foramen in the spinal column; implanting a device between the first and second spinous processes to do one of (1) further distracting and maintaining the distraction of the first and second spinous processes, and (2) maintaining the distraction of the first and second spinous processes.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
86 words
55 . A method for relieving pain associated with the spinal column including the steps of: accessing first and second spinous processes; distracting the first and second spinous processes in order to increase the volume of a spinal cord and/or neural foramen in the spinal column; implanting a device between the first and second spinous processes to do one of (1) further distracting and maintaining the distraction of the first and second spinous processes, and (2) maintaining the distraction of the first and second spinous processes.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
34 words
56 . The method of claim 55 wherein the distracting step includes: multiple distracting steps with a time period between distracting steps in order to allow the tissues associated with the spine to creep.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
57 words
57 . A method for relieving pain associated with the spinal column including the steps of: accessing first and second spinous processes; implanting a device in order to distract the first and second spinous processes to increase the volume of a spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spinal column; and maintaining the distraction with the device.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
57 words
57 . A method for relieving pain associated with the spinal column including the steps of: accessing first and second spinous processes; implanting a device in order to distract the first and second spinous processes to increase the volume of a spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spinal column; and maintaining the distraction with the device.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
34 words
58 . The method of claim 57 wherein the implanting step includes: multiple distracting steps with a time period between distracting steps in order to allow the tissues associated with the spine to creep.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
102 words
59 . A method for relieving pain associated with the spinal column comprising the steps of: implanting a device between a first spinous process and a second spinous process, said device including a first forked end and a second forked end, and said device including an interbody piece which is operably connected to the first and second forked ends so that rotation of the interbody piece causes the first and second forked ends to move apart in order to distract the first and the second spinous processes with respect to each other; and distracting the spinous processes by rotating the interbody piece.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
102 words
59 . A method for relieving pain associated with the spinal column comprising the steps of: implanting a device between a first spinous process and a second spinous process, said device including a first forked end and a second forked end, and said device including an interbody piece which is operably connected to the first and second forked ends so that rotation of the interbody piece causes the first and second forked ends to move apart in order to distract the first and the second spinous processes with respect to each other; and distracting the spinous processes by rotating the interbody piece.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
21 words
60 . The method of claim 42 for relieving pain caused by at least one of spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
75 words
61 . An implant for flattening the spine in order to increase the volume of at least one of the spinal canal and the neural foramen comprising: a central body with first and second saddles which are adapted to receive adjacent spinous processes; a first arm projecting from the first saddle, and a second arm projection from the second saddle; and wherein said central body and the first and second arms form a Z-shaped structure.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
75 words
61 . An implant for flattening the spine in order to increase the volume of at least one of the spinal canal and the neural foramen comprising: a central body with first and second saddles which are adapted to receive adjacent spinous processes; a first arm projecting from the first saddle, and a second arm projection from the second saddle; and wherein said central body and the first and second arms form a Z-shaped structure.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
27 words
62 . The implant of claim 61 wherein: the first and second arms are forward migration inhibitors which prevent the implant from migrating toward the spinal canal.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
21 words
63 . The implant of claim 61 wherein: the first and second arms are contoured to the lamina of the spine.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
37 words
64 . The implant of claim 61 wherein: said implant is designed to conform to the bone structure between at least on of the L 4 -L 5 and or the L 5 -S 1 spinous processes.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
105 words
65 . An implant for relieving pain associated with the spinal column comprising: a device which is adapted to be positioned between a first spinous process and a second spinous process; said device being Z-shaped with a first member extending in a first direction and a second arm extending in another direction; and wherein said first arm is adapted to be inserted between and guided through the space between the first and the second spinous processes so that the implant can be positioned with one member on one side of the spinous processes and the second member on the other side of the spinous processes.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
105 words
65 . An implant for relieving pain associated with the spinal column comprising: a device which is adapted to be positioned between a first spinous process and a second spinous process; said device being Z-shaped with a first member extending in a first direction and a second arm extending in another direction; and wherein said first arm is adapted to be inserted between and guided through the space between the first and the second spinous processes so that the implant can be positioned with one member on one side of the spinous processes and the second member on the other side of the spinous processes.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
15 words
66 . The implant of claim 65 wherein: said first and second members are flexible.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
136 words
67 . A method of relieving pain due to the development of spinal stenosis and the like in the spinal column including the steps of: accessing adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column from one side; position a Z-shaped implant between the spinous processes in order to either distract and maintain the distraction between the spinous processes and/or to maintain a distraction between the two spinous processes; wherein said Z-shaped implant has first and second members extending from a central body, and the positioning step includes guiding the first arm between a space between the first and second spinous processes until the central body is located between the spinous processes with the first arm on one side of the spinous processes and the second arm on the other side of the spinous processes.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
136 words
67 . A method of relieving pain due to the development of spinal stenosis and the like in the spinal column including the steps of: accessing adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column from one side; position a Z-shaped implant between the spinous processes in order to either distract and maintain the distraction between the spinous processes and/or to maintain a distraction between the two spinous processes; wherein said Z-shaped implant has first and second members extending from a central body, and the positioning step includes guiding the first arm between a space between the first and second spinous processes until the central body is located between the spinous processes with the first arm on one side of the spinous processes and the second arm on the other side of the spinous processes.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
35 words
68 . The method of claim 67 including the steps of: selecting arms that are contoured to the spine; and positioning the arms adjacent to the portion of the spine for which they are contoured.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
46 words
69 . The method of claim 67 including the steps of: selecting arms that are contoured to be positioned adjacent to one of L 4 -L 5 and L 5 -S 1 vertebrae; and positioning the implant between the vertebrae for which the implant was contoured.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
24 words
70 . The implant of claim 1 including: a third means for preventing migration of the implant toward the lamina of the spinal column.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
15 words
71 . The implant of claim 8 including: said device includes a lamina migration inhibitor.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
76 words
72 . An implant for relieving pain associated with the spinal column comprising: a central body a first arm extending from the central body; a second arm received in a first position in the central body and movable between said first position and a second position extending from the central body in order so that the first and the second arms can retain the implant relative to first and second spinous processes of the spinal column.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
76 words
72 . An implant for relieving pain associated with the spinal column comprising: a central body a first arm extending from the central body; a second arm received in a first position in the central body and movable between said first position and a second position extending from the central body in order so that the first and the second arms can retain the implant relative to first and second spinous processes of the spinal column.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
40 words
73 . The implant of claim 72 wherein: said first and second arms are located on opposite sides of the spinous processes when implanted and said arms extend in opposite directions with the second arm extended from the central body.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
35 words
74 . The implant of claim 72 including: a third arm received in a first position in the central body and movable between said first position and a second position extending from the central body.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
22 words
75 . The implant of claim 72 wherein: said first arm is a peripheral flange extending from and about the central body.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
113 words
76 . An implant for flattening the spine in order to increase the volume of at least one of the spinal canal and the neural foramen comprising: a central body with first and second saddles which are adapted to receive adjacent spinous processes; first and second arms projecting from the first saddle and third and fourth arms projecting from the second saddle; said first and fourth arms are longer than the central body with the first arm being longer than the fourth arm; and the second and third arms are about the length of the central body and/or shorter than the central body with the second arm being shorter than the third arm.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
113 words
76 . An implant for flattening the spine in order to increase the volume of at least one of the spinal canal and the neural foramen comprising: a central body with first and second saddles which are adapted to receive adjacent spinous processes; first and second arms projecting from the first saddle and third and fourth arms projecting from the second saddle; said first and fourth arms are longer than the central body with the first arm being longer than the fourth arm; and the second and third arms are about the length of the central body and/or shorter than the central body with the second arm being shorter than the third arm.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
25 words
77 . The implant of claim 76 wherein: said third arm is below said first arm and said fourth arm is below said second arm.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
66 words
78 . The implant of claim 76 wherein: said third arm is substantially shorter than the first arm so that the implant can be directed between the space between adjacent spinous processes with the first arm first urged through the space and the spinous processes distracted so that the third arm can be urged through the space with the central body positioned between the spinous processes.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
30 words
79 . The implant of claim 76 wherein: said first arm is sloped in a direction away from the central body in order to accommodate the shape of a vertebra.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
32 words
80 . The implant of clam 76 wherein: said first, third, and fourth arms are sloped in a direction away from the central body in order to accommodate the shape a vertebra.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
32 words
80 . The implant of clam 76 wherein: said first, third, and fourth arms are sloped in a direction away from the central body in order to accommodate the shape a vertebra.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
15 words
81 . The implant of claim 76 wherein: said central body includes a bore therein.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
31 words
82 . The implant of claim 76 wherein: said central body includes a bore therein so that the implant has a modulus of elasticity that is compatible with that of bone.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
22 words
83 . The implant of claim 76 wherein: at least one of said saddles is sloped in order to accommodate a vertebra.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
25 words
84 . The implant of claim 76 wherein: at least one of said saddles is sloped about approximately 30° so as to accommodate a vertebra.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
25 words
85 . The implant of claim 76 wherein: at least one of said arms is sloped about approximately 30° so as to accommodate a vertebra.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
56 words
86 . The implant of claim 76 wherein: said first arm has a sloped portion which is sloped in a direction away from the central body; and said first arm has a recess located at a distal end of said sloped portion followed by a convex portion in order to accommodate the shape of a vertebra.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
20 words
87 . The implant of claim 76 wherein: said implant has a modulus of elasticity which is compatible with bone.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
23 words
88 . The implant of claim 76 wherein: said implant has as modulus of elasticity which is approximately about twice that of bone.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
118 words
89 . An implant for flattening the spine in order to increase the volume of at least one of the spinal canal and the neural foramen comprising: a central body with first and second saddles which are adapted to receive adjacent spinous processes; first and second arms projecting from the first saddle and third and fourth arms projecting from the second saddle; said first and fourth arms are longer than the second and third arms; and said third arm is located below said first arm and said fourth arm is located below said second arm, with said fourth arm located diametrically opposite said first arm in order to facilitate the implantation of the implant between adjacent spinous processes.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
118 words
89 . An implant for flattening the spine in order to increase the volume of at least one of the spinal canal and the neural foramen comprising: a central body with first and second saddles which are adapted to receive adjacent spinous processes; first and second arms projecting from the first saddle and third and fourth arms projecting from the second saddle; said first and fourth arms are longer than the second and third arms; and said third arm is located below said first arm and said fourth arm is located below said second arm, with said fourth arm located diametrically opposite said first arm in order to facilitate the implantation of the implant between adjacent spinous processes.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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