Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for anterior fixation of a spine, comprising the steps of: performing a thoracoabdominal exposure of the segments of the spine to be instrumented with fixation implants; implanting a fusion device into at least one of the cephalad and caudal disc spaces; engaging an attachment member to each fusion device, the attachment member being configured for attachment to an elongated member to extend along the spine; and fixing the elongated member to each attachment member.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for anterior fixation of a spine, comprising the steps of: performing a thoracoabdominal exposure of the segments of the spine to be instrumented with fixation implants; implanting a fusion device into at least one of the cephalad and caudal disc spaces; engaging an attachment member to each fusion device, the attachment member being configured for attachment to an elongated member to extend along the spine; and fixing the elongated member to each attachment member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method for anterior fixation of the spine of claim 1, wherein: the step of engaging an attachment member includes positioning the attachment member laterally to a vertebral body.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method for anterior fixation of the spine of claim 1, further comprising the step of positioning the elongated member posteriorly to the attachment member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method for anterior fixation of the spine of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: implanting bone screws into one or more vertebrae intermediate the cephalad and caudal disc spaces; and attaching the bone screws to the elongated member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method for anterior fixation of the spine of claim 1, further comprising the step of implanting a fusion device into the other of the cephalad and caudal disc spaces.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method for anterior fixation of the spine of claim 1, wherein the fusion device is hollow and is filled with bone growth material prior to the step of implanting the fusion device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
95 words
The method for anterior fixation of the spine of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: contouring the elongated member to conform to a normal sagittal plane curvature of the segments of the spine to be instrumented; attaching the elongated member to the attachment members with the contour of the elongated member lying in a frontal plane; and with the elongated member attached to each of the attachment members and before the step of fixing the elongated member, rotating the elongated member such that the contour of the elongated member lies in the sagittal plane.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
173 words
A system for anterior fixation of the spine comprising: an elongated member configured to extend along a portion of the length of the spine, said member having a first end adjacent a cephalad vertebra and a second end adjacent a caudal vertebra; a cylindrical implant sized to be disposed in the intradiscal space adjacent at least one of said cephalad and caudal vertebrae, said cylindrical implant defining an interior chamber for retaining bone growth material and one or more apertures communicating with said interior chamber, said implant having a rear surface accessible from outside said intradiscal space when said cylindrical implant is disposed therein, said implant further having a longitudinal axis extending away from said rear surface; an attachment member connected to said rear surface of said cylindrical implant, said attachment member having a head portion for attachment to said elongated member adjacent the at least one vertebra; and a connection member rigidly attaching said attachment member to said elongated member at a location offset from said longitudinal axis of said cylindrical implant.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
173 words
A system for anterior fixation of the spine comprising: an elongated member configured to extend along a portion of the length of the spine, said member having a first end adjacent a cephalad vertebra and a second end adjacent a caudal vertebra; a cylindrical implant sized to be disposed in the intradiscal space adjacent at least one of said cephalad and caudal vertebrae, said cylindrical implant defining an interior chamber for retaining bone growth material and one or more apertures communicating with said interior chamber, said implant having a rear surface accessible from outside said intradiscal space when said cylindrical implant is disposed therein, said implant further having a longitudinal axis extending away from said rear surface; an attachment member connected to said rear surface of said cylindrical implant, said attachment member having a head portion for attachment to said elongated member adjacent the at least one vertebra; and a connection member rigidly attaching said attachment member to said elongated member at a location offset from said longitudinal axis of said cylindrical implant.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system for anterior fixation of claim 8, wherein said cylindrical implant defines a threaded opening in said rear surface; and said attachment member includes a threaded stem for engagement to said cylindrical implant at said threaded opening.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system for anterior fixation of claim 8, wherein said head portion and said connection member have mutually interdigitating splines to permit rigid attachment of said cylindrical implant to said elongated member at variable angles.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system for anterior fixation of claim 8, further comprising a number of bone screws engaged in the vertebral body of corresponding vertebrae, each of said number of bone screws having a head portion for receiving a connection member to rigidly attach the bone screw to said elongated member.