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US6086589A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Method and device for fixing spondylolisthesis posteriorly

Assignee: Spineology Inc
•
Filing: 1999-02-02
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Granted: 2000-07-11
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Expires: 2019-02-02
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Abstract

Abstract A method and apparatus for fixation of spondylolisthesis includes an elongated, threaded, hollow shaft which is threaded into a bore hole correctly formed between correctly aligned vertebrae posteriorly. The shaft includes a plurality of openings therethrough in the distal and proximal ends to allow bone and fibrous through growth to stabilize the vertebrae to decrease associated pain.

Inventors

  • 👤 Stephen D. Kuslich
  • 👤 James Ahern

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-22 23:44
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68; A61B17/70; A61B17/84; A61B17/86; A61B17/864

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim 126 words
Apparatus for aligning adjacent vertebrae comprising: an elongated, hollow shaft having a distal and a proximal end and a central portion, said shaft having a length sufficient to pass through one vertebra, through an interdiscal space and substantially into an adjacent vertebra, said shaft defining a cylinder, said shaft including a through bore between the ends and an exterior and an interior surface, said exterior surface including bone engaging members to increase bone-holding, said shaft further including a plurality of openings between the exterior and the interior surfaces of the shaft to allow passage of bone in growth material therethrough; said plurality of openings being formed adjacent the proximal and distal ends with no openings in the central portion for the length of the vertebral disk.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 126 words
Apparatus for aligning adjacent vertebrae comprising: an elongated, hollow shaft having a distal and a proximal end and a central portion, said shaft having a length sufficient to pass through one vertebra, through an interdiscal space and substantially into an adjacent vertebra, said shaft defining a cylinder, said shaft including a through bore between the ends and an exterior and an interior surface, said exterior surface including bone engaging members to increase bone-holding, said shaft further including a plurality of openings between the exterior and the interior surfaces of the shaft to allow passage of bone in growth material therethrough; said plurality of openings being formed adjacent the proximal and distal ends with no openings in the central portion for the length of the vertebral disk.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bone engaging members are external threads.
Claim 4
Independent Claim 80 words
A method for posteriorly correcting spondylolisthesis comprising the steps of: (a) temporarily aligning adjacent vertebrae in need of realignment; (b) drilling a drill hole posteriorly through one said vertebra into the other said vertebra through a disk therebetween; (c) inserting bone in growth material into the drill hole through said disk; (d) inserting a threaded, elongated hollow screw into said drill hole through one said vertebra, through said disk and into said other vertebra; and (e) removing said temporary alignment.
Claim 5
Independent Claim 80 words
A method for posteriorly correcting spondylolisthesis comprising the steps of: (a) temporarily aligning adjacent vertebrae in need of realignment; (b) drilling a drill hole posteriorly through one said vertebra into the other said vertebra through a disk therebetween; (c) inserting bone in growth material into the drill hole through said disk; (d) inserting a threaded, elongated hollow screw into said drill hole through one said vertebra, through said disk and into said other vertebra; and (e) removing said temporary alignment.
Claim 6
Independent Claim 74 words
A method for posteriorly fixing spondylolisthesis comprising the steps of: (a) drilling a drill hole posteriorly through a vertebra in need of fixation to another vertebra through a disk therebetween; (b) reaming out the disk to create an interdiscal space; (c) inserting bone in growth material into the interdiscal space; and (d) inserting a threaded, elongated hollow screw into said drill hole through one said vertebra, through said disk and into said other vertebra.
Claim 7
Independent Claim 74 words
A method for posteriorly fixing spondylolisthesis comprising the steps of: (a) drilling a drill hole posteriorly through a vertebra in need of fixation to another vertebra through a disk therebetween; (b) reaming out the disk to create an interdiscal space; (c) inserting bone in growth material into the interdiscal space; and (d) inserting a threaded, elongated hollow screw into said drill hole through one said vertebra, through said disk and into said other vertebra.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

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US3977398A Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 2003-07-11 2004-01-10 2004-07-11 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2007-07-11 2008-01-10 2008-07-11 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2011-07-11 2012-01-10 2012-07-11 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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