US6224595B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for inserting a spinal implant
Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic Inc
•
Filing: 1998-04-20
•
Granted: 2001-05-01
•
Expires: 2018-04-20
Abstract
Abstract An artificial spinal implant is disclosed which when placed between two adjacent vertebrae directly participates and is incorporated in the ensuing fusion. Instrumentation and procedure is also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary Karlin Michelson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 23:57
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/88; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/44; A61F2/4455; A61F2/446; A61B17/16; A61B17/1662; A61B17/1671; A61B17/17; A61B17/1739; A61B17/1757; A61F2/30721; A61F2/30744; A61F2/30767; A61F2/30771; A61F2/46; A61F2/4603; A61F2/4611; A61B17/8875; A61B17/8886; A61B17/8888; A61B17/02; A61B17/025; A61B2017/0256; A61B17/92; A61B2017/922; A61B90/00; A61B90/03; A61B2090/033; A61B2090/036; A61F2/442; A61F2/4657; A61F2/28; A61F2002/2835; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30108; A61F2002/3011; A61F2002/30112; A61F2002/3013; A61F2002/30131; A61F2002/30138; A61F2002/30143; A61F2002/30148; A61F2002/30199; A61F2002/30224; A61F2002/30235; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30329; A61F2002/30405; A61F2002/30535; A61F2002/30593; A61F2002/30604; A61F2002/30772; A61F2002/30774; A61F2002/30777; A61F2002/30784; A61F2002/30785; A61F2002/30787; A61F2002/30795; A61F2002/30797; A61F2002/30836; A61F2002/3085; A61F2002/30878; A61F2002/30879; A61F2002/30904; A61F2002/30906; A61F2002/448; A61F2002/449; A61F2002/4619; A61F2002/4625; A61F2002/4627; A61F2002/4629; A61F2002/4681; A61F2220/00; A61F2220/0025; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0002; A61F2230/0004; A61F2230/001; A61F2230/0013; A61F2230/0017; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0069; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0058; A61F2250/006; A61F2250/0063; A61F2310/00; A61F2310/00005; A61F2310/00011; A61F2310/00023; A61F2310/00179; A61F2310/00293; A61F2310/00389; A61F2310/00592; A61F2310/00796
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 106
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive at least one implant, the method consisting essentially of the steps of: positioning one end of a hollow guard in contact with the adjacent vertebrae; removing, through said hollow guard, bone from the adjacent vertebrae to form an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae; and inserting said implant having a height greater than the normal height of the disc space through said hollow guard and into the opening.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive at least one implant, the method consisting essentially of the steps of: positioning one end of a hollow guard in contact with the adjacent vertebrae; removing, through said hollow guard, bone from the adjacent vertebrae to form an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae; and inserting said implant having a height greater than the normal height of the disc space through said hollow guard and into the opening.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the positioning step includes the step of engaging said one end of said hollow guard to the two adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the removing step includes the substep of milling the opening.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the removing step includes the substep of drilling the opening.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the inserting step includes the substep of screwing said implant into the opening through said hollow guard.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the inserting step includes inserting said implant comprising a fusion-promoting substance.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of loading said implant with fusion-promoting material prior to the step of inserting.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
74 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the positioning step includes the substep of positioning said guard having at least two projections extending distally from a distal end of said guard, said distal end adapted to contact each of the vertebrae adjacent the disc space to be fused, said at least two projections adapted to penetrate the disc space so as to be located at least in part between the endplates of the vertebrae.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
150 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the positioning step includes the step of positioning one end of a guard in contact with the adjacent vertebrae of the posterior lumbar spine, said guard for providing protected access to the spinal disc and the adjacent vertebrae to prepare across the spinal disc and into the adjacent vertebrae the implantation space and to insert into the implantation space said spinal implant through said guard, said guard having a passage through which said spinal implant passes into the implantation space in the spine, said guard having a distal end configured to be placed against the adjacent vertebrae, said distal end having a first portion adapted to be placed in contact with one of the adjacent vertebrae and a second portion adapted to be placed in contact with the other of the adjacent vertebrae, said first and second portions having a fixed height therebetween.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the method is performed without distracting the adjacent vertebrae between the removing step and the inserting step.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the method is performed without removing the hollow guard between the positioning step and the inserting step.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive at least one implant, the method consisting essentially of the steps of: positioning one end of a hollow guard in contact with the adjacent vertebrae; forming, through said hollow guard, an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae, said opening having at least one arcuate portion extending into at least one of the adjacent vertebrae; and inserting said implant through said hollow guard and into the opening.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive at least one implant, the method consisting essentially of the steps of: positioning one end of a hollow guard in contact with the adjacent vertebrae; forming, through said hollow guard, an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae, said opening having at least one arcuate portion extending into at least one of the adjacent vertebrae; and inserting said implant through said hollow guard and into the opening.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 12 , wherein the positioning step includes the step of engaging said one end of said hollow guard to the two adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 12 , wherein the forming step includes the substep of milling the opening.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 12 , wherein the forming step includes the substep of drilling the opening.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 12 , wherein the inserting step includes the substep of screwing said implant into the opening through said hollow guard.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 12 , wherein the inserting step includes inserting said implant comprising a fusion-promoting substance.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 12 , further comprising the step of loading said implant with fusion-promoting material prior to the step of inserting.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
74 words
The method of claim 12 , wherein the positioning step includes the substep of positioning said guard having at least two projections extending distally from a distal end of said guard, said distal end adapted to contact each of the vertebrae adjacent the disc space to be fused, said at least two projections adapted to penetrate the disc space so as to be located at least in part between the endplates of said vertebrae.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
150 words
The method of claim 12 , wherein the positioning step includes the step of positioning one end of a guard in contact with the adjacent vertebrae of the posterior lumbar spine, said guard for providing protected access to the spinal disc and the adjacent vertebrae to prepare across the spinal disc and into the adjacent vertebrae the implantation space and to insert into the implantation space said spinal implant through said guard, said guard having a passage through which said spinal implant passes into the implantation space in the spine, said guard having a distal end configured to be placed against the adjacent vertebrae, said distal end having a first portion adapted to be placed in contact with one of the adjacent vertebrae and a second portion adapted to be placed in contact with the other of the adjacent vertebrae, said first and second portions having a fixed height therebetween.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 12 , wherein the method is performed without distracting the adjacent vertebrae between the forming step and the inserting step.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 12 , wherein the method is performed without removing the hollow guard between the positioning step and the inserting step.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive at least one implant, the method comprising the steps of: positioning one end of a hollow guard in contact with the adjacent vertebrae; removing, through said hollow guard, bone from the adjacent vertebrae to form an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae; and inserting said implant having a height greater than the normal height of the disc space through said hollow guard and into the opening, the method being performed without distracting the adjacent vertebrae between the removing step and the inserting step.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive at least one implant, the method comprising the steps of: positioning one end of a hollow guard in contact with the adjacent vertebrae; removing, through said hollow guard, bone from the adjacent vertebrae to form an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae; and inserting said implant having a height greater than the normal height of the disc space through said hollow guard and into the opening, the method being performed without distracting the adjacent vertebrae between the removing step and the inserting step.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
261 words
The method of claim 23 , further comprising the step of providing a spinal fusion implant of a material suitable for human implantation having a height along the longitudinal axis of the spine greater than the height of the implantation space comprising upper and lower portions adapted for placement in contact each of the adjacent vertebrae when inserted in the implantation space, each of said upper and lower portions having at least one opening adapted for placement in contact with the adjacent vertebrae, respectively, said openings of said upper and lower portions being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebra to adjacent vertebra through said implant; and wherein the positioning step includes the step of positioning one end of a guard in contact with the adjacent vertebrae of the posterior lumbar spine, said guard for providing protected access to the spinal disc and the adjacent vertebrae to prepare across the spinal disc and into the adjacent vertebrae the implantation space and to insert into the implantation space said spinal implant through said guard, said guard having a passage through which said spinal implant passes into the implantation space in the spine, said guard having a distal end configured to be placed against the adjacent vertebrae, said distal end having a first portion adapted to be placed in contact with one of the adjacent vertebrae and a second portion adapted to be placed in contact with the other of the adjacent vertebrae, said first and second portions having a fixed height therebetween.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 24 , wherein the providing step includes the substep of providing said implant having at least a portion of said upper and lower portions that are arcuate along at least a portion of the length of said implant.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 25 , wherein the providing step includes the substep of providing said implant further comprising a hollow between said upper and lower arcuate portions of said implant for holding bone growth promoting material, said at least one opening of each of said upper and lower portions of said implant are in communication with said hollow to permit bone from adjacent vertebrae to grow through said implant.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 26 , further comprising the step of loading said hollow interior of said implant with fusion promoting substances.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 27 , wherein the loading step includes the substep of loading said hollow interior of said implant with bone.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein the providing step includes the substep of providing said implant having at least one of an insertion end and a trailing end that is open and adapted for loading bone growth promoting substances into said hollow.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 29 , further comprising the step of engaging an end cap for closing said open end of said implant.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 24 , wherein the providing step includes the substep of providing said implant that is comprised at least in part of an implant material other than bone.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 24 , wherein the providing step includes the substep of providing said implant having said upper and lower portions having at least one protrusion on said upper and lower portions for engaging the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 32 , wherein said protrusion is at least a portion of a thread.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 24 , wherein the positioning step includes the substep of positioning said guard having projections projecting distally from said distal end for penetrably engaging the posterior surface of each of the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 34 , wherein said projections extend at least in part into the disc space.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 34 , wherein the positioning step includes the substep of positioning said guard further comprising a wall surrounding said passage, said projections being coextensive with said wall.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
74 words
The method of claim 34 , wherein the positioning step includes the substep of positioning said guard having at least two projections extending distally from said distal end of said guard, said distal end adapted to contact each of the vertebrae adjacent the disc space to be fused, said at least two projections adapted to penetrate the disc space so as to be located at least in part between the endplates of said vertebrae.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 37 , wherein said projections are at least in part co-linear with an outer perimeter of said guard.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 38 , wherein said projections are teeth.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 37 , wherein said projections are teeth being at least in part co-linear with an outer perimeter of said guard.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 24 , wherein the positioning step includes the substep of positioning said guard that is a tubular sleeve that is at least in part hollow.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 24 , wherein the positioning step includes the substep of positioning said guard having a length defined by a distal portion and a proximal portion forming said length, said guard having a substantially uniform cross section along its distal portion.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 24 , wherein the positioning step includes the substep of positioning said guard having a substantially uniform cross section along its length.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 43 , wherein said distal end of said guard has a cross sectional configuration substantially the same as said substantially uniform cross section of said guard.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 24 , wherein the positioning step includes the substep of positioning said guard having a distal end having a circumference that is uninterrupted and constant.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 45 , further comprising projections extending from said uninterrupted and constant circumference of said distal end of said guard for engaging the spine.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 46 , wherein said projections penetrate the disc space.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 24 , wherein the positioning step includes the substep of positioning said guard having a width measured perpendicular to its height, the width of said guard when appropriately selected being less than one half of the width of the disc space.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 24 , further comprising the step of tapping the opening through said hollow guard.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 24 , wherein the inserting step includes the substep of screwing said implant into the opening through said hollow guard.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 24 , wherein the providing step includes the substep of providing said implant having at least one of an insertion end and a trailing end, said trailing end being adapted to cooperatively engage a driver for inserting said implant through said hollow guard and into the opening.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 23 , wherein the positioning step includes the substep of positioning said guard having projections projecting distally from a distal end for penetrably engaging the surface of each of the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 52 , wherein said projections extend at least in part into the disc space.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 52 , wherein the positioning step includes the substep of positioning said guard further comprising a wall surrounding a passage, said projections being coextensive with said wall.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
74 words
The method of claim 52 , wherein the positioning step includes the substep of positioning said guard having at least two projections extending distally from a distal end of said guard, said distal end adapted to contact each of the vertebrae adjacent the disc space to be fused, said at least two projections adapted to penetrate the disc space so as to be located at least in part between the endplates of the vertebrae.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 23 , wherein the method is performed without removing the hollow guard between the positioning step and the inserting step.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
105 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive at least one implant, the method comprising the steps of: positioning one end of a hollow guard in contact with the adjacent vertebrae; forming, through said hollow guard, an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae, said opening having at least one arcuate portion extending into at least one of the adjacent vertebrae; and inserting said implant through said hollow guard and into the opening, the method being performed without distracting the adjacent vertebrae between the removing step and the inserting step.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
105 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive at least one implant, the method comprising the steps of: positioning one end of a hollow guard in contact with the adjacent vertebrae; forming, through said hollow guard, an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae, said opening having at least one arcuate portion extending into at least one of the adjacent vertebrae; and inserting said implant through said hollow guard and into the opening, the method being performed without distracting the adjacent vertebrae between the removing step and the inserting step.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
74 words
The method of claim 57 , wherein the positioning step includes the substep of positioning said guard having at least two projections extending distally from a distal end of said guard, said distal end adapted to contact each of the vertebrae adjacent the disc space to be fused, said at least two projections adapted to penetrate the disc space so as to be located at least in part between the endplates of said vertebrae.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
150 words
The method of claim 57 , wherein the positioning step includes the step of positioning one end of said guard in contact with the adjacent vertebrae of the posterior lumbar spine, said guard for providing protected access to the spinal disc and the adjacent vertebrae to prepare across the spinal disc and into the adjacent vertebrae the implantation space and to insert into the implantation space said spinal implant through said guard, said guard having a passage through which said spinal implant passes into the implantation space in the spine, said guard having a distal end configured to be placed against the adjacent vertebrae, said distal end having a first portion adapted to be placed in contact with one of the adjacent vertebrae and a second portion adapted to be placed in contact with the other of the adjacent vertebrae, said first and second portions having a fixed height therebetween.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 57 , wherein the method is performed without removing said hollow guard between the positioning step and the inserting step.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
94 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive at least one implant, the method comprising the steps of: positioning one end of a hollow guard in contact with the adjacent vertebrae; removing, through said hollow guard, bone from the adjacent vertebrae to form an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae; and screwing said implant having an external thread and a height greater than the normal height of the disc space through said hollow guard and into the opening.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
94 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive at least one implant, the method comprising the steps of: positioning one end of a hollow guard in contact with the adjacent vertebrae; removing, through said hollow guard, bone from the adjacent vertebrae to form an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae; and screwing said implant having an external thread and a height greater than the normal height of the disc space through said hollow guard and into the opening.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
74 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the positioning step includes the substep of positioning said guard having at least two projections extending distally from a distal end of said guard, said distal end adapted to contact each of the vertebrae adjacent the disc space to be fused, said at least two projections adapted to penetrate the disc space so as to be located at least in part between the endplates of the vertebrae.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
150 words
The method of claim 62 , wherein the positioning step includes the step of positioning one end of said guard in contact with the adjacent vertebrae of the posterior lumbar spine, said guard for providing protected access to the spinal disc and the adjacent vertebrae to prepare across the spinal disc and into the adjacent vertebrae the implantation space and to insert into the implantation space said spinal implant through said guard, said guard having a passage through which said spinal implant passes into the implantation space in the spine, said guard having a distal end configured to be placed against the adjacent vertebrae, said distal end having a first portion adapted to be placed in contact with one of the adjacent vertebrae and a second portion adapted to be placed in contact with the other of the adjacent vertebrae, said first and second portions having a fixed height therebetween.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the method is performed without distracting the adjacent vertebrae between the removing step and the inserting step.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the method is performed without removing said guard between the positioning step and the screwing step.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
111 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive an implant, the method comprising the steps of: anchoring one end of a substantially tubular member against the two adjacent vertebrae so that at least a portion of said one end of said tubular member extends at least in part between the adjacent vertebrae and into the disc space; forming through said tubular member, an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae; tapping the opening to provide threads over at least a portion of the vertebrae; and screwing said implant through said tubular member and into the opening.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
111 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive an implant, the method comprising the steps of: anchoring one end of a substantially tubular member against the two adjacent vertebrae so that at least a portion of said one end of said tubular member extends at least in part between the adjacent vertebrae and into the disc space; forming through said tubular member, an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae; tapping the opening to provide threads over at least a portion of the vertebrae; and screwing said implant through said tubular member and into the opening.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
267 words
The method of claim 66 , further comprising the step of providing a spinal fusion implant of a material suitable for human implantation having a height along the longitudinal axis of the spine greater than the height of the implantation space, comprising upper and lower portions adapted for placement in contact with each of the adjacent vertebrae when inserted in the implantation space, each of said upper and lower portions having at least one opening adapted for placement in contact with the adjacent vertebrae, respectively, said openings of said upper and lower portions being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebra to adjacent vertebra through said implant; and wherein the anchoring step includes the step of anchoring one end of said tubular member in contact with the adjacent vertebrae of the posterior lumbar spine, said tubular member for providing protected access to the spinal disc and the adjacent vertebrae to prepare across the spinal disc and into the adjacent vertebrae the implantation space and to insert into the implantation space said spinal implant through said tubular member, said tubular member having a passage through which said spinal implant passes into the implantation space in the spine, said tubular member having a distal end configured to be placed against the adjacent vertebrae, said distal end having a first portion adapted to be placed in contact with one of the adjacent vertebrae and a second portion adapted to be placed in contact with the other of the adjacent vertebrae, said first and second portions having a fixed height therebetween.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein the providing step includes the substep of providing said implant having at least a portion of said upper and lower portions that are arcuate along at least a portion of the length of said implant.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 68 , wherein the providing step includes the substep of providing said implant further comprising a hollow between said upper and lower arcuate portions of said implant for holding bone growth promoting material, said at least one opening of each of said upper and lower surfaces of said implant are in communication with said hollow to permit bone from adjacent vertebrae to grow through said implant.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 69 , further comprising the step of loading said hollow interior of said implant with fusion promoting substances.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 70 , wherein the loading step includes the substep of loading said hollow interior of said implant with bone.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 71 , wherein the anchoring step includes the substep of anchoring said tubular member that is a tubular sleeve that is at least in part hollow.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 72 , wherein the providing step includes the substep of providing said implant having at least one of an insertion end and a trailing end that is open and adapted for loading bone growth promoting substances into said hollow.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 73 , further comprising the step of engaging an end cap for closing said open end of said implant.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein the providing step includes the substep of providing said implant that is comprised at least in part of an implant material other than bone.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein the providing step includes the substep of providing said implant having said upper and lower portions having at least one protrusion on said upper and lower portions for engaging the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 76 , wherein said protrusion is at least a portion of a thread.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein the anchoring step includes the substep of anchoring said tubular member having projections projecting distally from said distal end for penetrably engaging the posterior surface of each of the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 78 , wherein said projections extend at least in part into the disc space.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 78 , wherein the anchoring step includes the substep of anchoring said tubular member further comprising a wall surrounding said passage, said projections being coextensive with said wall.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method of claim 78 , wherein the anchoring step includes the substep of anchoring said tubular member having at least two projections extending distally from said distal end of said tubular member, said distal end adapted to contact each of the vertebrae adjacent the disc space to be fused, said at least two projections adapted to penetrate the disc space so as to be located at least in part between the endplates of the vertebrae.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 81 , wherein said projections are at least in part co-linear with an outer perimeter of said tubular member.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein said projections are teeth.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 81 , wherein said projections are teeth being at least in part co-linear with an outer perimeter of said tubular member.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein the anchoring step includes the substep of anchoring said tubular member having a length defined by a distal portion and a proximal portion forming said length, said tubular member having a substantially uniform cross section along its distal portion.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein the anchoring step includes the substep of anchoring said tubular member having a substantially uniform cross section along its length.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 86 , wherein said distal end of said tubular member has a cross sectional configuration substantially the same as said substantially uniform cross-section of said tubular member.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein the anchoring step includes the substep of anchoring said tubular member having a distal end having a circumference that is uninterrupted and constant.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 88 , further comprising projections extending from said uninterrupted and constant circumference of said distal end of said tubular member for engaging the spine.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 89 , wherein said projections penetrate the disc space.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein the anchoring step includes the substep of anchoring said tubular member having a width measured perpendicular to its height, the width of said tubular member when appropriately selected being less than one half of the width of the disc space.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 67 , further comprising the step of tapping the opening through said hollow tubular member.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein the providing step includes the substep of providing said implant having at least one of an insertion end and a trailing end, said trailing end being adapted to cooperatively engage a driver for inserting said implant through said hollow tubular member and into the opening.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 66 , wherein the method is performed without removing said tubular member between the anchoring step and the screwing step.
Claim 101
Independent Claim
81 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive at least one implant, the method comprising the steps of: providing an implant of a material suitable for human implantation; positioning one end of a tubular member in contact with the adjacent vertebrae; forming, through said tubular member, an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae; and inserting said implant through said tubular member and into the opening.
Claim 102
Independent Claim
81 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive at least one implant, the method comprising the steps of: providing an implant of a material suitable for human implantation; positioning one end of a tubular member in contact with the adjacent vertebrae; forming, through said tubular member, an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae; and inserting said implant through said tubular member and into the opening.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
74 words
The method of claim 95 , wherein the positioning step includes the substep of positioning said guard having at least two projections extending distally from a distal end of said guard, said distal end adapted to contact each of the vertebrae adjacent the disc space to be fused, said at least two projections adapted to penetrate the disc space so as to be located at least in part between the endplates of said vertebrae.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
150 words
The method of claim 95 , wherein the positioning step includes the step of positioning one end of a guard in contact with the adjacent vertebrae of the posterior lumbar spine, said guard for providing protected access to the spinal disc and the adjacent vertebrae to prepare across the spinal disc and into the adjacent vertebrae the implantation space and to insert into the implantation space said spinal implant through said guard, said guard having a passage through which said spinal implant passes into the implantation space in the spine, said guard having a distal end configured to be placed against the adjacent vertebrae, said distal end having a first portion adapted to be placed in contact with one of the adjacent vertebrae and a second portion adapted to be placed in contact with the other of the adjacent vertebrae, said first and second portions having a fixed height therebetween.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 95 , wherein the method is performed without distracting the adjacent vertebrae between the forming step and the inserting step.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 95 , wherein the method is performed without removing said tubular member between the positioning step and the inserting step.
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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) | 2004-04-30 | 2004-10-30 | 2005-05-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-04-30 | 2008-10-30 | 2009-05-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-04-30 | 2012-10-30 | 2013-05-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |