US6402750B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Devices and methods for the treatment of spinal disorders
Assignee: KRT INVESTORS Inc
•
Filing: 2000-04-04
•
Granted: 2002-06-11
•
Expires: 2020-04-04
Abstract
Abstract Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. Dynamic bias devices and reinforcement devices are disclosed, which may be used individually or in combination, to eliminate nerve impingement associated with the damaged disc, and/or to reinforce the damaged disc, while permitting relative movement of the vertebrae adjacent the damaged disc.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert E. Atkinson
- 👤 Peter T. Keith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 23:02
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68; A61B17/70; A61B17/7001; A61B17/7002; A61B17/7019; A61B17/7025; A61B17/7026; A61B17/7062; A61B17/7011; A61B2017/00535; A61B2017/00557; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/44; A61F2/442; A61F2002/4435
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of reinforcing an annulus of an intervertebral disc disposed between a first vertebra and a second vertebra in an adult human spine, the method comprising the steps of: providing an implantable reinforcement member; and implanting the reinforcement member into the annulus of the intervertebral disc such that the reinforcement member is completely disposed within the annulus.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of reinforcing an annulus of an intervertebral disc disposed between a first vertebra and a second vertebra in an adult human spine, the method comprising the steps of: providing an implantable reinforcement member; and implanting the reinforcement member into the annulus of the intervertebral disc such that the reinforcement member is completely disposed within the annulus.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 1 , further comprising the step of partially separating the adjacent vertebrae prior to the step of implantation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as in claim 1 , wherein a plurality of implantable reinforcement members are provided, and wherein the plurality of reinforcement members are implanted substantially parallel in the annulus.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement member is expandable, further comprising the step of expanding the reinforcement member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method as in claim 1 , further comprising the steps of providing a tubular member having a curved tip and a lumen extending therethrough; inserting the tip of the tubular member into the annulus; and inserting the reinforcement member through the lumen of the tubular member and into the annulus.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
77 words
A method as in claim 1 , further comprising the steps of: providing one or more implantable bias devices, each having a first vertebral attachment member, a second vertebral attachment member, and a bias force member applying a bias force therebetween while permitting near normal relative motion therebetween; attaching the first attachment member of each implantable bias device to the first vertebra; and attaching the second attachment member of each implantable bias device to the second vertebra.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as in claim 1 , wherein the annulus has a peripheral curvature, and wherein the reinforcement member is implanted in a position substantially conforming to the curvature.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as in claim 1 , wherein the annulus has a posterior portion with a posterior periphery, and wherein the reinforcement member is implanted in the posterior portion of the annulus in a position substantially aligned with the posterior periphery.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement member applies a force to the annulus.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 9 , wherein the force compresses a portion of the annulus.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 9 , wherein the force is sufficient to deform the annulus.
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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) | 2005-06-10 | 2005-12-10 | 2006-06-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-06-10 | 2009-12-10 | 2010-06-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-06-10 | 2013-12-10 | 2014-06-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |