Patent US6849093B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6849093B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Expansion constraining member adapted for use with an expandable interbody spinal fusion implant and method for use thereof
Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic Inc
•
Filing: 2002-03-08
•
Granted: 2005-02-01
•
Expires: 2022-03-08
Abstract
Abstract An implant cap is disclosed for preventing the over-expansion of an expandable spinal implant and method for use therewith. An implant cap also is disclosed for moving an expandable spinal implant from a collapsed position to an expanded position with less than one full turn of the implant cap and a method for use therewith. A screw lock is disclosed for locking a bone screw to the trailing end of an expandable spinal implant and a method for use therewith.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary K. Michelson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 08:21
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/44; A61F2/4455; A61F2/446; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68; A61B17/80; A61B17/8033; A61B17/8042; A61B17/84; A61B17/86; A61F2/28; A61F2/30721; A61F2/30744; A61F2/30767; A61F2/442; A61F2/46; A61F2/4603; A61F2/4611; A61F2002/2817; A61F2002/2835; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30003; A61F2002/3006; A61F2002/30062; A61F2002/30108; A61F2002/3011; A61F2002/30138; A61F2002/30143; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30329; A61F2002/30383; A61F2002/3039; A61F2002/30392; A61F2002/30397; A61F2002/30405; A61F2002/30476; A61F2002/30492; A61F2002/30507; A61F2002/30517; A61F2002/30535; A61F2002/30537; A61F2002/30538; A61F2002/30556; A61F2002/30593; A61F2002/30621; A61F2002/30624; A61F2/30771; A61F2002/30772; A61F2002/30777; A61F2002/30779; A61F2002/30784; A61F2002/30787; A61F2002/3079; A61F2002/3085; A61F2002/30873; A61F2/3094; A61F2002/30975; A61F2210/00; A61F2210/0004; A61F2220/00; A61F2220/0025; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0002; A61F2230/0017; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0004; A61F2250/0006; A61F2250/0009; A61F2310/00; A61F2310/00005; A61F2310/00011; A61F2310/00023; A61F2310/00179
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 121
Claim 1
Independent Claim
198 words
An implant cap movable between an insertion position for insertion into an expandable spinal implant and a deployed position for expanding the implant, the implant having upper and lower portions adapted to move apart from one another to contact adjacent upper and lower vertebral bodies, respectively, and an end with an opening configured to cooperatively receive at least a portion of said cap, said cap comprising: a head having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite said top surface, said heed being configured to cooperatively engage the end of the implant to at least in part cover the opening in the end of the implant; and a stem projecting from said bottom surface of said head, said stem having a distal end, opposed sides having a width therebetween, and upper and lower surfaces having a height therebetween, the width of said stem being greater than the height of said stem proximate said distal end of said stem when said cap is in the insertion position, said opposed sides being configured to move the upper and lower portions of the implant apart from one another when said cap is rotated from the insertion position to the deployed position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
198 words
An implant cap movable between an insertion position for insertion into an expandable spinal implant and a deployed position for expanding the implant, the implant having upper and lower portions adapted to move apart from one another to contact adjacent upper and lower vertebral bodies, respectively, and an end with an opening configured to cooperatively receive at least a portion of said cap, said cap comprising: a head having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite said top surface, said heed being configured to cooperatively engage the end of the implant to at least in part cover the opening in the end of the implant; and a stem projecting from said bottom surface of said head, said stem having a distal end, opposed sides having a width therebetween, and upper and lower surfaces having a height therebetween, the width of said stem being greater than the height of said stem proximate said distal end of said stem when said cap is in the insertion position, said opposed sides being configured to move the upper and lower portions of the implant apart from one another when said cap is rotated from the insertion position to the deployed position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The cap of claim 1 , wherein said head is configured to cooperatively engage the end of the implant to completely cover the opening.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cap of claim 1 , wherein said opposed sides of said stem are beveled.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cap of claim 1 , wherein said opposed sides of said stem are rounded.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The cap of claim 4 , wherein said opposed sides include a thread adapted for cooperative engagement with the implant.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The cap of claim 1 , wherein said upper and lower surface of said stem are at least in part tapered towards said distal end of said stem.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The cap of claim 1 , wherein said stem has a rectangular cross section along at least a portion of the length of said stem.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The cap of claim 1 , wherein said stem has an arcuate cross section along at least a portion of the length of said stem.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The cap of claim 1 , wherein said stem has a circular cross section along at least a portion of the length of said stem.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The cap of claim 1 , wherein said head has a perimeter having at least one arcuate portion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
The cap of claim 1 , wherein said distal end of said stem is adapted to cooperatively engage one of the upper and lower portions to lock said cap to the implant while the implant is in an expanded position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
The cap of claim 11 , wherein said distal end of said stem as projections to cooperatively engage the upper and lower portions of the implant.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
65 words
The cap of claim 1 , wherein said bottom surface of said head has at least one recess and each of the upper and lower portions proximate the end of the implant has at least one protrusion, each recess being adapted to engage with at least one of the protrusions to prevent the implant from expanding beyond a predetermined height when the implant is expanded.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
45 words
The cap of claim 1 , wherein the implant has a plurality of bone screw holes, said bottom surface of said head being configured to cover at least a portion of one of the bone screw holes when said cap is engaged to the implant.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
The cap of claim 14 , wherein said bottom surface of said head is configured to cover a portion of more than one of the bone screw holes when said cap is engaged to the implant.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
The cap of claim 14 , wherein said head is configured to allow the insertion of a bone screw into the implant after said cap is engaged with the implant.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
65 words
The cap of claim 14 , wherein said head has a perimeter that is configured to permit the insertion of a bone screw into one of the bone screw holes after said cap is engaged with the implant, said head being movable to cover at least a portion of the bone screw after the bone screw is inserted in one of the bone screw holes.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The cap of claim 1 , wherein said head is adapted to cooperatively engage a tool for attaching said cap to the implant.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
35 words
The cap of claim 18 , wherein said top surface of said head further comprises a marking to indicate the orientation of said cap to the implant once said cap is engaged to the implant.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The cap of claim 1 , wherein said cap is treated with a bone growth promoting substance.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
The cap of claim 1 , wherein said cap comprises at least one of the following materials: metal, titanium, plastic, and ceramic appropriate for implantation in the human body.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cap of claim 1 , wherein said cap is at least in part resorbable.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cap of claim 1 , wherein said cap is formed of a porous material.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
The cap of claim 1 , in combination with a material adapted to inhibit scar formation.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
12 words
The cap of claim 1 , in combination with an antimicrobial material.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
46 words
The cap of claim 1 , in combination with a spinal implant having upper and lower portions adapted to move apart from one another to contact the vertebral bodies and an end with an opening configured to cooperatively receive at least a portion of said cap.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
65 words
The cap of claim 26 , wherein said upper and lower portions a of said implant include at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings in said upper and lower portions being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
38 words
The cap of claim 27 , wherein said implant includes a hollow interior for holding bone growth promoting material, said hollow interior being in communication with at least one openings in each of said upper an lower portions.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
18 words
The cap of claim 26 , wherein said implant is in combination with a bone growth promoting material.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
38 words
The cap of claim 29 , wherein said bone growth promoting material is selected from one of bone, bone derived products, demineralized bone matrix, ossifying proteins, bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, and genes coding for the production of bone.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
16 words
The cap of claim 26 , wherein said implant is treated with bone growth promoting substance.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
29 words
The cap of claim 26 , wherein said implant comprises at least one of the following materials: metal, titanium, plastic, and ceramic appropriate for implantation in the human body.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cap of claim 26 , wherein said implant is at lest in part resorbable.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cap of claim 26 , wherein said implant is formed of a porous material.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
The cap of claim 26 , wherein said implant is in combination with a material adapted to inhibit scar formation.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
16 words
The cap of claim 26 , wherein said implant is in combination with an antimicrobial material.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
159 words
An implant cap for preventing the over-expansion of an expandable spinal implant having upper and lower portions adapted to move apart from one another to contact adjacent upper and lower vertebral bodies, respectively, and an nd having an opening configured to cooperatively receive at least a portion of said cap, each of the upper and lower portions proximate the end of the implant having at least one protrusion, said cap comprising: a head configured to cooperatively engage the end of the implant to at least in part cover the opening, said head having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite said top surface, said bottom surface having a recess adapted to cooperatively receive the protrusions to prevent the implant from expanding beyond a predetermined height by limiting movement of the protrusions apart from one another; and a stem projecting from said bottom surface of said head, said stem being adapted for insertion into the opening of the implant.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
159 words
An implant cap for preventing the over-expansion of an expandable spinal implant having upper and lower portions adapted to move apart from one another to contact adjacent upper and lower vertebral bodies, respectively, and an nd having an opening configured to cooperatively receive at least a portion of said cap, each of the upper and lower portions proximate the end of the implant having at least one protrusion, said cap comprising: a head configured to cooperatively engage the end of the implant to at least in part cover the opening, said head having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite said top surface, said bottom surface having a recess adapted to cooperatively receive the protrusions to prevent the implant from expanding beyond a predetermined height by limiting movement of the protrusions apart from one another; and a stem projecting from said bottom surface of said head, said stem being adapted for insertion into the opening of the implant.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
The cap of claim 37 , wherein said head is configured to cooperatively engage the end of the implant to completely cover the opening.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
45 words
The cap of claim 37 , wherein the implant has a plurality of bone screw holes, said bottom surface of said head being configured to cover at least a portion of one of the bone screw holes when said cap is engaged to the implant.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
36 words
The cap of claim 39 , wherein said bottom surface of said head is configured to cover a portion of more than one of the bone screw holes when said cap is engaged to the implant.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
30 words
The cap of claim 39 , wherein said head is configured to allow the insertion of a bone screw into the implant after said cap is engaged with the implant.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
65 words
The cap of claim 39 , wherein said head has a perimeter that is configured to permit the insertion of a bone screw into one of the bone screw holes after said cap is engaged with the implant, said head being movable to cover at least a portion of the bone screw after the bone screw is inserted in one of the bone screw holes.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
17 words
The cap of claim 37 , wherein said cap is treated with a bone growth promoting substance.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
29 words
The cap of claim 37 , wherein said cap comprises at least one of the following materials: metal, titanium, plastic, and ceramic appropriate for implantation in the human body.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cap of claim 37 , wherein said cap is at least in part resorbable.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cap of claim 37 , wherein said cap is formed of a porous material.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
16 words
The cap of claim 37 , in combination with a material adapted to inhibit scar formation.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
12 words
The cap of claim 37 , in combination with an antimicrobial material.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
46 words
The cap of claim 37 , in combination with a spinal implant having upper and lower portions adapted to move apart from one another to contact the vertebral bodies and an end with an opening configured to cooperatively receive at least a portion of said cap.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
64 words
The cap of claim 49 , wherein said upper and lower portions of said implant include at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings in said upper and lower portions being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
38 words
The cap of claim 50 , wherein said implant includes a hollow interior for holding bone growth promoting material, said hollow interior being in communication with at least one openings in each of said upper an lower portions.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
18 words
The cap of claim 49 , wherein said implant is in combination with a bone growth promoting material.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
38 words
The cap of claim 52 , wherein said bone growth promoting material is selected from one of bone, bone derived products, demineralized bone matrix, ossifying proteins, bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, an genes coding for the production of bone.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
16 words
The cap of claim 49 , wherein said implant is treated with bone growth promoting substance.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
29 words
The cap of claim 49 , wherein said implant comprises at least one of the following materials: metal, titanium, plastic, and ceramic appropriate for implantation in the human body.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cap of claim 49 , wherein said implant is at least in part resorbable.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cap of claim 49 , wherein said implant is formed of a porous material.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
20 words
The cap of claim 49 , wherein said implant is in combination with a material adapted to inhibit scar formation.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
16 words
The cap of claim 49 , wherein said implant is in combination with an antimicrobial material.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
168 words
An implant cap for preventing the over-expansion of an expandable spinal implant having upper and lower portions adapted to move apart from one another to contact adjacent upper and lower vertebral bodies, respectively, and an end having an opening configured to cooperatively receive at least a portion of said cap, each of the upper and lower portions proximate the end of the implant having a recess, said cap comprising: a head configured to cooperatively engage the end of the implant to at least in part cover the opening, said head having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite said top surface, said bottom surface having at least one protrusion adapted to cooperatively engage the recesses in the end of the implant to prevent the implant from expanding beyond a predetermined height by limiting movement of the upper and lower portions relative to one another; and a stem projecting from said bottom surface of said head, said stem being adapted for insertion into the opening of the implant.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
168 words
An implant cap for preventing the over-expansion of an expandable spinal implant having upper and lower portions adapted to move apart from one another to contact adjacent upper and lower vertebral bodies, respectively, and an end having an opening configured to cooperatively receive at least a portion of said cap, each of the upper and lower portions proximate the end of the implant having a recess, said cap comprising: a head configured to cooperatively engage the end of the implant to at least in part cover the opening, said head having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite said top surface, said bottom surface having at least one protrusion adapted to cooperatively engage the recesses in the end of the implant to prevent the implant from expanding beyond a predetermined height by limiting movement of the upper and lower portions relative to one another; and a stem projecting from said bottom surface of said head, said stem being adapted for insertion into the opening of the implant.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
24 words
The cap of claim 60 , wherein said head is configured to cooperatively engage the end of the implant to completely cover the opening.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
45 words
The cap of claim 60 , wherein the implant has a plurality of bone screw holes, said bottom surface of said head being configured to cover at least a portion of one of the bone screw holes when said cap is engaged to the implant.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
36 words
The cap of claim 62 , wherein said bottom surface of said head is configured to cover a portion of more than one of the bone screw holes when said cap is engaged to the implant.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
30 words
The cap of claim 62 , wherein said head is configured to allow the insertion of a bone screw into the implant after said cap is engaged with the implant.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
65 words
The cap of claim 62 , wherein said head has a perimeter that is configured to permit the insertion of a bone screw into one of the bone screw holes after said cap is engaged with the implant, said head being movable to cover at least a portion of the bone screw after the bone screw is inserted in one of the bone screw holes.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
17 words
The cap of claim 60 , wherein said cap is treated with a bone growth promoting substance.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
29 words
The cap of claim 60 , wherein said cap comprises at least one of the following materials: metal, titanium, plastic, and ceramic appropriate for implantation in the human body.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cap of claim 60 , wherein said cap is at least in part resorbable.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cap of claim 60 , wherein said cap is formed of a porous material.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
16 words
The cap of claim 60 , in combination with a material adapted to inhibit scar formation.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
12 words
The cap of claim 60 , in combination with an antimicrobial material.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
46 words
The cap of claim 60 , in combination with a spinal implant having upper and lower portions adapted to move apart from one another to contact the vertebral bodies and an end with an opening configured to cooperatively receive at least a portion of said cap.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
64 words
The cap of claim 72 , wherein said upper and lower portions of said implant include at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings in said upper and lower portions being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
36 words
The cap of claim 73 , wherein implant includes a hollow interior for holding bone growth promoting material, said hollow interior being communication with at least one openings in each of said upper an lower portions.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
18 words
The cap of claim 72 , wherein said implant is in combination with a bone growth promoting material.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
38 words
The cap of claim 75 , wherein said bone growth promoting material is selected from one of bone, bone derived products, demineralized bone matrix, ossifying proteins, bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, an genes coding for the production of bone.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
16 words
The cap of claim 72 , wherein said implant is treated with bone growth promoting substance.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
29 words
The cap of claim 72 , wherein said implant comprises at least one of the following materials: metal, titanium, plastic, and ceramic appropriate for implantation in the human body.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cap of claim 72 , wherein said implant is at least in part resorbable.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cap of claim 72 , wherein said implant is formed of a porous material.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
20 words
The cap of claim 72 , wherein said implant is in combination with a material adapted to inhibit scar formation.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
16 words
The cap of claim 72 , wherein said implant is in combination with an antimicrobial material.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
175 words
A screw lock for locking a plurality of bone screws to a spinal implant, the implant having upper and lower portions adapted to move apart from one another to contact adjacent upper and lower vertebral bodies, respectively, the implant having a trailing end with a plurality of bone screw holes and an opening adapted to cooperatively receive at least a portion of said lock, said lock comprising: a head having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite said top surface, said bottom surface being adapted to cover at least a portion of the bone screw holes when the implant is in an expanded position; and a stem projecting from said bottom surface of said head, said stem being adapted for insertion into the opening of the trailing end of the implant to move apart the upper and lower portions to an increased height of the implant upon rotation of said stem from an insertion position to a deployed position, said stem having a non-circular cross section transverse to the longitudinal axis of said stem.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
175 words
A screw lock for locking a plurality of bone screws to a spinal implant, the implant having upper and lower portions adapted to move apart from one another to contact adjacent upper and lower vertebral bodies, respectively, the implant having a trailing end with a plurality of bone screw holes and an opening adapted to cooperatively receive at least a portion of said lock, said lock comprising: a head having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite said top surface, said bottom surface being adapted to cover at least a portion of the bone screw holes when the implant is in an expanded position; and a stem projecting from said bottom surface of said head, said stem being adapted for insertion into the opening of the trailing end of the implant to move apart the upper and lower portions to an increased height of the implant upon rotation of said stem from an insertion position to a deployed position, said stem having a non-circular cross section transverse to the longitudinal axis of said stem.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
24 words
The lock of claim 83 , wherein said head is configured to cooperatively engage the trailing end of implant to completely cover the opening.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
25 words
The lock of claim 83 , wherein said stem has a rectangular cross section along at least a portion of the length of said stem.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
39 words
The lock of claim 83 , wherein said stem has a distal end adapted to cooperatively engage one of the upper and lower portions to lock said lock to the implant while the implant is in an expanded position.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
26 words
The lock of claim 86 , wherein said distal end of said stem has projections to cooperatively engage the upper and lower portions of the implant.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
65 words
The lock of claim 83 , wherein said bottom surface of said head has at least one recess and each of the upper and lower portions proximate the end of the implant has at least one protrusion, each recess being adapted to engage with at least one of the protrusions to prevent the implant from expanding beyond a predetermined height when the implant is expanded.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
17 words
The lock of claim 83 , wherein said lock is treated with a bone growth promoting substance.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
29 words
The lock of claim 83 , wherein said lock comprises at least one of the following materials: metal, titanium, plastic, and ceramic appropriate for implantation in the human body.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
15 words
The lock of claim 83 , wherein said lock is at least in part resorbable.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
15 words
The lock of claim 83 , wherein said lock is formed of a porous material.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
16 words
The lock of claim 83 , in combination with a material adapted to inhibit scar formation.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
12 words
The lock of claim 83 , in combination with an antimicrobial material.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
46 words
The lock of claim 83 , in combination with a spinal implant having upper and lower portions adapted to move apart from one another contact the vertebral bodies and a trailing end with an opening configured to cooperatively receive at least a portion of said lock.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
64 words
The lock of claim 95 , wherein said upper and lower portion of said implant include at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings in said upper and lower portions being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
38 words
The lock of claim 96 , wherein said implant includes a hollow interior for holding bone growth promoting material, said hollow interior being in communication with at least one openings in each of said upper a lower portions.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
18 words
The lock of claim 95 , wherein said implant is in combination with a bone growth promoting material.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
38 words
The lock of claim 98 , wherein said bone growth promotion material is selected from one of bone, bone derived products, demineralized bone matrix, ossifying proteins, bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, and genes coding for the production of bone.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
17 words
The lock of claim 95 , wherein said implant is treated with a bone growth promoting substance.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
29 words
The lock of claim 95 , wherein said implant comprises at least one of the following materials: metal, titanium, plastic, and ceramic appropriate for implantation in the human body.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
15 words
The lock of claim 95 , wherein said implant is at least in part resorbable.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
15 words
The lock of claim 95 , wherein said implant is formed of a porous material.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
20 words
The lock of claim 95 , wherein said implant is in combination with a material adapted to inhibit scar formation.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
16 words
The lock of claim 95 , wherein said implant is in combination with an antimicrobial material.
Claim 110
Independent Claim
69 words
A method for engaging an end cap having a stem to an expandable spinal implant having an end, the method comprising the steps of: inserting the stem of the end cap into the end of the implant; rotating the stem of the end cap to expand the height of the implant; and using a portion of the end cap to prevent the implant from expanding beyond a predetermined height.
Claim 111
Independent Claim
69 words
A method for engaging an end cap having a stem to an expandable spinal implant having an end, the method comprising the steps of: inserting the stem of the end cap into the end of the implant; rotating the stem of the end cap to expand the height of the implant; and using a portion of the end cap to prevent the implant from expanding beyond a predetermined height.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 106 , wherein the step of rotating the stem includes rotating the stem less than one full turn to expand the implant to an increased maximum implant height.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 106 , wherein the step of rotating the stem includes rotating the stem approximately 90 degrees.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 106 , wherein the step of rotating the stem includes rotating a stem having no threads.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 106 , wherein the step of using a portion of the end cap includes receiving into at least one recess on the end cap at least one protrusion on the end of the implant.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 106 , wherein the step of using a portion of the end cap includes engaging at least one protrusion on the end cap into at least one recess on the end of the implant.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 106 , further comprising the step of locking the cap to the implant.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 106 , further comprising the step of locking the implant in an expanded position.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 106 , wherein the implant has a plurality of bone screw holes, further comprising the step of covering at least a portion of the bone screw holes with at least a portion of the end cap.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 114 , further comprising the step of inserting at least one bone screw in the implant after the stem of the end cap inserted into the end of the implant.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 106 , wherein the end of the implant includes an opening leading to an interior hollow having a bone growth promoting material therein, further comprising the step of covering at least a portion of the opening with the end cap.
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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) | 2008-02-01 | 2008-08-02 | 2009-02-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-02-01 | 2012-08-02 | 2013-02-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-02-01 | 2016-08-02 | 2017-02-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |