Patent US4077441A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US7344539B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US7344539B2
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US
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Intervertebral connection system
Assignee: DePuy Spine LLC
•
Filing: 2001-03-30
•
Granted: 2008-03-18
•
Expires: 2021-03-30
Abstract
Abstract An intervertebral connection system having a fabric-based conformable ligament is disclosed herein.
Inventors
- 👤 Hassan A Serhan
- 👤 Michael A Slivka
- 👤 Christopher T Fair
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:18
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/08; A61F2/0811; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/064; A61B17/0642; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68; A61B17/70; A61B2017/00004; A61B2017/0647; A61B2017/0648; A61F2/0805; A61F2/30; A61F2/44; A61F2/4455; A61F2002/0847; A61F2002/087; A61F2002/0876; A61F2002/0888; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S606/00; Y10S606/907; Y10S606/908
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 70
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a ligament having: i) a central portion, ii) first and second end portions, and iii) first and second conformable portions, each conformable portion comprising a fabric, wherein the first conformable portion is disposed between the central portion and the first end portion, and the second conformable portion is disposed between the central portion and the second end portion, and b) first and second shoulderless bone fasteners, wherein the first end portion is shaped to cooperatively connect to the first bone fastener, and the second end portion is shaped to cooperatively connect to the second bone fastener.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a ligament having: i) a central portion, ii) first and second end portions, and iii) first and second conformable portions, each conformable portion comprising a fabric, wherein the first conformable portion is disposed between the central portion and the first end portion, and the second conformable portion is disposed between the central portion and the second end portion, and b) first and second shoulderless bone fasteners, wherein the first end portion is shaped to cooperatively connect to the first bone fastener, and the second end portion is shaped to cooperatively connect to the second bone fastener.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
10 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the ligament is bioresorbable.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the bone fastener comprises an attachment end portion, wherein the attachment end portion has a shape for fitting a driver.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 1 wherein each bone fastener further comprises an insertion end portion, wherein the insertion end portion is drivable.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the central and conformable portions is tensionable.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 5 wherein the tensionable portion is braided.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the central portion is tensionable.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 7 wherein the central portion and conformable portions each have a length, and the length of the central portion is at least twice as long as either conformable portion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the central and conformable portions is extensible.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 9 wherein the extensible portion is braided.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 1 Wherein the central portion is extensible.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 11 wherein the central portion and conformable portions each have a length, and the length of the central portion is at least twice as long as either conformable portion.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
63 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a ligament comprising first and second end portions, and b) first and second bone fasteners, wherein the first bone fastener is connected to the first end portion of the ligament, and the second bone fastener is connected to the second end portion of the ligament, and wherein the first bone fastener is configured to accept a driver.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
63 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a ligament comprising first and second end portions, and b) first and second bone fasteners, wherein the first bone fastener is connected to the first end portion of the ligament, and the second bone fastener is connected to the second end portion of the ligament, and wherein the first bone fastener is configured to accept a driver.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 13 wherein the first bone fastener has an upper surface connected to the first end portion of the ligament, and the upper surface has a recess.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 14 wherein the recess houses a rescue screw.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 13 wherein the upper surface has a circumference, and the second end of the ligament portion attaches to at least half of the circumference.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 16 wherein at least one of the lateral protrusions defines an angle α of no more than 45 degrees.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 16 wherein at least one of the lateral protrusions defines an angle α of no more than 30 degrees.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 16 wherein at least one of the lateral protrusions defines an angle α of between 20 degrees and 30 degrees.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 16 wherein the shank has a diameter D, and at least one of the lateral protrusions has a height H, and the height II of the lateral protrusion is no more than 70% of the diameter D of the shank.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 13 wherein the upper surface has a circumference, and the second end of the ligament portion attaches to substantially the full circumference.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
72 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a conformable ligament comprising first and second end portions, each end portion comprising a fabric, and b) first and second bone fasteners, wherein the first bone fastener is connected to the first end portion of the ligament, and the second bone fastener is connected to the second end portion of the ligament, wherein the bone fastener is made of a bioresorbable PLA/PLG copolymer and is shoulderless.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
72 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a conformable ligament comprising first and second end portions, each end portion comprising a fabric, and b) first and second bone fasteners, wherein the first bone fastener is connected to the first end portion of the ligament, and the second bone fastener is connected to the second end portion of the ligament, wherein the bone fastener is made of a bioresorbable PLA/PLG copolymer and is shoulderless.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
60 words
The system of claim 22 wherein the conformable ligament further comprises: i) a central portion, and ii) first and second conformable portions, each conformable portion comprising a fabric, wherein the first conformable portion is disposed between the central portion and the first end portion, and the second conformable portion is disposed between the central portion and the second end portion.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
58 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a conformable ligament comprising first and second end portions, each end portion comprising a fabric, and b) first and second bone fasteners, wherein the first bone fastener is pre-connected to the first end portion of the ligament, and the second bone fastener is pre-connected to the second end portion of the ligament.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
58 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a conformable ligament comprising first and second end portions, each end portion comprising a fabric, and b) first and second bone fasteners, wherein the first bone fastener is pre-connected to the first end portion of the ligament, and the second bone fastener is pre-connected to the second end portion of the ligament.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 24 wherein the pre-connection is accomplished by physical locking.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 24 wherein the pre-connection is accomplished by physical connection.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 24 wherein the pre-connection is accomplished by integral connection.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
59 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a compressible ligament comprising first and second end portions and having at least one bioresorbable portion, and b) first and second bone fasteners, wherein the first end portion is shaped to cooperatively connect to the first bone fastener, and the second end portion is shaped to cooperatively connect to the second bone fastener.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
59 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a compressible ligament comprising first and second end portions and having at least one bioresorbable portion, and b) first and second bone fasteners, wherein the first end portion is shaped to cooperatively connect to the first bone fastener, and the second end portion is shaped to cooperatively connect to the second bone fastener.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 28 wherein the ligament further comprises a bioresorbable central portion.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 28 wherein the ligament further comprises a central portion, and conformable portions disposed between the central portion and each end portion, wherein each conformable portion is bioresorbable.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 28 wherein each end portion is bioresorbable.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 28 wherein each bone fastener is bioresorbable.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 28 wherein the bioresorbable portion is selected front the group consisting of a polymer and a copolymer.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 28 wherein the bioresorbable portion is selected from the group consisting of PLA, PGA and copolymers of PLA and PGA.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 28 wherein the bioresorbable portion is a copolymer comprising PLA and PGA.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 35 wherein the copolymer comprises between 70 wt % and 99 wt % PLA, and 1 wt % and 30 wt % PGA.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
31 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a compressible ligament comprising first and second end portions, and b) first and second bone fasteners, wherein each bone fastener and the ligament are bioresorbable.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
31 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a compressible ligament comprising first and second end portions, and b) first and second bone fasteners, wherein each bone fastener and the ligament are bioresorbable.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 37 wherein the ligament and each bone fastener has a resorption time, and wherein the resorption time of the ligament is less than that of each bone fastener.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
10 words
The system of claim 37 wherein the ligament is tensionable.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 37 wherein the bioresorbable ligament is selected from the group consisting of a polymer and a copolymer.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 37 wherein the bioresorbable ligament is selected from the group consisting of PLA, PGA and copolymers of PLA and PGA.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
134 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a ligament having: i) a central portion, ii) first and second end portions, and iii) first and second conformable portions, wherein the first conformable portion is disposed between the central portion and the first end portion, and the second conformable portion is disposed between the central portion and the second end portion b) first and second shoulderless bone fasteners, wherein the first end portion is connected to the first bone fastener, and the second end portion is connected to the second bone fastener, and wherein the central portion is made of a first material having a first resorption time, the end portion is made of a second material having a second resorption time, and the first material has a shorter resorption time than that of the second material.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
134 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a ligament having: i) a central portion, ii) first and second end portions, and iii) first and second conformable portions, wherein the first conformable portion is disposed between the central portion and the first end portion, and the second conformable portion is disposed between the central portion and the second end portion b) first and second shoulderless bone fasteners, wherein the first end portion is connected to the first bone fastener, and the second end portion is connected to the second bone fastener, and wherein the central portion is made of a first material having a first resorption time, the end portion is made of a second material having a second resorption time, and the first material has a shorter resorption time than that of the second material.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
40 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a compressible ligament comprising first and second end portions, and b) first and second bone fasteners, each bone fastener having an attachment end comprising a ceramic material and a shank comprising a polymer material.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
40 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a compressible ligament comprising first and second end portions, and b) first and second bone fasteners, each bone fastener having an attachment end comprising a ceramic material and a shank comprising a polymer material.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
47 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a ligament comprising first and second end portions, and b) first and second bone fasteners, wherein the first end portion is pivotally connected to the first bone fastener, and the second end portion is pivotally connected to the second bone fastener.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
47 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a ligament comprising first and second end portions, and b) first and second bone fasteners, wherein the first end portion is pivotally connected to the first bone fastener, and the second end portion is pivotally connected to the second bone fastener.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
115 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a ligament having: i) a central portion, ii) first and second end portions, each end portion comprising a fabric, and iii) first and second intermediate portions, wherein the first intermediate portion is disposed between the central portion and the first end portion, and the second intermediate portion is disposed between the central portion and the second end portion, and b) first and second shoulderless bone fasteners, wherein the first end portion is shaped to cooperatively connect to the first bone fastener, and the second end portion is shaped to cooperatively connect to the second bone fastener, and wherein at least one of the central and intermediate portions is extensible.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
115 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a ligament having: i) a central portion, ii) first and second end portions, each end portion comprising a fabric, and iii) first and second intermediate portions, wherein the first intermediate portion is disposed between the central portion and the first end portion, and the second intermediate portion is disposed between the central portion and the second end portion, and b) first and second shoulderless bone fasteners, wherein the first end portion is shaped to cooperatively connect to the first bone fastener, and the second end portion is shaped to cooperatively connect to the second bone fastener, and wherein at least one of the central and intermediate portions is extensible.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 45 wherein the extensible portion has a length which can be increased by 25% without exceeding its yield point.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 45 wherein the extensible portion comprises a textile.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 45 wherein the extensible portion is a braided yarn.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 45 wherein the central portion is extensible.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 45 wherein the central portion and end portions each have a length, and the length of the central portion is at least twice as long as either end portion.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
171 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a ligament having: i) a central portion, ii) first and second end portions, and iii) first and second intermediate portions, wherein the lint intermediate portion is disposed between the central portion and the first end portion, and the second intermediate portion is disposed between the central portion and the second end portion, and b) first and second bone fasteners, wherein the first end portion has an upper surface, a lower surface and a first transverse hole therethrough, the hole having a shape for receiving the first bone fastener, and the second end portion has an upper surface, a lower surface and a second transverse hole therethrough, the hole having a shape for receiving the second bone fastener, and wherein the first bone fastener is received within the first transverse hole, and the second bone fastener is received within the second transverse hole, wherein the intermediate portions are conformable and made of a braided material, and wherein the upper surface of each end portion is smooth.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
171 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a ligament having: i) a central portion, ii) first and second end portions, and iii) first and second intermediate portions, wherein the lint intermediate portion is disposed between the central portion and the first end portion, and the second intermediate portion is disposed between the central portion and the second end portion, and b) first and second bone fasteners, wherein the first end portion has an upper surface, a lower surface and a first transverse hole therethrough, the hole having a shape for receiving the first bone fastener, and the second end portion has an upper surface, a lower surface and a second transverse hole therethrough, the hole having a shape for receiving the second bone fastener, and wherein the first bone fastener is received within the first transverse hole, and the second bone fastener is received within the second transverse hole, wherein the intermediate portions are conformable and made of a braided material, and wherein the upper surface of each end portion is smooth.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 51 wherein the bone fastener is a screw.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 51 wherein the upper surface of the first end portion is integral with the first conformable portion.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 51 wherein the upper surface of the second end portion is integral with the second conformable portion.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
101 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a ligament having: i) a central portion, ii) first and second end portions, and iii) first and second intermediate portions, wherein the first intermediate portion is conformable and is disposed between the central portion and the first end portion, and the second intermediate portion is disposed between the central portion and the second end portion, b) a first shoulderless bone fastener, and c) a shouldered bone fastener, wherein the first end portion is shaped to cooperatively connect to the first shoulderless bone fastener, and the shouldered bone fastener is received through the second end portion.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
101 words
An intervertebral connection system comprising: a) a ligament having: i) a central portion, ii) first and second end portions, and iii) first and second intermediate portions, wherein the first intermediate portion is conformable and is disposed between the central portion and the first end portion, and the second intermediate portion is disposed between the central portion and the second end portion, b) a first shoulderless bone fastener, and c) a shouldered bone fastener, wherein the first end portion is shaped to cooperatively connect to the first shoulderless bone fastener, and the shouldered bone fastener is received through the second end portion.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
143 words
A method of stabilizing a pair of vertebrae, each vertebrae having a surface, comprising the steps of: a) providing an intervertebral connection system comprising: i) a ligament having first and second end portions, and ii) first and second bone fasteners, wherein the ligament is between the first and second bone fasteners, the first end portion of the ligament being adjacent the first bone fastener, the second end portion of the ligament being adjacent the second bone fastener, and b) fully inserting time first bone fastener and at least a portion of the first end portion of the ligament into the first vertebra to a location below the first vertebral surface, and c) fully inserting the second bone fastener and at least a portion of the second end portion of the ligament into the second vertebra to a location below the second vertebral surface.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
143 words
A method of stabilizing a pair of vertebrae, each vertebrae having a surface, comprising the steps of: a) providing an intervertebral connection system comprising: i) a ligament having first and second end portions, and ii) first and second bone fasteners, wherein the ligament is between the first and second bone fasteners, the first end portion of the ligament being adjacent the first bone fastener, the second end portion of the ligament being adjacent the second bone fastener, and b) fully inserting time first bone fastener and at least a portion of the first end portion of the ligament into the first vertebra to a location below the first vertebral surface, and c) fully inserting the second bone fastener and at least a portion of the second end portion of the ligament into the second vertebra to a location below the second vertebral surface.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method of claim 56 wherein the first and second vertebrae form a portion of a first lateral aspect of a scoliotic spine having a convex curve, the first bone fastener is inserted into the first lateral aspect of the first vertebra and the second bone fastener is inserted into the first lateral aspect of the second vertebra, and the insertion step of step c) tensions the ligament, thereby at least partially straightening the convex curve.
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| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2015-03-18 | 2015-09-17 | 2016-03-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
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