US5498259A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for fusing bone
Assignee: Los Alamos National Security LLC
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Filing: 1994-03-31
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Granted: 1996-03-12
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Expires: 2014-03-31
Abstract
Abstract Method for fusing bone. The present invention is a method for joining hard tissue which includes chemically removing the mineral matrix from a thin layer of the surfaces to be joined, placing the two bones together, and heating the joint using electromagnetic radiation. The goal of the method is not to produce a full-strength weld of, for example, a cortical bone of the tibia, but rather to produce a weld of sufficient strength to hold the bone halves in registration while either external fixative devices are applied to stabilize the bone segments, or normal healing processes restore full strength to the tibia.
Inventors
- 👤 Judith R. Mourant
- 👤 Gerhard D. Anderson
- 👤 Irving J. Bigio
- 👤 Tamara M. Johnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 13:32
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/28; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/18; A61B18/20; A61B17/00; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/60; A61F2002/2821; A61F2/30; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30621; A61F2002/30622; A61F2002/30667; A61F2002/30672
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
59 words
A method for joining bones at a chosen location, which comprises the steps of: a. chemically removing the mineral matrix from a thin layer of each bone to be joined at the chosen location, thereby exposing collagen; b. placing the bones to be joined in contact at the locations so treated; and c. heating the contact using electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
59 words
A method for joining bones at a chosen location, which comprises the steps of: a. chemically removing the mineral matrix from a thin layer of each bone to be joined at the chosen location, thereby exposing collagen; b. placing the bones to be joined in contact at the locations so treated; and c. heating the contact using electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method as described in claim 1, wherein said step of removing the mineral matrix from a thin layer at the chosen location is accomplished using hydrochloric acid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as described in claim 1, wherein said step of heating the contact using electromagnetic radiation is performed using a diode laser.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method as described in claim 3, further comprising the step of applying a paste which includes indocyanine green dye, water, and albumen, to each bone to be joined to the contact, before said step of heating the contact using laser radiation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as described in claim 1, wherein said step of heating the contact using electromagnetic radiation is performed using a cw Nd:YAG laser.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as described in claim 1, wherein said step of heating the contact using electromagnetic radiation is continued until the contact is lightly carbonized.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method as described in claim 1, further comprising the step of applying a paste which includes bone dust and saline solution to each bone to be joined at the chosen location, before said step of heating the contact using laser radiation.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
51 words
A method for repairing a region fractured bones having opposing faces which comprises the steps of: a. chemically removing the mineral matrix from a thin layer of each the opposing faces of the bone at the fracture, thereby exposing collagen; and b. heating the faces of the fracture using electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
51 words
A method for repairing a region fractured bones having opposing faces which comprises the steps of: a. chemically removing the mineral matrix from a thin layer of each the opposing faces of the bone at the fracture, thereby exposing collagen; and b. heating the faces of the fracture using electromagnetic radiation.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-03-12 | 1999-09-11 | 2000-03-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-03-12 | 2003-09-11 | 2004-03-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-03-12 | 2007-09-11 | 2008-03-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |