US5741253A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for inserting spinal implants
Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic Inc
•
Filing: 1992-10-29
•
Granted: 1998-04-21
•
Expires: 2012-10-29
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
2026-10-23 06:32
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/16; A61B17/1662; A61B17/1671; A61B17/17; A61B17/1739; A61B17/1757; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/44; A61F2/4455; A61F2/446; A61F2/46; A61F2/4603; A61F2/4611; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/88; A61B17/8875; A61B17/02; A61B17/025; A61B2017/0256; A61B90/00; A61B90/03; A61B2090/033; A61B2090/036; A61F2/30721; A61F2/30744; A61F2/442; A61F2/28; A61F2002/2835; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30108; A61F2002/3011; A61F2002/30138; A61F2002/30143; A61F2002/30199; A61F2002/30224; A61F2002/30235; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30329; A61F2002/30405; A61F2002/30535; A61F2002/30593; A61F2/30767; A61F2/30771; A61F2002/30772; A61F2002/30774; A61F2002/30784; A61F2002/30785; A61F2002/30787; A61F2002/3085; A61F2002/448; A61F2002/4619; A61F2002/4625; A61F2002/4627; A61F2002/4629; A61F2002/4681; A61F2220/00; A61F2220/0025; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0002; A61F2230/0017; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0069
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 98
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for inserting an implant across the disc space and into two adjacent vertebrae through a tubular member comprising the steps of: inserting a tubular member having means to engage said two adjacent vertebrae; placing through said tubular member a drill having a diameter greater than said disc space; drilling an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae through said tubular member; removing said drill; inserting an implant in the opening through the tubular member; and then removing said tubular member.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for inserting an implant across the disc space and into two adjacent vertebrae through a tubular member comprising the steps of: inserting a tubular member having means to engage said two adjacent vertebrae; placing through said tubular member a drill having a diameter greater than said disc space; drilling an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae through said tubular member; removing said drill; inserting an implant in the opening through the tubular member; and then removing said tubular member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 in which said drill has means associated therewith for limiting the depth of the drilling.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 in which said implant is made of a material that promotes bone ingrowth.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of tapping the opening formed by the drill in the disc to create a thread in the vertebrae, said step of tapping being preformed through said tubular member.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for removing the disc between two adjacent vertebrae comprising inserting a tubular member having means to engage two vertebrae into the vertebrae, said tubular member having a inner removable sleeve; drilling the disc and a portion of the two adjacent vertebrae through said tubular member; tapping the opening formed by the drill in the disc to create a thread in the vertebrae; inserting a cylindrical implant having corresponding threads to those formed by the tap in the vertebrae through the tubular member; and then removing said tubular member.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for removing the disc between two adjacent vertebrae comprising inserting a tubular member having means to engage two vertebrae into the vertebrae, said tubular member having a inner removable sleeve; drilling the disc and a portion of the two adjacent vertebrae through said tubular member; tapping the opening formed by the drill in the disc to create a thread in the vertebrae; inserting a cylindrical implant having corresponding threads to those formed by the tap in the vertebrae through the tubular member; and then removing said tubular member.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
105 words
A method for removing the disc between two adjacent vertebrae comprising inserting a tubular member having means to engage two vertebrae into the vertebrae, said tubular member is installed in said vertebrae by placing a driver within said tubular member and hitting the driver with a hammer; drilling the disc and a portion of the two adjacent vertebrae through said tubular member; tapping the opening formed by the drill in the disc to create a thread in the vertebrae; inserting a cylindrical implant having corresponding threads to those formed by the tap in the vertebrae through the tubular member; and then removing said tubular member.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
105 words
A method for removing the disc between two adjacent vertebrae comprising inserting a tubular member having means to engage two vertebrae into the vertebrae, said tubular member is installed in said vertebrae by placing a driver within said tubular member and hitting the driver with a hammer; drilling the disc and a portion of the two adjacent vertebrae through said tubular member; tapping the opening formed by the drill in the disc to create a thread in the vertebrae; inserting a cylindrical implant having corresponding threads to those formed by the tap in the vertebrae through the tubular member; and then removing said tubular member.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
71 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 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 11
Independent Claim
71 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 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 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 7, wherein the step of positioning includes the step of impacting said one end of said tubular member into the spine.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 7, wherein the step of positioning includes the step of driving said one end of said tubular member against the two adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of embedding said one end of said tubular member into the disc space after the step of positioning.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of embedding said one end of said tubular member into the disk space after the step of positioning.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 7, wherein the forming step includes the sub-step of milling the opening.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 7, wherein the forming step includes the sub-step of drilling the opening.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 13, wherein the forming step further comprises the sub-step of placing a drill having a diameter greater than the disc space through said tubular member prior to the sub-step of drilling.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 13, wherein the forming step further comprises the sub-step of placing a drill through said tubular member prior to the sub-step of drilling.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 15, further comprising the sub-step of removing said drill after the sub-step of drilling.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of tapping the opening to provide threads over at least a portion of the vertebrae prior to the step of inserting said implant.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of placing a tap through said tubular member prior to the step of tapping.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of removing said tap from said tubular member after the step of tapping.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 7, wherein the step of inserting includes the sub-step of screwing said implant into the opening through said tubular member.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of attaching a driving member to said implant prior to the step of inserting.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 21, wherein the step of inserting includes the sub-step of using said driving member to insert said implant into the opening through said tubular member.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of removing said driving member from said implant after the step of inserting said implant.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of removing said driving member from said tubular member after the step of inserting said implant.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of removing said driving member and said tubular member together after the step of inserting said implant.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of removing said tubular member after the step of inserting said implant.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of loading said implant with fusion promoting material prior to the step of inserting.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 27, wherein the step of loading includes the sub-step of compressively loading said implant with fusion material.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 27, wherein the step of loading includes the sub-step of forcibly injecting said implant with fusion material.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 27, further comprising the step of retaining the fusion material within said implant after the step of loading.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 30, wherein the step of retaining includes the sub-step of attaching a cap to said implant to retain the fusion material.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of loading said implant with osteogenic material prior to the step of inserting.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 7, wherein the step of inserting includes inserting an implant containing a fusion promoting substance.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 7, wherein the step of inserting includes inserting an implant comprising a fusion promoting substance.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 7, wherein the step of inserting includes inserting an implant comprising a bone ingrowth surface.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of placing an inner tubular sleeve within said tubular member prior to the step of forming the opening.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 36, wherein the forming step includes the sub-step of drilling the opening.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 37, further comprising the step of removing said inner tubular sleeve prior to the step of inserting said implant.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 37, wherein the forming step further comprises the sub-step of placing a drill through said inner tubular sleeve prior to the sub-step of drilling.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of removing said inner tubular sleeve and said drill together prior to the inserting step.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 7, wherein the step of positioning includes the sub-step of non-distractively engaging the two adjacent vertebrae with said one end of said tubular member.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
86 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 substantially tubular member in contact with the adjacent vertebrae, said tubular member having at least a portion thereof extending 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; and inserting said implant through said tubular member and into the opening.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
86 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 substantially tubular member in contact with the adjacent vertebrae, said tubular member having at least a portion thereof extending 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; and inserting said implant through said tubular member and into the opening.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive an implant, the method comprising the steps of: abutting one end of a tubular member against the adjacent vertebrae, said tubular member having at least a portion thereof extending into the spine; 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 49
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive an implant, the method comprising the steps of: abutting one end of a tubular member against the adjacent vertebrae, said tubular member having at least a portion thereof extending into the spine; 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 50
Independent Claim
67 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive an implant, the method comprising the steps of: contacting the adjacent vertebrae with one end of a tubular member; 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 51
Independent Claim
67 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive an implant, the method comprising the steps of: contacting the adjacent vertebrae with one end of a tubular member; 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 52
Independent Claim
67 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive an implant, the method comprising the steps of: burying into the disk space one end of a tubular member; 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 53
Independent Claim
67 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive an implant, the method comprising the steps of: burying into the disk space one end of a tubular member; 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 54
Independent Claim
97 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; and inserting said implant through said tubular member and into the opening.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
97 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; and inserting said implant through said tubular member and into the opening.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 46 wherein the step of anchoring includes the step of impacting said one end of said tubular member into the spine.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 46, wherein the step of anchoring includes the step of driving said one end of said tubular member against the two adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 46, wherein the forming step includes the sub-step of milling the opening.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 46, wherein the forming step includes the sub-step of drilling the opening.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 50, wherein the forming step further comprises the sub-step of placing a drill having a diameter greater than the disc space through said tubular member prior to the sub-step of drilling.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 50, wherein the forming step further comprises the sub-step of placing a drill through said tubular member prior to the sub-step of drilling.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 52, further comprising the sub-step of removing said drill after the sub-step of drilling.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 46, further comprising the step of tapping the opening to provide threads over at least a portion of the vertebrae prior to the step of inserting said implant.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 54, further comprising the step of placing a tap through said tubular member prior to the step of tapping.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 55, further comprising the step of removing said tap from said tubular member after the step of tapping.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 46, wherein the step of inserting includes the sub-step of screwing said implant into the opening through said tubular member.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 46, further comprising the step of attaching a driving member to said implant prior to the step of inserting.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 58, wherein the step of inserting includes the sub-step of using said driving member to insert said implant into the opening through said tubular member.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 59, further comprising the step of removing said driving member from said implant after the step of inserting said implant.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 60, further comprising the step of removing said driving member from said tubular member after the step of inserting said implant.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 60, further comprising the step of removing said driving member and said tubular member together after the step of inserting said implant.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 46, further comprising the step of removing said tubular member after the step of inserting said implant.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 46, further comprising the step of loading said implant with fusion promoting material prior to the step of inserting.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 64, wherein the step of loading includes the sub-step of compressively loading said implant with fusion material.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 64, wherein the step of loading includes the sub-step of forcibly injecting said implant with fusion material.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 46, further comprising the step of loading said implant with osteogenic material prior to the step of inserting.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 46, wherein the step of inserting includes inserting an implant containing a fusion promoting material.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 46, wherein the step of inserting includes inserting an implant comprising a fusion promoting material.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 46, wherein the step of inserting includes inserting an implant comprising a bone ingrowth surface.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 64, further comprising the step of retaining the fusion material within said implant after the step of loading.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 71, wherein the step of retaining includes the sub-step of attaching a cap to said implant to retain the fusion material.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 46, further comprising the step of placing an inner tubular sleeve within said tubular member prior to the step of forming the opening.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 73, wherein the forming step includes the sub-step of drilling the opening.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 74, further comprising the step of removing said inner tubular sleeve prior to the step of inserting said implant.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 74, wherein the forming step further comprises the sub-step of placing a drill through said inner tubular sleeve prior to the sub-step of drilling.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 76, further comprising the step of removing said inner tubular sleeve and said drill together prior to the inserting step.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 46, wherein the step of positioning includes the sub-step of non-distractively engaging the two adjacent vertebrae with said one end of said tubular member.
Claim 88
Independent Claim
68 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive an implant, the method comprising the steps of: non-distractively engaging the two adjacent vertebrae with one end of a tubular member; forming, through said tubular member, an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the adjacent vertebrae; and inserting said implant through said tubular member and into the opening.
Claim 89
Independent Claim
68 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive an implant, the method comprising the steps of: non-distractively engaging the two adjacent vertebrae with one end of a tubular member; forming, through said tubular member, an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the adjacent vertebrae; and inserting said implant through said tubular member and into the opening.
Claim 90
Independent Claim
66 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive an implant, the method comprising the steps of: driving one end of a tubular member against the two adjacent vertebrae; forming, through said tubular member, an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the adjacent vertebrae; and inserting, through said tubular member, said implant into the opening.
Claim 91
Independent Claim
66 words
A method for preparing two adjacent vertebrae and a disc space therebetween to receive an implant, the method comprising the steps of: driving one end of a tubular member against the two adjacent vertebrae; forming, through said tubular member, an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the adjacent vertebrae; and inserting, through said tubular member, said implant into the opening.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 80, wherein the forming step includes the sub-step of drilling the opening.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 81, wherein the forming step includes the sub-step of tapping the opening.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 80, further comprising the step of removing said tubular member after the step of inserting.
Claim 95
Independent Claim
72 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; a forming, through said hollow guard, an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae; and inserting said implant through said hollow guard and into the opening.
Claim 96
Independent Claim
72 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; a forming, through said hollow guard, an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae; and inserting said implant through said hollow guard and into the opening.
Claim 97
Independent Claim
96 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 hollow guard against the two adjacent vertebrae so that at least a portion of said one end of said hollow guard extends at least in part between the adjacent vertebrae and into the disc space; forming, through said hollow guard, an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae; and inserting said implant through said hollow guard and into the opening.
Claim 98
Independent Claim
96 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 hollow guard against the two adjacent vertebrae so that at least a portion of said one end of said hollow guard extends at least in part between the adjacent vertebrae and into the disc space; forming, through said hollow guard, an opening across the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebrae; and inserting said implant through said hollow guard and into the opening.
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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) | 2001-04-20 | 2001-10-20 | 2002-04-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-04-20 | 2005-10-20 | 2006-04-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-04-20 | 2009-10-20 | 2010-04-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |