Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
An intervertebral prosthesis comprising an implant member dimensioned for insertion within a receiving bed formed in opposed faces of adjacent vertebrae, said implant member defining a longitudinal axis and having a non-threaded outer surface and at least first and second longitudinal sections with respective first and second cross-sectional dimensions, said first cross-sectional dimension being greater than said second cross-sectional dimension to define a retaining surface of said implant member, said retaining surface being positioned, dimensioned and configured such that upon insertion of said implant member into the receiving bed between the vertebrae, said retaining surface facilitates securement therewithin by corresponding engagement with surfaces of the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
An intervertebral prosthesis comprising an implant member dimensioned for insertion within a receiving bed formed in opposed faces of adjacent vertebrae, said implant member defining a longitudinal axis and having a non-threaded outer surface and at least first and second longitudinal sections with respective first and second cross-sectional dimensions, said first cross-sectional dimension being greater than said second cross-sectional dimension to define a retaining surface of said implant member, said retaining surface being positioned, dimensioned and configured such that upon insertion of said implant member into the receiving bed between the vertebrae, said retaining surface facilitates securement therewithin by corresponding engagement with surfaces of the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The intervertebral prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein said implant member is generally circular in cross-section.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The intervertebral prosthesis according to claim 2 wherein said second longitudinal section defines a diameter ranging from about 50% to about 95% the diameter defined by said first longitudinal section.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The intervertebral prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the implant member defines a single stepped region.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The intervertebral prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein said implant member includes multiple stepped regions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The intervertebral prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein said implant member is a bone graft implant.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The intervertebral prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein said implant member comprises cancellous bone or cortical bone.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The intervertebral prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein said implant member comprises a material selected from the group consisting of titanium, titanium alloys, surgical steel, polymeric material and ceramic material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
108 words
An intervertebral prosthesis comprising an implant member of biocompatible material and being dimensioned for positioning in a receiving bed formed in opposed faces of adjacent vertebrae, said implant member including a non-threaded outer surface and first and second generally cylindrical sections, the first cylindrical section defining a diameter greater than a diameter defined by the second cylindrical section, the juncture of said first and second cylindrical sections defining a retaining ledge, the retaining ledge being positioned, dimensioned and configured such that upon insertion of said implant member between the adjacent vertebrae, the retaining ledge prevents movement of the implant member relative to the vertebrae thereby facilitating retainment therein.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
108 words
An intervertebral prosthesis comprising an implant member of biocompatible material and being dimensioned for positioning in a receiving bed formed in opposed faces of adjacent vertebrae, said implant member including a non-threaded outer surface and first and second generally cylindrical sections, the first cylindrical section defining a diameter greater than a diameter defined by the second cylindrical section, the juncture of said first and second cylindrical sections defining a retaining ledge, the retaining ledge being positioned, dimensioned and configured such that upon insertion of said implant member between the adjacent vertebrae, the retaining ledge prevents movement of the implant member relative to the vertebrae thereby facilitating retainment therein.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The intervertebral prosthesis according to claim 8 wherein said first and second cylindrical sections are concentrically arranged about a longitudinal axis of said implant member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The intervertebral prosthesis according to claim 8 wherein said implant member has a non-threaded exterior surface.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The intervertebral prosthesis according to claim 9 wherein said implant member defines anterior and posterior ends, said first cylindrical section disposed adjacent said anterior end.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intervertebral prosthesis according to claim 8 wherein said implant member comprises cortical bone.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
The intervertebral prosthesis according to claim 8 wherein said implant member comprises cancellous bone.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
83 words
A vertebral interbody fusion device comprising a bone graft implant member dimensioned to span an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae, said implant member having a non-threaded outer surface and first and second longitudinal sections, with respective first and second cross-sectional dimensions, the juncture of said first and second longitudinal sections defining a retaining surface, said retaining surface being positioned, dimensioned and configured to facilitate retention of said implant member within said intervertebral space through cooperative engagement with corresponding surfaces of the adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
83 words
A vertebral interbody fusion device comprising a bone graft implant member dimensioned to span an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae, said implant member having a non-threaded outer surface and first and second longitudinal sections, with respective first and second cross-sectional dimensions, the juncture of said first and second longitudinal sections defining a retaining surface, said retaining surface being positioned, dimensioned and configured to facilitate retention of said implant member within said intervertebral space through cooperative engagement with corresponding surfaces of the adjacent vertebrae.