US6224607B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Instrumentation and method for creating an intervertebral space for receiving an implant
Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic Inc
•
Filing: 2000-01-25
•
Granted: 2001-05-01
•
Expires: 2020-01-25
Abstract
Abstract A surgical instrument set for use in spinal surgery for forming a substantially quadrilateral space in the spine for implanting a spinal implant at least in part into and at least in part across a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies and methods of use are disclosed. The instrument set includes an extended guard for providing protected access to the disc space and the adjacent surfaces of the adjacent vertebral bodies, a guide insertable into the guard, and a bone removal device insertable into said guide.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary K. Michelson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 02:14
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/88; A61B17/885; A61B17/02; A61B17/025; A61B17/16; A61B17/17; A61B17/1739; A61B17/1757; A61B90/00; A61B90/39; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/44; A61F2/4455; A61F2/447; A61F2/46; A61F2/4601; A61F2/4603; A61F2/4611; A61B17/1604; A61B17/1662; A61B17/1671; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/0046; A61B2017/00464; A61B2017/0256; A61B90/08; A61B2090/0801; A61B2090/08021; A61B2090/3937; A61B2090/395; A61F2/28; A61F2/30721; A61F2/30744; A61F2/3094; A61F2/442; A61F2/4637; A61F2002/2817; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30108; A61F2002/3011; A61F2002/30138; A61F2002/30153; A61F2002/30158; A61F2002/30199; A61F2002/30261; A61F2002/30266; A61F2002/3028; A61F2002/30281; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30535; A61F2002/30593; A61F2/30767; A61F2/30771; A61F2002/30772; A61F2002/30777; A61F2002/30784; A61F2002/30785; A61F2002/30787; A61F2002/30789; A61F2002/30841; A61F2002/30845; A61F2002/30878; A61F2002/30879; A61F2002/30884; A61F2002/30891; A61F2002/30892; A61F2002/30904; A61F2002/448; A61F2002/4625; A61F2002/4627; A61F2002/4681; A61F2002/4687; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0002; A61F2230/0017; A61F2230/0019; A61F2230/0026; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0082; A61F2230/0086; A61F2310/00; A61F2310/00005; A61F2310/00179; A61F2310/00293; A61F2310/00341
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 134
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
A surgical instrument set for use in spinal surgery for forming a substantially quadrilateral space in the spine for implanting a spinal implant into a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies, said surgical instrument set comprising: a guard having an opening for providing protected access to the disc space and the adjacent surfaces of the vertebral bodies adjacent the disc space and having a disc penetrating extension extending from said guard for insertion into the disc space between the adjacent vertebral bodies and for bearing against the adjacent vertebral endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies; and a guide for guiding a bone removal device, said guide having a shaft adapted to be inserted into said guard, said guide including means for guiding the formation of a substantially quadrilateral space across the height of the disc space and into the adjacent surfaces of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
A surgical instrument set for use in spinal surgery for forming a substantially quadrilateral space in the spine for implanting a spinal implant into a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies, said surgical instrument set comprising: a guard having an opening for providing protected access to the disc space and the adjacent surfaces of the vertebral bodies adjacent the disc space and having a disc penetrating extension extending from said guard for insertion into the disc space between the adjacent vertebral bodies and for bearing against the adjacent vertebral endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies; and a guide for guiding a bone removal device, said guide having a shaft adapted to be inserted into said guard, said guide including means for guiding the formation of a substantially quadrilateral space across the height of the disc space and into the adjacent surfaces of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The instrument set of claim 1 , wherein said guiding means includes a plurality of guide bores.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The instrument set of claim 2 , wherein said plurality of guide bores overlap one another.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The instrument set of claim 2 , wherein said plurality of guide bores are circular.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The instrument set of claim 2 , wherein said plurality of guide bores includes three guide bores.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The instrument set of claim 5 , wherein said three guide bores include a main guide bore and two secondary guide bores located to a side of said main guide bore.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The instrument set of claim 6 , wherein said main guide bore has a diameter and said two secondary guide bores have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the main guide bore.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
The instrument set of claim 7 , wherein each of said two secondary guide bores are sized and oriented within said guide to guide the formation of a bore substantially contacting two adjacent sides of the substantially quadrilateral space to be formed.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
The instrument set of claim 7 , wherein said main guide bore is sized and oriented within said guide to guide the formation of a bore substantially contacting three sides of the substantially quadrilateral space to be formed.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
The instrument set of claim 8 , wherein each of said two secondary guide bores are sized and oriented within said guide to guide the formation of a bore substantially contacting two adjacent sides of the substantially quadrilateral space to be formed.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
72 words
The instrument set of claim 10 , wherein said main guide bore and said two secondary guide bores are oriented such that the bores formed in the spine through said main guide bore and said two secondary guide bores form a first hole pattern which when said guide is rotated 180 degrees and used to form a second hole pattern the overlapping first and second hole patterns form the substantially quadrilateral space.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
The instrument set of claim 11 , wherein the overlapping first and second hole patterns form one of a substantially rectangular space and a substantially trapezoid space.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The instrument set of claim 1 , wherein said guide includes means for preventing over penetration of said guide into said guard.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The instrument set of claim 13 , wherein said preventing means is a trailing end of said guide having a dimension greater than said shaft of said guide.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The instrument set of claim 1 , wherein said shaft of said guide has one of a rectangular cross-section and a circular cross-section.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
42 words
The instrument set of claim 1 , further comprising a secondary guide having a shaft adapted to be inserted into said guard, said secondary guide including means for guiding the formation of a bore centrally oriented within the space to be formed.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
The instrument set of claim 16 , wherein the centrally oriented bore contacts opposite sides of the substantially quadrilateral space to be formed.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
The instrument set of claim 1 , further comprising a bone compactor having a shaft adapted to be inserted into said guard, said shaft terminating in a compaction end.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
31 words
The instrument set of claim 18 , wherein said compaction end has an upper surface and a lower surface for pressing upon the adjacent vertebral endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
19 words
The instrument set of claim 19 , wherein said compaction end has one of a rectangular and trapezoid cross-section.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
The instrument set of claim 19 , wherein said compaction end has a substantially quadrilateral cross-section.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
28 words
The instrument set of claim 18 , wherein said compaction end is one of beveled, radiused, and tapered to ease introduction of said bone compactor into the space.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
36 words
The instrument set of claim 18 , wherein said shaft of said bone compactor has a trailing end having a dimension greater than said shaft to prevent over penetration of said bone compactor into said guard.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
The instrument set of claim 18 , wherein said shaft of said bone compactor has one of a rectangular cross-section and a circular cross-section.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
25 words
The instrument set of claim 1 , wherein said guard has two disc penetrating extensions extending from said guard and diametrically opposed to each other.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
38 words
The instrument set of claim 25 , wherein said disc penetrating extensions have a leading edge including one of a pointed, tapered, radiused, chamfered, and wedge tipped shape to ease insertion of said extensions into the disc space.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
26 words
The instrument set of claim 1 , wherein said guard is adapted to conform at least in part to the exterior of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
28 words
The instrument set of claim 1 , wherein said guard includes a shoulder adapted to conform at least in part to the exterior of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
23 words
The instrument set of claim 28 , wherein said shoulder has a curvature corresponding to the external curvature of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
The instrument set of claim 1 , wherein said guard includes means for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies when in use.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
The instrument set of claim 1 , wherein said guard includes a hollow shaft adapted to allow access through said hollow shaft to the disc space.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
43 words
The instrument set of claim 1 , further comprising a distractor having a body and a disc penetrating extension extending from said body for insertion into the disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies and for bearing against endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
24 words
The instrument set of claim 32 , wherein said disc penetrating extension is hollow to facilitate insertion of said extension into the disc space.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
The instrument set of claim 32 , wherein said distractor conforms at least in part to the exterior of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
28 words
The instrument set of claim 32 , wherein said distractor includes a shoulder adapted to conform at least in part to the exterior of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
23 words
The instrument set of claim 35 , wherein said shoulder has a curvature corresponding to the external curvature of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
23 words
The instrument set of claim 32 , wherein said distractor includes a shaft having one of a rectangular cross-section and a circular cross-section.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
The instrument set of claim 32 , wherein said distractor includes an end for detachably receiving variously sized distractor tips.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
The instrument set of claim 38 , wherein said distractor tips have chisel surfaces.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
43 words
The instrument set of claim 1 , further comprising a spinal marker for marking a location on the spine, said marker having a shaft and a disc penetrating extension extending from said shaft for insertion into the disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
23 words
The instrument set of claim 40 , wherein said marker includes a shaft having one of a rectangular cross-section and a circular cross-section.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
The instrument set of claim 40 , wherein said marker includes a shoulder for abutting against the exterior of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
24 words
The instrument set of claim 40 , wherein said disc penetrating extension of said marker is tapered to facilitate insertion into the disc space.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
69 words
The instrument set of claim 40 , wherein said shaft of said marker has a proximal end and an opposite distal end oriented toward the spine, said shaft of said marker having a passage having a dye receiver at the proximal end of said shaft of said marker and at least one dye exit hole at the distal end of said shaft of said marker for marking the spine.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
17 words
The instrument set of claim 44 , wherein said marker includes means for coupling to a syringe.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for creating a substantially quadrilateral space in a spine for inserting a spinal implant into a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies, said method comprising the steps of: positioning a guard into contact with the adjacent vertebral bodies for protecting access to the disc space and the adjacent vertebral bodies; and boring, through said guard, a plurality of bores across the disc space to form said substantially quadrilateral space across the height of the disc space and into the adjacent surfaces of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for creating a substantially quadrilateral space in a spine for inserting a spinal implant into a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies, said method comprising the steps of: positioning a guard into contact with the adjacent vertebral bodies for protecting access to the disc space and the adjacent vertebral bodies; and boring, through said guard, a plurality of bores across the disc space to form said substantially quadrilateral space across the height of the disc space and into the adjacent surfaces of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 46 , wherein the boring step includes the sub-step of using a template in association with said guard.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 47 , wherein the boring step includes the sub-step of rotating said template 180 degrees along its axis.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 46 , further comprising the step of inserting a multiple passage drill guide into said guard.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 46 , wherein the boring step includes the sub-step of using one of a drill, mill, laser, and grinder to bore the plurality of bores.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 46 , wherein the boring step includes the sub-step of boring a plurality of overlapping bores.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 46 , wherein the boring step further includes the sub-step of boring a plurality of circular bores in the spine.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 52 , wherein the boring sub-step includes the sub-step of forming at least three bores in the spine to form a first bore pattern.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 53 , wherein the forming sub-step includes forming at least a main bore and at least two secondary bores located to a side of said main bore.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 54 , wherein the forming sub-step further includes forming said main bore having a diameter greater than a diameter of each of said two secondary bores.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 55 , wherein the forming sub-step further includes the sub-step of positioning each of said two secondary bores to form a portion of two adjacent sides of said substantially quadrilateral space formed in the spine.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 55 , wherein the forming sub-step further includes the sub-step of positioning said main bore in the spine to form a portion of three sides of said substantially quadrilateral space formed in the spine.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 57 , wherein the forming sub-step further includes the sub-step of positioning each of said two secondary bores to form a portion of two adjacent sides of said substantially quadrilateral space formed in the spine.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 58 , wherein the forming sub-step further includes the sub-step of forming at least three bores in the spine to form a second bore pattern, said first and second bore patterns defining said substantially quadrilateral space.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 59 , wherein the sub-step of forming said first and second bore patterns include, forming said substantially quadrilateral space into one of a substantially rectangular and a trapezoidal shape.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 58 , wherein the boring step further includes the sub-step of inserting a guide into said guard for guiding the forming of said first bore pattern, said guide having a plurality of openings.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 61 , further including the steps of removing said guide from said guard, rotating said guide 180 degrees along its longitudinal axis, reinserting said guide into said guard, and forming, through said plurality of openings in said guide, a second bore pattern, said first and second bore patterns defining said substantially quadrilateral space.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 62 , wherein the sub-step of forming said first and second bore patterns include, forming said substantially quadrilateral space into one of a substantially rectangular and a trapezoidal shape.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 61 , further including the step of controlling a depth of penetration of said guide into said guard.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 61 , further including the step of inserting a secondary guide into said guard and further forming, through an opening in said secondary guide, a centralized bore within said substantially quadrilateral space.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 65 , wherein said centralized bore forms a portion of opposite sides of said substantially quadrilateral space.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 46 , further including the step of boring a centralized bore within said substantially quadrilateral space.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein said centralized bore forms a portion of opposite sides of said substantially quadrilateral space.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 46 , further including the step of compressing outer edges of said substantially quadrilateral space.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 69 , wherein said step of compressing includes inserting a compactor having a compaction end through said guard and into said substantially quadrilateral space formed in the spine.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 70 , further including the step of controlling a depth of penetration of said compactor into the disc space.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 69 , wherein said step of compressing includes inserting a compactor having a compaction end having a sharpened cutting edge for cutting bone.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 69 , wherein said step of compressing includes the sub-step of inserting a spinal implant through said guard and into said substantially quadrilateral space formed in the spine to compress said outer edges of said substantially quadrilateral space.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 46 wherein the positioning step includes inserting at least one disc penetrating extension extending from said guard into the disc space between the adjacent vertebral bodies for bearing against endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 74 , wherein said insertion of said disc penetrating extension into the disc space distracts the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 75 , further including the step of controlling a depth of penetration of said extension into the disc space.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 76 , further including the step of engaging said guard with the adjacent vertebral bodies through prongs extending from said guard and into the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 46 , further including the step of distracting the disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 78 , wherein the step of distracting includes the step of inserting a distractor having a disc penetrating extension into the disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies and against endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 79 , further including the step of controlling a depth of penetration of said distractor into the disc space.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 79 , further including the step of changing disc penetrating extensions of said distractor in accordance with a desired distractor distance between adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 79 , further including the steps of inserting said guard over said distractor and disc space and removing said distractor.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 46 , further including the step of marking the spine for guiding, by reference marks, a proper location of said guard.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 83 , wherein said step of marking includes inserting a penetrating extension of a spinal marker into a central point of the disc space between the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 84 , further including the step of placing dye spots on the spine by injecting said dye through openings in a shaft of said spinal marker.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 84 , further including the step of controlling a depth of penetration of said marker into the disc space.
Claim 89
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for creating a substantially quadrilateral space in a spine for inserting a spinal implant into a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies, said method comprising the steps of: positioning a guard into contact with the adjacent vertebral bodies for protecting access to the disc space and the adjacent vertebral bodies; boring, through said guard, a plurality of bores across the disc space to form said substantially quadrilateral space in the spine; and compressing outer edges of said substantially quadrilateral space.
Claim 90
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for creating a substantially quadrilateral space in a spine for inserting a spinal implant into a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies, said method comprising the steps of: positioning a guard into contact with the adjacent vertebral bodies for protecting access to the disc space and the adjacent vertebral bodies; boring, through said guard, a plurality of bores across the disc space to form said substantially quadrilateral space in the spine; and compressing outer edges of said substantially quadrilateral space.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 87 , wherein the boring step includes the sub-step of using a template in association with said guard.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 87 , wherein the boring step includes the sub-step of using one of a drill, mill, laser, and grinder in boring the plurality of bores.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 87 , wherein the boring step further includes the sub-step of boring a plurality of overlapping bores in the spine.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 87 , wherein the boring sub-step includes the sub-step of forming at least three bores in the spine to form a first three bore pattern.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 91 , wherein the forming sub-step includes forming at least a main bore and at least two secondary bores located to a side of said main bore.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 92 , wherein the forming sub-step further includes forming said main bore having a diameter greater than a diameter of each of said two secondary bores.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 93 , wherein the forming sub-step further includes the sub-step of positioning each of said two secondary bores to form a portion of two adjacent sides of said substantially quadrilateral space formed in the spine.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 93 , wherein the forming sub-step further includes the sub-step of positioning said main bore in the spine to form a portion of three sides of said substantially quadrilateral space formed in the spine.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 95 , wherein the forming sub-step further includes the sub-step of positioning each of said two secondary bores to form a portion of two adjacent sides of said substantially quadrilateral space formed in the spine.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 96 , wherein the forming sub-step further includes the sub-step of forming at least three bores in the spine to form a second bore pattern, said first and second bore patterns defining said substantially quadrilateral space.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 97 , wherein the sub-step of forming said first and second bore patterns include, forming said substantially quadrilateral space into one of a substantially rectangular and a trapezoidal shape.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 96 , wherein the boring step further includes the sub-step of inserting a guide into said guard for guiding the forming of said first bore pattern, said guide having a plurality of openings.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 99 , further including the steps of removing said guide from said guard, rotating said guide 180°, reinserting said guide into said guard, and forming, through said plurality of openings in said guide, a second bore pattern, said first and second bore patterns defining said substantially quadrilateral space.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 100 , wherein the sub-step of forming said first and second bore patterns include, forming said substantially quadrilateral space into one of a substantially rectangular and a trapezoidal shape.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 99 , further including the step of controlling a depth of penetration of said guide into said guard.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 99 , further including the step of inserting a secondary guide into said guard and further forming, through an opening in said secondary guide, a centralized bore within said substantially quadrilateral space.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 103 , wherein said centralized bore forms a portion of opposite sides of said substantially quadrilateral space.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 87 , further including the step of boring a centralized bore within said substantially quadrilateral space.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 105 , wherein said centralized bore forms a portion of opposite sides of said substantially quadrilateral space.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 87 , wherein said step of compressing includes inserting a compactor having a compaction end through said guard and into said substantially quadrilateral space formed in the spine.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 107 , further including the step of controlling a depth of penetration of said compactor into the disc space.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 87 , wherein the positioning step includes inserting at least one disc penetrating extension extending from said guard into the disc space between the adjacent vertebral bodies for bearing against endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 109 , wherein said insertion of said disc penetrating extension into the disc space distracts the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 109 , further including the step of controlling a depth of penetration of said extension into the disc space.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 109 , further including the step of engaging said guard with the adjacent vertebral bodies through prongs extending from said guard and into the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 87 , further including the step of distracting the disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 113 , wherein the step of distracting includes the step of inserting a distractor having a disc penetrating extension into the disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies and against endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 114 , further including the step of controlling a depth of penetration of said distractor into the disc space.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 114 , further including the step of changing disc penetrating extensions of said distractor in accordance with a desired distractor distance between adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 114 , further including the steps of inserting said guard over said distractor and disc space and removing said distractor.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
170 words
A surgical method to prepare a segment of a human spine having a disc and two vertebral bodies adjacent the disc for fusion between body portions of the adjacent vertebral bodies and through the space previously occupied by the disc, each of the adjacent vertebral bodies to be fused including a vertebral body having an endplate outer surface adjacent the disc space, and a subchondral zone immediately internal to each endplate, said method comprising: positioning a guard into contact with the adjacent vertebral bodies for protecting access to the disc space and the adjacent vertebral bodies; and forming, through said guard, a plurality of bores to form a substantially quadrilateral space in the spine across the height of the disc space and into the adjacent endplates of the vertebral bodies adjacent the disc space, said quadrilateral space being formed by the removal of at least bone from at least the adjacent endplates as deep as within, and generally not deeper than, the subchondral zone of each of the adjacent endplates.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
170 words
A surgical method to prepare a segment of a human spine having a disc and two vertebral bodies adjacent the disc for fusion between body portions of the adjacent vertebral bodies and through the space previously occupied by the disc, each of the adjacent vertebral bodies to be fused including a vertebral body having an endplate outer surface adjacent the disc space, and a subchondral zone immediately internal to each endplate, said method comprising: positioning a guard into contact with the adjacent vertebral bodies for protecting access to the disc space and the adjacent vertebral bodies; and forming, through said guard, a plurality of bores to form a substantially quadrilateral space in the spine across the height of the disc space and into the adjacent endplates of the vertebral bodies adjacent the disc space, said quadrilateral space being formed by the removal of at least bone from at least the adjacent endplates as deep as within, and generally not deeper than, the subchondral zone of each of the adjacent endplates.
Claim 123
Independent Claim
83 words
A method for creating a substantially quadrilateral space in a spine for inserting a spinal implant into a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies, said method comprising the steps of: orienting a template relative to the adjacent vertebral bodies into which the substantially quadrilateral space is created; and boring, through said template, a plurality of bores across the disc space to form said substantially quadrilateral space across the height of the disc space and into the adjacent surfaces of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 124
Independent Claim
83 words
A method for creating a substantially quadrilateral space in a spine for inserting a spinal implant into a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies, said method comprising the steps of: orienting a template relative to the adjacent vertebral bodies into which the substantially quadrilateral space is created; and boring, through said template, a plurality of bores across the disc space to form said substantially quadrilateral space across the height of the disc space and into the adjacent surfaces of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 119 , wherein the boring step includes the sub-step of rotating said template 180 degrees along its axis.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 119 , wherein the boring step includes the sub-step of using one of a drill, mill, laser, and grinder to bore the plurality of bores.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 119 , wherein the boring step includes the sub-step of boring a plurality of overlapping bores.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 122 , wherein the boring sub-step includes the sub-step of forming at least three bores in the spine to form a first bore pattern.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 123 , wherein the forming sub-step includes forming at least a main bore and at least two secondary bores located to a side of said main bore.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 124 , wherein the forming sub-step further includes forming said main bore having a diameter greater than a diameter of each of said two secondary bores.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 125 , wherein the forming sub-step further includes the sub-step of positioning said main bore in the spine to form a portion of three sides of said substantially quadrilateral space formed in the spine.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 125 , wherein the forming sub-step further includes the sub-step of positioning each of said two secondary bores to form a portion of two adjacent sides of said substantially quadrilateral space formed in the spine.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 127 , wherein the forming sub-step further includes the sub-step of forming at least three bores in the spine to form a second bore pattern, said first and second bore patterns defining said substantially quadrilateral space.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 128 , wherein the sub-step of forming said first and second bore patterns include, forming said substantially quadrilateral space into one of a substantially rectangular and a trapezoidal shape.
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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) | 2004-04-30 | 2004-10-30 | 2005-05-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-04-30 | 2008-10-30 | 2009-05-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-04-30 | 2012-10-30 | 2013-05-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |