Patent US5141102A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6238397B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Spine distraction implant and method
Assignee: Medtronic Europe SARL
•
Filing: 1999-12-28
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Granted: 2001-05-29
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Expires: 2019-12-28
Abstract
Abstract A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.
Inventors
- 👤 James F. Zucherman
- 👤 Ken Y. Hsu
- 👤 T. Wade Fallin
- 👤 Henry A. Klyce
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:55
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61K; A61K31/00; A61K31/33; A61K31/335; A61K31/365; A61K31/366; A61K31/37; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68; A61B17/70; A61B17/7062; A61B17/7065; A61B17/7068; A61B17/60; A61B17/66; A61B17/7071; A61B17/02; A61B17/025; A61B2017/0256
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 48
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and associated tissues and structures including the steps of: accessing adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column; distracting, without altering, the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or the neural foramen in the spinal column in order to relieve pain; and implanting between, without altering, the spinous processes, and from the sides of the spinous processes, a device in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and associated tissues and structures including the steps of: accessing adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column; distracting, without altering, the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or the neural foramen in the spinal column in order to relieve pain; and implanting between, without altering, the spinous processes, and from the sides of the spinous processes, a device in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of: distracting apart the first and the second spinous process at least about 5 mm.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of: distracting apart the first and the second spinous process from about 5 mm to about 15 mm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein: said distracting step and said implanting step occur simultaneously as the step of implanting a device causes distraction.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 1 wherein: said device includes a distraction wedge; and said distracting step and said implanting step occur simultaneously as the step of implanting a device causes distraction due to the distraction wedge distracting apart the first and the second spinous process.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of: maintaining intact the superspinous ligament.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1 wherein: said spinous processes each have a first side and a second side and the implanting step includes implanting from the first sides of the spinous processes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1 wherein: said spinous processes each have a first side and a second side and the implanting step includes implanting from both the first sides of the spinous process and from the second sides of the spinous processes.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
95 words
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and associated tissues and structures including the steps of: accessing adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column; and implanting a device from the sides of the spinous processes in order to distract apart, without altering, the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spinal column to relieve pain, and in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
95 words
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and associated tissues and structures including the steps of: accessing adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column; and implanting a device from the sides of the spinous processes in order to distract apart, without altering, the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spinal column to relieve pain, and in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 9 including the step of: maintaining intact the superspinous ligament.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 9 for relieving pain caused by at least one of spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 9 wherein: said spinous processes each have a first side and a second side and the implanting step includes implanting from the first sides of the spinous processes.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 9 wherein: said spinous processes each have a first side and a second side and the implanting step includes implanting from both the first sides of the spinous process and from the second sides of the spinous processes.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
163 words
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and associated tissues and structures including the steps of: accessing first sides and second sides of adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column with an incision; distracting, without altering, the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spinal column in order to relieve pain; and implanting between, without altering, the spinous process a first portion of a device through said incision adjacent first sides of the spinous processes and implanting a second portion of said device through said incision adjacent the second sides of the spinous processes, until said portions can be mated; said device including a fastener, with the fastener used in a step of securing the first portion to the second portion in the mated configuration in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve pain.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
163 words
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and associated tissues and structures including the steps of: accessing first sides and second sides of adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column with an incision; distracting, without altering, the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spinal column in order to relieve pain; and implanting between, without altering, the spinous process a first portion of a device through said incision adjacent first sides of the spinous processes and implanting a second portion of said device through said incision adjacent the second sides of the spinous processes, until said portions can be mated; said device including a fastener, with the fastener used in a step of securing the first portion to the second portion in the mated configuration in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve pain.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 14 wherein: the distracting step includes wedging the first and second spinous processes apart.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 14 wherein: said distracting step and said implanting step occur substantially simultaneously.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
157 words
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and associated tissues and structures including the steps of: accessing first and second sides of adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column with an incision; implanting a first portion of a device through said incision adjacent first sides of the spinous process and a second portion of said device through said incision adjacent second sides of the spinous process, until said devices can be mated, and simultaneously distracting, without altering, the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spinal column in order to relieve pain; and said device including a fastener, with the fastener used in a step of securing the first portion to the second portion in the mated configuration in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
157 words
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and associated tissues and structures including the steps of: accessing first and second sides of adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column with an incision; implanting a first portion of a device through said incision adjacent first sides of the spinous process and a second portion of said device through said incision adjacent second sides of the spinous process, until said devices can be mated, and simultaneously distracting, without altering, the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spinal column in order to relieve pain; and said device including a fastener, with the fastener used in a step of securing the first portion to the second portion in the mated configuration in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
105 words
A method for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and associated tissues and structures including the steps of: accessing first and second spinous processes from the sides of the spinous processes; distracting, without altering, the first and second spinous processes in order to increase the volume of a spinal cord and/or neural foramen in the spinal column; and implanting a device between, without altering, the first and second spinous processes to do one of (1) further distracting and maintaining the distraction of the first and second spinous processes, and (2) maintaining the distraction of the first and second spinous processes.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
105 words
A method for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and associated tissues and structures including the steps of: accessing first and second spinous processes from the sides of the spinous processes; distracting, without altering, the first and second spinous processes in order to increase the volume of a spinal cord and/or neural foramen in the spinal column; and implanting a device between, without altering, the first and second spinous processes to do one of (1) further distracting and maintaining the distraction of the first and second spinous processes, and (2) maintaining the distraction of the first and second spinous processes.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the distracting step includes: multiple distracting steps with a time period between distracting steps in order to allow the tissues associated with the spine to creep.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 18 wherein: said spinous processes each have a first side and a second side and the implanting step includes implanting from the first sides of the spinous processes.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
41 words
The method of 18 wherein: said spinous processes each have a first side and a second side and the implanting step includes implanting from both the first sides of the spinous process and from the second sides of the spinous processes.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
41 words
The method of 18 wherein: said spinous processes each have a first side and a second side and the implanting step includes implanting from both the first sides of the spinous process and from the second sides of the spinous processes.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and associated tissues and structures including the steps of: accessing first and second spinous processes from sides of the spinous processes; implanting a device in order to distract, without altering, the first and second spinous processes to increase the volume of a spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spinal column; and maintaining the distraction with the device, without altering, the first and second spinous processes.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and associated tissues and structures including the steps of: accessing first and second spinous processes from sides of the spinous processes; implanting a device in order to distract, without altering, the first and second spinous processes to increase the volume of a spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spinal column; and maintaining the distraction with the device, without altering, the first and second spinous processes.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 22 wherein the implanting step includes: multiple distracting steps with a time period between distracting steps in order to allow the tissues associated with the spine to creep.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 22 wherein: said spinous processes each have a first side and a second side and the implanting step includes implanting from the first sides of the spinous processes.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 22 wherein: said spinous processes each have a first side and a second side and the implanting step includes implanting from both the first sides of the spinous process and from the second sides of the spinous processes.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spine and surrounding structure and tissue including the steps of: accessing adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spine; distracting, without altering, the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to relieve pain; and implanting between, without altering, the spinous process and from the sides of the spinous processes, a device in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spine and surrounding structure and tissue including the steps of: accessing adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spine; distracting, without altering, the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to relieve pain; and implanting between, without altering, the spinous process and from the sides of the spinous processes, a device in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
76 words
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spine and surrounding structure and tissue including the steps of: accessing adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spine; and implanting a device from the sides of the spinous processes in order to distract apart, without altering, the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount to relieve pain and in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
76 words
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spine and surrounding structure and tissue including the steps of: accessing adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spine; and implanting a device from the sides of the spinous processes in order to distract apart, without altering, the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount to relieve pain and in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
143 words
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spine and surrounding structure and tissue, including the steps of: accessing first sides and second sides of adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spine with an incision; distracting, without altering, the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to relieve pain; implanting between, without altering, the spinous process a first portion of a device through said incision adjacent first sides of the spinous processes and a second portion of said device through said incision adjacent second sides of the spinous processes, until said devices can be mated; and said device including a fastener, with the fastener used in a step of securing the first portion to the second portion in the mated configuration in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
143 words
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spine and surrounding structure and tissue, including the steps of: accessing first sides and second sides of adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spine with an incision; distracting, without altering, the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to relieve pain; implanting between, without altering, the spinous process a first portion of a device through said incision adjacent first sides of the spinous processes and a second portion of said device through said incision adjacent second sides of the spinous processes, until said devices can be mated; and said device including a fastener, with the fastener used in a step of securing the first portion to the second portion in the mated configuration in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 28 including: using a tool having a first arm on to which is mounted the first portion of the device and a second arm on to which is mounted the second portion of the device in order to urge the first portion and the second portion through the incision and into the mating position.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spine and surrounding structure and tissue, including the steps of: accessing first and second spinous processes from sides of the first and second spinous processes; distracting, without altering, the first and second spinous processes from sides of the first and second spinous processes; and implanting a device between, without altering, the first and second spinous processes to do one of (1) further distracting and maintaining the distraction of the first and second spinous processes, and (2) maintaining the distraction of the first and second spinous processes.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spine and surrounding structure and tissue, including the steps of: accessing first and second spinous processes from sides of the first and second spinous processes; distracting, without altering, the first and second spinous processes from sides of the first and second spinous processes; and implanting a device between, without altering, the first and second spinous processes to do one of (1) further distracting and maintaining the distraction of the first and second spinous processes, and (2) maintaining the distraction of the first and second spinous processes.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 30 wherein: the distracting step and the implanting step occurs substantially simultaneously.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spine and surrounding structure and tissue, including the steps of: accessing first and second spinous processes from the sides of the first and second spinous processes; implanting a device from the sides of the first and second spinous processes in order to distract, without altering, the first and second spinous processes to increase the volume of a spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spine; and maintaining the distraction with the device, without altering, the first and second spinous processes.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spine and surrounding structure and tissue, including the steps of: accessing first and second spinous processes from the sides of the first and second spinous processes; implanting a device from the sides of the first and second spinous processes in order to distract, without altering, the first and second spinous processes to increase the volume of a spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spine; and maintaining the distraction with the device, without altering, the first and second spinous processes.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
118 words
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spine and associated tissues and structures including the steps of: accessing a first spinous process and an adjacent bony structure of the spine; distracting, without altering, the first spinous processes and the adjacent bony structure of the spine a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or the neural foramen in the spine in order to relieve pain; and implanting between, without altering, the spinous process and the adjacent bony structure of the spine, and from the sides of the spinous process and the adjacent bony structure, a device in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve pain.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
118 words
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spine and associated tissues and structures including the steps of: accessing a first spinous process and an adjacent bony structure of the spine; distracting, without altering, the first spinous processes and the adjacent bony structure of the spine a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or the neural foramen in the spine in order to relieve pain; and implanting between, without altering, the spinous process and the adjacent bony structure of the spine, and from the sides of the spinous process and the adjacent bony structure, a device in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve pain.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spine and associated tissues and structures including the steps of: accessing a first spinous process and an adjacent bony structure of the spine; and implanting a device from the sides of the spinous process and the adjacent bony structure in order to distract apart, without altering, the first spinous process and the adjacent bony structure a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spine to relieve pain and in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve pain.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spine and associated tissues and structures including the steps of: accessing a first spinous process and an adjacent bony structure of the spine; and implanting a device from the sides of the spinous process and the adjacent bony structure in order to distract apart, without altering, the first spinous process and the adjacent bony structure a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spine to relieve pain and in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve pain.
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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) | 2004-05-28 | 2004-11-27 | 2005-05-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-05-28 | 2008-11-27 | 2009-05-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-05-28 | 2012-11-27 | 2013-05-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |