US7503933B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lordotic interbody spinal fusion implants
Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic Inc
•
Filing: 2002-09-09
•
Granted: 2009-03-17
•
Expires: 2022-09-09
Abstract
Abstract The present application is directed to interbody spinal fusion implants having a structural configuration that provides for the maintaining and creating of the normal anatomic angular relationship of two adjacent vertebrae of the spine to maintain and create spinal lordosis. The spinal fusion implants are sized to fit within the disc space created by the removal of disc material between two adjacent vertebrae and conform wholly or in part to the disc space created. The spinal fusion implants of the present invention have upper and lower surfaces that form a support structure for bearing against the end plates of the adjacent vertebrae. The upper and lower surfaces are disposed in a converging angular relationship to each other such that the implants have an overall “wedged-shape” in an elevational side view. The angular relationship of the upper and lower surfaces places and maintains the vertebrae adjacent to those surfaces in an angular relationship to each other, creating and maintaining the desired lordosis.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary Karlin Michelson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 06:28
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/44; A61F2/442; A61F2/30721; A61F2/30744; A61F2/4455; A61F2/447; A61F2/46; A61F2/4603; A61F2/4611; A61F2/30767; A61F2/28; A61F2002/2835; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30003; A61F2002/3006; A61F2002/30062; A61F2002/30108; A61F2002/3011; A61F2002/30138; A61F2002/30143; A61F2002/30153; A61F2002/30158; A61F2002/30199; A61F2002/30261; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30329; A61F2002/30331; A61F2002/30362; A61F2002/3037; A61F2002/30383; A61F2002/3039; A61F2002/30398; A61F2002/30405; A61F2002/30433; A61F2002/30476; A61F2002/30507; A61F2002/30535; A61F2002/30537; A61F2002/30556; A61F2002/30579; A61F2002/30593; A61F2002/30599; A61F2002/30604; A61F2/30771; A61F2002/30772; A61F2002/30774; A61F2002/30777; A61F2002/30784; A61F2002/30785; A61F2002/30787; A61F2002/30789; A61F2002/30795; A61F2002/30797; A61F2002/30836; A61F2002/30841; A61F2002/30843; A61F2002/30904; A61F2002/3092; A61F2002/448; A61F2002/4485; A61F2002/449; A61F2002/4629; A61F2210/00; A61F2210/0004; A61F2220/00; A61F2220/0025; A61F2220/0033; A61F2220/0041; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0002; A61F2230/0017; A61F2230/0019; A61F2230/0026; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0082; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0004; A61F2250/0009; A61F2250/0058; A61F2250/006; A61F2250/0063; A61F2310/00; A61F2310/00389; A61F2310/00592; A61F2310/00796; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S606/00; Y10S606/90; Y10S606/907; Y10S606/908
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 280
Claim 1
Independent Claim
334 words
An interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion into a recipient site formed at least in part within a disc space in between adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine, said implant comprising: a leading end for insertion first into the recipient site, a trailing end opposite said leading end and a mid-longitudinal axis through said leading and trailing ends, a depth along said mid-longitudinal axis, and a width and a height each perpendicular to the depth, said implant having a maximum width greater than the depth of said implant and greater than the height of said implant; a top and a bottom between said leading and trailing ends adapted to space apart the adjacent vertebral bodies, said top and said bottom having at least one opening therethrough, said openings being in communication with one another to permit for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, at least one of said openings being surrounded by said implant, said top and said bottom being in an angular relationship relative to the mid-longitudinal axis along at least a portion of the depth of said implant sufficient to maintain the adjacent vertebral bodies in an angular relationship to each other; and opposite sides between said top and said bottom, and between said leading and trailing ends, said implant having a non-arcuate cross section through said top, bottom, and opposite sides transverse to the mid-longitudinal axis along at least a portion of the depth of said implant, said trailing end including a curved portion between said opposite sides to conform to the natural anatomical curvature of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said curved portion having a radius of curvature greater than a maximum dimension between said leading end and said trailing end along the mid-longitudinal axis of said implant, said leading end having a width between said opposite sides, said leading end being straight across a majority of the width of said leading end and across the mid-longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
334 words
An interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion into a recipient site formed at least in part within a disc space in between adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine, said implant comprising: a leading end for insertion first into the recipient site, a trailing end opposite said leading end and a mid-longitudinal axis through said leading and trailing ends, a depth along said mid-longitudinal axis, and a width and a height each perpendicular to the depth, said implant having a maximum width greater than the depth of said implant and greater than the height of said implant; a top and a bottom between said leading and trailing ends adapted to space apart the adjacent vertebral bodies, said top and said bottom having at least one opening therethrough, said openings being in communication with one another to permit for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, at least one of said openings being surrounded by said implant, said top and said bottom being in an angular relationship relative to the mid-longitudinal axis along at least a portion of the depth of said implant sufficient to maintain the adjacent vertebral bodies in an angular relationship to each other; and opposite sides between said top and said bottom, and between said leading and trailing ends, said implant having a non-arcuate cross section through said top, bottom, and opposite sides transverse to the mid-longitudinal axis along at least a portion of the depth of said implant, said trailing end including a curved portion between said opposite sides to conform to the natural anatomical curvature of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said curved portion having a radius of curvature greater than a maximum dimension between said leading end and said trailing end along the mid-longitudinal axis of said implant, said leading end having a width between said opposite sides, said leading end being straight across a majority of the width of said leading end and across the mid-longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein each of said top and said bottom comprises an interior surface, said interior surfaces being spaced apart to define a hollow interior in communication with said openings.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 2 , wherein said implant includes an access opening for accessing said hollow interior.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 3 , wherein said access opening is larger than the largest of said openings.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The implant of claim 3 , wherein said access opening is configured to permit insertion of osteogenic material into said hollow interior.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 5 , wherein said osteogenic material includes a fusion promoting material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 5 , wherein said osteogenic material is bone.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The implant of claim 5 , wherein said osteogenic material is a material other than bone.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 3 , further comprising a cover for closing said access opening.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The implant of claim 9 , wherein said cover cooperatively engages said access opening.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The implant of claim 10 , wherein said cover comprises a slidable door.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The implant of claim 10 , wherein said cover includes a surface deviation to facilitate opening and closing of said access opening with said cover.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said top and said bottom further comprise at least a second opening.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said openings are approximately 1 mm to 3 mm in diameter.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said openings is macroscopic in size.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said openings is microscopic in size.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least one opening in said top and at least one opening in said bottom form a channel through said implant.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said trailing end includes at least one perforation.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of openings capable of retaining fusion promoting material.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
13 words
The implant of claim 19 , wherein said plurality of openings comprise wells.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said sides have at least one aperture.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
The implant of claim 21 , wherein said at least one aperture is sized in the range of approximately 1 mm to 3 mm.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
24 words
The implant of claim 21 , wherein said at least one aperture is in communication with said openings in said top and said bottom.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
36 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said leading and trailing ends form junctions with said sides, the junctions of said sides and at least one of said trailing end and said leading end being rounded.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said sides are generally flat.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein the shape of said sides is generally trapezoidal.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is configured to generally taper from said trailing end to said leading end.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is a wedge.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein the width of said implant is approximately 32 mm for use in the lumbar spine.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
29 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein the width of said implant is in the range of approximately 28 mm to 48 mm for use in the lumbar spine.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
28 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has a generally rectangular cross section transverse to the mid-longitudinal axis along at least a portion of its depth.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
16 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said leading end is at least in part curved.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
27 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of said leading end is tapered for facilitating insertion of said implant into the recipient site.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said trailing end is convex.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
30 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein the maximum depth of said implant is less than the posterior to anterior depth of the end plates of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is adapted for insertion from a posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
21 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is adapted for insertion from an anterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
23 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is sized to replace a substantial portion of the disc with a single implant.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
45 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has substantially the same shape as a space created by the removal of at least a substantial portion of the nucleus pulposus and a portion of the annulus fibrosus from between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
34 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein the height of said implant is substantially equal to the height of the space created by the removal of disc material from between the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
47 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has substantially the same height, width and depth as a space created by the removal of at least generally the nucleus pulposus and at least a portion of the annulus fibrosus from between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
49 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant dimensionally corresponds to the space created by the removal of at least generally all of the nucleus pulposus and a portion of the annulus fibrosus when said adjacent vertebral bodies are distracted and placed in angular relationship to each other.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
29 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein the depth of said implant is in the range of approximately 11 mm to 21 mm for use in the cervical spine.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
29 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein the width of said implant is in the range of approximately 14 mm to 28 mm for use in the cervical spine.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
64 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has a maximum height in the range of approximately 5 mm to 10 mm, and the maximum width of said implant is in the range of approximately 14 mm to 28 mm, and the depth of said implant is in the range of approximately 11 mm to 21 mm for use in the cervical spine.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
28 words
The implant of claim 1 for use in the lumbar spine, wherein the depth of said implant is in the range of approximately 20 mm to 34 mm.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
64 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has a maximum height in the range of approximately 8 mm to 16 mm, and the maximum width of said implant is in the range of approximately 28 mm to 48 mm, and the depth of said implant is in the range of approximately 20 mm to 34 mm for use in the lumbar spine.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
37 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein the depth of said implant is substantially the same as the depth of a space created by the removal of the nucleus pulposus from between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
37 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein the width of said implant is substantially equal to the transverse width of a space created by the removal of the nucleus pulposus from between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said top has a fixed shape which is generally configured to match the contours of the endplate of one of the two adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
33 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said bottom has a fixed shape which is generally configured to match the natural contours of the endplate of one of the two adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
33 words
The implant of claim 1 , further comprising at least one protrusion extending from said top and said bottom for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies to maintain said implant within the disc space.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 52 , wherein said protrusion comprises a ridge.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 52 , wherein said protrusion comprises a plurality of ridges facing the same direction to prevent expulsion of said implant in a direction opposite to said same direction.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 52 , wherein said protrusion comprises a tooth.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 52 , wherein said protrusion comprises a ratchet.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 56 , wherein said protrusion comprises a plurality of ratchets facing the same direction to prevent expulsion of said implant in a direction opposite to said same direction.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
40 words
The implant of claim 1 , further comprising an irregular surface for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said irregular surface being present on at least a part of said top and said bottom.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 58 , wherein said irregular surface comprises at least one groove.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 58 , wherein said irregular surface includes knurling.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 58 , wherein said irregular surface includes at least one spike.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
20 words
The implant of claim 61 , wherein said implant includes means for retracting and extending said at least one spike.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
42 words
The implant of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of surface roughenings for engaging said adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said surface roughenings being present on at least a portion of said top and said bottom.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 63 , wherein said roughenings cover substantially the entire top and bottom of said implant, said roughenings being generally tapered from said trailing end to said leading end.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
29 words
The implant of claim 63 , wherein a height of each roughening measured from the mid-longitudinal axis of the implant decreases from said trailing end to said leading end.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 63 , wherein said surface roughenings comprise at least one groove.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
17 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said top and said bottom have a bone ingrowth surface.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
20 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has an exterior surface that is at least in part porous.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
23 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant comprises a mesh-like material having a plurality of interstices for receiving fusion promoting material.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
11 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is porous.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant includes an exterior surface, at least a portion of which is treated to promote bone ingrowth between said surface and a vertebral body.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
21 words
The implant of claim 1 , in combination with a fusion promoting material other than bone in contact with said implant.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
17 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant comprises a bone ingrowth material other than bone.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
33 words
The implant of claim 1 , further comprising a material that intrinsically participates in the growth of bone from one of the adjacent vertebral bodies to the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
16 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is treated with a fusion promoting substance.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
13 words
The implant of claim 75 , wherein said fusion promoting substance is bone.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
13 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is stronger than bone.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
17 words
The implant of claim 1 , in combination with an osteogenic material in contact with said implant.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
16 words
The implant of claim 78 , wherein said osteogenic material is a material other than bone.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
27 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant comprises a bone ingrowth material for promoting bone ingrowth between said implant and said two adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is at least in part bioresorbable.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
19 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is adapted to be centrally placed within the disc space.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
40 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said leading and trailing ends of said implant is configured to engage a driving instrument for implanting said implant within the disc space between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
21 words
The implant of claim 1 , further comprising an expander moving said top and bottom apart in said diverging angular relationship.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said trailing end has a height greater than said leading end.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said top and bottom is substantially flat.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
40 words
The implant of claim 86 , further comprising an irregular surface for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said irregular surface being present on at least a part of said top and said bottom.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 87 , wherein said irregular surface comprises at least one groove.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 87 , wherein said irregular surface includes knurling.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
42 words
The implant of claim 86 , further comprising a plurality of surface roughenings for engaging said adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said surface roughenings being present on at least a portion of said top and said bottom.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 90 , wherein said roughenings cover substantially the entire top and bottom of said implant, said roughenings being generally tapered from said trailing end to said leading end.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said top and bottom is generally planar.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
40 words
The implant of claim 92 , further comprising an irregular surface for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said irregular surface being present on at least a part of said top and said bottom.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 93 , wherein said irregular surface comprises at least one groove.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 93 , wherein said irregular surface includes knurling.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
42 words
The implant of claim 92 , further comprising a plurality of surface roughenings for engaging said adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said surface roughenings being present on at least a portion of said top and said bottom.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 96 , wherein said roughenings cover substantially the entire top and bottom of said implant, said roughenings being generally tapered from said trailing end to said leading end.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
16 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein each of said top and bottom are substantially flat.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
40 words
The implant of claim 98 , further comprising an irregular surface for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said irregular surface being present on at least a part of said top and said bottom.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 99 , wherein said irregular surface comprises at least one groove.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 99 , wherein said irregular surface includes knurling.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
42 words
The implant of claim 98 , further comprising a plurality of surface roughenings for engaging said adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said surface roughenings being present on at least a portion of said top and said bottom.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 102 , wherein said roughenings cover substantially the entire top and bottom of said implant, said roughenings being generally tapered from said trailing end to said leading end.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
16 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein each of said top and bottom are generally planar.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
40 words
The implant of claim 104 , further comprising an irregular surface for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said irregular surface being present on at least a part of said top and said bottom.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 105 , wherein said irregular surface comprises at least one groove.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 105 , wherein said irregular surface includes knurling.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
42 words
The implant of claim 104 , further comprising a plurality of surface roughenings for engaging said adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said surface roughenings being present on at least a portion of said top and said bottom.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 108 , wherein said roughenings cover substantially the entire top and bottom of said implant, said roughenings being generally tapered from said trailing end to said leading end.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
28 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has a generally quadrilateral cross section transverse to the mid-longitudinal axis along at least a portion of its depth.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein the width of said implant is greater than one-half of the width of a disc space into which said implant is adapted to be inserted.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
24 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is sized to replace a substantial portion of a spinal disc with a single implant.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 1 , in combination with a fusion promoting substance in contact with said implant.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
25 words
The implant of claim 113 , wherein said fusion promoting substance includes at least one of bone, bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, and hydroxyapatite tricalcium phosphate.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
21 words
The implant of claim 1 , in combination with an implant driver adapted to insert said implant into the implantation space.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
349 words
An interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion into a recipient site formed in between adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine, said implant comprising: a leading end for insertion first into the recipient site, a trailing end opposite said leading end and a mid-longitudinal axis through said leading and trailing ends, a depth along said mid-longitudinal axis, and a width and a height each perpendicular to the depth, said implant having a maximum width greater than the depth of said implant and greater than the height of said implant; a top and a bottom between said leading and trailing ends adapted to space apart the adjacent vertebral bodies, said top and said bottom having at least one opening therethrough, said openings being in communication with one another to permit for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, at least one of said openings being surrounded by said implant, said top and said bottom being in an angular relationship relative to the mid-longitudinal axis along at least a portion of the depth of said implant sufficient to maintain the adjacent vertebral bodies in an angular relationship to each other; and opposite sides between said top and said bottom, and between said leading and trailing ends, at least one of said opposite sides having at least one aperture in communication with said openings of said top and said bottom, said implant having a non-arcuate cross section through said top, bottom, and opposite sides transverse to the mid-longitudinal axis along at least a portion of the depth of said implant, said trailing end including a curved portion between said opposite sides to conform to the natural anatomical curvature of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said curved portion having a radius of curvature greater than a maximum dimension between said leading end and said trailing end along the mid-longitudinal axis of said implant, said leading end having a width between said opposite sides, said leading end being straight across a majority of the width of said leading end and across the mid-longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
349 words
An interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion into a recipient site formed in between adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine, said implant comprising: a leading end for insertion first into the recipient site, a trailing end opposite said leading end and a mid-longitudinal axis through said leading and trailing ends, a depth along said mid-longitudinal axis, and a width and a height each perpendicular to the depth, said implant having a maximum width greater than the depth of said implant and greater than the height of said implant; a top and a bottom between said leading and trailing ends adapted to space apart the adjacent vertebral bodies, said top and said bottom having at least one opening therethrough, said openings being in communication with one another to permit for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, at least one of said openings being surrounded by said implant, said top and said bottom being in an angular relationship relative to the mid-longitudinal axis along at least a portion of the depth of said implant sufficient to maintain the adjacent vertebral bodies in an angular relationship to each other; and opposite sides between said top and said bottom, and between said leading and trailing ends, at least one of said opposite sides having at least one aperture in communication with said openings of said top and said bottom, said implant having a non-arcuate cross section through said top, bottom, and opposite sides transverse to the mid-longitudinal axis along at least a portion of the depth of said implant, said trailing end including a curved portion between said opposite sides to conform to the natural anatomical curvature of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said curved portion having a radius of curvature greater than a maximum dimension between said leading end and said trailing end along the mid-longitudinal axis of said implant, said leading end having a width between said opposite sides, said leading end being straight across a majority of the width of said leading end and across the mid-longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
34 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein each of said top and said bottom comprises an interior surface, said interior surfaces being spaced apart to define a hollow interior in communication with said openings.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 117 , wherein said implant includes an access opening for accessing said hollow interior.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 118 , wherein said access opening is larger than the largest of said openings.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
22 words
The implant of claim 118 , wherein said access opening is configured to permit insertion of osteogenic material into said hollow interior.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 120 , wherein said osteogenic material includes a fusion promoting material.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 120 , wherein said osteogenic material is bone.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
16 words
The implant of claim 120 , wherein said osteogenic material is a material other than bone.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 118 , further comprising a cover for closing said access opening.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
14 words
The implant of claim 124 , wherein said cover cooperatively engages said access opening.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
13 words
The implant of claim 125 , wherein said cover comprises a slidable door.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
25 words
The implant of claim 125 , wherein said cover includes a surface deviation to facilitate opening and closing of said access opening with said cover.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
19 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said top and said bottom further comprise at least a second opening.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
22 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein at least one of said openings are approximately 1 mm to 3 mm in diameter.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
17 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein at least one of said openings is macroscopic in size.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
17 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein at least one of said openings is microscopic in size.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
28 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein at least one opening in said top and at least one opening in said bottom form a channel through said implant.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said trailing end includes at least one perforation.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 116 , further comprising a plurality of openings capable of retaining fusion promoting material.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
13 words
The implant of claim 134 , wherein said plurality of openings comprise wells.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
24 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said at least one aperture is sized in the range of approximately 1 mm to 3 mm.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
26 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein the junctions of said sides and at least one of said trailing end and said leading end are rounded.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said sides are generally flat.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein the shape of said sides is generally trapezoidal.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
22 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant is configured to generally taper from said trailing end to said leading end.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant is a wedge.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
22 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein the width of said implant is approximately 32 mm for use in the lumbar spine.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
29 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein the width of said implant is in the range of approximately 28 mm to 48 mm for use in the lumbar spine.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
28 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant has a generally rectangular cross section transverse to the mid-longitudinal axis along at least a portion of its depth.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
16 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said leading end is at least in part curved.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
27 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein at least a portion of said leading end is tapered for facilitating insertion of said implant into the recipient site.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said trailing end is convex.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
30 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein the maximum depth of said implant is less than the posterior to anterior depth of the end plates of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
21 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant is adapted for insertion from a posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
21 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant is adapted for insertion from an anterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
24 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant is sized to replace a substantial portion of a spinal disc with a single implant.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
45 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant has substantially the same shape as a space created by the removal of at least a substantial portion of the nucleus pulposus and a portion of the annulus fibrosus from between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
34 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein the height of said implant is substantially equal to the height of the space created by the removal of disc material from between the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
47 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant has substantially the same height, width and depth as a space created by the removal of at least generally the nucleus pulposus and at least a portion of the annulus fibrosus from between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
49 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant dimensionally corresponds to the space created by the removal of at least generally all of the nucleus pulposus and a portion of the annulus fibrosus when said adjacent vertebral bodies are distracted and placed in angular relationship to each other.
Claim 158
Dependent Claim
29 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein the depth of said implant is in the range of approximately 11 mm to 21 mm for use in the cervical spine.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
29 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein the width of said implant is in the range of approximately 14 mm to 28 mm for use in the cervical spine.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
64 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant has a maximum height in the range of approximately 5 mm to 10 mm, and the maximum width of said implant is in the range of approximately 14 mm to 28 mm, and the depth of said implant is in the range of approximately 11 mm to 21 mm for use in the cervical spine.
Claim 161
Dependent Claim
29 words
The implant of claim 116 , for use in the lumbar spine, wherein the depth of said implant is in the range of approximately 20 mm to 34 mm.
Claim 162
Dependent Claim
64 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant has a maximum height in the range of approximately 8 mm to 16 mm, and the maximum width of said implant is in the range of approximately 28 mm to 48 mm, and the depth of said implant is in the range of approximately 20 mm to 34 mm for use in the lumbar spine.
Claim 163
Dependent Claim
37 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein the depth of said implant is substantially the same as the depth of a space created by the removal of the nucleus pulposus from between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 164
Dependent Claim
37 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein the width of said implant is substantially equal to the transverse width of a space created by the removal of the nucleus pulposus from between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 165
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said top has a fixed shape which is generally configured to match the contours of the endplate of one of the two adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 166
Dependent Claim
33 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said bottom has a fixed shape which is generally configured to match the natural contours of the endplate of one of the two adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 167
Dependent Claim
33 words
The implant of claim 116 , further comprising at least one protrusion extending from said top and said bottom for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies to maintain said implant within the disc space.
Claim 168
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 165 , wherein said protrusion comprises a ridge.
Claim 169
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 165 , wherein said protrusion comprises a plurality of ridges facing the same direction to prevent expulsion of said implant in a direction opposite to said same direction.
Claim 170
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 165 , wherein said protrusion comprises a tooth.
Claim 171
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 165 , wherein said protrusion comprises a ratchet.
Claim 172
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 169 , wherein said protrusion comprises a plurality of ratchets facing the same direction to prevent expulsion of said implant in a direction opposite to said same direction.
Claim 173
Dependent Claim
40 words
The implant of claim 116 , further comprising an irregular surface for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said irregular surface being present on at least a part of said top and said bottom.
Claim 174
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 171 , wherein said irregular surface comprises at least one groove.
Claim 175
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 171 , wherein said irregular surface includes knurling.
Claim 176
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 171 , wherein said irregular surface includes at least one spike.
Claim 177
Dependent Claim
20 words
The implant of claim 174 , wherein said implant includes means for retracting and extending said at least one spike.
Claim 178
Dependent Claim
42 words
The implant of claim 116 , further comprising a plurality of surface roughenings for engaging said adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said surface roughenings being present on at least a portion of said top and said bottom.
Claim 179
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 176 , wherein said roughenings cover substantially the entire top and bottom of said implant, said roughenings being generally tapered from said trailing end to said leading end.
Claim 180
Dependent Claim
29 words
The implant of claim 176 , wherein a height of each roughening measured from the mid-longitudinal axis of the implant decreases from said trailing end to said leading end.
Claim 181
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 176 , wherein said surface roughenings comprise at least one groove.
Claim 182
Dependent Claim
17 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said top and said bottom have a bone ingrowth surface.
Claim 183
Dependent Claim
20 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant has an exterior surface that is at least in part porous.
Claim 184
Dependent Claim
23 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant comprises a mesh-like material having a plurality of interstices for receiving fusion promoting material.
Claim 185
Dependent Claim
11 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant is porous.
Claim 186
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant includes an exterior surface, at least a portion of which is treated to promote bone ingrowth between said surface and a vertebral body.
Claim 187
Dependent Claim
21 words
The implant of claim 116 , in combination with a fusion promoting material other than bone in contact with said implant.
Claim 188
Dependent Claim
17 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant comprises a bone ingrowth material other than bone.
Claim 189
Dependent Claim
33 words
The implant of claim 116 , further comprising a material that intrinsically participates in the growth of bone from one of the adjacent vertebral bodies to the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 190
Dependent Claim
16 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant is treated with a fusion promoting substance.
Claim 191
Dependent Claim
13 words
The implant of claim 188 , wherein said fusion promoting substance is bone.
Claim 192
Dependent Claim
13 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant is stronger than bone.
Claim 193
Dependent Claim
17 words
The implant of claim 116 , in combination with an osteogenic material in contact with said implant.
Claim 194
Dependent Claim
16 words
The implant of claim 191 , wherein said osteogenic material is a material other than bone.
Claim 195
Dependent Claim
27 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant comprises a bone ingrowth material for promoting bone ingrowth between said implant and said two adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 196
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant is at least in part bioresorbable.
Claim 197
Dependent Claim
19 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant is adapted to be centrally placed within a disc space.
Claim 198
Dependent Claim
40 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein at least one of said leading and trailing ends of said implant is configured to engage a driving instrument for implanting said implant within the disc space between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 199
Dependent Claim
21 words
The implant of claim 116 , further comprising an expander moving said top and bottom apart in said diverging angular relationship.
Claim 200
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said trailing end has a height greater than said leading end.
Claim 201
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein at least one of said top and bottom is substantially flat.
Claim 202
Dependent Claim
40 words
The implant of claim 199 , further comprising an irregular surface for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said irregular surface being present on at least a part of said top and said bottom.
Claim 203
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 200 , wherein said irregular surface comprises at least one groove.
Claim 204
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 200 , wherein said irregular surface includes knurling.
Claim 205
Dependent Claim
42 words
The implant of claim 199 , further comprising a plurality of surface roughenings for engaging said adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said surface roughenings being present on at least a portion of said top and said bottom.
Claim 206
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 203 , wherein said roughenings cover substantially the entire top and bottom of said implant, said roughenings being generally tapered from said trailing end to said leading end.
Claim 207
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein at least one of said top and bottom is generally planar.
Claim 208
Dependent Claim
40 words
The implant of claim 205 , further comprising an irregular surface for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said irregular surface being present on at least a part of said top and said bottom.
Claim 209
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 206 , wherein said irregular surface comprises at least one groove.
Claim 210
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 206 , wherein said irregular surface includes knurling.
Claim 211
Dependent Claim
42 words
The implant of claim 205 , further comprising a plurality of surface roughenings for engaging said adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said surface roughenings being present on at least a portion of said top and said bottom.
Claim 212
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 209 , wherein said roughenings cover substantially the entire top and bottom of said implant, said roughenings being generally tapered from said trailing end to said leading end.
Claim 213
Dependent Claim
16 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein each of said top and bottom are substantially flat.
Claim 214
Dependent Claim
40 words
The implant of claim 211 , further comprising an irregular surface for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said irregular surface being present on at least a part of said top and said bottom.
Claim 215
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 212 , wherein said irregular surface comprises at least one groove.
Claim 216
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 212 , wherein said irregular surface includes knurling.
Claim 217
Dependent Claim
42 words
The implant of claim 211 , further comprising a plurality of surface roughenings for engaging said adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said surface roughenings being present on at least a portion of said top and said bottom.
Claim 218
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 215 , wherein said roughenings cover substantially the entire top and bottom of said implant, said roughenings being generally tapered from said trailing end to said leading end.
Claim 219
Dependent Claim
16 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein each of said top and bottom are generally planar.
Claim 220
Dependent Claim
40 words
The implant of claim 217 , further comprising an irregular surface for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said irregular surface being present on at least a part of said top and said bottom.
Claim 221
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 218 , wherein said irregular surface comprises at least one groove.
Claim 222
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 218 , wherein said irregular surface includes knurling.
Claim 223
Dependent Claim
42 words
The implant of claim 217 , further comprising a plurality of surface roughenings for engaging said adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said surface roughenings being present on at least a portion of said top and said bottom.
Claim 224
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 221 , wherein said roughenings cover substantially the entire top and bottom of said implant, said roughenings being generally tapered from said trailing end to said leading end.
Claim 225
Dependent Claim
28 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant has a generally quadrilateral cross section transverse to the mid-longitudinal axis along at least a portion of its depth.
Claim 226
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein the width of said implant is greater than one-half of the width of the disc space into which said implant is adapted to be inserted.
Claim 227
Dependent Claim
24 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant is sized to replace a substantial portion of a spinal disc with a single implant.
Claim 228
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 116 , in combination with a fusion promoting substance in contact with said implant.
Claim 229
Dependent Claim
25 words
The implant of claim 226 , wherein said fusion promoting substance includes at least one of bone, bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, and hydroxyapatite tricalcium phosphate.
Claim 230
Dependent Claim
21 words
The implant of claim 116 , in combination with an implant driver adapted to insert said implant into the implantation space.
Claim 231
Dependent Claim
19 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is sized to be wholly contained within the recipient site.
Claim 232
Dependent Claim
19 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant is sized to be wholly contained within the recipient site.
Claim 233
Dependent Claim
14 words
The implant of claim 3 , wherein said leading end includes said access opening.
Claim 234
Dependent Claim
17 words
The implant of claim 13 , wherein at least two of said openings are of different sizes.
Claim 235
Dependent Claim
17 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is made at least in part of metal.
Claim 236
Dependent Claim
26 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said trailing end is curved along a portion of said trailing end across the mid-longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 237
Dependent Claim
19 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said trailing end is curved across the entire width of said implant.
Claim 238
Dependent Claim
33 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said top and said bottom includes a portion extending across the entire depth of said implant generally halfway between said opposite sides.
Claim 239
Dependent Claim
45 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said at least one opening has a central longitudinal axis and a maximum dimension transverse to the central longitudinal axis, the maximum dimension of said at least one opening being less than the maximum width of said implant.
Claim 240
Dependent Claim
14 words
The implant of claim 118 , wherein said leading end includes said access opening.
Claim 241
Dependent Claim
17 words
The implant of claim 128 , wherein at least two of said openings are of different sizes.
Claim 242
Dependent Claim
17 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said implant is made at least in part of metal.
Claim 243
Dependent Claim
26 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said trailing end is curved along a portion of said trailing end across the mid-longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 244
Dependent Claim
19 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said trailing end is curved across the entire width of said implant.
Claim 245
Dependent Claim
33 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein at least one of said top and said bottom includes a portion extending across the entire depth of said implant generally halfway between said opposite sides.
Claim 246
Dependent Claim
45 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said at least one opening has a central longitudinal axis and a maximum dimension transverse to the central longitudinal axis, the maximum dimension of said at least one opening being less than the maximum width of said implant.
Claim 247
Dependent Claim
305 words
An interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion into a recipient site formed at least in part within a disc space in between adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine, said implant comprising: a leading end for insertion first into the recipient site, a trailing end opposite said leading end and a mid-longitudinal axis through said leading and trailing ends, a depth along the mid-longitudinal axis, and a width and a height each perpendicular to the depth, said implant having a maximum width greater than the depth of said implant and greater than the height of said implant; and a top and a bottom between said leading and trailing ends adapted to space apart the adjacent vertebral bodies, opposite sides between said top and said bottom, and between said leading and trailing ends, said top and said bottom each having a plurality of openings therethrough, said openings being in communication with one another to permit for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, at least one of said openings being surrounded by said implant, said top and said bottom being in an angular relationship relative to the mid-longitudinal axis along at least a portion of the depth of said implant sufficient to maintain the adjacent vertebral bodies in an angular relationship to each other, said trailing end including a curved portion between said opposite sides to conform to the natural anatomical curvature of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said curved portion having a radius of curvature greater than a maximum dimension between said leading end and said trailing end along the mid-longitudinal axis of said implant, said leading end having a width between said opposite sides, said leading end being straight across a majority of the width of said leading end and across the mid-longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 248
Dependent Claim
305 words
An interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion into a recipient site formed at least in part within a disc space in between adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine, said implant comprising: a leading end for insertion first into the recipient site, a trailing end opposite said leading end and a mid-longitudinal axis through said leading and trailing ends, a depth along the mid-longitudinal axis, and a width and a height each perpendicular to the depth, said implant having a maximum width greater than the depth of said implant and greater than the height of said implant; and a top and a bottom between said leading and trailing ends adapted to space apart the adjacent vertebral bodies, opposite sides between said top and said bottom, and between said leading and trailing ends, said top and said bottom each having a plurality of openings therethrough, said openings being in communication with one another to permit for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, at least one of said openings being surrounded by said implant, said top and said bottom being in an angular relationship relative to the mid-longitudinal axis along at least a portion of the depth of said implant sufficient to maintain the adjacent vertebral bodies in an angular relationship to each other, said trailing end including a curved portion between said opposite sides to conform to the natural anatomical curvature of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said curved portion having a radius of curvature greater than a maximum dimension between said leading end and said trailing end along the mid-longitudinal axis of said implant, said leading end having a width between said opposite sides, said leading end being straight across a majority of the width of said leading end and across the mid-longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 249
Dependent Claim
34 words
The implant of claim 245 , wherein each of said top and said bottom comprises an interior surface, said interior surfaces being spaced apart to define a hollow interior in communication with said openings.
Claim 250
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 245 , wherein said implant is a wedge.
Claim 251
Dependent Claim
28 words
The implant of claim 245 , wherein said implant has a generally quadrilateral cross section transverse to the mid-longitudinal axis along at least a portion of its depth.
Claim 252
Dependent Claim
28 words
The implant of claim 245 , wherein said implant has a generally rectangular cross section transverse to the mid-longitudinal axis along at least a portion of its depth.
Claim 253
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 245 , wherein said trailing end has a height greater than said leading end.
Claim 254
Dependent Claim
33 words
The implant of claim 245 , further comprising at least one protrusion extending from said top and said bottom for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies to maintain said implant within the disc space.
Claim 255
Dependent Claim
21 words
The implant of claim 251 , wherein said protrusion comprises at least one of a ridge, a tooth, and a ratchet.
Claim 256
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 251 , wherein said protrusion comprises a plurality of ratchets facing the same direction to prevent expulsion of said implant in a direction opposite to said same direction.
Claim 257
Dependent Claim
40 words
The implant of claim 245 , further comprising an irregular surface for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said irregular surface being present on at least a part of said top and said bottom.
Claim 258
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 254 , wherein said irregular surface comprises at least one groove.
Claim 259
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 254 , wherein said irregular surface includes knurling.
Claim 260
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implant of claim 245 , wherein said implant is at least in part bioresorbable.
Claim 261
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 245 , in combination with a fusion promoting substance in contact with said implant.
Claim 262
Dependent Claim
25 words
The implant of claim 258 , wherein said fusion promoting substance includes at least one of bone, bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, and hydroxyapatite tricalcium phosphate.
Claim 263
Dependent Claim
17 words
The implant of claim 245 , wherein at least two of said openings are of different sizes.
Claim 264
Dependent Claim
33 words
The implant of claim 245 , wherein at least one of said top and said bottom includes a portion extending across the entire depth of said implant generally halfway between said opposite sides.
Claim 265
Dependent Claim
16 words
The implant of claim 245 , wherein said trailing end is at least in part convex.
Claim 266
Dependent Claim
26 words
The implant of claim 245 , wherein said trailing end is curved along a portion of said trailing end across the mid-longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 267
Dependent Claim
19 words
The implant of claim 245 , wherein said trailing end is curved across the entire width of said implant.
Claim 268
Dependent Claim
52 words
The implant of claim 245 , wherein at least one of said plurality of openings has a central longitudinal axis and a maximum dimension transverse to the central longitudinal axis, the maximum dimension of said at least one of said plurality of openings being less than the maximum width of said implant.
Claim 269
Dependent Claim
35 words
The implant of claim 245 , wherein said implant has a non-arcuate cross section through said top and bottom transverse to the mid-longitudinal axis along at least a portion of the depth of said implant.
Claim 270
Dependent Claim
19 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said opposite sides are at least in part parallel to one another.
Claim 271
Dependent Claim
19 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said opposite sides are at least in part parallel to one another.
Claim 272
Dependent Claim
28 words
The implant of claim 1 , wherein said trailing end includes a portion in a plane being at an acute angle to both said top and said bottom.
Claim 273
Dependent Claim
28 words
The implant of claim 116 , wherein said trailing end includes a portion in a plane being at an acute angle to both said top and said bottom.
Claim 274
Dependent Claim
28 words
The implant of claim 245 , wherein said trailing end includes a portion in a plane being at an acute angle to both said top and said bottom.
Claim 275
Dependent Claim
17 words
The implant of claim 245 , wherein said implant is made at least in part of metal.
Claim 276
Dependent Claim
49 words
The implant of claim 3 , wherein said access opening and said at least one opening of said top and said bottom each have a shape, the shape of said access opening being different than the shape of said at least one opening of said top and said bottom.
Claim 277
Dependent Claim
49 words
The implant of claim 118 , wherein said access opening and said at least one opening of said top and said bottom each have a shape, the shape of said access opening being different than the shape of said at least one opening of said top and said bottom.
Claim 278
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 245 , wherein said implant includes a hollow interior in communication with said openings.
Claim 279
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 275 , wherein said implant includes an access opening for accessing said hollow interior.
Claim 280
Dependent Claim
35 words
The implant of claim 276 , wherein said access opening and said plurality of openings each have a shape, the shape of said access opening being different than the shape of said plurality of openings.
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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) | 2012-03-16 | 2012-09-15 | 2013-03-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2016-03-16 | 2016-09-15 | 2017-03-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2020-03-16 | 2020-09-15 | 2021-03-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |