|Publication number||US7618460 B2|
|Application number||US 10/865,420|
|Publication date||Nov 17, 2009|
|Filing date||Jun 10, 2004|
|Priority date||Sep 19, 2000|
|Also published as||CA2422775A1, DE60108770D1, DE60108770T2, EP1324724A2, EP1324724B1, US6761738, US20070016295, US20100042221, WO2002024122A2, WO2002024122A3, WO2002024122A8|
|Publication number||10865420, 865420, US 7618460 B2, US 7618460B2, US-B2-7618460, US7618460 B2, US7618460B2|
|Inventors||Lawrence M. Boyd|
|Original Assignee||Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (76), Non-Patent Citations (1), Referenced by (19), Classifications (32), Legal Events (6)|
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/664,652 filed Sep. 19, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,761,738 which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The present invention relates to arthodesis for stabilizing the spine. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an intervertebral spacer formed of a bone material and to methods of treating patients having spinal deformities.
Removal of damaged or diseased discs and restoration of disc space height to treat chronic back pain and other ailments are known medical techniques. Implants such as intervertebral spacers are often implanted in the disc space to maintain or reestablish disc space height after removal of all or a portion of the disc. The spacers can be formed of a variety of both resorbable and non-resorbable materials, including, for example, titanium, surgical steel, polymers, composites, and bone. It is also often desirable to promote fusion between the vertebral bodies that are adjacent to the damaged or diseased discs. Typically an osteogenic material is combined with a spacer and inserted in the disc space to facilitate and promote bone growth. While the selection of the implant configuration and composition can depend upon a variety of considerations, for arthodesis it is often desirable to select a resorbable material than does not stress shield the bone ingrowth. Bone and bone-derived components can provide suitable material to prepare the implants. However, bone material acceptable for use in implants is a scarce resource, being derived from limited human tissue donor resources.
Suitable bone or bone-derived material for use in implants, in general, is almost exclusively obtained from allograft and xenograft sources, both which are precious resources. Since intervertebral spacers must withstand the compressive loads exerted by the spine, these implants are often formed from cortical long bones, which are primarily found in the lower limbs and include, for example, femur, fibula, and the tibia bones. The long bones make up only a fraction of the available bone source. Thus, sources of bone suitable for structural intervertebral spacers are extremely limited. The scarcity of desired donor bone makes it difficult to provide implants having the desired size and configuration for implantation between adjacent lumbar vertebrae, which can require relatively large implants. It is further anticipated that as the population ages there will be an increased need for correction for spinal deformities and a concomitant increase in the demand for bone-derived components. Therefore, these structural bone portions must be conserved and used efficiently to provide implants. The scarcity of suitable bone material has also hindered efforts to design and manufacture varying configurations of suitable implants for arthodesis of the spine. Further, various implant configurations have not been physiologically possible to obtain given the structural and geometrical constraints of available donor bone.
In light of the above-described problems, there continues to be a need to provide suitable implants to facilitate patient treatment. The present invention addresses this need and provides a variety of other benefits and advantages.
The present invention relates to spinal implants, the manufacture and use thereof. Various aspects of the invention are novel, nonobvious, and provide various advantages. While the actual nature of the invention covered herein can only be determined with reference to the claims appended hereto, certain forms and features, which are characteristic of the preferred embodiments disclosed herein, are described briefly as follows.
In one form, the invention provides an implant for promoting bone fusion between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has a longitudinal axis and comprises an assembly of cortical bone-derived components. The components are comprised of a first strut having a first bone-engaging portion and an opposite second bone-engaging portion. A first impact surface is disposed between the first bone-engaging portion and the second bone-engaging portions. The bone-derived components also include a second strut spaced from the first strut. The second strut has a third bone-engaging portion and an opposite fourth bone-engaging portion. A second impact surface is disposed between the third and fourth bone-engaging portions. The components also include an elongate cross-member that extends from the first strut to the second strut. The second strut in cooperation with the first strut defines an internal space. In one embodiment the implant can be provided as an open cage. An osteogenic material can be combined with the implant. The osteogenic material can be interposed between the first and second strut. Preferably, the osteogenic material is provided to be formed within the internal space and/or adherent to at least one of a first strut, the second strut, and the cross-member. The osteogenic material can also be adapted to be moldable to provide a semi-rigid shaped component.
In alternative forms, the first and second strut can be defined by substantially planar walls that can be adapted to restore normal disc height and/or provide correct lordosis of the spine. The first and second strut can include opposite bone-engaging portions that are separated from each other at a first end of the strut by a distance D1 and wherein the opposite bone-engaging uniformly taper to a second distance D2 at a second end of the strut, such that D1 is greater than D2. Alternatively, the bone-engaging portions can define an arcuate surface wherein the opposite bone engaging portions separate from each other at a maximum distance at a point located between the first and the second end on the respective strut. In still yet other embodiments, the first and second struts can define curved wall portions that approximate the medullary canal of a long bone.
In another form, the present invention provides an implant for promoting bone fusion. The implant has a longitudinal axis and comprises an assembly of cortical bone-derived components. The components comprise a first strut having a first bone-engaging portion and an opposite second bone-engaging portion. The first strut also includes a first slot formed therein and extending from the first bone-engaging portion. The first slot has a first internal wall portion and opposing second internal wall portion and an internal end wall portion therebetween. The implant assembly also comprises a second strut that has a third bone-engaging portion and an opposite fourth bone-engaging portion. The second strut also has a second slot formed therein and extending from the third bone-engaging portion. The second slot includes a first internal wall portion and opposing second internal wall portion and internal end wall portion therebetween. The first slot is adapted to receive a portion of the second strut, and the second slot on the second strut is adapted to receive a portion of the first strut to interengage the first and second strut to form the implant assembly. When thus configured, the implant can be adapted to be inserted in the intervertebral space or, alternatively, the implant can be sized to provide a replacement for a vertebral body.
The present invention also provides a method of treating a spinal deformity. The method comprises surgically preparing a intervertebral space between adjacent endplates of adjacent vertebrae and inserting an implant into the prepared space. The implant comprises a first strut having a first bone-engaging portion, an opposite second bone-engaging portion and a first impact surface disposed therebetween, a second strut spaced from said first strut, said second strut having a third bone-engaging portion, an opposite fourth bone-engaging portion, and a second impact surface disposed therebetween, said second strut in cooperation with said first strut defining an internal space, and a cross-member extending from the first strut to the second strut into the intervertebral space.
In yet another form the present invention provides other methods for treating spinal deformities. These methods include surgically preparing a patient to receive a spinal implant; and implanting an implant comprising of an assembly of cortical bone-derived components. The cortical bone-derived components include: a first strut having a first bone-engaging portion and a opposite second bone-engaging portion, said first strut having first slot formed therein, and a second strut having a third bone-engaging portion and a opposite fourth bone-engaging portion, said second strut interengaging said first strut to form the implant.
Further objects, features, aspects, forms, advantages and benefits shall become apparent from the description and drawings contained herein.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated herein and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described implants or methods, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein, are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
The present invention provides a spinal implant that can be assembled from individual bone-derived components. In one form, the individual components can be relatively small, and yet the assembled bone implant can be a larger structure exhibiting suitable strength to withstand the compression loading exerted by a spinal column. The components can be derived from donor bone, such as cortical allograft bone. In addition, the components can be formed as modular pieces having uniform size and shape to facilitate manufacture of the spinal implants. For example, the implant can be provided in selected dimensions and configurations to maintain disc height, correct lordosis, kyphosis or other spinal deformities. In other forms, the spinal implant provides a bone construct that can serve as reinforcing scaffolding for a variety of osteogenic materials to facilitate bone fusion. Thus, this invention provides efficient use of the precious donor bone material and yet allows for the manufacture of a wide variety of implant configurations.
Referring additionally to
First strut 12 includes a first bone-engaging portion 20 and an opposite second bone-engaging portion 22 spaced from the first bone-engaging portion 20 by a first distance illustrated by reference line 21, and which can be selected to be equal to D1. First bone-engaging portion 20 and second bone-engaging portion 22 can be provided to include anti-retropulsion structures 28. In the illustrated embodiment, first bone-engaging portion 20 is provided with a plurality of notches 28 formed therein. Notches 28 provide a mechanical interlock with the adjacent vertebral bone endplates and prevent retropulsion of the implant from the intervertebral space. First bone-engaging portion and/or second bone-engaging portion can also be configured with ridges, spikes, and the like to inhibit retropulsion from the disc space. Alternatively, first bone-engaging portion 20 and second bone-engaging portion 22 can be provided as a substantially smooth or uniformly linear surface. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the exact configuration of first strut 12 can be provided in a variety of configurations, which can be selected to impart a desired corrective effect on a spinal column or portion thereof.
Second strut 14 can be provided substantially as described for first strut 12. Second strut 14 includes a third bone-engaging portion 24, an opposite fourth bone-engaging portion 26. Second strut 14 can include the same structural components as described for first strut 12, including anti-retropulsion structures 28. Third bone-engaging portion 24 is spaced from fourth bone-engaging portion 26 by a second distance represented by reference line 23, which can be selected to be D2. In the illustrated embodiment for implant 10, D1 is substantially equal to the D2. In alternative embodiments, the first distance does not have to equal the second D2. Thus, D1 and D2 individually can be selected to restore and/or maintain desired disc space height between adjacent vertebrae including cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Preferably, D1 and D2 are selected to range between about 5 mm and about 20 mm. More preferably, D1 and D2 are selected to range between about 10 mm and about 15 mm.
Second strut 14 is spaced from first strut 12. The distance second strut 14 is spaced from first strut 12 can be varied depending upon the desired use and/or desired site for implantation of the resulting implant assembly. For example, second strut 14 can be spaced from first strut 12 to provide a single implant assembly that is sized to substantially extend the lateral width of a disc space. Alternatively, implant 10 can be sized to allow the bi-lateral placement of a pair of implants within the disc space as illustrated in
First strut 12 includes impact surface 25 positioned substantially orthogonal to longitudinal axis 11. The impact surface can be disposed between first bone-engaging portion 20 and second bone-engaging portion 22. Similarly second strut 14 includes impact surface 27 also positioned substantially orthogonal to longitudinal axis 11. Impact surfaces 25 and 27 can define a thickened wall portion of struts 12 and 14. Impact surfaces 25 and 27 are adapted to withstand impact forces necessary to drive implant 10 into a disc space. Further, impact surface 25 and 27 can be provided with a surface to facilitate driving implant 10 into a disc space. For example, surfaces 25 and 27 can be roughened, knurled or ridged to maintain static contact between an insertion tool (not shown) and implant 10.
First strut 12 terminates in a first end 32 and at an opposite second end 34. Similarly, second strut 14 terminates at a first end 33 and at an opposite second end 35. In one form, first ends 32 and 33 define impact surfaces 25 and 27, respectively. Further, first ends 32 and 33 are configured to include tool engaging apertures 30 to engage counterpart structures on implant holders and/or insertion tools (not shown). Apertures 30 can include a uniformly smooth bore, a tapered bore or, alternatively, a threaded bore portion. Preferably, tool-engaging portions 30 facilitate insertion of the implant into the disc space and inhibit lateral movement of the implant during insertion. In the illustrated embodiment, second ends 34 and 35 include curved surfaces 29, 31, respectively, to facilitate and ease insertion of implant 10 into the disc space.
In a preferred form, first strut 12 and second strut 14 can be provided as modular units that can be coupled via at least one cross-member. The modular units can be obtained by uniform cutting and machining of donor bone. Further, the donor bone can be bone remnants obtained after manufacture of implant configurations as illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, cross-member 16 and cross-member 16A extend from first strut 12 through interior area 19 to second strut 14. In alternative embodiments, cross-members 16 and/or, 16A can be engaged to first strut 12 and second strut 14 about their respective periphery, for example, proximal to first ends 32 and 33 or to second ends 33 and 35. When cross-member 16 or 16A is positioned proximal to first ends 32 and 33, the cross-members can also be adjacent impact surfaces 25 and 27, respectively.
Cross-member 16 includes a proximal end 36, which is capable of engaging first strut 12. In the illustrated embodiment, proximal end 36 engages in aperture 38 of first strut 12. Cross-member 16 also includes a distal end 37, which is capable of engaging with strut 14 via aperture 39. Similarly, cross-member 16A includes a proximal end 36A and a distal end 37A. Proximal end 36A is provided to engage first strut 12, and distal end 37A is provided to engage strut 14. Cross-member 16 and second cross-member 16A are adapted to engage in first strut 12 and second strut 14 to provide an assembled implant that is capable of withstanding the shear and impact forces needed to drive the implant assembly into the intervertebral space. Cross-member 16 is illustrated as a cylindrical rod. In alternative forms, cross-member 16 can be configured as a shaft having a square, rectangular, triangular or ovoid cross-section. Further, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that cross-members 16 and 16A are adapted to engage a first and second strut 12 and 14, respectively, in a variety of configurations, which are discussed in more detail below.
Implant 10 can be configured as an open cage vertebral implant. The open cage vertebral implant provides a depot for receipt of an osteoconductive/inductive filler. Further, when the implant includes a filler and is sized to be received within a prepared disc space, implant 10 provides structural support to maintain disc height yet allow broad surface area and intimate contact between the filler and bone tissue of the vertebral end plates.
First strut 42 includes a first end 60 and an opposite second end 62. First bone-engaging portion 50 is spaced from second bone-engaging portion 52 proximate to first end 60 by a first distance illustrated by reference line 41, which can be selected to equal D1. Similarly, first bone-engaging portion 50 is separated from second bone-engaging portion 52 proximal to second end 62 by a third distance, which can be selected to equal D3 (not shown). Second strut 44 includes a first end 64 and an opposite second end 66. Third bone-engaging portion 54 is separated from fourth bone-engaging portion 56 proximal to first end 64 by a second distance illustrated by reference line 45, which can be selected to equal D2. Similarly, third bone-engaging portion 54 is separated from fourth bone-engaging portion 56 proximal to second end 66 by a fourth distance illustrated by reference line 67, which can be selected to equal D4. The values for D1, D2, D3 and D4 can be individually selected to provide an implant assembly capable of achieving a desired orthopedic result.
In one form, first strut 42 has a height adjacent to first end 60 defined by distance D1 and a height adjacent to second end 62 defined by D3. Preferably, but not required, when so provided, first strut 12 tapers uniformly from the height D1 adjacent first end 60 to the height D3 adjacent second end 62. Similarly, second strut 44 can be configured to have a height adjacent to first end 64 defined by D2 and a height adjacent to second end 66 defined by D4 smaller than D2. Second strut 44 can also be provided to uniformly taper in height from first end 64 to second end 66. Further in selected forms D2 can be selected to be less than D1, and D4 can be selected to be less than D3.
Implant 90A includes a first impact surface 89 formed in first end 96 disposed between first bone-engaging portion 110 and an opposite bone-engaging portion 112. Second strut 94 includes a second impact surface 91 formed in first end 98 disposed between third bone-engaging portion 114 and an opposite fourth bone-engaging portion 116. Impact surfaces 89 and 91 are provided to withstand the shear and force necessary to impact the respective implants into the disc space. For example impact surfaces 89 and 91 can defined thicken portions on first strut 92 and second strut 94. In preferred embodiments, impact surfaces 89 and 91 have sufficient thickness to withstand the impact force necessary to drive implant 90A into an intervertebral space without loss of integrity or deforming the molded implant configuration depicted by implant 90A including osteogenic material interposed between first and second struts 92 and 94. Impact surfaces 89 and 91 can define tool engaging apertures 93 and 95, respectively. It is understood by those skilled in the art that in addition to, or in place of; apertures 93 and 95, a variety of tool engaging structures can be included in implant 90A, for example, slots, recessed areas, projections and additional apertures.
It can be seen from the illustrated embodiment that the bi-lateral placement of implants 90A and 90B can define an interior region 120. In preferred embodiments, interior region 120 can also be packed with a filler, such as an osteogenic material (not shown). The osteogenic material that is implanted into interior pocket 120 can be the same or can be different from the osteogenic material 118 provided or interposed between first and second struts 92 and 94. Similarly, after complete discectomy and appropriate bi-lateral placement of implants 90A and 90B, additional cavities 122 and 124 lateral of respective implants 90A and 90B can be provided to receive additional osteogenic material. This additional osteogenic material may be the same or may be different from the osteogenic material 118 interposed between first strut 92 and second strut 94.
In the illustrated embodiment, first strut 132, second strut 134, third strut 136 each include a first end 133, 135 and 137, respectively. Each first end 133, 135 and 137 defines respective impact surfaces 139, 141 and 143, respectively. First ends 133, 135 and 137 include one or more tool-engaging structures shown as apertures 138A, 138B and 138C. In alternative embodiments, implant 130 is not required to include either or both impact surfaces or tool-engaging structures on each strut. Therefore, implant 130 can include an impact surface and/or a tool-engaging structure in either of first strut 132, second strut 134 and/or third strut 136. Preferably, at least two struts, for example, first strut 132 and third strut 136 include impact surfaces and/or tool-engaging apertures.
In preferred embodiments, implant 130 is configured to be received within the intervertebral space on adjacent vertebrae. Thus, implant 130 can be provided in a variety of sizes, each size configured to be inserted between a specific pair of adjacent vertebrae, for example, cervical, thoracic, or lumbar vertebrae. Furthermore, the implant assembly 130 can be provided so that the distance between first strut 132 and third strut 136, which is indicated by reference line 148, can be selected to equal D5. The value for D5 can be selected to place a portion of first strut 132 and third strut 136 on the peripheral ring structure apophysis of adjacent vertebrae.
First strut 192, second strut 194, and third strut 196 can be provided as modular components for the implant assembly. Thus, the struts 192, 194 and 196 are provided in substantially the same configuration and dimensions. Therefore, opposing bone-engaging surfaces 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 and 220 on each respective strut are separated by the same distance. Further, each strut 192, 194 and 196 can be provided to correct lordotic deformities. For example, third strut 196 has a first end 224 and a second end 228. Adjacent to first end 224, first bone-engaging portion 218 and second bone-engaging portion 220 are separated by a distance represented by reference line 222, which is selected to equal D1. At second end 228, first bone-engaging portion 218 is separated from second bone-engaging portion 220 by a distance represented by reference line 226, which is selected to equal D3. Distance D1 can be selected to be greater than D3. In preferred embodiments, implant assembly 190 is provided to restore disc height and correct spinal lordosis.
As with the above-described implant assemblies, in implant 240, each strut 242, 244 and 246 includes opposite pairs of bone-engaging surfaces. Further, the bone-engaging surfaces can be provided substantially as described for the bone-engaging surfaces of the above implants 10, 40, 70, 90A, and 130.
Referring additionally to
Implant 240 has a width transverse to longitudinal axis 241 and illustrated by reference line 247. Preferably the width is selected so implant 120 extends laterally across the end plates of opposing vertebrae so a portion of first strut 242 and a portion of third strut 246 engage the peripheral ring apophysis of the vertebrae.
In the illustrated embodiments, first strut 262 and 264 are adapted to matingly interengage each other, as illustrated in
First strut 262 and second strut 264 can be obtained from slices of cortical bone and exhibit a substantially rectangular shape having a height defined by opposite bone-engaging portions 266, 270 and 268, 272 of between about 5 mm to about 80 mm. In one form, implant assembly 260 can be sized to be inserted in a disc space between adjacent vertebrae. The height of first strut 262 and second strut 264 can be selected to be between about 5 mm and about 20 mm. In another form, implant assembly 260 can be sized to replace a vertebral body. When thus configured first strut 262 and second strut 264 can have a height selected between about 50 mm and 80 mm.
First strut 262 and second strut 264 interengage to provide an upper surface 265 and a lower surface 267 that are substantially planar. Alternatively, assembled implant 260 can be adapted to exhibit an upper surface 265 and lower surface that matingly engage and bear against the opposing endplates of vertebrae adjacent the implantation site. For example in alternative forms, implant 260 can exhibit a domed upper surface 265 and/or lower surface 267 configured similar to the upper and lower surfaces of implant 240. Still further, implant 260 can exhibit a lordotic configuration as illustrated for implant 240. Implant 260 can also be described as providing a substantially cylindrical implant configuration. However, it is considered to be within the scope of this invention to provide implant 260 in a wide variety of configurations. Preferably implant 260 is provided in a shape resembling the nucleus pulposa. Other exemplary configurations include spherical, ovoidal, frustoconical, and kidney shaped.
First strut 302 and second strut 304 each define a curved wall 312 and 314, respectively. Curved wall 312 includes a first inner wall portion 316, which can be provided as a concave surface and an outer wall portion 318, which can be provided as a convex surface. Similarly, second curved wall portion 314 can also include an inner wall portion 320, provided as a concave surface and an outer wall portion 322 provided as a convex wall portion. In selected configurations, first and second struts 302 and 304 can be obtained from the diaphysis of long bones such that the respective concave surface portions are derived from and/or approximate the medullary canal. Further, first and second struts 302 and 304 can be provided with tool-engaging apertures 303 and 305, respectively. Implant 300 can be provided in a variety of dimensions for use in the intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae including cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, and lumbar vertebrae. Preferably, first strut 302 and second strut 304 are spaced a distance from each other so that opposite pairs of bone-engaging surfaces 307, 309 and 311, 313 bear against the peripheral ring apophysis of the adjacent vertebral bodies, as illustrated in
As has been disclosed above, the illustrated embodiments of the implants 10, 40, 70, 90A, 90B, 130, 160, 190, 240, 260, and 300 include cross-members. The cross-members are adapted to engage the respective first and second struts of the respective implants. The cross-members can be, but are not required to be, secured to opposing struts with an adhesive. Examples of additional engaging portions and methods of securing the cross-members to opposing struts are illustrated in
Referring now to
The osteogenic material is selected to adhere to the implant assembly. Further, osteogenic material preferably includes as a demineralized bone matrix and optionally a carrier, such as a gelatin substance. The demineralized bone matrix can be provided in the form of a powder, paste or gel. When provided as a powder, the osteogenic material can be reconstituted with sterile water, saline, glycerin or other physiological solutions. The reconstituted material is molded about the implant assembly. An osteogenic material can be applied to the implant assembly by the surgeon during surgery or the spacer assembly may be supplied with the composition pre-applied. In such cases, the osteogenic composition may be stabilized for transport and storage. Preferably the osteogenic material is provided as a putty that can be retained in and about the implant assembly. The osteogenic putty is a moldable, flowable material that sets up to a semi-rigid form at about body temperature. The implant assembly with the osteogenic material is then inserted into a prepared disc space. The osteogenic material can also include a reinforcement such as bone chips, preferably cortical bone chips. Examples of osteogenic material suitable for use with this invention include, but are not limited to: OSTEOFIL, which is commercially available from Regeneration Technologies, Inc. of Alachua, Fla.; GRAFTON CRUNCH available from Osteotech of Eatontown, N.J. and ALLOMATRIX, available from Allosource of Denver, Colo.
The term osteogenic composition used here means virtually any osteo conductive or osteo inductive material that promotes bone growth or healing including natural, synthetic and recombinant proteins, hormones and the like. The osteogenic materials used in this invention preferably comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a bone inductive factor such as a bone morphogenetic protein in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Examples of factors include recombinant human bone morphogenic proteins (rhBMPs) rhBMP-2, rhBMP-4 and heterodimers thereof. However, any bone morphogenetic protein is contemplated including bone morphogenetic proteins designated as BMP-1 through BMP-13, which are available from Genetics Institute, Inc., Cambridge, Mass. All osteoinductive factors are contemplated whether obtained as above or isolated from bone.
The present invention contemplates modifications of the implant and methods as would occur to those skilled in the art. It is also contemplated that processes embodied in the present invention can be altered, rearranged, substituted, deleted, duplicated, combined, or added to other processes as would occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Further it is understood that above described bone-derived components are individual modular units that can be combined and/or assembled into additional configurations not specific illustrated in the figures included herewith. All of the individual bone-derived components can be provided in the varying sizes and include any of the specific surface features and structures associated with the embodiments illustrated or described herein. In addition, the various stages, steps, procedures, techniques, phases, and operations within these processes may be altered, rearranged, substituted, deleted, duplicated, or combined as would occur to those skilled in the art. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein.
Further, any theory of operation, proof, or finding stated herein is meant to further enhance understanding of the present invention and is not intended to make the scope of the present invention dependent upon such theory, proof, or finding.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in character, it is understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
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|International Classification||A61F2/44, A61F2/46, A61F2/30, A61F2/00, A61F2/28|
|Cooperative Classification||A61F2002/30405, A61F2002/30492, A61F2002/30166, A61F2002/2835, A61F2002/30841, A61F2230/0028, A61F2220/0025, A61F2002/448, A61F2002/30848, A61F2002/30354, A61F2/442, A61F2002/2817, A61F2002/30774, A61F2/447, A61F2/4455, A61F2/28, A61F2002/30331, A61F2220/0033, A61F2002/30507, A61F2/4465, A61F2002/30604, A61F2002/30616, A61F2002/30514, A61F2002/30387, A61F2002/3051, A61F2/4611|
|Jun 10, 2004||AS||Assignment|
Owner name: SDGI HOLDINGS, INC., DELAWARE
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BOYD, LAWRENCE M.;REEL/FRAME:015467/0098
Effective date: 20000522
|Sep 30, 2009||AS||Assignment|
Owner name: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC., INDIANA
Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:SDGI HOLDINGS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:023303/0107
Effective date: 20050428
|Oct 26, 2010||CC||Certificate of correction|
|Jun 28, 2013||REMI||Maintenance fee reminder mailed|
|Nov 17, 2013||LAPS||Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees|
|Jan 7, 2014||FP||Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee|
Effective date: 20131117