US6132434A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi-angle bone screw assembly using shape-memory technology
Assignee: SDGI Holdings Inc
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Filing: 1999-05-17
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Granted: 2000-10-17
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Expires: 2019-05-17
Abstract
Abstract In one embodiment, a spinal fixation assembly includes an elongated member, such as a spinal rod, configured for placement adjacent the spine and a bone engaging fastener, such as a bone screw having a lower portion configured for engaging a vertebra and a head that is at least partially spherical. The assembly further includes a receiver member defining a bore therethrough from a top end to a bottom end, a recess for receiving the head of the bone screwing fastener therein, and a lower opening at said bottom end of the receiver member through which the bone screw extends. The recess is configured to at permit pivoting of the bone screw within the receiver member until the head is fixed within the recess. The receiver member also includes a channel communicating with the bore and having an upper opening at the top end of the receiver member for insertion of the spinal rod into the channel. In one embodiment, two compression members are provided, each being formed of a temperature responsive material and having a first configuration at a first temperature and a different second configuration at a different second temperature in which the compression member contracts about a portion of the receiver member to thereby compress the receiver member about both the head of the bone screw within the recess and the spinal rod within the channel.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael C. Sherman
- 👤 Troy Drewry
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 06:34
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68; A61B17/70; A61B17/7001; A61B17/7035; A61B17/7037; A61B17/7032; A61B17/7038; A61B2017/00831; A61B2017/00867; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S411/00; Y10S411/909; Y10S606/00; Y10S606/907; Y10S606/911
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 62
Claim 1
Independent Claim
205 words
A spinal fixation assembly, comprising: an elongate member configured for placement adjacent the spine; a bone engaging fastener, said fastener having a lower portion configured for engaging a vertebra and a head, said head being at least partially spherical in configuration; a receiver member having a top end and an opposite bottom end, said member defining a recess for receiving said head of said bone engaging fastener therein, said recess having a lower opening at said bottom end of said receiver member through which said lower portion of said fastener extends, said member also including a channel having an upper opening at said top end of said receiver member, said channel being configured to receive said elongated member therein; and at least one compression member disposed around a portion of said receiver member, said at least one compression member being formed of a shape memory material and having a first configuration at a first temperature and a different second configuration at a different second temperature in which said at least one compression member contracts about said portion of said receiver member to thereby compress said receiver member about said head of said bone engaging fastener within said recess and said elongated member within said channel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
205 words
A spinal fixation assembly, comprising: an elongate member configured for placement adjacent the spine; a bone engaging fastener, said fastener having a lower portion configured for engaging a vertebra and a head, said head being at least partially spherical in configuration; a receiver member having a top end and an opposite bottom end, said member defining a recess for receiving said head of said bone engaging fastener therein, said recess having a lower opening at said bottom end of said receiver member through which said lower portion of said fastener extends, said member also including a channel having an upper opening at said top end of said receiver member, said channel being configured to receive said elongated member therein; and at least one compression member disposed around a portion of said receiver member, said at least one compression member being formed of a shape memory material and having a first configuration at a first temperature and a different second configuration at a different second temperature in which said at least one compression member contracts about said portion of said receiver member to thereby compress said receiver member about said head of said bone engaging fastener within said recess and said elongated member within said channel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 1, wherein said head of said bone engaging fastener includes a truncated upper surface, and defines a tool receiving recess through said upper surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said recess is disposed within said receiver member adjacent said bottom end thereof; and said receiver member defines an outer annular upper groove adjacent said top end, said groove configured to receive said compression member when said compression member is in said first configuration.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
63 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said recess is disposed adjacent said bottom end of said receiver member; and said channel is disposed adjacent said top end of said receiver member and is disposed apart from said recess so that said head of said bone engaging fastener does not intersect said channel when said head is disposed within said recess.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
118 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 4, wherein: said assembly further including a second compression member formed of a shape memory material having a first configuration at substantially said first temperature and a different second configuration at substantially said different second temperature in which said second compression member contracts about said receiver member; and said receiver member defines an outer annular upper groove adjacent said top end thereof, said upper groove configured to receive said second compression member therein when said second compression member is in said first configuration, whereby said second compression member contracts about said receiver member in said different second configuration to compress said receiver member about said elongated member disposed within said channel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 1, wherein said receiver member includes opposite first side walls defining said channel and opposite second side walls intermediate said first side walls.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 6, wherein said receiver member includes a first slot defined in each of said opposite second side walls, each said first slot extending from said bottom end toward said top end of said receiver member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 7, wherein each said first slot intersects said recess.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 8, wherein each said first slot terminates at said recess.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 7, wherein said receiver member includes a second slot defined in each of said opposite first side walls, each said second slot extending from said bottom end toward said top end of said receiver member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 10, wherein each said second slot intersects said recess.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
42 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 6, wherein said receiver member includes a second slot defined in each of said opposite first side walls, each said second slot extending from said bottom end toward said top end of said receiver member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 12, wherein each said second slot intersects said recess.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 13, wherein each said second slot terminates between said recess and said top end of said receiver member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 14, wherein each said second slot terminates adjacent said channel.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 6, wherein said opposite first side walls are substantially flat and said opposite second side walls are curved.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
32 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said elongated member is a rod having a rod diameter; and said channel has a channel diameter substantially equal to said rod diameter.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 17, wherein said upper opening of said channel has a width that is less than said rod diameter.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 17, wherein said upper opening of said channel has a width that is approximately equal to said rod diameter.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 1, wherein said receiver member further defines a flared opening from said recess to said bottom end of said member.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
39 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 1, wherein said receiver member further defines a bore extending from said top end of said receiver and communicating with said recess, said bore intersecting said channel and having a bore diameter.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
32 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 21, wherein: said elongated member is a rod having a rod diameter; and said channel has a channel diameter substantially equal to said rod diameter.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
18 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 22, wherein said bore diameter is greater than said channel diameter.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 21, wherein said receiver member further defines a flared opening from said recess to said bottom end of said member.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 24, wherein said flared opening intersects said recess at a lower diameter greater than said bore diameter.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
25 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 24, wherein said flared opening intersects said recess at a lower diameter substantially equal to said bore diameter.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
24 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 1, wherein a portion of said upper opening of said channel is angled outwardly from said channel.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
28 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said receiver member defines a groove; and said compression member is a ring sized to fit within said groove.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
45 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 28, wherein: a portion of said groove is flat and a remaining portion of said groove is curved; and said ring includes flat and curved portions substantially corresponding to said flat and curved portions of said lower groove.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
24 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 29, wherein said ring is a closed ring that entirely encircles said receiver member at said groove.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
38 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 1, wherein said receiver member defines an outer groove configured to receive said at least one compression member therein when said at least one compression member is in said first configuration.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 31, wherein said outer groove extends annularly about said receiver member.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 31, wherein said outer groove is positioned laterally adjacent said recess.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
45 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 1, wherein said receiver defines two outer grooves configured to receive a respective one of said at least one compression member therein when said respective one of said at least one compression member is in said first configuration.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
32 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 34, wherein one of said outer grooves is positioned laterally adjacent said recess and another of said outer grooves being positioned laterally adjacent said channel.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
34 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 35, wherein said one of said outer grooves is positioned adjacent said bottom end and said another of said outer grooves being positioned adjacent said top end.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
19 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 34, wherein said two outer grooves extend annularly about said receiver member.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
184 words
A spinal fixation assembly for engaging a bone engaging fastener having a head to an elongated member, said assembly comprising: a receiver member having a top end and an opposite bottom end, said member defining a recess for receiving the head of the bone engaging fastener therein, said recess having a lower opening at said bottom end of said receiver member through which a lower portion of the fastener extends, said member also including a channel having an upper opening at said top end of said receiver member, said channel being configured to receive the elongated member therein; and at least one compression member disposed around a portion of said receiver member, said at least one compression member being formed of a shape memory material and having a first configuration at a first temperature and a different second configuration at a different second temperature in which said at least one compression member contracts about said portion of said receiver member to thereby compress said receiver member about the head of the bone engaging fastener within said recess and the elongated member within said channel.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
184 words
A spinal fixation assembly for engaging a bone engaging fastener having a head to an elongated member, said assembly comprising: a receiver member having a top end and an opposite bottom end, said member defining a recess for receiving the head of the bone engaging fastener therein, said recess having a lower opening at said bottom end of said receiver member through which a lower portion of the fastener extends, said member also including a channel having an upper opening at said top end of said receiver member, said channel being configured to receive the elongated member therein; and at least one compression member disposed around a portion of said receiver member, said at least one compression member being formed of a shape memory material and having a first configuration at a first temperature and a different second configuration at a different second temperature in which said at least one compression member contracts about said portion of said receiver member to thereby compress said receiver member about the head of the bone engaging fastener within said recess and the elongated member within said channel.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
53 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 38, wherein: said recess is disposed within said receiver member adjacent said bottom end thereof; and said receiver member defines an outer annular lower groove adjacent said bottom end, said groove configured to receive said compression member when said compression member is in said first configuration.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
63 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 38, wherein: said recess is disposed adjacent said bottom end of said receiver member; and said channel is disposed adjacent said top end of said receiver member and is disposed apart from said recess so that the head of the bone engaging fastener does not intersect said channel when the head is disposed within said recess.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
30 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 38, wherein said receiver member includes opposite first side walls defining said channel and opposite second side walls intermediate said first side walls.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
42 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 41, wherein said receiver member includes a first slot defined in each of said opposite second side walls, each said first slot extending from said bottom end toward said top end of said receiver member.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
16 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 42, wherein each said first slot intersects said recess.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
17 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 42, wherein each said first slot terminates at said recess.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
42 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 42, wherein said receiver member includes a second slot defined in each of said opposite first side walls, each said second slot extending from said bottom end toward said top end of said receiver member.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
16 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 45, wherein each said second slot intersects said recess.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
42 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 41, wherein said receiver member includes a second slot defined in each of said opposite first side walls, each said second slot extending from said bottom end toward said top end of said receiver member.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
16 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 47, wherein each said second slot intersects said recess.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
33 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 38, in which the elongated member is a rod having a rod diameter, wherein said channel has a channel diameter substantially equal to said rod diameter.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
25 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 49, wherein said upper opening of said channel has a width that is less than the rod diameter.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
26 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 49, wherein said upper opening of said channel has a width that is approximately equal to said rod diameter.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
27 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 38, wherein said receiver member further defines a flared opening from said recess to said bottom end of said member.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
39 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 38, wherein said receiver member further defines a bore extending from said top end of said receiver and communicating with said recess, said bore intersecting said channel and having a bore diameter.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
33 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 53, in which the elongated member is a rod having a rod diameter, wherein said channel has a channel diameter substantially equal to the rod diameter.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
27 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 53, wherein said receiver member further defines a flared opening from said recess to said bottom end of said member.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
24 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 55, wherein said flared opening intersects said recess at a lower diameter greater than said bore diameter.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
24 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 38, wherein a portion of said upper opening of said channel is angled outwardly from said channel.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
38 words
The spinal fixation assembly according to claim 38, wherein said receiver member defines an outer groove configured to receive said at least one compression member therein when said at least one compression member is in said first configuration.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
105 words
A spinal fixation assembly comprising: a fastener with a head and a lower portion, the head being at least partially spherical in configuration, the lower portion being configured for engaging a portion of a spine; an elongated member configured for placement adjacent the spine; means for connecting said fastener to said elongated member, said means for connecting permitting said fastener to assume various angle relative to said elongated member; and shape memory means for securing said fastener at a substantially fixed angle with respect to said means for connecting and said elongated member in a substantially fixed position with respect to said means for connecting.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
105 words
A spinal fixation assembly comprising: a fastener with a head and a lower portion, the head being at least partially spherical in configuration, the lower portion being configured for engaging a portion of a spine; an elongated member configured for placement adjacent the spine; means for connecting said fastener to said elongated member, said means for connecting permitting said fastener to assume various angle relative to said elongated member; and shape memory means for securing said fastener at a substantially fixed angle with respect to said means for connecting and said elongated member in a substantially fixed position with respect to said means for connecting.
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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) | 2003-10-17 | 2004-04-17 | 2004-10-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-10-17 | 2008-04-17 | 2008-10-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-10-17 | 2012-04-17 | 2012-10-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |