US6152927A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Anterior cervical plating system
Assignee: SDGI Holdings Inc
•
Filing: 1999-09-20
•
Granted: 2000-11-28
•
Expires: 2019-09-20
Abstract
Abstract In one embodiment of the invention, an anterior fixation system includes a plate defining a plurality of screw holes, a number of screws and a number of locking assemblies for fixing the screws to the plate. The system includes two bone screws, a fixed angle screw and a variable angle screw, that are configured to extend through the same screw openings in the fixation plate. The surgeon can select either the fixed or variable angled screws to be implanted with a single plate and can place either type of screw into any of the screw holes along the plate. The fixation plate according to the invention can include several screw holes in various patterns that provide the surgeon with great flexibility in the placement of bone screws depending upon the spinal anatomy and pathology. The invention further contemplates a locking assembly to lock one or more bone screws within a respective screw hole. In one embodiment, the locking assembly includes a washer that is held to the plate by a staked locking screw. The washer includes an outer surface that overlaps one or more screw holes. The washer is initially loosely held to the plate by the locking screw so that various tools and bone screws can be passed through the screw holes. In one embodiment of the washer, the washer includes cut-outs corresponding to the screw holes, along with a notch and key configuration for setting the locking washer in its locked configuration.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert A. Farris
- 👤 Jeffrey Wade Poyner
- 👤 Volker K. H. Sonntag
- 👤 Regis W. Haid, Jr.
- 👤 Stephen M. Papadopoulos
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 21:30
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68; A61B17/80; A61B17/8033; A61B17/8042; A61B17/70; A61B17/7059; A61B17/8047
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 89
Claim 1
Independent Claim
358 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated plate having a top surface and a bottom surface and defining a plurality of holes between said surfaces, at least one of said plurality of holes including a spherical recess portion adjacent said top surface having a first diameter and defining an opening at said bottom surface having a second diameter less than said first diameter; a first bone engaging fastener having a first elongated shank defining bone engaging threads thereon, a first enlarged head and a first intermediate portion between said shank and said head, said first shank having an outer diameter less than said second diameter so said first bone engaging fastener can be inserted through said at least one hole from said top surface of said plate, said first enlarged head defining a partially spherical surface complementary to said spherical recess of said at least one hole, and said first intermediate portion having a third diameter that is substantially smaller than said second diameter, whereby said first head of said first bone engaging fastener can be pivoted within said recess portion of said at least one hole so that said first bone engaging fastener can assume a plurality of angles relative to said bottom surface of said plate; and a second bone engaging fastener having a second elongated shank defining bone engaging threads thereon, a second enlarged head and a second intermediate portion between said shank and said head, said second shank having an outer diameter less than said second diameter so said second bone engaging fastener can be inserted through said at least one hole from said top surface of said plate, said second enlarged head defining a partially spherical surface complementary to said spherical recess of said at least one hole, and said second intermediate portion having a substantially cylindrical portion with a fourth diameter that is approximately equal to said second diameter, whereby said second head of said second bone engaging fastener cannot be pivoted within said recess portion of said at least one hole so that said second bone engaging fastener can assume a fixed orientation relative to said bottom surface of said plate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
358 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated plate having a top surface and a bottom surface and defining a plurality of holes between said surfaces, at least one of said plurality of holes including a spherical recess portion adjacent said top surface having a first diameter and defining an opening at said bottom surface having a second diameter less than said first diameter; a first bone engaging fastener having a first elongated shank defining bone engaging threads thereon, a first enlarged head and a first intermediate portion between said shank and said head, said first shank having an outer diameter less than said second diameter so said first bone engaging fastener can be inserted through said at least one hole from said top surface of said plate, said first enlarged head defining a partially spherical surface complementary to said spherical recess of said at least one hole, and said first intermediate portion having a third diameter that is substantially smaller than said second diameter, whereby said first head of said first bone engaging fastener can be pivoted within said recess portion of said at least one hole so that said first bone engaging fastener can assume a plurality of angles relative to said bottom surface of said plate; and a second bone engaging fastener having a second elongated shank defining bone engaging threads thereon, a second enlarged head and a second intermediate portion between said shank and said head, said second shank having an outer diameter less than said second diameter so said second bone engaging fastener can be inserted through said at least one hole from said top surface of said plate, said second enlarged head defining a partially spherical surface complementary to said spherical recess of said at least one hole, and said second intermediate portion having a substantially cylindrical portion with a fourth diameter that is approximately equal to said second diameter, whereby said second head of said second bone engaging fastener cannot be pivoted within said recess portion of said at least one hole so that said second bone engaging fastener can assume a fixed orientation relative to said bottom surface of said plate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The bone fixation system of claim 1, further comprising a locking screw assembly for locking said heads of said bone engaging fasteners within said spherical recess portion of said plate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
100 words
The bone fixation system of claim 1, wherein said locking screw assembly includes: a fastener bore defined in said plate adjacent said at least one hole; a washer defining a central aperture and a recess communicating with said aperture, said washer further having an outer circumferential surface configured to contact said head of said bone engaging fastener extending through said at least one hole; and a locking fastener having a head configured to be recessed within said recess of said washer and an elongated shank extending through said central aperture and configured to engage said fastener bore of said plate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The bone fixation system of claim 3, wherein said outer circumferential surface of said washer has a concave curvature substantially corresponding to said partially spherical surface of said head of said bone engaging fastener.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
The bone fixation system of claim 3, wherein said plate further defines a locking recess in said top surface concentric with said fastener bore and said at least one hole includes a flared recess overlapping said locking recess.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
183 words
The bone fixation system of claim 2, wherein said locking screw assembly includes: a fastener bore defined in said plate adjacent said at least one hole; a washer defining a central aperture and a bottom surface configured to contact said head of said bone engaging fastener when said bone engaging fastener is extended through said at least one hole, said washer further defining a circumferential surface having a first portion overlapping said at least one hole when said washer is in a first position relative to said at least one hole and having a second portion that does not overlap said at least one hole when said washer is rotated from said first position to a second position, whereby said bone engaging fastener can be inserted through said at least one hole with said washer engaged to said plate when said washer is in said second position; and a locking fastener having a head configured to be recessed within said recess of said washer and an elongated shank extending through said central aperture and configured to engage said fastener bore of said plate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
The bone fixation system of claim 6, wherein said plate further defines a locking recess in said top surface concentric with said fastener bore and said at least one hole includes a flared recess overlapping said locking recess.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
143 words
The bone fixation system of claim 2, wherein said locking screw assembly includes: a fastener bore defined in said plate adjacent said at least one hole; a notch defined in said plate adjacent said fastener bore; a washer defining a central aperture and a recess communicating with said aperture, said washer further having an outer surface configured to contact said head of said bone engaging fastener when said bone engaging fastener is extended through said at least one hole, said washer including a key adjacent said central aperture configured to seat within said notch in said plate to prevent rotation of said washer relative to said plate; and a locking fastener having a head configured to be recessed within said recess of said washer and an elongated shank extending through said central aperture and configured to engage said fastener bore of said plate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
The bone fixation system of claim 8, wherein said plate further defines a locking recess in said top surface concentric with said fastener bore, said at least one hole including a flared recess overlapping said locking recess.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The bone fixation system of claim 1, wherein said elongated plated defines a plurality of vertebral nodes along the length of the plate.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The bone fixation system of claim 10, wherein there are provided at least two holes at a corresponding one of said vertebral nodes.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The bone fixation system of claim 1, wherein said elongated plate has a rounded edge extending between said top and bottom surfaces.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The bone fixation system of claim 1, wherein said head of said fastener includes a truncated top surface.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The bone fixation system of claim 1, wherein said bone engaging threads of said first and second bone engaging fasteners are self-tapping.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The bone fixation system of claim 1, wherein said third diameter is about 2.90 millimeters and said fourth diameter is about 4.05 millimeters.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
255 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated plate having a top surface and a bottom surface and defining a plurality of holes between said surfaces, at least one of said plurality of holes including a spherical recess portion adjacent said top surface having a first diameter and defining an opening at said bottom surface having a second diameter less than said first diameter; a bone engaging fastener having an elongated shank defining bone engaging threads thereon, an enlarged head and an intermediate portion between said shank and said head, said shank having an outer diameter less than said second diameter so said bone engaging fastener can be inserted through said at least one hole from said top surface of said plate, said enlarged head defining a partially spherical surface complementary to said spherical recess of said at least one hole; and a locking screw assembly for locking said head of said bone engaging fastener within said recess portion of said plate, including: a fastener bore defined in said plate adjacent said at least one hole; a washer defining a central aperture and a recess communicating with said aperture, said washer further having an outer circumferential surface configured to contact said head of said bone engaging fastener when said bone engaging fastener is extended through said at least one hole; and a locking fastener having a head configured to be recessed within said recess of said washer and an elongated shank extending through said central aperture and configured to engage said fastener bore of said plate.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
255 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated plate having a top surface and a bottom surface and defining a plurality of holes between said surfaces, at least one of said plurality of holes including a spherical recess portion adjacent said top surface having a first diameter and defining an opening at said bottom surface having a second diameter less than said first diameter; a bone engaging fastener having an elongated shank defining bone engaging threads thereon, an enlarged head and an intermediate portion between said shank and said head, said shank having an outer diameter less than said second diameter so said bone engaging fastener can be inserted through said at least one hole from said top surface of said plate, said enlarged head defining a partially spherical surface complementary to said spherical recess of said at least one hole; and a locking screw assembly for locking said head of said bone engaging fastener within said recess portion of said plate, including: a fastener bore defined in said plate adjacent said at least one hole; a washer defining a central aperture and a recess communicating with said aperture, said washer further having an outer circumferential surface configured to contact said head of said bone engaging fastener when said bone engaging fastener is extended through said at least one hole; and a locking fastener having a head configured to be recessed within said recess of said washer and an elongated shank extending through said central aperture and configured to engage said fastener bore of said plate.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
34 words
The bone fixation system of claim 16, wherein said outer circumferential surface of said washer has a concave curvature substantially corresponding to said partially spherical surface of said head of said bone engaging fastener.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
37 words
The bone fixation system of claim 16, wherein said plate further defines a locking recess in said top surface concentric with said fastener bore, said at least one hole including a flared recess overlapping said locking recess.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
39 words
The bone fixation system of claim 16, wherein said plurality of holes includes at least one set of four holes in a diamond pattern, said locking screw assembly configured to contact heads of fasteners extending through said four holes.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
55 words
The bone fixation system of claim 16, wherein said plurality of holes includes at least one four-hole cluster, said four-hole cluster having two hole pairs, said fixation system further including at least two of said locking screw assemblies each configured to contact a corresponding pair of fastener heads of fasteners extending through said hole pair.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
39 words
The bone fixation system of claim 16, wherein said at least one of said plurality of holes includes at least one three-hole pattern, said locking screw assembly configured to contact fastener heads of fasteners extending through said three holes.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
67 words
The bone fixation system of claim 16, wherein said at least one of said plurality of holes includes at least one five-hole pattern cluster, said five-hole pattern having two hole pairs and a single hole, the fixation system further including at least two locking screw assemblies, each locking screw assembly configured to engage fasteners extending through said single hole and a corresponding one of said hole pairs.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
The bone fixation system of claim 16, wherein said elongated plated defines a plurality of vertebral nodes along the length of the plate.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
The bone fixation system of claim 23, wherein there are provided at least two holes at a corresponding one of said vertebral nodes.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
22 words
The bone fixation system of claim 16, wherein said elongated plate has a rounded edge extending between said top and bottom surfaces.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
91 words
The bone fixation system of claim 16, wherein said washer further defines a first portion overlapping said at least one hole when said washer is in a first position relative to said at least one hole and a second portion that does not overlap said at least one hole when said washer is rotated from said first position to a second position, whereby said bone engaging fastener can be inserted through said at least one hole with said washer engaged to said plate when said washer is in said second position.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
The bone fixation system of claim 16, wherein said head of said fastener includes a truncated top surface.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
278 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated plate having a top surface and a bottom surface and defining a plurality of holes between said surfaces, at least one of said plurality of holes including a spherical recess portion adjacent said top surface having a first diameter and defining an opening at said bottom surface having a second diameter less than said first diameter; a bone engaging fastener having an elongated shank defining bone engaging threads thereon, an enlarged head and an intermediate portion between said shank and said head, said shank having an outer diameter less than said second diameter so said bone engaging fastener can be inserted through said at least one hole from said top surface of said plate, said enlarged head defining a partially spherical surface complementary to said spherical recess of said at least one hole; and a locking screw assembly for locking said head of said bone engaging fastener within said recess portion of said plate, including: a fastener bore defined in said plate adjacent said at least one hole; a washer defining a central aperture and a recess communicating with said aperture, said washer further having an outer circumferential surface configured to contact said head of said bone engaging fastener when said bone engaging fastener is extended through said at least one hole, said outer circumferential surface having a concave curvature substantially corresponding to said partially spherical surface of said head of said bone engaging fastener; and a locking fastener having a head configured to be recessed within said recess of said washer and an elongated shank extending through said central aperture and configured to engage said fastener bore of said plate.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
278 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated plate having a top surface and a bottom surface and defining a plurality of holes between said surfaces, at least one of said plurality of holes including a spherical recess portion adjacent said top surface having a first diameter and defining an opening at said bottom surface having a second diameter less than said first diameter; a bone engaging fastener having an elongated shank defining bone engaging threads thereon, an enlarged head and an intermediate portion between said shank and said head, said shank having an outer diameter less than said second diameter so said bone engaging fastener can be inserted through said at least one hole from said top surface of said plate, said enlarged head defining a partially spherical surface complementary to said spherical recess of said at least one hole; and a locking screw assembly for locking said head of said bone engaging fastener within said recess portion of said plate, including: a fastener bore defined in said plate adjacent said at least one hole; a washer defining a central aperture and a recess communicating with said aperture, said washer further having an outer circumferential surface configured to contact said head of said bone engaging fastener when said bone engaging fastener is extended through said at least one hole, said outer circumferential surface having a concave curvature substantially corresponding to said partially spherical surface of said head of said bone engaging fastener; and a locking fastener having a head configured to be recessed within said recess of said washer and an elongated shank extending through said central aperture and configured to engage said fastener bore of said plate.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
37 words
The bone fixation system of claim 28, wherein said plate further defines a locking recess in said top surface concentric with said fastener bore, said at least one hole including a flared recess overlapping said locking recess.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
23 words
The bone fixation system of claim 28, wherein said elongated plated defines a plurality of vertebral nodes along the length of the plate.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
23 words
The bone fixation system of claim 30, wherein there are provided at least two holes at a corresponding one of said vertebral nodes.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
The bone fixation system of claim 28, wherein said elongated plate has a rounded edge extending between said top and bottom surfaces.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The bone fixation system of claim 28, wherein said head of said fastener includes a truncated top surface.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
339 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated plate having a top surface and a bottom surface and defining a plurality of holes between said surfaces, at least one of said plurality of holes including a spherical recess portion adjacent said top surface having a first diameter and defining an opening at said bottom surface having a second diameter less than said first diameter; a bone engaging fastener having an elongated shank defining bone engaging threads thereon, an enlarged head and an intermediate portion between said shank and said head, said shank having an outer diameter less than said second diameter so said bone engaging fastener can be inserted through said at least one hole from said top surface of said plate, said enlarged head defining a partially spherical surface complementary to said spherical recess of said at least one hole; and a locking screw assembly for locking said head of said bone engaging fastener within said recess portion of said plate, including: a fastener bore defined in said plate adjacent said at least one hole; a washer defining a central aperture and a recess communicating with said aperture, and a bottom surface configured to contact said head of said bone engaging fastener when said bone engaging fastener is extended through said at least one hole, said washer further defining a circumferential surface having a first portion overlapping said at least one hole when said washer is in a first position relative to said at least one hole and having a second portion that does not overlap said at least one hole when said washer is rotated from said first position to a second position, whereby said bone engaging fastener can be inserted through said at least one hole with said washer engaged to said plate when said washer is in said second position; and a locking fastener having a head configured to be recessed within said recess of said washer and an elongated shank extending through said central aperture and configured to engage said fastener bore of said plate.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
339 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated plate having a top surface and a bottom surface and defining a plurality of holes between said surfaces, at least one of said plurality of holes including a spherical recess portion adjacent said top surface having a first diameter and defining an opening at said bottom surface having a second diameter less than said first diameter; a bone engaging fastener having an elongated shank defining bone engaging threads thereon, an enlarged head and an intermediate portion between said shank and said head, said shank having an outer diameter less than said second diameter so said bone engaging fastener can be inserted through said at least one hole from said top surface of said plate, said enlarged head defining a partially spherical surface complementary to said spherical recess of said at least one hole; and a locking screw assembly for locking said head of said bone engaging fastener within said recess portion of said plate, including: a fastener bore defined in said plate adjacent said at least one hole; a washer defining a central aperture and a recess communicating with said aperture, and a bottom surface configured to contact said head of said bone engaging fastener when said bone engaging fastener is extended through said at least one hole, said washer further defining a circumferential surface having a first portion overlapping said at least one hole when said washer is in a first position relative to said at least one hole and having a second portion that does not overlap said at least one hole when said washer is rotated from said first position to a second position, whereby said bone engaging fastener can be inserted through said at least one hole with said washer engaged to said plate when said washer is in said second position; and a locking fastener having a head configured to be recessed within said recess of said washer and an elongated shank extending through said central aperture and configured to engage said fastener bore of said plate.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
50 words
The bone fixation system of claim 34, further including a notch defined in said plate adjacent said fastener bore and wherein said washer further includes a key adjacent said central aperture configured to seat within said notch in said plate to prevent rotation of said washer relative to said plate.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
37 words
The bone fixation system of claim 35, wherein said plate further defines a locking recess in said top surface concentric with said fastener bore, said at least one hole including a flared recess overlapping said locking recess.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
15 words
The bone fixation system of claim 35, wherein said head includes a truncated top surface.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
23 words
The bone fixation system of claim 34, wherein said elongated plated defines a plurality of vertebral nodes along the length of the plate.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
The bone fixation system of claim 38, wherein there are provided at least two holes at a corresponding one of said vertebral nodes.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
22 words
The bone fixation system of claim 34, wherein said elongated plate has a rounded edge extending between said top and bottom surfaces.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
292 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated plate having a top surface and a bottom surface and defining a plurality of holes between said surfaces, at least one of said plurality of holes including a spherical recess portion adjacent said top surface having a first diameter and defining an opening at said bottom surface having a second diameter less than said first diameter; a bone engaging fastener having an elongated shank defining bone engaging threads thereon, an enlarged head and an intermediate portion between said shank and said head, said shank having an outer diameter less than said second diameter so said bone engaging fastener can be inserted through said at least one hole from said top surface of said plate, said enlarged had defining a partially spherical surface complementary to said spherical recess of said at least one hole; and a locking screw assembly for locking said head of said bone engaging fastener within said recess portion of said plate, including: a fastener bore defined in said plate adjacent said at least one hole; a notch defined in said plate adjacent said fastener bore; a washer defining a central aperture and a recess communicating with said aperture, said washer further having an outer surface configured to contact said head of said bone engaging fastener when said bone engaging fastener is extended through said at least one hole, said washer including a key adjacent said central aperture configured to seat within said notch in said plate to prevent rotation of said washer relative to said plate; and a locking fastener having a head configured to be recessed within said recess of said washer and an elongated shank extending through said central aperture and configured to engage said fastener bore of said plate.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
292 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated plate having a top surface and a bottom surface and defining a plurality of holes between said surfaces, at least one of said plurality of holes including a spherical recess portion adjacent said top surface having a first diameter and defining an opening at said bottom surface having a second diameter less than said first diameter; a bone engaging fastener having an elongated shank defining bone engaging threads thereon, an enlarged head and an intermediate portion between said shank and said head, said shank having an outer diameter less than said second diameter so said bone engaging fastener can be inserted through said at least one hole from said top surface of said plate, said enlarged had defining a partially spherical surface complementary to said spherical recess of said at least one hole; and a locking screw assembly for locking said head of said bone engaging fastener within said recess portion of said plate, including: a fastener bore defined in said plate adjacent said at least one hole; a notch defined in said plate adjacent said fastener bore; a washer defining a central aperture and a recess communicating with said aperture, said washer further having an outer surface configured to contact said head of said bone engaging fastener when said bone engaging fastener is extended through said at least one hole, said washer including a key adjacent said central aperture configured to seat within said notch in said plate to prevent rotation of said washer relative to said plate; and a locking fastener having a head configured to be recessed within said recess of said washer and an elongated shank extending through said central aperture and configured to engage said fastener bore of said plate.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
90 words
The bone fixation system of claim 41, said washer includes a first portion overlapping said at least one hole when said washer is in a first position relative to said at least one hole and having a second portion that does not overlap said at least one hole when said washer is rotated from said first position to a second position, whereby said bone engaging fastener can be inserted through said at least one hole with said washer engaged to said plate when said washer is in said second position.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
15 words
The bone fixation system of claim 42, wherein said head includes a truncated top surface.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
The bone fixation system of claim 41, wherein said elongated plated defines a plurality of vertebral nodes along the length of the plate.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
23 words
The bone fixation system of claim 44, wherein there are provided at least two holes at a corresponding one of said vertebral nodes.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
22 words
The bone fixation system of claim 41, wherein said elongated plate has a rounded edge extending between said top and bottom surfaces.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
162 words
A bone fixation system comprising: four bone engaging fasteners, each having an enlarged head and a threaded shank; an elongated plate sized to span between at least three vertebrae, said plate defining two sets of two holes, each configured to receive said threaded shank of said bone engaging fasteners therethrough, a first set having a first hole aligned over a first vertebra and a second hole aligned over a second vertebra when said plate spans the vertebrae, and a second set having a third hole adjacent said second hole and aligned over the second vertebra, and a fourth hole aligned over a third vertebra adjacent the second vertebra; and a pair of locking screw assemblies, one each for each of said two sets of two holes, each of said locking screw assemblies having a washer configured to overlap each of said two holes of said first and second sets when a bone engaging fastener extends through a corresponding one of said holes.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
162 words
A bone fixation system comprising: four bone engaging fasteners, each having an enlarged head and a threaded shank; an elongated plate sized to span between at least three vertebrae, said plate defining two sets of two holes, each configured to receive said threaded shank of said bone engaging fasteners therethrough, a first set having a first hole aligned over a first vertebra and a second hole aligned over a second vertebra when said plate spans the vertebrae, and a second set having a third hole adjacent said second hole and aligned over the second vertebra, and a fourth hole aligned over a third vertebra adjacent the second vertebra; and a pair of locking screw assemblies, one each for each of said two sets of two holes, each of said locking screw assemblies having a washer configured to overlap each of said two holes of said first and second sets when a bone engaging fastener extends through a corresponding one of said holes.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
129 words
The bone fixation system of claim 47, wherein said plate has a top surface and bottom surface, said holes extend between said top and bottom surfaces, said holes further including a spherical recess portion adjacent said top surface, said four bone engaging fasteners including at least one of: a first bone engaging fastener having a first head that can be pivoted within said recess portion of said holes so that said first bone engaging fastener can assume a plurality of angles relative to said bottom surface of said plate; and a second bone engaging fastener having a second head that cannot be pivoted within said recess portion of said holes so that said second bone engaging fastener can assume a fixed orientation relative said bottom surface of said plate.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
34 words
The bone fixation system of claim 47, wherein said washer has an outer circumferential surface with a concave curvature substantially corresponding to a partially spherical surface of said head of said bone engaging fasteners.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
76 words
The bone fixation system of claim 47, wherein each of said pair of locking screw assemblies further includes: a fastener bore defined in said plate adjacent a corresponding one of said two sets of two holes; said washer defining a central aperture, a recess communicating with said aperture, and a bottom surface configured to contact said heads of said bone engaging fasteners when said bone engaging fasteners are extended through a respective one of said holes.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
45 words
The bone fixation system of claim 50, wherein said plate further defines a locking recess in a top surface of said plate concentric with a respective one of said fastener bores and said at least one hole includes a flared recess overlapping said locking recess.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
78 words
The bone fixation system of claim 50, said washer including a first portion overlapping said holes when said washer is in a first position relative to said holes and having a second portion that does not overlap said holes when said washer is rotated from said first position to a second position, whereby said bone engaging fasteners can be inserted through said holes with said washer engaged to said plate when said washer is in said second position.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
44 words
The bone fixation system of claim 51, further comprising a locking fastener having a head configured to be recessed within said recess of said washer and an elongated shank extending through said central aperture and configured to engage said fastener bore of said plate.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
25 words
The bone fixation system of claim 53, wherein said elongated shank of said locking fastener terminates in a sharp point for penetrating a vertebral body.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
23 words
The bone fixation system of claim 53, wherein said head of said locking fastener defines a lower conical surface for contacting said washer.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
18 words
The bone fixation system of claim 47, wherein said two sets of two holes define a four-hole cluster.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
82 words
A bone fixation system comprising: four bone engaging fasteners, each having an enlarged head and a threaded shank; an elongated plate sized to span between at least three vertebrae, said plate defining a set of four adjacent holes, each configured to receive said threaded shank of said bone engaging fasteners therethrough; and a locking screw assembly having a washer configured to overlap each of said four holes when a bone engaging fastener is extended through a corresponding one of said four holes.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
82 words
A bone fixation system comprising: four bone engaging fasteners, each having an enlarged head and a threaded shank; an elongated plate sized to span between at least three vertebrae, said plate defining a set of four adjacent holes, each configured to receive said threaded shank of said bone engaging fasteners therethrough; and a locking screw assembly having a washer configured to overlap each of said four holes when a bone engaging fastener is extended through a corresponding one of said four holes.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
129 words
The bone fixation system of claim 57, wherein said plate has a top surface and bottom surface, said holes extending between said top and bottom surfaces, said holes further including a spherical recess portion adjacent said top surface, said four bone engaging fasteners including at least one of: a first bone engaging fastener having a first head that can be pivoted within said recess portion of said holes so that said first bone engaging fastener can assume a plurality of angles relative to said bottom surface of said plate; and a second bone engaging fastener having a second head that cannot be pivoted within said recess portion of said holes so that said second bone engaging fastener can assume a fixed orientation relative said bottom surface of said plate.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
18 words
The bone fixation system of claim 57, wherein said set of four adjacent holes defines a diamond pattern.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
34 words
The bone fixation system of claim 57, wherein said washer has an outer circumferential surface with a concave curvature substantially corresponding to a partially spherical surface of said head of said bone engaging fasteners.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
67 words
The bone fixation system of claim 57, wherein said locking screw assembly includes: a fastener bore defined in said plate adjacent said set of four adjacent holes; said washer defining a central aperture, a recess communicating with said aperture, and a bottom surface configured to contact said heads of said bone engaging fasteners when said bone engaging fasteners are extended through a respective one of said holes.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
37 words
The bone fixation system of claim 61, wherein said plate further defines a locking recess in a top surface of said plate concentric with said fastener bore, said holes including a flared recess overlapping said locking recess.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
79 words
The bone fixation system of claim 61, wherein said washer includes a first portion overlapping said holes when said washer is in a first position relative to said holes and having a second portion that does not overlap said holes when said washer is rotated from said first position to a second position, whereby said bone engaging fasteners can be inserted through said holes with said washer engaged to said plate when said washer is in said second position.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
44 words
The bone fixation system of claim 61, further comprising a locking fastener having a head configured to be recessed within said recess of said washer and an elongated shank extending through said central aperture and configured to engage said fastener bore of said plate.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
25 words
The bone fixation system of claim 64, wherein said elongated shank of said locking fastener terminates in a sharp point for penetrating a vertebral body.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
23 words
The bone fixation system of claim 64, wherein said head of said locking fastener defines a lower conical surface for contacting said washer.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
214 words
A bone fixation system comprising: five bone engaging fasteners, each having an enlarged head and a threaded shank; an elongated plate sized to span between at least three vertebrae, said plate defining three sets of holes, each hole configured to receive said threaded shank of said bone engaging fasteners therethrough, a first set having two holes aligned over a first vertebra, a second set having at least one hole aligned over a second vertebrae when said plate spans three vertebrae, and a third set having two holes aligned over the third vertebra; and a pair of locking screw assemblies, a first one of said locking screw assemblies disposed between said first set and said second set of holes and including a first washer configured to overlap each of said two holes of said first set and said one hole of said second set when a bone engaging fastener extends through a corresponding one of said holes, and a second one of said locking screw assemblies disposed between said second set and said third set of holes and including a second washer configured to overlap said one hole of said second set and each of said two holes of said third set when a bone engaging fastener extends through a corresponding one of said holes.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
214 words
A bone fixation system comprising: five bone engaging fasteners, each having an enlarged head and a threaded shank; an elongated plate sized to span between at least three vertebrae, said plate defining three sets of holes, each hole configured to receive said threaded shank of said bone engaging fasteners therethrough, a first set having two holes aligned over a first vertebra, a second set having at least one hole aligned over a second vertebrae when said plate spans three vertebrae, and a third set having two holes aligned over the third vertebra; and a pair of locking screw assemblies, a first one of said locking screw assemblies disposed between said first set and said second set of holes and including a first washer configured to overlap each of said two holes of said first set and said one hole of said second set when a bone engaging fastener extends through a corresponding one of said holes, and a second one of said locking screw assemblies disposed between said second set and said third set of holes and including a second washer configured to overlap said one hole of said second set and each of said two holes of said third set when a bone engaging fastener extends through a corresponding one of said holes.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
129 words
The bone fixation system of claim 67, wherein said plate has a top surface and bottom surface, said holes extending between said top and bottom surfaces, said holes further including a spherical recess portion adjacent said top surface, said four bone engaging fasteners including at least one of: a first bone engaging fastener having a first head that can be pivoted within said recess portion of said holes so that said first bone engaging fastener can assume a plurality of angles relative to said bottom surface of said plate; and a second bone engaging fastener having a second head that cannot be pivoted within said recess portion of said holes so that said second bone engaging fastener can assume a fixed orientation relative said bottom surface of said plate.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
56 words
The bone fixation system of claim 67, wherein each of said pair of locking screw assemblies includes: a fastener bore defined in said plate adjacent said respective sets of holes; said washer defining a central aperture, a recess communicating with said aperture, and a bottom surface configured to contact said heads of said bone engaging fasteners.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
45 words
The bone fixation system of claim 69, wherein said plate further defines a pair of locking recesses in said top surface concentric with a corresponding one of said fastener bores and said holes include a flared recess overlapping a respective one of said locking recesses.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
97 words
A bone fixation system comprising: six bone engaging fasteners, each having an enlarged head and a threaded shank; an elongated plate sized to span between at least three vertebrae, said plate defining a three sets of two adjacent holes, each hole configured to receive said threaded shank of said bone engaging fasteners therethrough; and three locking screw assemblies having a washer configured to overlap a corresponding one of said three sets of two adjacent holes, said washer engaging said enlarged heads of said fasteners when said fasteners are extended through a corresponding one of said adjacent holes.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
97 words
A bone fixation system comprising: six bone engaging fasteners, each having an enlarged head and a threaded shank; an elongated plate sized to span between at least three vertebrae, said plate defining a three sets of two adjacent holes, each hole configured to receive said threaded shank of said bone engaging fasteners therethrough; and three locking screw assemblies having a washer configured to overlap a corresponding one of said three sets of two adjacent holes, said washer engaging said enlarged heads of said fasteners when said fasteners are extended through a corresponding one of said adjacent holes.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
61 words
The bone fixation system of claim 71, wherein said plate further defines a fastener bore between a corresponding one of said set of two adjacent holes; said washer defining a central aperture and having a bottom surface configured to contact said heads of said bone engaging fasteners when said bone engaging fasteners are extended through respective ones of said adjacent holes.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
31 words
The bone fixation system of claim 72, further comprising a locking fastener having an elongated shank extending through said central aperture and configured to engage said fastener bore of said plate.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
36 words
The bone fixation system of claim 73, wherein said washer defines a recess concentric with said central aperture and said head of said locking fastener is configured to be recessed within said recess of said washer.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
85 words
The bone fixation system of claim 71, wherein said plate has a top surface and bottom surface, said holes extending between said top and bottom surfaces, each of said holes defining a recess portion, said six bone engaging fasteners including at least one first bone engaging fastener having a first head that can be pivoted within said recess portion of one of said holes so that said first bone engaging fastener can assume a plurality of angles relative to said bottom surface of said plate.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
40 words
The bone fixation system of claim 71, wherein said elongated plated defines three vertebral nodes along the length of the plate, a corresponding one of said set of two adjacent holes being provided at a corresponding one of said nodes.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
255 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, said plate including a recess portion adjacent said top surface and a plurality of holes extending between said recess portion and said bottom surface, at least one of said plurality of holes defining an opening at said recess portion having a first diameter and an opening at said bottom surface having a second diameter less than said first diameter; at least one bone engaging fastener having an elongated shank defining bone engaging threads thereon, an enlarged head and an intermediate portion between said shank and said head, said shank having an outer diameter less than said second diameter so said bone engaging fastener can be inserted through said at least one hole from said top surface of said plate; and a locking screw assembly for locking said head of said bone engaging fastener within said recess portion of said plate, including: a fastener bore defined in said plate adjacent said at least one hole; a washer configured to be received within said recess portion of said plate, said washer defining a central aperture, said washer further including a bottom surface configured to contact said head of said bone engaging fastener when said bone engaging fastener is extended through said at least one hole; and a locking fastener having a head configured to be received within said central aperture of said washer and an elongated shank extending through said central aperture configured to engage said fastener bore of said plate.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
255 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, said plate including a recess portion adjacent said top surface and a plurality of holes extending between said recess portion and said bottom surface, at least one of said plurality of holes defining an opening at said recess portion having a first diameter and an opening at said bottom surface having a second diameter less than said first diameter; at least one bone engaging fastener having an elongated shank defining bone engaging threads thereon, an enlarged head and an intermediate portion between said shank and said head, said shank having an outer diameter less than said second diameter so said bone engaging fastener can be inserted through said at least one hole from said top surface of said plate; and a locking screw assembly for locking said head of said bone engaging fastener within said recess portion of said plate, including: a fastener bore defined in said plate adjacent said at least one hole; a washer configured to be received within said recess portion of said plate, said washer defining a central aperture, said washer further including a bottom surface configured to contact said head of said bone engaging fastener when said bone engaging fastener is extended through said at least one hole; and a locking fastener having a head configured to be received within said central aperture of said washer and an elongated shank extending through said central aperture configured to engage said fastener bore of said plate.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
50 words
The bone fixation system of claim 77, wherein said at least one bone engaging fastener has a first head that can be pivoted within said at least one hole so that said first bone engaging fastener can assume a plurality of angles relative to said bottom surface of said plate.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
35 words
The bone fixation system of claim 77, wherein said elongated plated defines a plurality of vertebral nodes along the length of the plate, each of said vertebral nodes being provided with at least two holes.
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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) | 2003-11-28 | 2004-05-29 | 2004-11-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-11-28 | 2008-05-29 | 2008-11-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-11-28 | 2012-05-29 | 2012-11-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |