Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for maintaining vertebrae of a spinal column in a desired spatial relationship

US5728127A · kind A · utility

102Cited by
6References
61Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 27, 1995
Grant dateMar 17, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 27, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B17/8695
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An apparatus for maintaining vertebrae of a spinal column in a desired spatial relationship includes a longitudinal member extendable along the spinal column. A fastener connects the longitudinal member to a vertebra. The fastener has a first end portion engaging a vertebra and a second end portion. A staple, through which the second end portion of the fastener is extendable, includes a plurality of projections for engaging a vertebra. A washer, including an opening through which the second end portion of the fastener is extendable, engages the staple and the longitudinal member. The washer prevents pivotal movement of the longitudinal member relative to the staple. The longitudinal member, the fastener, the staple, and the washer are connected together.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.