Supplemental spine fixation device and method

US6652527B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• St. Francis Medical Technologies, Inc. · US

Inventors

• James F. Zucherman · San Francisco, US
• Ken Y. Hsu · San Francisco, US
• Charles J. Winslow · Walnut Creek, US
• Steve Mitchell · Pleasant Hill, US
• Scott A. Yerby · Montara, US
• Henry A. Klyce · Piedmont, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 18, 2001
• Grant date: Nov 25, 2003
• Expiry date: Oct 20, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B17/7071
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The implant device is a minimally invasive device for assisting in the fusing together of vertebral bodies of the spine. The implant device immobilizes the vertebral bodies by immobilizing the respective spinous process extending from the vertebral body. The implant device has at least one spacer and hook to immobilize adjacent spinous processes. The spacer and hook are fastened to connection rods. Each connection rod can individually traverse through a range of motion, allowing each hook to engage the respective spinous process.