Method and device utilizing tapered screw shanks for spinal stabilization
US6656181B2 · kind B2 · utility
305Cited by
34References
16Claims
0Family size
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/8057
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and a device are provided for stabilizing vertebrae in a human spine for the purpose of fixing one vertebra with respect to other vertebrae and with respect to other parts of the spinal column. This device comprises a plate and bone screws fabricated from metals. The bone screw maintains the plate in contact with the vertebrae. A tapered screw head is pulled into a machined tapered hole, locking the screw to the plate. The taper is configured to be self-locking preventing the screw from backing out. The taper may be within the fixed structure of the plate, or within an insert placed into the plate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.