Method and apparatus utilizing interference fit screw shanks for nonmetallic spinal stabilization
US6695845B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S606/91
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device and a method for stabilizing cervical 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 non-metals. The bone screws maintain the plate in contact with the vertebrae. An interference fit screw head is pulled into a hole in the plate and into a machined hole in the vertebral bone, locking the screw to the plate and locking the screw to the bone. This locking reduces the screw bending within the plate and within the bone. The screw thread runout is threaded below the screw/bone interference fit area, protecting the runout stress raisers from bending and shear stresses. The interference fit is configured to create sufficient friction to eliminate the screw from backing out.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.