Apparatus for fusing adjacent bone structure
US6902581B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 7, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2310/00179
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fusion implant apparatus for facilitating fusion of adjacent bone structures includes a threadless implant member which is positioned between adjacent opposed bone structures. The implant member defines a longitudinal axis and first and second longitudinal ends and has an outer wall which is dimensioned to engage the opposed bone structures upon positioning therebetween in supporting relation therewith. The outer wall defines an internal cavity for the reception of bone growth inducing substances and includes a plurality of apertures which extend therethrough in communication with the internal cavity to permit fusion of vertebral bone tissue. The implant member also includes an intermediate portion which defines a cross-sectional dimension transverse to the longitudinal axis which is greater than the respective cross-sectional dimensions of the first and second longitudinal ends of the implant member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.