Spine distraction implant

US7101375B2 · 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
• Henry A. Klyce · Piedmont, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 5, 2001
• Grant date: Sep 5, 2006
• Expiry date: Mar 30, 2023

Classification

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

Abstract

A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension inhibitor while allowing freedom of spinal flexion. The implant includes an elliptically-shaped spacer for positioning between and spacing apart the spinous processes.