Translatable carriage fixation system

US7666185B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Synthes USA, LLC · US

Inventors

• Christopher J. Ryan · Belle Bridge, US
• Sean Suh · Milltown, US
• David S. Rathbun · New Holland, US
• Christoph Roth · West Chester, US
• David Koch · Coatesville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 31, 2005
• Grant date: Feb 23, 2010
• Expiry date: Jan 2, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B17/8009
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Translational bone fixation assemblies, kits containing such assemblies, and methods of use are described herein. The described assemblies may be used in spinal fusion procedures in which a damaged or diseased disc (or part of a disc) is removed from between a pair of vertebrae and a spinal fusion spacer is placed between the vertebrae. The assemblies may be applied to an anterior portion of the affected vertebrae to span the affected disc space, and may be fixed to the vertebrae using bone screws. The assemblies may function to maintain the vertebrae aligned during the initial period following fixation in which fusion of the spacer to the adjacent vertebrae occurs. The assemblies may also function to share some of the axial spinal load applied to the fusion spacer to prevent extreme subsidence of the spacer into the vertebral body, such as where the patient has poor bone quality.