Bi-directional fixating transvertebral body screws, zero-profile horizontal intervertebral miniplates, expansile intervertebral body fusion devices, and posterior motion-calibrating interarticulating joint stapling device for spinal fusion
US7951180B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 2008 |
| Grant date | May 31, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 24, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2310/00796
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a shell and first and second first screw members having tapered ends and threaded bodies that are disposed within the shell. A drive mechanism rotatably drives the first and second screw members from the shell in opposite directions and causes the screw members to embed themselves in the members to be joined. The screw apparatus can be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, vertebral bodies, wood, building materials, metals, masonry, or plastics. The stapling apparatus includes first and second lever arms rotatably joined together at a fulcrum, and the lever arms rotate in opposite directions. First and second cartridges are disposed at the ends of the lever arms. Each cartridge is capable of holding a staple including a bracket, a nail member and an alignment slot. When the ends of the lever arms are rotated towards each other the staples from the cartridges are interlocked. The staples can be also be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, or vertebral bodies.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.