Interspinous process implant having a thread-shaped wing and method of implantation

US8591546B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.

Inventors

• James F. Zucherman · San Francisco, US
• Ken Y. Hsu · San Francisco, US
• Charles J. Winslow · Walnut Creek, US
• John J. Flynn · Concord, US
• Steven T. Mitchell · Pleasant Hill, US
• Scott A. Yerby · Montara, US
• John A. Markwart · Castro Valley, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 7, 2011
• Grant date: Nov 26, 2013
• Expiry date: Jan 25, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B17/7068
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A spinal implant adapted to be inserted into an interspinous space between adjacent spinous processes includes a proximal section, a central section, and a distal section disposed sequentially along a longitudinal axis. The distal section has feature(s) that allow the implant to be inserted laterally into the interspinous space, such as an approximately helical groove and/or a thread-like structure. The distal tip of the implant tapers inwardly, and may be rounded. The proximal section may include an outwardly extending wing or flange. The implant may include a main body that includes the wing or flange and a spacer slidably mated to the main body through the wing or flange.