Implants with a connectable insert and related systems and methods

US9498336B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• American Regent, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Michael Doran · Bothell, US
• Roy M. Taylor · Salt Lake City, US
• Peter S. Harris · Bellevue, US
• James Ludlow · Medina, US
• Stephen Brown · Cambridge, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 1, 2012
• Grant date: Nov 22, 2016
• Expiry date: Nov 18, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49995
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Systems and methods for forming an insert, such as a threaded or threadable insert, within a cavity in an implant, such as a spinal spacer. According to various embodiments, a spinal interbody spacer may include a proximal end and a distal end. The interbody spacer may be manufactured using a non-threadable material, or at least a material that is difficult to thread, such as a ceramic, a glass, or a porous material. Some embodiments may comprise a silicon nitride ceramic material. A cavity may be formed in the interbody spacer, such as in the proximal end. A material having desired properties lacking in the spacer, such as a threadable insert within a non-threadable spacer, may be inserted into the cavity. The threadable material may then be threaded in order to form a female-threaded insert within the otherwise non-threadable interbody spacer.