Spinal Concepts, Inc.

Ralph F Rashbaum

Erik J Wagner

Stephen H Hochshuler

Method and apparatus for promoting a spinal fusion between neighboring vertebrae. Apparatus may be located within the intervertebral disc space and preferably includes a pair of engaging plates for contacting the vertebrae. An alignment device may be used to alter the vertical distance between the engaging plates to customize the apparatus to fit a given patient. In one embodiment, the alignment device includes a pair of struts having a predetermined height and extending between the engaging plates from an anterior end to a posterior end of the apparatus. In another embodiment, the alignment device includes a rotatable connector and cam pins for adjusting the distance between the engaging plates. The alignment device is preferably adapted to vary the distance between the engaging plates such that the height of the apparatus proximate the anterior end is greater than that proximate the posterior end whereby the natural lordosis of the spine is maintained after the apparatus is installed. The apparatus may further include a load-sharing member to allow stress to be imparted to bone in the vicinity of the apparatus to promote bone growth in accordance with Wolff's law.

Adjustable height fusion device

A sacral screw assembly may provide a connection to a sacrum for a spinal fixation assembly. The sacral screw assembly may include a fixation component, connector, spinal rod, and a fastener. The connector and fixation component are configured to interconnect so that the connector inhibits translational and rotational motion of a spinal rod that is positioned within an opening of the connector. The connector may include a flared arm tip. The flared arm tip may fit within a groove of the fixation component to help position the connector within a cavity of the fixation component. The flared arm tip may also inhibit passage of the connector through the top of the cavity. The fixation component may have a threaded shank. The threaded shank may have a coarse pitch section located near a head of the fixation component, and a fine pitch section located near an end of the shank. When the fixation component is inserted into a sacrum, the coarse pitch section of threading and the fine pitch section of threading may inhibit backout of the fixation component from the sacrum.

Sacral screw assembly and method

Method and apparatus for promoting a spinal fusion between neighboring vertebrae. The apparatus may be located in an intervertebral disc space and the apparatus preferably includes a pair of engaging plates for contacting the vertebrae. An alignment device of the apparatus may be used to alter the vertical distance between the engaging plates to customize the apparatus to fit a given patient. In an embodiment, the alignment device includes a rotatable connector and cam pins for adjusting the distance between the engaging plates. The alignment device is preferably adapted to vary the distance between the engaging plates such that the height of the apparatus proximate the anterior end is greater than the height of the apparatus proximate the posterior end whereby the natural lordosis of the spine is maintained after the apparatus is installed. The apparatus may further include a load-sharing member to allow stress to be imparted to bone in the vicinity of the apparatus to promote bone growth in accordance with Wolff's law.

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Dallas, TX, United States of America

Ralph F Rashbaum