Sulzer Spine-tech Inc.

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company

Zimmer Spine, Inc.

Ross A Longhini

Steven J Seme

David A Hanson

Gerald E Drake

James R Kvitrud

Daryl L Neisse

Peter J Pohndorf

Kevin V Guenther

Erik E Emstad

John J Grabowski

Daniel D McPhillips

Implants, instruments and methods for bone fusion procedures are disclosed. In some embodiments, the implants are particularly advantageous for use between opposing vertebral bodies to facilitate stabilization or arthrodesis of an intervertebral joint. The implants include, at least, a support component that provides structural support during fusion. In a typical embodiment, the implants also include a growth component. A growth component provides an environment conducive to new bone growth between the bones being fused. Several unique configurations to enhance fusion, instruments for insertion and methods for insertion are also disclosed.

Bone implants and methods

Instruments and methods for preparing adjacent bones for fusion are disclosed. In a typical embodiment, the instruments include paddles for spacing the adjacent bones a predetermined distance and a cutting edge to create a channel between the adjacent bones to receive a fusion implant. The instruments and methods are particularly advantageous for preparing a spinal fusion implant site.

Bone preparation instruments and methods

Instruments and methods for preparing adjacent bones for fusion, and for inserting implants are disclosed. In one embodiment, the instruments include paddles for spacing the adjacent bones a predetermined distance and a cutting edge to create a channel between the adjacent bones to receive a fusion implant. In another embodiment, the instruments include a bone cutting instrument, a rasp, and an implant inserting tool. The instruments and methods are particularly advantageous for preparing a spinal fusion implant site.

Instruments and methods for insertion of one or more spinal implants into an intervertebral space between opposing vertebral bodies are disclosed. Instruments according to the invention include a guide for preparing a spinal fusion implant site, a guide starter, implant depth gauges, reamers, taps and implant drivers. The instruments and methods disclosed provide improved visualization of the surgical field and enhanced precision of placement of spinal fusion implants between vertebral bodies.

Spinal surgery instruments and methods

An assembly for holding dental shade guides has a first holder and a second holder, both of which include coupler parts for coupling the holders to each other and to other holders as desired in modular fashion. Each holder may be connected to the adjacent holder in one of two possible orientations in order to bring different shade guides into closer view. Additionally, the shade guides are releasably connected to the holders and may be inserted in receptacles of the holders in a variety of orientations.

Growing community of inventors

Woodbury, MN, United States of America

Ross A Longhini