The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 19, 1993
Filed:
Sep. 24, 1991
Gilbert M Aust, Huntsville, AL (US);
Timothy E Taylor, Huntsville, AL (US);
Other;
Abstract
An anterior spinal fixation device which provides an anterior lumbar and cervical fusion fixation system which has numerous advantages over existing anterior, posterior and lateral implant systems. Anterior (access from the patients stomach region) lumbar surgery allows the surgeon to remove the entire intervertebral disc, which is not possible during posterior or lateral surgery. Many interbody fusion operations require removal of disc material, insertion of new graft material and fusion of the adjoining vertebrae. This plate and screw fixation invention provides the ability to perform this function. The novelty of this invention includes an 'H' shaped overall design allowing for multiple fusions, a bicortical fixation system which is achieved by inserting four screws at a 45 degree angle into two cortical surfaces. It also provides structural integrity by placing more friction on the screws which allows for increased pull out strength. An anterior fixation device also is further from the spinal cord which reduces the chance of contact with the nerve roots.