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:
Mar. 14, 2000
Filed:
Nov. 30, 1998
Hansen A Yuan, Fayetteville, NY (US);
Edward C Benzel, Albuquerque, NM (US);
Alex Dinello, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Michael H Wefers, South Euclid, OH (US);
Aaron C Smith, Gibsonia, PA (US);
DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., Warsaw, IN (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for retaining first and second cervical vertebrae of a spinal column in a desired spatial relationship includes a pair of longitudinal members positionable along the spinal column. A first plate connectable to the first vertebra has an inner side surface for engaging an anterior surface of the first vertebra. The first plate interconnects the pair of longitudinal members. First fastener means is engageable with the first plate for connecting the first plate to the first vertebra. The first fastener means has a threaded end portion for engaging the first vertebra. A second plate connectable to the second vertebra has an inner side surface for engaging an anterior surface of the second vertebra. The second plate interconnects the longitudinal members. Second fastener means is engageable with the second plate for connecting the second plate to the second vertebra. The second fastener means has a threaded end portion for engaging the second vertebra.