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:
May. 19, 2009
Filed:
Apr. 11, 2000
Lawrence M. Boyd, Durham, NC (US);
J. Kenneth Burkus, Columbus, GA (US);
John D. Dorchak, Midland, GA (US);
Bradley T. Estes, Durham, NC (US);
Eddie F. Ray, Iii, Collierville, TN (US);
Lawrence M. Boyd, Durham, NC (US);
J. Kenneth Burkus, Columbus, GA (US);
John D. Dorchak, Midland, GA (US);
Bradley T. Estes, Durham, NC (US);
Eddie F. Ray, III, Collierville, TN (US);
Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc., Warsaw, IN (US);
Abstract
Intervertebral spacers, tools for implanting intervertebral spacers and methods of promoting fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae are provided. The spacers include an elongated body having a first end, a second end and an outer surface. Side walls connect the first and second ends. The elongated body also defines an interior cavity. The side wall defines an opening to the interior cavity in a side of the elongated body. At least one of the first and second ends has a discontinuity, such as a concave surface, for nesting with an adjacent spacer. The tools include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means includes a plate extendible from the housing. In one specific embodiment the plate defines a groove which is disposed around a fastener attached to the housing so that the plate is slideable relative to the housing. The methods of promoting fusion bone growth include utilizing the inventive spacers described herein.