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:
Dec. 14, 2010
Filed:
Aug. 12, 2004
James J. Pagliuca, Millis, MA (US);
John D. Unger, Wrentham, MA (US);
Thomas W. Davison, Franklin, MA (US);
James J. Pagliuca, Millis, MA (US);
John D. Unger, Wrentham, MA (US);
Thomas W. Davison, Franklin, MA (US);
Zimmer Spine, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
A method of fixing first and second vertebrae of a patient together at a surgical site includes inserting a first cannula into the body of the patient. A fusion device is moved through the cannula and inserted between the first and second vertebrae. A first fastener is moved through the cannula and secured to the first vertebra. A second fastener is moved through the cannula and secured to the second vertebra. A first fixation element is moved through the cannula. The first fixation element is fixed to the first and second fasteners. The fusion device has first and second ends, upper and lower surfaces for engaging the first and second vertebrae, and first and second side surfaces extending between the upper and lower surfaces. Each of the first and second side surfaces extend along an arc from the first end of the fusion device to the second end. The upper and lower surfaces have teeth that extend between the first and second side surfaces along secant lines of circles partially defined by the first and second side surfaces.