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. 17, 2013
Filed:
Oct. 04, 2011
Charles R. Forton, Leander, TX (US);
Brian J. Bergeron, Austin, TX (US);
Kameron Scott Ely, Cedar Park, TX (US);
Charles R. Forton, Leander, TX (US);
Brian J. Bergeron, Austin, TX (US);
Kameron Scott Ely, Cedar Park, TX (US);
Zimmer Spine, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
A spinal implant provides support for desired parts of the spine. The spinal implant includes a pair of elongated members and a variable length cross-link. A variable length cross-link device may include a fixed portion having a receiver portion for attachment to a first elongated member, a transverse portion ,and an adjustable portion having a receiver portion for attachment to a second elongated member and a transverse portion engaging member. Inserting the transverse portion of the fixed portion into the engaging portion of the adjustable portion may form a cross-link for stabilizing motion between two elongated members. Engaging the adjustable portion at a selected point on the transverse portion establishes a length selected by the surgeon. The surgical procedure may use minimally invasive surgery or non-minimally invasive surgery, as desired. Components may be inserted through sleeves attached to various coupling devices, or may be inserted and guided along wires.