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:
Apr. 15, 2014
Filed:
Feb. 08, 2010
Mark H. Falahee, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Mark H. Falahee, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Medical Designs, LLC, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Abstract
A minimally invasive bone stabilization and locking system and method are applicable to joint fusion and fracture repair, including human facet joint stabilization. A bone-boring bit on an elongated shaft is used to drill a hole through the bone or joint such that the bit penetrates through the distal surface. An implant is provided having hollow body terminating in a spreadable distal end. The implant is placed over the elongated shaft and into the drilled hole such that the spreadable end protrudes through the distal surface. The elongated shaft is then pulled, such that the bit interacts with the distal end of the implant, thereby causing the spreadable end of the implant sleeve to spread so as to prevent backout of the implant body through the hole. A proximal cap may be tightened against the proximal surface, thereby fixing the bone or joint in compression.