Brian Joseph Doherty

US Patent:

55586740, Sep 24, 1996

Filed:

Dec 17, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/169998

Inventors:

Michael H. Heggeness - Houston TX
Brian J. Doherty - Atherton CA

Assignee:

Smith & Nephew Richards, Inc. - Memphis TN

International Classification:

A61B 1770

US Classification:

606 61

Abstract:

Disclosed are novel devices and methods for modular occipital/spinal fixation, general bone fixation, as well as skull fracture repair, wherein a novel orthopedic plate designed for unicortical engagement of the bone, particularly the occiput, is employed which exhibits greater stability and safety over conventional methods. Also disclosed is a novel method and device for posterior spinal fixation, preferably involving the use of a locking screw/plate assembly for posterior facet screw fixation of cervical and thoracic vertebrae. A novel locking screw and locking tool is further disclosed which may be used with the inventive orthopedic plate and spinal fixation devices as well as other orthopedic devices.

US Patent:

55141803, May 7, 1996

Filed:

Jan 14, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/182294

Inventors:

Michael H. Heggeness - Houston TX
Brian J. Doherty - Menlo Park CA

International Classification:

A61F 244

US Classification:

623 17

Abstract:

Disclosed are prosthetic devices for insertion into intervertebral disc spaces after the removal of an intervertebral disc or after a corpectomy. Specifically, intervertebral devices having fixed shapes for accommodating the defined surface contours of vertebral endplates are disclosed. Also disclosed are intervertebral devices formed of osteoinductive materials, such as bone growth factors, to facilitate bone growth. A method for quantitatively determining the three-dimensional morphology of vertebral surfaces, particularly vertebral endplates, is also disclosed.