Laura C Small

US Patent:

6607557, Aug 19, 2003

Filed:

Nov 22, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/718968

Inventors:

Robert Brosnahan - Germantown TN
Laura A. Small - Memphis TN
Julie A. Bearcroft - Bartlett TN

Assignee:

Howmedica Osteonics Corp. - Allendale NJ

International Classification:

A61F 244

US Classification:

623 1711, 623 2351, 623 2376, 623 2356

Abstract:

An implant for replacing the supporting function of an intervertebral space defined between adjacent vertebrae includes a prosthetic implant member dimensioned for insertion within a space provided by at least partial removal of the intervertebral disc. The implant member includes a first implant portion and a second implant portion. The first implant portion includes a microporous material formed to define a predetermined configuration and has a first relatively high average porosity to facilitate rapid bone ingrowth within the first implant portion. The second implant portion includes a microporous material formed to define a predetermined configuration and has a second relatively low average porosity to support and maintain the adjacent vertebrae in spaced relation during permanent fixation of the implant member within the adjacent vertebrae. The first implant portion is disposed in a peripheral area of the implant member and the second implant portion is disposed in a central area of the implant member such that the first implant portion substantially encapsulates the second implant portion.

US Patent:

20030120348, Jun 26, 2003

Filed:

Jan 29, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/353533

Inventors:

Robert Brosnahan - Germantown TN, US
Laura Small - Memphis TN, US
Julie Bearcroft - Bartlett TN, US

International Classification:

A61F002/28
A61F002/44

US Classification:

623/023500, 623/017110, 606/076000

Abstract:

An artificial bone graft implant for use as a replacement for living bone material in surgical procedures requiring the use of bone graft material includes a body formed of a microporous material and configured to be implanted into a prepared site in a patient's bone tissue. The body has a center portion, an outer portion and a pair of opposed outer surfaces defining the body. The body has a small average pore size in the center portion that gradually changes to larger average pore size in the outer portion. The pore size of the center portion of the implant allows for a load bearing capacity similar to natural bone and the pore size of the outer portion of the implant allows for the ingrowth of bone tissue.

US Patent:

51298996, Jul 14, 1992

Filed:

Mar 27, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/675740

Inventors:

Laura C. Small - Memphis TN
David L. Brumfield - Nesbit MS
James W. Simmons - San Antonio TX

Assignee:

Smith & Nephew Richards Inc. - Memphis TN

International Classification:

A61F 504
A61F 208
A61B 1756
A61B 1758

US Classification:

606 61

Abstract:

A surgical spinal fixation system includes a bone bolt having first end portions that are adapted to be surgically implanted into a patient's spine at first and second spaced apart positions and a central portion of the bone bolt defining a load transfer surface, the bone bolt having a second upper threaded sections for threadably receiving a nut at a shaped, countersunk interface. As an alternate embodiment, a bone screw provides an upper enlarged head with a lower coarsely threaded shank. A plate having upper and lower surfaces and outer opposed edges is provided with an elongated slot for accommodating a selected bone bolt or bone screw. The plate edges carry fine adjustments extending between the upper and lower surfaces of the plate and a load transfer washer interfaces the plate and the selected bone bolt or bone screw for distributing load (and reducing stress) from the bone bolt (or screw) to the plate.

US Patent:

6149688, Nov 21, 2000

Filed:

Sep 29, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/940660

Inventors:

Robert Brosnahan - Germantown TN
Laura A. Small - Memphis TN
Julie A. Bearcroft - Bartlett TN

Assignee:

Surgical Dynamics, Inc. - Norwalk CT

International Classification:

A61F 228

US Classification:

623 235

Abstract:

The present invention provides for an artificial bone graft implant for use as a replacement for living bone material in surgical procedures requiring the use of bone graft material. The implant has a body configured to be implanted into a prepared site in a patient's bone tissue, with the body having a pair of opposed outer surfaces defining the body. A first and a second porous portion form the body with the first and second porous portions having pores of different sizes such that the average pore size of the first porous portion is greater than the average pore size of the second porous portion. The first porous portion of the body is formed in the shape of a core, with the core being in contact with the opposed outer surfaces of the body, and the second porous portion of the body is formed in the shape of an outer shell. The pore size of the first porous portion of the implant allows for the ingrowth of bone tissue and the pore size of the second portion of the implant allows for a load bearing capacity similar to natural bone.