Scott R Hutton

US Patent:

20080177387, Jul 24, 2008

Filed:

Nov 1, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/555339

Inventors:

Dianna Parimore - Arlington TN, US
Scott Hutton - Memphis TN, US
Anthony J. Melkent - Memphis TN, US

Assignee:

WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC. - Warsaw IN

International Classification:

A61F 2/44

US Classification:

623 1716

Abstract:

A medical implant for supporting skeletal structures is disclosed. The implant includes an expandable central portion formed of a first material that at least partially inhibits the monitoring of bone in-growth using a medical diagnostic technique. The implant further includes end caps for mating with the central portion and the skeletal structure. The end caps are made of a second material different than the first material that inhibits the monitoring of bone in-growth using the medical diagnostic technique to a lesser degree than the first material. In another aspect, a polymer end member for use with a metallic implant for supporting a skeletal structure is disclosed. The polymer end member facilitates the monitoring of fusion or bone in-growth using fluoroscopy. In another aspect, a spinal implant is disclosed. The implant includes a central portion made of a first material and an end cap made of a different material.