# US 10,245,091 B2 · Dip fusion spike screw > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,245,091 B2 - Document ID: US10245091B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 14/984,145 - Filed: 2015-12-30 - Published: 2017-07-06 - Granted: 2019-04-02 - Earliest claimed: 2015-12-30 - Assignees: Exsomed Holding Company LLC - Applicants: Exsomed International IP, LLC - Inventors: Lloyd P. Champagne; Jozef Zoldos - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10245091B2 ## CPC - A61B 17/86: Pins or screws {or threaded wires; nuts therefor (A61B17/72 take precedence)} - A61B 17/7291: {for small bones, e.g. in the foot, ankle, hand or wrist} - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) ## Abstract Devices and methods are disclosed for the fusion of joints (particularly finger joints or toe joints) in a bent (or angled) position. The device is not cannulated, straight and inserted into the joint in its straight configuration. The device is configured to have a thicker portion at its proximal end than at its distal end. The device is preferably inserted into a finger joint that is already bent at an angle, and the thin, distal end is configured to screw into and attach to the bone of second joint thereby fusing the first joint to the second joint. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A bone fusion screw comprising: (a) a first threaded portion having a uniform first diameter, first threads having a first thread pitch and a uniform first thread height, and a driver head; and (b) a second threaded portion with second threads having a second thread pitch and a second thread height, wherein the second threaded portion tapers from a second diameter to a smaller, third, diameter, wherein the second thread pitch is greater than the first thread pitch and the second thread height is greater than the first thread height; and (c) a central portion between the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion, wherein the central portion has a uniform diameter. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1 that is configured to fuse the DIP joint of a finger. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1, wherein the driver head is selected from the group consisting of: a flat screwdriver opening, a Phillips screwdriver opening, a hex head, an Allen wrench head, Torx and Star drive. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1, wherein the threads on the second threaded portion are of the same pitch and height. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1, wherein the central portion is not threaded. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1 that does not include a cannula. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1, wherein the first threads have a uniform pitch. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1, wherein the second end tapers to a point. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1, wherein the central portion is longer than the first threaded portion. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1, wherein the central portion and second threaded portion each has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the first threaded portion. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1 that further comprises a second end that has a self-tapping feature. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1 that is comprised of one of the group consisting of: nitinol, stainless steel, and plastic. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1 that includes an orientation marker. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The bone fusion screw of claim 13, wherein the orientation marker is one or more of the group consisting of: an indentation stamp, a cast in the screw, and a mark made with a surgical marker. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1 that is between ½″ and 3″ long, or between ¾″ and 1¾″ long. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1 that is between 1 mm to 5 mm in diameter at its thickest point, or about 3 mm in diameter at its thickest point. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1, wherein the driver head has a diameter and the first threaded portion has a uniform diameter that is the same as the diameter of the driver head. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1, wherein there is a space between the first threads and the driver head. ### Claim 19 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1, wherein the first threads are of the same pitch and height. ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1 that has a length of between ½″ and 2″. ### Claim 21 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1 that has a length of between ¾″ and 1½″. ### Claim 22 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1 that has a maximum diameter of about 2.5 mm to about 3 mm. ### Claim 23 (depends on 1) The bone fusion screw of claim 1, wherein the second thread has a pitch is 1 mm/revolution.