Bone fusion system, device and method including a measuring mechanism
AssigneeNeuropro Tehnologies, Inc.
InventorsTroy D. Knapp, Gregory C. Stalcup, Kreigh R. Williams, Steven E. Dietzel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A bone fusion method, system and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable tabs having a central rib. The bone fusion device includes one or more support channels configured to receive an insertion instrument that is then secured to the bone fusion device via a coupling mechanism. As a result, the coupled device is able to be securely positioned between vertebrae using the insertion instrument with minimal risk of slippage.
Claims29
A bone fusion system for inserting a bone fusion device
- into a desired location, the system comprising:
- an engaging tool comprising a handle, an elongated member having an interface gear, wherein the elongated member and the interface gear are both coupled to a base of the handle with the interface gear being centered around the elongated member;
- and
- an insertion instrument comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a coupling mechanism having a control shaft and a plurality of fingers configured to move between a closed position wherein the plurality of fingers are close together to a spread position wherein the plurality of fingers are farther apart based on manipulation of the control shaft.
A method of operation of a bone fusion system, the method comprising:
- providing an insertion instrument comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a coupling mechanism having a control shaft and a plurality of fingers configured to move between a closed position wherein the plurality of fingers are close together to a spread position wherein the plurality of fingers are farther apart based on manipulation of the control shaft;
- detachably coupling an engaging tool to an offset gear of a measuring tool, the engaging tool comprising a handle, an elongated member having an interface gear, wherein the elongated member and the interface gear are both coupled to a base of the handle with the interface gear being centered around the member;
- and
- turning the handle thereby rotating the offset gear which causes rotation of an indicating screw via an screw gear which moves a ring up or down the indicating screw.
A measuring tool for use in a bone fusion device insertion system, the measuring tool comprising:
- a housing including a gear chamber and a screw chamber, wherein the gear chamber comprises a coupling aperture that extends through the gear chamber in a direction and is non-circular in a plane orthogonal to that direction;
- a screw that extends through the screw chamber is able to rotate about a screw axis;
- an indicator ring threaded onto the screw such that rotation of the screw causes the ring to move up or down the screw a distance along the screw axis;
- a screw gear coupled to an end of the screw such that rotation of the screw gear causes rotation of the screw.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.