Implants formed of a shape memory polymeric material for spinal fixation
AssigneeWarsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
InventorPaul Wisnewski
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention relates to a orthopedic implant that comprises a shape memory polymeric material. The orthopedic implant can be fabricated or molded in a desired configuration selected to provide support or tension to bony structures. Examples of implantable devices include spinal rods, bone plates, and bone fixation cords. The orthopedic implant can be deformed to a second configuration different from the first configuration either prior to implantation or after implantation. When desired, the shape memory polymeric material can be induced to revert to it original molded configuration. This can compress the attached bony structure and/or promote arthrodesis.
Claims32
-30. (canceled)
A connector for securing a rod member, said connector comprising:
- a body having a recess therein configured to receive a portion of the rod member;
- and
- a collar provided to at least partially encircle a portion of the rod member and sized to be received within the recess of the body, the collar comprising a shape memory polymeric material and provided in a first configuration whereby absorption of thermal energy the collar deforms to a second configuration to secure the rod member to the body.
-53. (canceled)
A connector for securing an elongate rod member, comprising:
- a connector body defining a recess;
- and
- a collar including an interior region extending along a longitudinal axis, said collar at least partially positioned within said recess in said connector body and extending at least partially about a periphery of an elongate rod member positioned within said interior region;
- and
- wherein at least one of said connector body and said collar is formed of a shape memory material and has a first shape memory configuration that is transitionable to a second shape memory configuration, said first shape memory configuration configured to allow relative movement between said connector body and said elongate rod member, said second shape memory configuration configured to inhibit relative movement between said connector body and said elongate rod member.
A connector for securing an elongate rod member, comprising:
- a connector body defining a recess;
- and
- a cylindrical sleeve including a circular interior region extending along a longitudinal axis, said cylindrical sleeve at least partially positioned within said recess in said connector body and at least partially encircling an elongate rod member positioned within said interior region;
- and
- wherein said cylindrical sleeve is formed of a shape memory material and has a first shape memory configuration that is transitionable to a second shape memory configuration, said first shape memory configuration of said cylindrical sleeve is loosely engaged about said elongate rod member to allow movement of said elongate rod member relative to said cylindrical sleeve, said second shape memory configuration of said cylindrical sleeve is securely engaged about said elongate rod member to inhibit movement of said elongate rod member relative to said cylindrical sleeve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.