Shape memory alloy staple
AssigneeSDGI Holdings, Inc.
InventorsJames Ogilvie, Troy D. Drewry, Michael C. Sherman, Jean Saurat
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fusionless method of correcting spinal deformities in growing adolescents is disclosed utilizing a shape memory alloy staple. Various embodiments of the shape memory alloy staple include features such as barbs on the inner and outer surfaces of the prongs in the shape memory alloy staple as well as the use of notches on the crossbar or cross plate connecting the prongs to the shape memory alloy staple. In some embodiments, the shape memory alloy staple has an aperture defined through the cross plate for receiving a bone screw or other bone anchor which in turn allows the interconnection of a longitudinal member.
Claims34
A spinal staple, comprising:
- a cross member defining an opening extending therethrough;
- a first prong extending from a first end portion of said cross member;
- and
- a second prong extending from a second end portion of said cross member;
- and
- wherein the staple is at least partially formed of a shape-memory material having a memorized state and a deformed state, said opening having an initial cross section when in said deformed state and a different cross section when in said memorized state.
A spinal staple, comprising:
- a cross member;
- a first pair of prongs extending from a first end portion of said cross member;
- a second pair of prongs extending from a second end portion of said cross member;
- and
- wherein the staple is at least partially formed of a shape-memory material having a deformed state and a memorized state, said first and second pairs of prongs being disposed closer to one another in said memorized state than in said deformed state.
A spinal staple, comprising:
- a cross member;
- a first pair of prongs extending from a first end portion of said cross member;
- a second pair of prongs extending from a second end portion of said cross member;
- and
- wherein the staple is at least partially formed of a shape-memory material having a deformed state and a memorized state, said first and second pairs of prongs being disposed closer to one another in said memorized state than in said deformed state, wherein transformation from said deformed state toward said memorized state occurs without a corresponding change in temperature.
An apparatus for treatment of the spine, comprising:
- at least two staples, each staple being at least partially formed of a shape-memory material having a deformed state and a memorized state, each staple comprising:
- a cross member defining an opening extending therethrough;
- a first prong extending from a first end portion of said cross member;
- and
- a second prong extending from a second end portion of said cross member,
- wherein said first and second prongs are disposed closer to one another in said memorized state than in said deformed state;
- at least two bone anchors, a portion of each bone anchor extending through said opening in a corresponding one of said staples;
- and
- a longitudinal element interconnecting said at least two bone anchors.
An apparatus for treatment of the spine, comprising:
- an implant capable of being disposed between adjacent vertebral bodies;
- and
- a staple at least partially formed of a shape-memory material having a deformed state and a memorized state, said staple comprising:
- a cross member;
- a first prong extending from a first end portion of said cross member and capable of being engaged to one of said vertebral bodies;
- and
- a second prong extending from a second end portion of said cross member and capable of being engaged to another of said vertebral bodies;
- and
- wherein said first and second prongs are disposed closer to one another in said memorized state than in said deformed state;
- and
- wherein transformation from said deformed state toward said memorized state compresses said vertebral bodies against said implant.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.