US 7,704,279 B2 · Bi-directional fixating transvertebral body screws, zero-profile horizontal intervertebral miniplates, expansile intervertebral body fusion devices, and posterior motion-calibrating interarticulating joint stapling device for spinal fusion

Abstract

An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a shell and first and second first screw members having tapered ends and threaded bodies that are disposed within the shell. A drive mechanism rotatably drives the first and second screw members from the shell in opposite directions and causes the screw members to embed themselves in the members to be joined. The screw apparatus can be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, vertebral bodies, wood, building materials, metals, masonry, or plastics. The stapling apparatus includes first and second lever arms rotatably joined together at a fulcrum, and the lever arms rotate in opposite directions. First and second cartridges are disposed at the ends of the lever arms. Each cartridge is capable of holding a staple including a bracket, a nail member and an alignment slot. When the ends of the lever arms are rotated towards each other the staples from the cartridges are interlocked. The staples can be also be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, or vertebral bodies.

Claims33

Dependent claims

A self-drilling screw apparatus comprising:

a shell;
a first screw member having a tapered end and a threaded body disposed within the shell;
a second screw member having a tapered end and a threaded body disposed within the shell;
and
a drive mechanism for simultaneously driving the first and second screw members from the shell,
wherein the drive mechanism includes:
a drive screw disposed at least partially within the shell;
and
a pinion that is responsive to rotation of the drive screw and that drives at least one of the screw members,
wherein a diameter of the first screw member is smaller than a diameter of the second screw member;
and
wherein the second screw member includes a hollow threaded portion that receives a portion of the threaded body of the first screw member.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Bi-directional fixating transvertebral body screws, zero-profile horizontal intervertebral miniplates, expansile intervertebral body fusion devices, and posterior motion-calibrating interarticulating joint stapling device for spinal fusion

Life of this patent

Bi-directional fixating transvertebral body screws, zero-profile horizontal intervertebral miniplates, expansile intervertebral body fusion devices, and posterior motion-calibrating interarticulating joint stapling device for spinal fusion

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims33