Devices and methods for vertebral stabilization

Description

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure relates generally to bone fixation systems, components thereof, and methods of implant placement for adjusting, aligning and maintaining the spatial relationship(s) of adjacent bones or bony fragments, such as for example after surgical reconstruction of skeletal segments.

2. Description of Related Technology

Whether from degenerative disease, traumatic disruption, infection or neoplastic invasion, alteration in the anatomical relationships between the spinal vertebras can cause significant pain, deformity and disability. Spinal disease is a major health problem in the industrialized world, and the surgical treatment of spinal pathology is an evolving discipline. The traditional surgical treatment of abnormal vertebral motion is the complete immobilization and bony fusion of the involved spinal segment and an extensive array of surgical techniques and implantable devices have been formulated to accomplish the treatment objective.

Regardless of the specific objectives of surgery, many surgeons employ implantable devices that maintain the desired spatial relationship(s) between adjacent vertebral bodies. The effectiveness of these devices is critically dependent on adequate fixation into the underlying bone. Adequate access and fixation of both the anterior and posterior spinal columns often requires multiple incisions and surgical corridors. Therefore, such procedures continue to be substantial operations with a multitude of shortcomings, including without limitation increased trauma to the patient, extended recovery time after surgery, and enhanced risk for surgical complications such as infection. Such problems can further be exacerbated when the patient is elderly, and/or has compromised physiology in one respect or another.

Hence, there is a salient need for alternative methods of implant placement and bony fixation, and associated apparatus, in order to, inter alia, reduce the necessary degree and scope surgery and associated surgical risk, particularly in aging populations.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure addresses the foregoing needs by disclosing, inter alia, apparatus and methods for the treatment of abnormal spinal stability and stenosis of the spinal canal, including by providing decompression and/or fixation thereof.

In a first aspect, a method for stabilization of an anatomical portion of a subject is disclosed. In one embodiment, the anatomical portion comprises a target functional spinal unit (FSU) of a living subject, and the method includes: (i) forming a first tissue corridor; (ii) accessing and manipulating an anterior portion of the target FSU via the first tissue corridor; (iii) forming a second tissue corridor; and (iv) accessing and manipulating a posterior portion of the target FSU via the second tissue corridor.

In one variant, the forming a first tissue corridor includes forming the corridor from a skin incision to a side surface of the target FSU, with the first tissue corridor extending at least partially through an abdominal cavity of the subject.

In another variant, the forming of the second tissue corridor includes forming a corridor that is extended posterior to a psoas major muscle and through a thoraco-lumbar fascia of the subject.

In another embodiment, the method includes: (i) forming a tissue corridor from a skin incision to a side surface of the functional spinal unit, the tissue corridor extended at least partially through an abdominal cavity of the subject; (ii) accessing an anterior portion of the target FSU through the tissue corridor; and (iii) accessing a lateral aspect of an ipsilateral pedicle of an inferior vertebral bone of the target FSU, and (iv) advancing at least one bone fastener into the inferior vertebral bone, the at least one bone fastener extended in a lateral to medial trajectory.

In yet another embodiment, the method includes: (i) forming a tissue corridor from a skin incision to a side surface of the target FSU, the tissue corridor extended at least partially through an abdominal cavity of the subject; (ii) accessing an anterior portion of the target FSU through the tissue corridor and positioning an orthopedic implant within an intervertebral disc space of the target FSU; (iii) extending the tissue corridor posterior to a psoas major muscle; and (iv) accessing a lateral surface of a superior articulating process of a facet joint of the target FSU via the extended tissue corridor.

In yet a further embodiment, the method includes: (i) forming a first tissue corridor from a skin incision to a side surface of the target FSU, the first tissue corridor at least partially extended through an abdominal cavity of the subject; (ii) accessing an anterior portion of the target FSU through the first tissue corridor; (iii) extending the first tissue corridor posterior to a psoas major muscle; (iv) accessing an anterior surface of a transverse process of the target FSU via the extended first tissue corridor; (v) forming a second tissue corridor from a posterior skin incision one a back of the subject to a posterior aspect of at least one vertebral bone of the target FSU; and (vi) advancing a bone fastener into the posterior aspect of the at least one vertebral bone via the second tissue corridor.

In still another embodiment, the method includes: (i) forming a tissue from a skin incision to a side surface of the target FSU, the tissue corridor extended at least partially through an abdominal cavity of the subject; (ii) accessing an anterior portion of the target FSU through the tissue corridor; and (iii) advancing at least one bone fastener through a side surface of a body segment of a vertebral bone of the target FSU. In one variant, the trajectory of the at least one bone fastener is extended in an anterior to posterior direction and enters at least a segment of a pedicle portion of the vertebral bone to which the fastener is attached.

In a second aspect, a method for accessing a targeted functional spinal unit (FSU) for manipulation and/or fixation is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: (i) creating at least one first tissue corridor through at least one of flank skin and/or abdominal skin of a subject to an anterior or a lateral portion of the targeted FSU; and (ii) creating at least one second tissue corridor through posterior skin of the subject.

In one variant, the second corridor extends along a plane between the ipsilateral psoas major muscle and the quadratus lumborum muscle to a posterior portion of the targeted FSU, and the at least one first tissue corridor comprises a direct anterior approach.

In another variant, the at least one first tissue corridor comprises an anterolateral approach. In yet another variant, the at least one first tissue corridor comprises a direct lateral approach.

In still another variant, the first tissue corridor extends at least partially through an abdominal cavity of the subject.

In a third aspect, a method for immobilization of a facet joint of a targeted FSU is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises: (i) removing at least a portion of a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc space of the facet joint via a first tissue corridor; (ii) implanting one or more orthopedic implants into an intervertebral disc space of the facet joint via the first tissue corridor; and (iii) attaching one or more bone fasteners to the targeted FSU via advancement through a second tissue corridor. In one variant, the first tissue corridor is formed through flank skin and/or abdominal skin of a subject to an anterior or a lateral portion of the targeted FSU. In another variant, the second tissue corridor is formed through posterior skin of the subject along a plane between the ipsilateral psoas major muscle and the quadratus lumborum muscle to a posterior portion of the targeted FSU.

In yet another variant, the method further comprises removal of one or more of the ipsilateral transverse processes of a superior and/or inferior vertebral bone of the targeted FSU via the second tissue corridor. In one implementation, at least a portion of the removed one or more ipsilateral transverse processes is inserted into the intervertebral disc space and utilized as a bone graft material for the one or more implants.

In a fourth aspect, a method of providing decompression of spinal stenosis is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises: (i) accessing a facet joint of a target FSU via a tissue corridor, the tissue corridor extended posterior to a psoas major muscle, anterior to a quadratus lumborum muscle, and through a thoraco-lumbar fascia; and (ii) removing at least a portion of the ipsilateral facet joint. In one variant, the method further comprises rigidly fixing a position of the target FSU via one or more orthopedic implants and/or bone fasteners advanced through the tissue corridor.

In another aspect, a method of achieving circumferential access to an FSU is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes approaching the FSU through an intra-abdominal corridor, as well as a second posterior skin incision and corridor. The combination of the intra-abdominal corridor and second posterior corridor provide circumferential access to the FSU.

In another aspect of the disclosure, an implantable bone fastener assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, the bone fastener assembly includes a threaded bone screw with threaded shaft and a shaped (e.g., spherical) head portion. In one variant, an internal bore extends through the internal aspect of the screw, extending from the top of the head portion to a tip of shaft. The internal bore in one implementation includes a threaded portion, and a polygonal (e.g., hex) shaped receptacle resides within the head.

In another implementation, an outer housing is included, and has an internal seat adapted to seat the head of the screw. The housing also has an additional seat that is adapted to accept an inter-connecting member, such as a rod.

In a further aspect, a system for spinal treatment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes at least first and second bone fastener elements for fixation to respective bones or bone portions of the spine of the subject, and a connecting element (e.g., rod) for mechanical stabilization of the spine. One or more inter-disc implants are also utilized as part of the system.

In yet other aspects, methods and apparatus for treating patients are disclosed. The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C are a side elevation view, a top plan view, and a posterior elevation view, respectively, of an exemplary vertebral bone.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are a posterior elevation view and a posterior perspective view of an exemplary functional spinal unit (FSU) comprised of two adjunct vertebral bones and an intervening disc space.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a subject illustrating the positioning of the subject on an operating table.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a human torso in cross-section.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a subject's spine illustrating multiple approach corridors to the target vertebral bone.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a subject's spine and surrounding anatomy.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a subject's spine and surrounding anatomy illustrating approach Corridor C.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are top plan views of a subject's spine illustrating access and possible resection of the transverse process via Corridor C.

FIG. 9 is an anterior perspective view of a target FSU.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are posterior perspective and top plan views of a subject's spine, respectively, illustrating access of the facet joint via Corridor C.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are side elevation and posterior perspective views of a subject's spine, respectively, illustrating a trajectory of a bone screw used to fixate the facet joint.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are each perspective and cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a facet screw/fastener assembly.

FIGS. 13A and 13B and 14 are anterior perspective views (FIGS. 13A and 13B) and a posterior perspective view (FIG. 14) of a subject's spine illustrating the facet screw/fastener of FIGS. 12A and 12B in place.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are top perspective views and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a bone fastener assembly that is adapted to couple with an interconnecting rod.

FIG. 17 is an anterior perspective view of a subject's spin illustrating the bone fastener assembly of FIGS. 15 and 16 in use.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are a top plan view and side perspective views of a subject's spine illustrating a position and a trajectory of a bone screw/fastener assembly.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are a side perspective view and a schematic representation of a subject's spine illustrating a corridor and a bone segment for bone screw/fastener placement.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are top plan views of a subject's spine illustrating additional embodiments of bone screw/fastener placement.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are top plan views of a subject's spine illustrating additional embodiments of interbody implant and bone screw/fastener placement.

FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-section view of a subject's spine and surrounding anatomy illustrating an additional embodiment of corridors to access the target vertebral bone.

FIGS. 23A and 23B are cross-sectional views of a subject's spine illustrating additional embodiments of bone screw/fastener placement.

FIG. 24 is cross-sectional view of a subject's spine and surrounding anatomy illustrating an additional embodiment of corridors to access the target vertebral bone.

FIGS. 25A-25C are top plan views of a subject's spine illustrating decompressions that may be accomplished through the access corridors.

FIGS. 26A-26C are side elevation views of a subject's spine illustrating performance of a pedicle subtraction osteotomy through the access corridors, and a potential use of a lordotic implant in performing a pedicle subtraction osteotomy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to promote an understanding of the principals of the disclosure, reference is made to the drawings and the embodiments illustrated herein. Nevertheless, it will be understood that the drawings are illustrative and no limitation of the scope of the claims is intended thereby. Any such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated embodiments, and any such further applications of the principles of the disclosed devices as illustrated herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Overview

In one aspect, improved devices, systems, and methods for the treatment of abnormal spinal stability and/or stenosis of the spinal canal are disclosed. Specifically, methods for fusion of a superior vertebral bone to an inferior vertebral bone of a target functional spinal unit are disclosed that, inter alia, overcome the disabilities of the prior art described above.

In one embodiment, a skin incision is made in a flank skin and/or abdominal skin of a subject on one side of the mid-sagittal plane that divides the subject into right and left sides. For example, the incision can be positioned anterior to coronal plane T. An intra-abdominal (and, in some examples, extra-peritoneal) surgical corridor is developed from the skin incision through a plane between the ipsilateral psoas major muscle and the ipsilateral quadratus lumborum muscle, and across coronal plane T in anterior to posterior trajectory. Optionally, the ipsilateral transverse process of one or both vertebral bones of the target functional spinal unit may be removed, such as, e.g., the ipsilateral transverse process of the inferior vertebral bone of the target functional spinal unit. When removed, the harvested transverse process may be used, if desired, as a portion of the bone graft material used to fuse the superior and the inferior vertebral bone to one another.

In one implementation, the ipsilateral facet joint may be accessed through corridor C and at least partially removed, if desired, to decompress the nerve elements. The ipsilateral facet joint, whether whole or after partial resection, may be then implanted with one or more fasteners that serve to immobilize and/or limit movement across the facet joint. In some examples, the target intervertebral disc space is also entered, at least a portion of the contained nucleus pulposus is evacuated, and the disc space is then implanted with bone graft material and/or an orthopedic implant that is configured to fuse the adjacent vertebral bone. Additionally, in some examples, at least some of the bone used for the disc space fusion (also known as interbody fusion) may be derived from the resected transverse process. The disc space can advantageously be entered through one of the three potential sites, such that the disc space work may be performed prior to fastener placement and immobilization of the ipsilateral facet joint.

In another embodiment, the target intervertebral disc space may be entered anterior to the ipsilateral psoas and posterior to the aorta (such as, e.g., an anterolateral approach 507 shown in FIG. 5). At least a portion of the nucleus pulposus is removed and the disc space is implanted with an orthopedic device configured to permit interbody fusion across the target disc space. After the disc is implanted with the orthopedic device, corridor C is used to access the lateral aspect of the ipsilateral facet joint of the target functional spinal unit and a bone fastener is placed across the facet joint in a lateral to medial trajectory. Advantageously, the implantation of the target intervertebral disc space may be performed before or after access of the ipsilateral facet joint; e.g., prior to facet immobilization with the fastener.

In additional embodiments, several other methods for vertebral fixation are disclosed wherein corridor C is used to access the anterior aspect of the ipsilateral transverse process and the lateral ipsilateral pedicle to which it is attached.

Further, various bone screw trajectories are disclosed for use in the disclosed methods of vertebral fixation.

Furthermore, methods for placement of bone screws into the ipsi- or contra-lateral pedicles from lateral or antero-lateral screw insertion site (into the vertebral body) are described.

Detailed Description of the Exemplary Embodiments

Described herein are devices, systems and methods for the treatment of abnormal spinal stability and stenosis of the spinal canal. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the spine is approached through a lateral (i.e., side) corridor or an anterolateral corridor, and both the anterior and posterior columns of the spine are manipulated, implanted and/or otherwise surgically treated through the same intra-abdominal surgical corridor. Any of these surgical corridors, while intra-abdominal, may also be extra-peritoneal (i.e., corridors with do not traverse the peritoneal cavity).

FIGS. 1A-1C show diagrammatic representations of a spinal vertebral bone 802 in multiple views. For clarity of illustration, the vertebral bone of FIGS. 1A-1C and those of other illustrations disclosed herein are represented schematically and it should be appreciated that actual vertebral bodies may include anatomical details that are not shown in these figures. Specifically, actual vertebral bodies may vary in anatomy from the idealized vertebral bones illustrated in the drawings, whether because of congenital or acquired deformity, spondylotic change (such as bony spurs and the like), spinal malalignment and/or other changes. For descriptive purposes, idealized vertebral bones are assumed.

The term “sagittal plane”, as used herein, refers to the plane that splits the body into left and right segments. The “mid-sagittal plane” or “median plane” splits the body into equal left and right halves. The term “coronal plane”, as used herein, is the plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) segments. Hence, the coronal and sagittal planes are perpendicular to one another.

Further, it will be understood that the vertebral bones at a given level (i.e., in a given spinal section) of the spinal column of a human or animal subject will contain anatomical features that may not be present at other levels of the same spinal column. The illustrated vertebral bones are intended to generically represent vertebral bones at any spinal level without limitation. The disclosed devices and methods may be employed at any applicable spinal level.

Vertebral bone 802 contains an anteriorly-placed vertebral body 804, a centrally placed spinal canal 806 and posteriorly-placed lamina 808. The pedicle segments 810 of vertebral bone 802 form the lateral aspects of the spinal canal 806 and connect the laminas 808 to the vertebral body 804. The spinal canal 806 contains neural structures such as the spinal cord and/or nerves. A midline protrusion termed the spinous process SP extends posteriorly from the medial aspect of laminas 808. A protrusion extends laterally from each side of the posterior aspect of the vertebral bone 802 and is termed the transverse process TP.

A right transverse process RTP extends to the right from the lateral aspect of the right pedicle. A left transverse process LTP extends to the left from the lateral aspect of the left pedicle. A superior protrusion extends superiorly above the lamina 808 on each side of the vertebral midline and is termed the superior articulating process SAP. An inferior protrusion extends inferiorly below the lamina 808 on each side of the vertebral midline and is termed the inferior articulating process IAP. Note that the posterior aspect of the pedicle 810 can be accessed at an indentation 811 in the vertebral bone 802 between the lateral aspect of the SAP and the medial aspect of the transverse process TP. In surgery, it can be common practice to anchor a bone fastener into the pedicle portion 810 of a vertebral bone 802 by inserting the fastener through indentation 811 and into the underlying pedicle 810 in a posterior to anterior direction.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a functional spinal unit (FSU), which includes two adjacent vertebrae and the intervertebral disc disposed between the adjacent vertebrae. The intervertebral disc resides between the inferior surface of the upper vertebral body and the superior surface of the lower vertebral body, although it is not specifically shown in the figures. FIG. 2A shows the posterior surface of the adjacent vertebrae and the articulations between them. FIG. 2B shows an alternate oblique view of the identical structure. The FSU contains three joints between the two vertebral bones, with the intervertebral disc comprising the anterior joint. The posterior joints include a facet joint 814 on each side of the midline, wherein each facet joint 814 is comprised of the articulation between the inferior articulating process (IAP) of the superior vertebral bone and the superior articulating process (SAP) of the inferior bone. These and other illustrations and definitions of anatomical structures are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. They are described in more detail in Atlas of Human Anatomy, by Frank Netter, third edition, Icon Learning Systems, Teterboro, N.J., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It will be appreciated that the directional language and terms regarding orientation (such as “upper”, “lower”, “upward”, “downward”, etc.) are used throughout merely for convenience of description and are not intended to be limiting.

At the spinal segment to be surgically treated via the disclosed methods, a coronal plane T (which is a vertical plane of the subject's body) may be defined to contain the most anterior point of each of the right and left transverse processes. In general, the most anterior segment of each transverse process is found at its medial border with the lateral anterior border of the pedicle to which it is attached. Coronal plane T is illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 3. Further, a coronal plane U (FIG. 1B) may be defined as the plane of the posterior wall of the vertebral body when considered at the level of the superior cortical surface of said vertebral body. In this way, the foregoing coronal planes may be used to define an anterior vertebral segment and a posterior vertebral segment.

Some medical literature uses coronal plane U as a dividing line between the anterior and posterior vertebral segments (such as, e.g., in the two column model of the spine). (See, e.g., “The three column spine and its significance in the classification of acute thoracolumbar spinal injuries.” By Denis F. Spine 1983 November-December; 8(8):817-31, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.) While either coronal plane U or coronal plane T can be used to define the boundary between the anterior and posterior segment of the vertebral bone, for the purposes of the present disclosure, coronal plane T is employed as an exemplary boundary plane, however coronal plane U can be additionally or alternatively employed.

A subject requiring surgery on a segment of their lumbar spine may be positioned on the operating table in the supine, prone, lateral decubitus or a combination of these positions. For example, a patient may be positioned between supine (i.e., his back at zero degrees relative to the OR table) and lateral positions (i.e., his back at ninety degrees to the OR table) with one side of the pelvis positioned further above the OR table than the other pelvic side. In one example, the subject is positioned in the lateral decubitus position as show in FIG. 3. In this example, the patient is positioned with the left lateral side up (i.e., away from the operating table) and the mid-sagittal plane of the spine parallel to the floor. The lumbar segment to be surgically treated is comprised of at least a superior vertebral bone, an immediately inferior vertebral bone and the intervening intervertebral disc space. The FSU to be surgically treated will be referred to as the “target FSU” and its intervertebral disc space as the “target intervertebral disc space”.

An exemplary method of device implantation is now illustrated. First, a target FSU is identified for surgical manipulation and treatment. In preparation for surgery, the patient may be placed in the above described lateral decubitus position (FIG. 3). The level of the spine that is to be implanted can be localized on an imaging modality (such as X-ray, CT, Mill and the like) in at least one plane. After customary sterilization and/or other preparation of the operative site, the surgeon can localize an incision point on the skin that is anterior to coronal plane T. In one implementation, the incision may be made immediately anterior to a coronal plane that is parallel to coronal plane T and passes through the anterior-most (tip) aspect of the target disc space. In other words, an incision is made in a segment of the skin of the subject that is anterior to coronal plane T but lateral to mid-sagittal plane that divides the body into right and left sides.

A surgical corridor is developed through the extra-spinal tissue from the incision until the target FSU is reached, wherein the corridor to the target disc space is at least partially anterior coronal plane T. In one embodiment, the target intervertebral disc space is entered and at least a portion of the viscoelastic material that comprises the natural nucleus pulposus is removed. For example, in the lumbar vertebra depicted in FIG. 5, the disc space may entered in at least one or more of the three following locations: a) medial to the aorta and may comprise the midline (and/or its branches, the common iliac arteries, etc.) to form a direct anterior approach 505; b) lateral to the aorta but anterior to the ipsilateral psoas major muscle to form an anterolateral approach 507, in which the ipsilateral psoas major muscle is ipsilateral to the skin incision used to develop the surgical corridor; and c) laterally and through the body of the ipsilateral psoas major muscle to form a direct lateral approach 509. In another example, a lateral corridor “V” (shown in FIG. 4) can be made from the flank incision and taken onto the target intervertebral disc space.

The disc space may be entered using at least one or more of the example corridors shown in FIG. 5. In one implementation, the target intervertebral disc space is entered using an anterolateral approach (such as, e.g., anterolateral approach 507 shown in FIG. 5), which is at least partially positioned between the lateral aorta and the anterior surface of the ipsilateral psoas major muscle.

If desired, after removal of viscoelastic material, an orthopedic implant may be implanted into the target intervertebral disc space using the same surgical corridor and then left in place after surgery is complete. In this specific example, after removal of at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus of the target intervertebral disc space, an implant 206 may be placed into the disc space (FIG. 10A). In an exemplary embodiment, implant 206 extends across the mid sagittal plane of the disc space and has one end segment positioned onto the left side of the apophyseal ring of the inferior vertebral bone and a second end segment positioned on the right side of said apophyseal ring. The operation, when performed using a trans-psoas corridor 509, is known to those skilled in the art as the “XLIF” procedure, among other names. (See “Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF): a novel surgical technique for anterior lumbar interbody fusion.” By Ozgur, Aryan et al. in Spine J. 2006 July-August; 6(4):435-43, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.)

Additionally, the superior and inferior vertebral bones may be distracted away from one another in order to increase the vertical height of the target intervertebral disc space. The optional distraction step may be performed with distraction instrument(s) that are transiently used during surgery and then removed prior to the end of the procedure, and/or by the orthopedic implant(s) that is positioned during surgery and left in place. Whether the target intervertebral disc space is entered and manipulated or not, at least a portion of the surgical corridor may be oriented so as to extend through the anterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia. (A full description of the anatomy of the thoracolumbar fascia is contained in: The thoracolumbar fascia: anatomy, function and clinical considerations. Willard F H, et al. J Anat. 2012 December; 221(6): 507-536, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.)

In another implementation, development of a surgical corridor C is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. As shown, corridor C is developed between the posterior aspect of the ipsilateral psoas major and the anterior and medial aspect of the ipsilateral quadratus lumborum muscle. While corridor C is intended to substantially extend between these two muscles, it may contain at least a segment of each of them. Corridor C is thereby intended to be anterior to the anterior surface of the ipsilateral transverse process of the inferior vertebral bone of the target FSU and posterior to at least the posterior half of the ipsilateral psoas major muscle (when the latter is taken in a sagittal plane that traverses it).

In the superior lumbar spine, the psoas is usually a small muscle and it increases in size as it extends inferiorly. In some segments of the spine, such as the thoracic spine, the psoas major muscle is not present at all. Where the muscle is absent, it is understood that corridor C is defined by its relationship to the ipsilateral transverse process and not by its relationship to the psoas muscle. In some examples, the anterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia is traversed by corridor C. Dissection may be continued through corridor C in order to traverse coronal plane T in an anterior to posterior direction. In this way, the ipsilateral transverse processes of the vertebral bones of the target FSU may be reached. Similarly, segments of the target functional spinal unit that are positioned posterior to coronal plane T may be accessed through corridor C.

If desired, the ipsilateral transverse process of either said superior or inferior vertebral bone of the target functional spinal unit may be removed through corridor C (FIGS. 8A and 8B). The harvested transverse process bone may be used as autograft bone for a fusion procedure that is concurrently performed at the same operation. In other words, the preceding steps constitute a method for removal of a transverse process of the target FSU. In this exemplary method, an intra-abdominal (and, in some examples, extra-peritoneal) surgical corridor is developed through a plane between the ipsilateral psoas major muscle and at least a segment of the ipsilateral quadratus lumborum muscle. Subsequently, the ipsilateral transverse process of one or both vertebral bones of the target functional spinal unit is removed.

The removed transverse process may be used as a bone graft (i.e., autograft) material to fuse two or more skeletal bones of the individual during the same surgical procedure (if desired). In one embodiment, the harvested transverse process bone is incorporated into the bone graft that is used to fuse the superior vertebral bone to the inferior vertebral bone of said target functional spinal unit. For example, at least a portion of the bone graft that is used to fuse superior to inferior vertebral bones (by positioning a segment of the bone graft to abut the superior vertebrate bone and a segment to abut the inferior vertebral bone) is comprised of bone derived from the harvested transverse process.

At least a portion of the harvested transverse process bone may be placed into the target intervertebral disc space in order to form an interbody fusion within the target functional spinal unit. Further, bone graft material (whether containing autograft bone, allograft bone, a synthetic material, or any other substance adapted to form bone) may be placed to extend along the longitudinal axis of the spine from the lateral aspect of the superior articular process (SAP) of the superior vertebral bone to the superior articular process (SAP) of the inferior vertebral bones of the target functional spinal unit. The bone graft material will eventually form a fusion mass that connects the SAP and transverse processes (or the remaining stump thereof) of adjacent vertebral bones (FIG. 8B).

As depicted in FIG. 9, a facet joint, by definition, is an articulation comprised of the superior articulating process (SAP) of an inferior vertebral bone and the inferior articulating process (IAP) of the immediately superior vertebral bone. In the target FSU, right and left facet joints form articulations between the superior and inferior vertebral bone with a single facet joint on each side of the mid sagittal plane of the vertebral column. Using corridor C to reach the ipsilateral transverse process, as described above, the ipsilateral facet joint (ipsilateral to the skin incision) can be also accessed.

In one embodiment, the ipsilateral transverse process of the inferior vertebral bone of the target FSU is removed in order to provide a wider corridor through which to access the ipsilateral facet joint. However, it will be understood that the transverse process may be left in place or only partially removed and the ipsilateral facet joint accessed around the transverse process. When the transverse process is not fully removed, the facet joint may be accessed through an anterior to posterior trajectory that passes superior to said ipsilateral transverse process of the inferior vertebral bone, as shown in FIGS. 10 A and 10B. The trajectory used to access the ipsilateral facet joint via corridor C will necessarily cross coronal plane T in an anterior to posterior trajectory (FIG. 10B) and will substantially follow member 200. Note that the tip of member 200 is positioned at the lateral surface of the SAP of the inferior vertebral one of the target FSU.

The preceding steps constitute a method to access the ipsilateral facet joint between the superior and inferior vertebral bones of a target FSU. Once accessed, the ipsilateral facet joint may be least partially removed, if desired, to decompress the nerve elements. The joint, whether whole or after partial resection, may be also implanted with fastener(s) that serve to limit and/or completely immobilize movement between the superior and inferior vertebral bones, as will be further discussed below.

After the ipsilateral facet is accessed through corridor C, one or more fixation devices (such as, e.g., a bone screw and/or the like) may be used to limit movement and/or immobilize the facet joint. For example, FIG. 10A shows an illustrated spine with implant 206 positioned within the L4/L5 disc space. As described above, the implant 206 may be placed into the target disc space via the antero-lateral corridor 507. In some examples, the anterior column implant is placed first and then the surgical corridor is turned posteriorly in order to access the ipsilateral facet joint through the corridor anterior to the ipsilateral quadratus lumborum (corridor C).

In regions of the spine where the psoas muscle is large (such as L3 to L5), corridor C may be posterior to the psoas muscle. While the anterior implant 206 is, in some examples, implanted prior to facet joint access, either the disc space work or the facet joint access may be performed first. (Many embodiments of interbody implants are known in the art. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,636,217; 5,015,247; 5,192,327; 5,443514; 5,749,916, 6,251,140; 6,342,074; 6,706,070; 6,767,367; 6,770,096; 6,852,127; 7,037,339; 7,227,477; 7,641,690, among others, disclose some of these inter-body implant device. Each of the foregoing listed patents is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.)

As previously noted, the ipsilateral transverse process of the inferior vertebral bone of the target FSU may be removed to permit greater access to the ipsilateral facet joint. If removed, the harvested bone can be used as autograft within the fusion bone mass used to fuse the superior and inferior vertebral bones of the target FSU. The harvested bone may be also placed into the intervertebral disc space to produce an interbody fusion.) If the transverse process is not completely removed, then the ipsilateral facet joint may be reached using the trajectory of member 200. That trajectory extends across coronal plane T in a lateral to medial and anterior to posterior direction. The trajectory may be superior to the ipsilateral transverse process, as shown in FIG. 10B.

A bone fastener can be passed sequentially via a lateral to medial trajectory through the superior articulating process (SAP) of the inferior vertebral bone, across the joint space and then into the inferior articulating process (IAP) of the immediately superior vertebral bone. The fastener may be further passed from a lateral to medial trajectory into the ipsilateral lamina of the superior vertebral bone as well be illustrated further below. The fastener is at least partially inserted through corridor C and follows an anterior to posterior trajectory across coronal plane T.

Specifically, a fastener may be placed into the ipsilateral facet joint in order to immobilize the movement between the superior and inferior vertebral bones across said joint. Following a lateral to medial trajectory (such as, e.g., the trajectory of member 200), the fastener may be passed through the lateral aspect of the SAP of the inferior vertebral bone, across the facet joint space and into the IAP of the superior vertebral bone, as indicated by arrow K in FIGS. 11A and 11B. Note that the fastener may be further passed into the ipsilateral lamina 212 of the superior vertebra as shown in FIG. 11B. FIG. 11B illustrates a sectional view passing through the facet joints between the L3 and L4 vertebral bones. The plane of the sectional view is shown by the anterior-posterior direction of arrow K in FIG. 11A. The lateral-medial direction of arrow is shown in FIG. 11B.

Fasteners of any applicable design may be used. For example, FIGS. 12A and 12 B illustrate a faster 240 comprising a bone screw 244 and a washer-like member 246. In one example, the head of screw may move inside member 246 in at least one plane (such as, e.g., in a ball-in-socket like design) so that shank 2442 may be positioned in one of a plurality of different positions/angles relative to the central axis of the bore 2462 of member 246. While not illustrated, fastener 240 may further comprises a locking feature that permits movement between screw 244 and member 246 in a first configuration, and immobilizes screw 244 relative to member 246 in a second configuration.

Many such locking features are known in the art and include among others, for example, a set screw that threadably engages member 246. The set screw may be tightened into a second configuration to immobilize screw 244 relative to member 246, or may be left untightened in a first configuration, to permit movement between screw 244 and member 246. In use, screw 244 is passed into the ipsilateral facet joint (for example, using the trajectory of arrow K) until member 246 is forcibly positioned against the lateral, outer surface of the SAP of the inferior vertebra. The locking feature may be then transitioned from the first configuration to the second configuration in order to immobilize screw 244 relative to member 246.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate implant 206 within the intervertebral disc space of the target FSU and fastener 240 immobilizing the ipsilateral facet. Note that the ipsilateral transverse process is intact in FIG. 13A and removed in FIG. 13B. While the distal aspect of screw 244 is illustrated passing into the ipsilateral lamina of the superior vertebral bone, it may alternatively be placed in a trajectory that traverses the TAP of the superior vertebra bone without extending further into the ipsilateral lamina of the superior bone. This trajectory is shown in FIG. 14. Further, screw 244 may be angled even more inferiorly so that its distal aspect enters the lamina and/or spinous process of the inferior vertebral bone after traversing the facet joint. The entry point may be, for example, at or near point “X” of FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 shows perspective views of bone fastener assembly 105, while FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of fastener assembly 105. Exemplary bone fastener assembly 105 includes a threaded bone screw 107 with threaded shaft 1072 and a spherical head 1074. An internal bore 1076 extends through the internal aspect of the screw 107, extending from the top of head 1074 to the tip of shaft 1072. The internal bore has a threaded portion 1078. A hex-shaped receptacle 1079 resides within head 1074. Receptacle 1079 is adapted to accept a screw driver (such as with a hex-shaped tip, or the like), wherein the driver can deliver a rotational force to screw 107 and drive the threaded shaft into bone.

An outer housing 110 has an internal seat 1102 that is adapted to seat head 1074 of screw 107. Housing 110 has an additional seat 1104 that is adapted to accept an inter-connecting member, such as a rod. Threads 1106 are adapted to compliment and accept threaded locking nut 116. A pusher member 114 is disposed between the two seat portions 1104 and 1102 of housing 110 and transmits the downward force of the locking nut 116 onto head 1074 (when an interconnecting rod is positioned between the locking nut and pusher member 114).

An interconnecting member, such as a rod, may be positioned within seat 1104 of housing 110. Specifically, the housing 110 and screw 107 are moved into the desired relative spatial orientation. Locking nut 116 is positioned above the seated interconnecting member and then threadably advanced relative to threads 1106 of housing 110. As locking nut 116 is advanced, the interconnecting rod member is forced onto pusher member 114. The pusher 114 is then forced downward onto head 1074 of screw 1074, trapping the head between the pusher 116 and seat 1102. In this way, full advancement of locking nut 116 produces rigid immobilization of the interconnecting member, the housing 110 and the screw 107 relative to one another.

It will be appreciated that screw assembly 105 is intended to be illustrative and non-limiting. Further, it will be understood that other bone screw assemblies may be alternatively used and that multiple such screw assemblies are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. RE37665, 6,248,105; 6,371,957; 6,565,565; 6,641,586; and 7,704,271 each disclose at least one bone screw assembly that may be used to accomplish the present method. Each of the foregoing U.S. Patents is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Any of these or any other applicable bone screw assemblies that are adapted to for use in interconnecting neighboring bones may be alternatively or additionally used.

FIG. 17 illustrates a method through which one or more bone fastener assemblies 105 may be used to fixate a target spinal segment comprising one or more FSUs. The fastener(s) may be passed through corridor C onto the lateral aspect of the SAP of the inferior vertebral bone within each FSU. Threaded shaft 1072 may be passed through the ipsilateral facet joint and into the ipsilateral lamina of the superior vertebral bone via, for example, trajectory K of FIG. 11. Alternatively, one or more of fasteners assemblies 105 may be inserted into the vertebral bones wherein at least one fastener is anchored onto at least a portion of the pars interarticulais (either its true lateral surface, indicated as “B” in FIG. 17, or via a more posterior entry point and/or into the ipsilateral lamina) without traversing the ipsilateral facet joint. Alternatively, in another embodiment, one or more fastener assemblies 105 may be passed posterior to the pars interarticulatis and into the spinous process of the vertebral bone. Regardless of which of the aforementioned trajectories is employed, once inserted into vertebral bone, the fastener assemblies 105, disposed at different levels, may be interconnected to each other via an interconnecting rod. While bone assemblies 105 are illustrated, it will be understood that other bone screws and/or fastener assemblies may be additionally or alternatively used to fixate into the vertebral bones via the disclosed method and trajectory, and then interconnected with other fasteners/bone screws disposed at other levels. The interconnection may be performed by interconnecting rods and/or interconnecting plates.

Note that the term “bone screw” is used as a generic term and may include, but is not limited to, fastener assembly 105 or any other appropriate bone screw/assembly that may be adapted to couple with an interconnecting rod and/or plate. For example, the bone screw 107 of bone fastener assembly 105 may serve, by itself, as a bone fastener for use in any of the disclosed methods, since, at a minimum, it may be coupled with an interconnecting bone plate. Thus, the terms “bone screw” and “bone fastener assembly” user herein may be used interchangeably and imply that screw/fastener assembly may be coupled to an interconnecting member, such as a plate or a rod. Bone screws may be also used as freestanding, uncoupled fasteners that are driven across more than one bone in order to fixate these bones to one another.

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate an additional exemplary method through which bone screw(s)/fastener assemblies may be used to fixate a target spinal segment comprising one or more FSUs. The bone screw(s)/fastener assemblies may be passed through corridor C onto the lateral aspect of the ipsilateral pedicle and traverse, at least partially, a portion of the pedicle. In one example, the bone screw fastener assembly extends through the pedicle in both a lateral to medial and anterior to posterior trajectory, as shown in FIG. 18A. The distal segment of the bone screw/fastener assembly may be further advanced into the lamina and/or spinous of the vertebral bone containing the pedicle into which the screw is inserted (FIG. 18A). While the bone screw/fastener assembly appears to be positioned on top (i.e., the superior aspect) of the left pedicle, it is understood that this depiction is for illustrative purposes only and the actual path extends through the substance of the pedicle and vertebral bone. In FIG. 18A, the bone screw/fastener assembly appears similar to screw 107 of assembly 105 (FIGS. 16 and 17) for illustrative simplicity. However, as stated above, any bone screw/fastener assembly may be additionally or alternatively used.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18A, the bone screw entry point is preferably posterior to coronal plane V and anterior to coronal plane T. Coronal plane U was previously defined and coronal plane V may be defined as parallel to and 15 mm anterior to coronal plane U. As stated elsewhere herein, it will be understood that the vertebral bodies may vary in actual anatomy from the idealized vertebral bones illustrated herein, whether from congenital or acquired deformity, spondylotic change (such as bony spurs and the like), spinal malalignment or other changes, and for descriptive purposes an idealized vertebral bones are assumed.

FIG. 18B illustrates a lateral view of an FSU with the bone screw of FIG. 18A inserted into the lateral aspect of the L4 pedicle. As noted above, the bone screw may take an anterior to posterior and lateral to medial trajectory within the substance of the bone. An exemplary axial trajectory of the bone screw, trajectory T5, is shown in FIG. 18B. Note that lateral surface of the pedicle provides an access window between the nerve root above (L3 nerve root) and the nerve below (L4 nerve root). As segment of the lateral aspect of the pedicle is devoid of nerves, as well be discussed further below, this segment may be used as the entry point for the bone screw.

FIG. 19A illustrates a view of a lateral aspect of an FSU, while FIG. 19B shows a coronal section taken along plane M. Note that the pedicles of adjacent vertebrae are vertically aligned while the nerves exit at an angle between the adjacent pedicles. For example, the left L3 pedicle is vertically positioned above the left L4 pedicle and the left L3 nerve root exits the spinal canal in an oblique trajectory that extends from superior/medial to inferior/lateral. This provides two segments, segments K1 and K2, through which one may traverse a horizontal plane of the FSU without encountering the nerves. Segment K1 is known to those of ordinary skill in the art as “Kambin's triangle”. (See Cadaveric Analysis of the Kambin's Triangle. By Hoshide R, Feldman E, et al. Cureus. 2016 Feb. 2; 8(2), which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.)

Segment K2 is previously undescribed and may be an additional or alternate location for bone screw insertion into a vertebral bone. For example, the lateral aspect of the pedicle of the vertebral bone to be instrumented can be approached through corridor C. A bone screw may be inserted into the lateral aspect of the pedicle and/or proximal vertebral body through segment K2, using a bone entry point that is anterior to coronal plane T and/or posterior to coronal plane V (FIG. 18A). The subsequent trajectory of the bone screw within the vertebral bone may be, for example, the trajectory shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B.

A known pathway for bone screw insertion within the posterior aspect of the vertebral bone is the “cortical bone screw trajectory” and is described in, among other citations, Cortical bone trajectory for lumbar pedicle screws, Santoni B G, Hynes R A, et al. Spine J. 2009 May; 9(5):366-73, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In the cortical bone screw trajectory, the bone screw is inserted into the posterior surface of the vertebral bone, often immediately medial to the vertebral bone's superior facet joint (i.e., the facet joint formed by that vertebral bone's SAP and the IAP of the immediately superior vertebral bone). The bone screw is guided in a medial to lateral trajectory as it is advanced anteriorly into the vertebral bone (for example, as depicted in FIG. 23B).

In one implementation of the current invention, a bone screw is inserted into a lateral surface of vertebral bone such as, e.g., into segment K2. The bone entry point for screw insertion may be between coronal plane T and coronal plane V in the anterior to posterior direction and between the superior bony surface of the vertebral body being instrumented and the horizontal plane of the most inferior point of the ipsilateral pedicle. The screw trajectory in the vertebral bone is substantially 180 degree to that of the known cortical bone screw trajectory that is described above. In other words, the bone screw of this method is guided in a lateral to medial trajectory as it is advanced posteriorly into the vertebral bone from the bone insertion point, having a trajectory similar to that depicted in FIG. 18A.

In an additional implementation, one or more bone screws may be attached anteriorly, directly onto the body of the vertebral bone. For example, the vertebral body may be accessed using the direct anterior approach 505, the antero-lateral approach 507 and/or the direct lateral approach 509 of FIG. 5. Any other known approach to access the antero-lateral surfaces of the vertebral body though a skin incision made anterior to coronal plane T may be additionally or alternatively used. At least one bone screw is advanced into the vertebral body and then directed posteriorly in order to have the distal aspect of the screw exit the vertebral body at least partially through the vertebral body-pedicle junction and enter the anterior aspect of the contralateral pedicle. (The body-pedicle junction is a vertical segment of bone wherein the anterior end of the pedicle joins the posterior vertical surface of the vertebral body.)

The foregoing method of bone screw placement is illustrated in FIG. 20A, wherein the screw trajectory is selected so that the distal aspect of the bone screw may, at least partially, traverse the contralateral pedicle, in a medial to lateral direction, and may, but not necessarily, exit the lateral wall of the pedicle at, for example, segment K2 (FIG. 19B). Specifically, FIG. 20A illustrates the screw trajectory using bone screw 207. One or more additional bone screws 210 may be also employed. The screws are illustrated as being joined by a plate 250, wherein plate 250 is then anchored to another vertebral bone by additional bones screws (not shown).

Alternatively, bone screw assemblies, such as, e.g., bone screw assembly 105 of FIGS. 15 and 16, may be placed into the vertebral bone using the same method/trajectory and then connected to additional bone screws at adjacent vertebral levels by an interconnecting rod (instead of a plate). It will be understood that various bone plate are known in the art and that any applicable bone plate may be additionally or alternatively used. Further, many bone plates include features and specialized sub-segments, such as, e.g., screw to plate locking features, slots that allow bone screws to move/subside therein, movable sub-segments, expandable size configurations, and the like. On or more of these features may be included, where appropriate, in generic plate 250.

An additional implementation for the method of bone screw placement is shown in FIG. 20B. While similar to that of FIG. 20A, the screw trajectory in this implementation is selected so that the distal aspect of the bone screw passes through the body-pedicle junction and enters the anterior aspect of the ipsilateral pedicle. As in FIG. 20A, one or more additional bone screws 210 may be also employed at each vertebral level and bone screws at different vertebral bones may be coupled by use of an interconnecting plate and/or rod.

While various embodiments with different bone screw trajectories have been illustrated, it will be understood that screws having differing trajectories can be combined to form additional embodiments. For example, a target FSU may be approached using a single corridor to the vertebral bodies of the FSU's superior and inferior vertebral bones. The incision is preferably positioned anterior to coronal plane T (shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) and the corridor formed between the incision and the spine is developed through the extra-spinal and non-bony tissues of the abdominal cavity. The corridor may be at least partially contained within the retro-peritoneal space.

Once the spine is reached, the intervertebral disc space of the target FSU is accessed and an orthopedic implant may be positioned inside of the disc space after removal of at least a portion of the natural disc material that is contained therein. The intervertebral disc space can be accessed through the direct anterior approach 505, the antero-lateral approach 507, and/or the direct lateral approach 509 of FIG. 5. An to implant that is placed within the disc space may be a device configured to produce a bone fusion between the superior and inferior vertebral bones of the target FSU. Further, the implant can be positioned to overly at least segment of apophyseal ring (FIG. 5) of the superior and/or inferior vertebral bone of the target FSU, as illustrated by implant 510 shown in FIG. 21A.

After implant placement, at least one bone screw may be advanced into the each of the superior and inferior vertebral bodies of the target FSU. At least one bone screw is positioned into each of the bodies of the two vertebral bones of the target FSU. The screw(s) in each of the superior and inferior bodies of the target FSU can be then interconnected with a plate and/or a rod. Using the same corridor through the extra-spinal tissues of the abdominal cavity, at least one additional bone screw may be placed into the portion of the FSU that is posterior to coronal line T. This additional screw may be advanced in an anterior to posterior direction across coronal plane T and then guided across the ipsilateral facet joint of the FSU (FIG. 11). This trans-facet screw then traverses the SAP of the inferior vertebral bone (from lateral to medial) and the space of the facet joint, and enters the TAP of the superior vertebral bone of the target FSU (FIG. 14).

Alternatively, a first bone screw may be advanced in an anterior to posterior direction across coronal plane T and then guided into the inferior vertebral bone of the target FSU (with or without traversing a segment of the superior vertebral bone). A second bone screw may be also advanced from an anterior to posterior direction across coronal plane T and then guided into the superior vertebral bone of the target FSU (with or without traversing a segment of the inferior vertebral bone). The first and second bone screws may subsequently be interconnected using a rod and/or plate. (As noted above, the term “bone screw” as used herein may include, without limitation, bone screw assembly 105 of FIG. 15 or any other appropriate bone screw that is adapted to couple with an interconnecting rod and/or plate.) In this embodiment, the first and/or second bone screw may be advanced into bone using the trajectory illustrated in FIGS. 18A and 18B (and discussed above).

FIG. 21B illustrates an example implementation wherein at least one bone screw is positioned into the vertebral body anterior to coronal plane T and at least one additional screw is advanced from an anterior to posterior direction across coronal plane T and is, at least partially, anchored to a segment of the vertebral bone that is posterior to coronal plane T. Note that additional bone screws (for example, another vertebral body screw) may be also employed, such as bone screw 210. For example, at least one bone screw of one of the vertebral bodies may be positioned so that its distal aspect enters the contralateral pedicle, as shown in FIG. 20A. A plate (or rod), such as, e.g., plate 250, may be used to couple some of the bone screws that are anchored within one vertebral bone to bone screws anchored into other vertebral bones.

An exemplary method for access and possible instrumentation of an anterior and posterior aspect of the target FSU through a single abdominal corridor having a starting point at a skin that is anterior to coronal plane T is described above. Additional access of the posterior aspect of the FSU may be achieved by making a skin incision posterior to coronal plane T (for example, on the skin of the back of a subject) approaching the spine from a posterior to anterior trajectory. The latter exemplary method is illustrated in FIG. 22 wherein the anterior aspect of the FSU may be accessed through at least one of the approaches of FIG. 5 (i.e., approaches 505, 507 and 509) and the posterior aspect of the FSU may be accessed through corridor C, as previously described, as well as through corridor P shown in FIG. 22. Access of the FSU through corridor P allows for direct bone screw placement along the longitudinal access of the pedicle (FIG. 23A) and/or along the cortical bone screw trajectory discussed above (FIG. 23B). While the illustrated bone screw is placed in the right side of the vertebral bone, it is understood that the bone screw placement trajectories of FIGS. 23A and 23B may be employed on either side of the vertebral bone.

The addition of corridor P in accessing the target FSU allows both corridors to intersect at the level of the transverse process (as shown in FIG. 24), thereby providing a direct and continuous anterior/posterior corridor to the FSU. This method allows circumferential access to the vertebral bone, as shown by the area within the uneven broken lines of FIG. 24, while the patient is in a single position (such as, e.g., the lateral decubitus position) without the need to reposition the patient on the operating room table and to repeat the surgical preparation and drape process. It also allows for concurrent to anterior and posterior work, wherein a first surgeon works through corridor C while a second surgeon works through corridor P. As previously noted, the transverse process may be removed, if desired, and this removal will further increase the size of the direct anterior/posterior corridor, as shown in FIGS. 25A-25C. This wider access can be used to provide comprehensive decompression of the neural tissues within the spinal canal. It can also be used to correct spinal deformity with greater ease and safety than is currently available using conventional methods.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example of deformity correction that may be achieved with the anterior/posterior access to the FSU methodology discussed above. The access corridor allows for more complete release (which comprises releasing the connections between adjacent vertebral bone) so that vertebral realignment can be performed. Limited release of adjacent vertebral bone is a major factor in suboptimal surgical realignment of the vertebral bones. The enlarged access window will also allow more thorough resection of vertebral segments in order to optimize the desired curvature in the post-operative spine.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example of segmental resection of the shaded area in order to produce a greater lordotic angle across the segment. The lordotic angle may be measured as the angle between the superior surface of a superior vertebral bone and the inferior surface of an inferior vertebral bone. The shaded area is removed from the left lateral side wall of the vertebral bone to the right lateral side wall of the vertebral bone. This procedure is known to those of ordinary skill in the art as a “pedicle subtraction osteotomy” and is described in detail in Decision Making Regarding Smith-Petersen vs. Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy vs. Vertebral Column Resection for Spinal Deformity by Bridwell, K H. SPINE Volume 31, Number 19 Suppl, pp S171S178 2006, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The procedure may be performed with less morbidity when at least a portion of the osteotomy (such as, e.g., the segment involving removal of the pedicle and/or body segment) is performed through corridor C. Note that the lordotic angle, while increased in FIG. 26B by closing the bony defect after the osteotomy, may be increased further by positioning a lordosis implant between the bony surfaces to be re-apposed (FIG. 26C). In fact, the implant may be adjustable in its lordotic (or even kyphotic) angle so that the surgeon may further adjust the angle across the target FSU after the implant has been positioned within the osteotomy site.

The totality of the above described methods, from selection of the target level to implant to the final placement of implant, can be performed under imaging guidance (such as X-ray, CT, MRI, computer-guided imaging and the like). Further, the operation can be performed using percutaneous or minimally invasive surgical techniques with or without the aid of electrophysiological monitoring. The latter include techniques such as electromyography (EMG), somato-sensory, motor evoked potentials and the like. These and other techniques may be used and are intended to alert the operating surgeon to the presence of nerves and other neural elements within the surgical corridor. For example, EMG identification of nerves permits the surgeon to navigate the surgical site with increased safety and lessens the possibility of nerve injury.

The devices disclosed herein and/or any of their components can be made of any biologically adaptable or compatible materials. Materials considered acceptable for biological implantation are well known and include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, titanium, tantalum, combination metallic alloys, various plastics (such as PEEK and the like), resins, ceramics, biologically absorbable materials and the like. Any components may be also coated/made with osteo-conductive (such as deminerized bone matrix, hydroxyapatite, and the like) and/or osteo-inductive (such as Transforming Growth Factor “TGF-B,” Platelet-Derived Growth Factor “PDGF,” Bone-Morphogenic Protein “BMP,” and the like) bio-active materials that promote bone formation. Further, any surface may be made with a porous ingrowth surface (such as, e.g., porous titanium, titanium wire mesh, plasma-sprayed titanium, tantalum, porous CoCr, and the like) and/or provided with a bioactive coating, (such as tantalum, and/or helical rosette carbon nanotubes or other carbon nanotube-based coating) in order to promote bone in-growth or establish a mineralized connection between the bone and the implant, and to reduce the likelihood of implant loosening. The system or any of its components may be made by “additive manufacturing”, such as, e.g., “3D” printing. Lastly, the system or any of its components can also be entirely or partially made of a shape memory material or other deformable material.

While this specification contains many specific examples and embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what is claimed or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination. Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings and/or described in the specification in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Only a few examples and implementations are disclosed. Variations, modifications and enhancements to the described examples and implementations and other implementations may be made based the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for stabilization of a functional spinal unit of a subject, the functional spinal unit comprising a superior vertebral bone, an inferior vertebral bone and an intervertebral disc space disposed therebetween, the method comprising: forming a skin incision in the subject, the skin incision positioned anterior to a coronal plane, the coronal plane (i) defining a vertical plane of the subject (ii) extending from an anterior-most point of a right transverse process of the inferior vertebral bone to an anterior-most point of a left transverse process of the inferior vertebral bone; and (iii) dividing the inferior vertebral bone into an anterior segment and a posterior segment of the functional spinal unit;forming, from the skin incision, an intra-abdominal surgical corridor that traverses at least a portion of an abdominal cavity of the subject;extending a first branch of the intra-abdominal surgical corridor to the anterior segment of the functional spinal unit;advancing an orthopedic implant through at least the first branch of the intra-abdominal surgical corridor and at least partially into the intervertebral disc space of the functional spinal unit;extending a second branch of the intra-abdominal surgical corridor to the posterior segment of the functional spinal unit, the second branch extending (i) through at least an anterior layer of a thoracolumbar fascia and (ii) posterior to at least a segment of a psoas muscle of the subject, the thoracolumbar fascia and the psoas muscle both positioned ipsilateral to the skin incision;manipulating a bony segment of the posterior segment of the functional spinal unit via at least the second branch of the intra-abdominal surgical corridor; andadvancing a first fastener at least partially through a first pedicle of at least one of the inferior vertebral bone or the superior vertebra bone, the first pedicle positioned ipsilateral to the skin incision, wherein the first fastener traverses the first pedicle in an anterio-lateral to a posterio-medial direction.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first branch of the intra-abdominal surgical corridor extends to a side surface of the intervertebral disc space.
3. The method of claim 1, the method further comprising manipulating a first facet joint of the functional spinal unit via at least the second branch of the intra-abdominal surgical corridor, the first facet joint positioned ipsilateral to the skin incision.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the manipulating the first facet joint comprises advancing a bone fastener in a lateral to medial trajectory through a superior articulating process of the inferior vertebral bone and into an inferior articulating process of the superior vertebral bone, the superior articulating process and the inferior articulating process comprising the first facet joint.
5. The method of claim 3, wherein the manipulating the first facet joint comprises removing at least a segment of the first facet joint.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the manipulating the bony member of the posterior segment of the functional spinal unit comprises removing at least a bony segment of a transverse process of the functional spinal unit, the transverse process positioned ipsilateral to the skin incision.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising implanting, via the first branch of the intra-abdominal surgical corridor, a portion of the bony segment of the transverse process within the intervertebral disc space.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising advancing second a bone fastener into a lateral bony surface of the other of the inferior vertebral bone or the superior vertebral bone.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising advancing the second bone fastener within a pedicle portion of the other of the inferior vertebral or the superior vertebral bone.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising advancing the second bone fastener in a lateral to medial trajectory within a lamina portion of the other of the inferior vertebral bone or the superior vertebral bone.
11. A method for treatment of a functional spinal unit of a subject, the functional spinal unit comprising a superior vertebral bone, an inferior vertebral bone and an intervertebral disc space disposed therebetween, the method comprising: forming a skin incision in the subject, the skin incision positioned anterior to a coronal plane, wherein the coronal plane (i) defines a vertical plane of the subject, the vertical plane comprising at least a portion of a posterior wall of the inferior vertebral bone; and (ii) divides the functional spinal unit into an anterior segment and a posterior segment;forming an intra-abdominal tissue corridor from the skin incision through at least a portion of an abdominal cavity of the subject and onto a side surface of the intervertebral disc space;advancing an orthopedic implant at least partially into the intervertebral disc space via at least a portion of the intra-abdominal tissue corridor;forming a limb of the intra-abdominal tissue corridor that extends towards the posterior segment of the functional spinal unit, the limb (i) traversing at least a segment of the abdominal cavity and (ii) extending through the coronal plane and posterior to a psoas muscle, and (iii) extending through at least an anterior layer of a thoracolumbar fascia in an anterior to posterior direction, the psoas muscle and the thoracolumbar fascia positioned ipsilateral to the skin incision;advancing a first fastener (i) superior to a first transverse process of the inferior vertebral bone, the first transverse process positioned ipsilateral to the skin incision; and (ii) at least partially through a first facet joint of the functional spinal unit in a lateral-to-medial trajectory, the first facet joint ipsilateral to the skin incision.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the fastener sequentially traverses a superior articulating process of the inferior vertebral bone and an inferior articulating process of the superior vertebral bone in a lateral to medial trajectory.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising removing at least a segment of a first facet joint.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising removing at least a bony segment of a transverse process of the functional spinal unit, the transverse process positioned ipsilateral to the skin incision.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising implanting, via the intra-abdominal tissue corridor, the at least bony segment of the transverse process into the intervertebral disc space.
16. The method of claim 11, further comprising advancing a second bone fastener into a first pedicle of at least one of the inferior vertebral bone or the superior vertebral bone.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising advancing the second bone fastener in an anterior-lateral to a posterior-medial direction within the first pedicle, the first pedicle ipsilateral to the skin incision.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising advancing the second bone fastener in a medial to lateral trajectory within the first pedicle, the first pedicle contralateral to the skin incision.
19. The method of claim 11, further comprising positing, at the anterior segment of the functional spinal unit via the first extension of the intra-abdominal tissue corridor, a second orthopedic implant onto a side surface the inferior vertebral bone and a side surface of the superior vertebral bone.
20. A method for stabilization of a functional spinal unit of a subject, the functional spinal unit comprising a superior vertebral bone, an inferior vertebral bone, and an intervertebral disc space disposed there between, the method comprising: forming a skin incision in the subject, the skin incision positioned anterior to a coronal plane, wherein the coronal plane: (i) defines a vertical plane of the subject, the vertical plane comprising at least a portion of a posterior wall of the superior vertebral bone and (ii) divides the functional spinal unit into an anterior segment and a posterior segment;forming an intra-abdominal surgical corridor extending from the skin incision and traversing at least a portion of an abdominal cavity of the subject;extending the intra-abdominal surgical corridor onto a side surface of the intervertebral disc space of the functional spinal unit;advancing an orthopedic implant through the intra-abdominal surgical corridor and at least partially into the intervertebral disc space of the functional spinal unit;extending a limb of the intra-abdominal surgical corridor onto the posterior segment of the functional spinal unit, the limb (i) positioned posterior to at least a segment of a psoas muscle of the subject and (ii) advancing through at least an anterior layer of a thoracolumbar fascia in an anterior to posterior direction, the thoracolumbar fascia and the psoas muscle both positioned ipsilateral to the skin incision; andadvancing a first fastener at least partially through the limb and onto at least posterior segment of one of the inferior vertebral bone or the superior vertebra bone; andwherein the first fastener (i) traverses the first coronal plane in an anterior-to-posterior trajectory; and (ii) traverses, in an anterio-lateral to a posterio-medial direction, a segment of at least one of the superior vertebral bone or the inferior vertebral bone.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the first fastener traverses the lamina segment of the superior vertebral bone.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the first fastener traverses the lamina segment of the inferior vertebral bone.
23. The method of claim 20, the method comprising manipulating a first facet joint of the functional spinal unit via at least the limb of the intra-abdominal surgical corridor, the first facet joint positioned ipsilateral to the skin incision.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the manipulating the first facet joint comprises advancing the first fastener in a lateral to medial trajectory through a superior articulating process of the inferior vertebral bone and into an inferior articulating process of the superior vertebral bone, the superior articulating process and the inferior articulating process comprising the first facet joint.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein the manipulating the first facet joint comprises removing at least a segment of the first facet joint.
26. The method of claim 20, further comprising removing at least a bony segment of a transverse process of the functional spinal unit, the transverse process positioned ipsilateral to the skin incision.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising implanting, via the intra-abdominal surgical corridor, a portion of the bony segment of the transverse process within the intervertebral disc space.
28. The method of claim 20, further comprising advancing a second bone fastener into a lateral bony surface of the other of the inferior vertebral bone or the superior vertebral bone.
29. The method of claim 20, further comprising advancing a second bone fastener within a pedicle portion the inferior vertebral bone, the second faster traversing the portion of the pedicle in a lateral to medial direction.
30. The method of claim 20, further comprising advancing a second bone fastener within a pedicle portion the superior vertebral bone, the second faster traversing the portion of the pedicle in a lateral to medial direction.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/284,944 entitled “SPINAL FIXATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE”, filed Oct. 14, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

US Referenced Citations (2918)

Number	Name	Date	Kind
167625	Charles	Sep 1875	A
203512	Nicholas	May 1878	A
203624	Josias	May 1878	A
229347	Shepherd	Jun 1880	A
267269	John	Nov 1882	A
824983	Charles	Jul 1906	A
944725	Walton	Dec 1909	A
1015890	Alfred	Jan 1912	A
1156440	John	Oct 1915	A
1213599	Charles	Jan 1917	A
1785709	Harry et al.	Dec 1930	A
2248054	Becker	Jul 1941	A
2329398	Duffy	Sep 1943	A
2370407	McCartney	Feb 1945	A
2574352	Senter	Nov 1951	A
2677369	Knowles	May 1954	A
2774350	Cleveland, Jr.	Dec 1956	A
3025853	Mason	Mar 1962	A
3037596	Fordyce	Jun 1962	A
3072423	Charlton	Jan 1963	A
3073584	Troeger	Jan 1963	A
3090386	Babcock	May 1963	A
3236141	Smith	Feb 1966	A
3242922	Thomas	Mar 1966	A
3260412	Larkin	Jul 1966	A
3277555	Kutash	Oct 1966	A
3374786	Callender, Jr.	Mar 1968	A
3383769	Davis	May 1968	A
3384077	Gauthier	May 1968	A
3426364	Limb	Feb 1969	A
3604487	Gilbert	Sep 1971	A
3648691	Lumb et al.	Mar 1972	A
3659595	Haboush	May 1972	A
3695259	Yost	Oct 1972	A
3708883	Flander	Jan 1973	A
3741205	Markolf et al.	Jun 1973	A
3749088	Kohlmann	Jul 1973	A
3791380	Dawidowski	Feb 1974	A
3795981	Franklin et al.	Mar 1974	A
3805219	Bright	Apr 1974	A
3825992	Troeger	Jul 1974	A
3858578	Milo	Jan 1975	A
3865105	Lode	Feb 1975	A
3867728	Stubstad et al.	Feb 1975	A
3892232	Neufeld	Jul 1975	A
3965890	Gauthier	Jun 1976	A
4009712	Burstein et al.	Mar 1977	A
4037592	Kronner	Jul 1977	A
4047524	Hall	Sep 1977	A
4074542	Hankosky et al.	Feb 1978	A
4135506	Ulrich	Jan 1979	A
4143883	Paynter	Mar 1979	A
4165746	Burgin	Aug 1979	A
4175555	Herbert	Nov 1979	A
4237875	Termanini	Dec 1980	A
4254763	McCready et al.	Mar 1981	A
4289123	Dunn	Sep 1981	A
4309777	Patil	Jan 1982	A
4349921	Kuntz	Sep 1982	A
4399813	Barber	Aug 1983	A
4409974	Freedland	Oct 1983	A
4432358	Fixel	Feb 1984	A
4448181	Ishikawa et al.	May 1984	A
4448191	Rodnyansky et al.	May 1984	A
4488543	Tornier	Dec 1984	A
4493317	Klaue	Jan 1985	A
4494535	Haig	Jan 1985	A
4503848	Caspar et al.	Mar 1985	A
4545374	Jacobson et al.	Oct 1985	A
4554914	Kapp et al.	Nov 1985	A
4561432	Mazor	Dec 1985	A
4569662	Dragan	Feb 1986	A
4570618	Wu	Feb 1986	A
4580563	Gross	Apr 1986	A
4604995	Stephens et al.	Aug 1986	A
4611581	Steffee	Sep 1986	A
4611582	Duff	Sep 1986	A
4612920	Lower	Sep 1986	A
4632101	Freedland	Dec 1986	A
4636217	Ogilvie et al.	Jan 1987	A
4653481	Howland et al.	Mar 1987	A
4655462	Balsells	Apr 1987	A
4655629	Flaherty	Apr 1987	A
4655778	Koeneman	Apr 1987	A
4664305	Blake, III et al.	May 1987	A
4697582	William	Oct 1987	A
4699076	Curtis et al.	Oct 1987	A
4702230	Pelta	Oct 1987	A
4711232	Fischer et al.	Dec 1987	A
4714469	Kenna	Dec 1987	A
4722331	Fox	Feb 1988	A
4747394	Watanabe	May 1988	A
4747395	Brief	May 1988	A
4756711	Mai et al.	Jul 1988	A
4759766	Buettner-Janz et al.	Jul 1988	A
4759769	Hedman et al.	Jul 1988	A
4773402	Asher et al.	Sep 1988	A
4787908	Wyss et al.	Nov 1988	A
4790303	Steffee	Dec 1988	A
4791918	Von Hasselbach	Dec 1988	A
4794918	Wolter	Jan 1989	A
4820305	Harms et al.	Apr 1989	A
4834757	Brantigan	May 1989	A
4867404	Harrington et al.	Sep 1989	A
4874389	Downey	Oct 1989	A
4877020	Vich	Oct 1989	A
4881525	Williams	Nov 1989	A
4887595	Heinig et al.	Dec 1989	A
4898156	Gatturna et al.	Feb 1990	A
4899761	Brown et al.	Feb 1990	A
4903692	Reese	Feb 1990	A
4904110	Klein	Feb 1990	A
4907577	Wu	Mar 1990	A
4911718	Lee et al.	Mar 1990	A
4913134	Luque	Apr 1990	A
4932975	Main et al.	Jun 1990	A
4934352	Sullivan, Jr.	Jun 1990	A
4938769	Shaw	Jul 1990	A
4944757	Martinez et al.	Jul 1990	A
4946378	Hirayama et al.	Aug 1990	A
4946468	Li	Aug 1990	A
4949707	LeVahn et al.	Aug 1990	A
4955908	Frey et al.	Sep 1990	A
4957497	Hoogland et al.	Sep 1990	A
4961740	Ray et al.	Oct 1990	A
4963152	Hofmann et al.	Oct 1990	A
4964403	Karas et al.	Oct 1990	A
4969886	Cziffer et al.	Nov 1990	A
4969887	Sodhi	Nov 1990	A
4973332	Kummer	Nov 1990	A
4997123	Backus et al.	Mar 1991	A
4997432	Keller	Mar 1991	A
5002550	Li	Mar 1991	A
5002576	Fuhrmann et al.	Mar 1991	A
5007880	Walker	Apr 1991	A
5007910	Anapliotis et al.	Apr 1991	A
5011484	Breard	Apr 1991	A
5015247	Michelson	May 1991	A
5026373	Ray et al.	Jun 1991	A
5052711	Pirkey et al.	Oct 1991	A
5055104	Ray	Oct 1991	A
5061271	Van Zile	Oct 1991	A
5071437	Steffee	Dec 1991	A
5084049	Asher et al.	Jan 1992	A
5087266	Connell et al.	Feb 1992	A
5092866	Breard et al.	Mar 1992	A
5092893	Smith	Mar 1992	A
5098435	Stednitz et al.	Mar 1992	A
5116336	Frigg	May 1992	A
5122130	Keller	Jun 1992	A
5122131	Tsou	Jun 1992	A
5127914	Calderale et al.	Jul 1992	A
5129899	Small et al.	Jul 1992	A
5131904	Markoll	Jul 1992	A
5133717	Chopin	Jul 1992	A
5147360	Dubousset	Sep 1992	A
5147361	Ojima et al.	Sep 1992	A
5152303	Allen	Oct 1992	A
5167662	Hayes et al.	Dec 1992	A
5176680	Vignaud et al.	Jan 1993	A
5180381	Aust et al.	Jan 1993	A
5180393	Commarmond	Jan 1993	A
5192327	Brantigan	Mar 1993	A
5207679	Li	May 1993	A
5222954	Baker et al.	Jun 1993	A
5226766	Lasner	Jul 1993	A
5234431	Keller	Aug 1993	A
5234432	Brown	Aug 1993	A
5234447	Kaster et al.	Aug 1993	A
5236460	Barber	Aug 1993	A
5242444	MacMillan	Sep 1993	A
5242445	Ashman	Sep 1993	A
5246442	Ashman et al.	Sep 1993	A
5246458	Graham	Sep 1993	A
5250055	Moore et al.	Oct 1993	A
5252016	Schmid et al.	Oct 1993	A
5254118	Mirkovic	Oct 1993	A
5258031	Salib et al.	Nov 1993	A
5261907	Vignaud et al.	Nov 1993	A
5261909	Sutterlin et al.	Nov 1993	A
5261910	Warden et al.	Nov 1993	A
5261911	Carl	Nov 1993	A
5261914	Warren	Nov 1993	A
5275600	Allard et al.	Jan 1994	A
5275601	Gogolewski et al.	Jan 1994	A
5281222	Allard et al.	Jan 1994	A
5282801	Sherman	Feb 1994	A
5282862	Baker et al.	Feb 1994	A
5290312	Kojimoto et al.	Mar 1994	A
5300074	Frigg	Apr 1994	A
5304178	Stahurski	Apr 1994	A
5306307	Senter et al.	Apr 1994	A
5312405	Korotko et al.	May 1994	A
5324290	Zdeblick et al.	Jun 1994	A
5324292	Meyers	Jun 1994	A
5330468	Burkhart	Jul 1994	A
5330473	Howland	Jul 1994	A
5334205	Cain	Aug 1994	A
5335418	Krivec	Aug 1994	A
5336225	Zang	Aug 1994	A
5336226	McDaniel et al.	Aug 1994	A
5342394	Matsuno et al.	Aug 1994	A
5344421	Crook	Sep 1994	A
5344422	Frigg	Sep 1994	A
5346493	Stahurski et al.	Sep 1994	A
5350380	Goble et al.	Sep 1994	A
5352226	Lin	Oct 1994	A
5352231	Brumfield et al.	Oct 1994	A
5354292	Braeuer et al.	Oct 1994	A
5356410	Pennig	Oct 1994	A
5358289	Banker et al.	Oct 1994	A
5360429	Jeanson et al.	Nov 1994	A
5360431	Puno et al.	Nov 1994	A
5361766	Nichols et al.	Nov 1994	A
5364399	Lowery et al.	Nov 1994	A
5366455	Dove et al.	Nov 1994	A
5370697	Baumgartner	Dec 1994	A
5372599	Martins	Dec 1994	A
5374267	Siegal	Dec 1994	A
5375823	Navas	Dec 1994	A
5380324	Mueller et al.	Jan 1995	A
5385583	Cotrel	Jan 1995	A
5387176	Markoll	Feb 1995	A
5387213	Breard et al.	Feb 1995	A
5395371	Miller et al.	Mar 1995	A
5397363	Gelbard	Mar 1995	A
5397364	Kozak et al.	Mar 1995	A
5403316	Ashman	Apr 1995	A
5413576	Rivard	May 1995	A
5415661	Holmes	May 1995	A
5417712	Whittaker et al.	May 1995	A
5423816	Lin	Jun 1995	A
5423818	Van et al.	Jun 1995	A
5423819	Small et al.	Jun 1995	A
5423826	Coates et al.	Jun 1995	A
5425772	Brantigan	Jun 1995	A
5425773	Boyd et al.	Jun 1995	A
5427418	Watts	Jun 1995	A
5429639	Judet	Jul 1995	A
5431658	Moskovich	Jul 1995	A
5437669	Yuan et al.	Aug 1995	A
5437670	Sherman et al.	Aug 1995	A
5437672	Alleyne	Aug 1995	A
5437674	Worcel et al.	Aug 1995	A
5439339	Batchelor	Aug 1995	A
5439463	Lin	Aug 1995	A
5443467	Biedermann et al.	Aug 1995	A
5443514	Steffee	Aug 1995	A
5449257	Giannuzzi	Sep 1995	A
5453073	Markoll	Sep 1995	A
5456714	Owen	Oct 1995	A
5458638	Kuslich et al.	Oct 1995	A
5466237	Byrd, III et al.	Nov 1995	A
5468241	Metz-Stavenhagen et al.	Nov 1995	A
5472452	Trott	Dec 1995	A
5474551	Finn et al.	Dec 1995	A
5474555	Puno et al.	Dec 1995	A
5476462	Allard et al.	Dec 1995	A
5476464	Metz-Stavenhagen et al.	Dec 1995	A
5478342	Kohrs	Dec 1995	A
5480401	Navas	Jan 1996	A
5484437	Michelson	Jan 1996	A
5484440	Allard	Jan 1996	A
5486174	Fournet-Fayard et al.	Jan 1996	A
5486176	Hildebrand et al.	Jan 1996	A
5487742	Cotrel	Jan 1996	A
5489307	Kuslich et al.	Feb 1996	A
5489308	Kuslich et al.	Feb 1996	A
5490750	Gundy	Feb 1996	A
5496318	Howland et al.	Mar 1996	A
5496321	Puno et al.	Mar 1996	A
5499892	Reed	Mar 1996	A
5505731	Tornier	Apr 1996	A
5507745	Logroscino et al.	Apr 1996	A
5507754	Green et al.	Apr 1996	A
5507816	Bullivant	Apr 1996	A
5512038	O'Neal et al.	Apr 1996	A
5514180	Heggeness et al.	May 1996	A
5520690	Errico et al.	May 1996	A
5522899	Michelson	Jun 1996	A
5527314	Brumfield et al.	Jun 1996	A
5531747	Ray	Jul 1996	A
5531751	Schultheiss et al.	Jul 1996	A
5534001	Schlapfer et al.	Jul 1996	A
5534002	Brumfield et al.	Jul 1996	A
5534027	Hodorek	Jul 1996	A
5540688	Navas	Jul 1996	A
5545163	Miller et al.	Aug 1996	A
5545164	Howland	Aug 1996	A
5545165	Biedermann et al.	Aug 1996	A
5545179	Williamson	Aug 1996	A
5549607	Olson et al.	Aug 1996	A
5549612	Yapp et al.	Aug 1996	A
5554157	Errico et al.	Sep 1996	A
5556431	Büttner-Janz	Sep 1996	A
5558674	Heggeness et al.	Sep 1996	A
5562660	Grob	Oct 1996	A
5562661	Yoshimi et al.	Oct 1996	A
5562662	Brumfield et al.	Oct 1996	A
5562663	Wisnewski et al.	Oct 1996	A
5562737	Graf	Oct 1996	A
5562738	Boyd et al.	Oct 1996	A
5569247	Morrison	Oct 1996	A
5569248	Mathews	Oct 1996	A
5569250	Sarver et al.	Oct 1996	A
5569251	Baker et al.	Oct 1996	A
5569252	Justin et al.	Oct 1996	A
5575792	Errico et al.	Nov 1996	A
5578033	Errico et al.	Nov 1996	A
5578034	Estes	Nov 1996	A
5582612	Lin	Dec 1996	A
5584833	Fournet-Fayard et al.	Dec 1996	A
5584834	Errico et al.	Dec 1996	A
5586984	Errico et al.	Dec 1996	A
5591166	Bernhardt et al.	Jan 1997	A
5599279	Slotman et al.	Feb 1997	A
5601553	Trebing et al.	Feb 1997	A
5603714	Kaneda et al.	Feb 1997	A
5607304	Bailey et al.	Mar 1997	A
5607425	Rogozinski	Mar 1997	A
5607426	Ralph et al.	Mar 1997	A
5607428	Lin	Mar 1997	A
5609593	Errico et al.	Mar 1997	A
5609594	Errico et al.	Mar 1997	A
5609634	Voydeville	Mar 1997	A
5609635	Michelson	Mar 1997	A
5609636	Kohrs et al.	Mar 1997	A
5609637	Biedermann et al.	Mar 1997	A
5611800	Davis et al.	Mar 1997	A
5616142	Yuan et al.	Apr 1997	A
5620169	Payne	Apr 1997	A
5620443	Gertzbein et al.	Apr 1997	A
5628740	Mullane	May 1997	A
5630817	Rokegem et al.	May 1997	A
5641256	Gundy	Jun 1997	A
5643260	Doherty	Jul 1997	A
5643261	Schaefer et al.	Jul 1997	A
5643262	Metz-Stavenhagen et al.	Jul 1997	A
5643321	McDevitt	Jul 1997	A
5645544	Tai et al.	Jul 1997	A
5645599	Samani	Jul 1997	A
5647873	Errico et al.	Jul 1997	A
5649931	Bryant et al.	Jul 1997	A
5653763	Errico et al.	Aug 1997	A
5662652	Schaefer et al.	Sep 1997	A
5662653	Songer et al.	Sep 1997	A
5665049	Markoll	Sep 1997	A
5667513	Torrie et al.	Sep 1997	A
5669868	Markoll	Sep 1997	A
5669909	Zdeblick et al.	Sep 1997	A
5669911	Errico et al.	Sep 1997	A
5669912	Spetzler	Sep 1997	A
5672175	Martin	Sep 1997	A
5672176	Biedermann et al.	Sep 1997	A
5674294	Bainville et al.	Oct 1997	A
5674296	Bryan et al.	Oct 1997	A
5676666	Oxland et al.	Oct 1997	A
5676697	McDonald	Oct 1997	A
5676701	Yuan et al.	Oct 1997	A
5676703	Gelbard	Oct 1997	A
5681311	Foley et al.	Oct 1997	A
5681312	Yuan et al.	Oct 1997	A
5681313	Diez	Oct 1997	A
5681319	Biedermann et al.	Oct 1997	A
5683390	Metz-Stavenhagen et al.	Nov 1997	A
5683391	Boyd	Nov 1997	A
5683392	Richelsoph et al.	Nov 1997	A
5683394	Rinner	Nov 1997	A
5683464	Wagner et al.	Nov 1997	A
5688275	Koros et al.	Nov 1997	A
5690630	Errico et al.	Nov 1997	A
5697929	Mellinger	Dec 1997	A
5702451	Biedermann et al.	Dec 1997	A
5704936	Mazel	Jan 1998	A
5707372	Errico et al.	Jan 1998	A
5709686	Talos et al.	Jan 1998	A
5711709	McCoy	Jan 1998	A
5713672	Lu	Feb 1998	A
5713898	Stuecker et al.	Feb 1998	A
5713899	Marnay et al.	Feb 1998	A
5713900	Benzel et al.	Feb 1998	A
5713904	Errico et al.	Feb 1998	A
5716356	Biedermann et al.	Feb 1998	A
5716357	Rogozinski	Feb 1998	A
5720751	Jackson	Feb 1998	A
5722976	Brown	Mar 1998	A
5722977	Wilhelmy	Mar 1998	A
5723013	Jeanson et al.	Mar 1998	A
5725527	Biedermann et al.	Mar 1998	A
5725528	Errico et al.	Mar 1998	A
5725582	Bevan et al.	Mar 1998	A
5728046	Mayer et al.	Mar 1998	A
5728098	Sherman et al.	Mar 1998	A
5733284	Martin	Mar 1998	A
5733285	Errico et al.	Mar 1998	A
5733286	Errico et al.	Mar 1998	A
5733290	McCue et al.	Mar 1998	A
5735853	Olerud	Apr 1998	A
5738685	Halm et al.	Apr 1998	A
5741254	Henry et al.	Apr 1998	A
5741261	Moskovitz et al.	Apr 1998	A
5746743	Greenberg	May 1998	A
5749916	Richelsoph	May 1998	A
5749968	Melanson et al.	May 1998	A
5752957	Ralph et al.	May 1998	A
5755660	Tyagi	May 1998	A
5755732	Green et al.	May 1998	A
5766252	Henry et al.	Jun 1998	A
5772583	Wright et al.	Jun 1998	A
5776135	Errico et al.	Jul 1998	A
5776199	Michelson	Jul 1998	A
5782830	Farris	Jul 1998	A
5782832	Larsen et al.	Jul 1998	A
5782833	Haider	Jul 1998	A
5782919	Zdeblick et al.	Jul 1998	A
5792044	Foley et al.	Aug 1998	A
5795289	Wyttenbach	Aug 1998	A
5795291	Koros et al.	Aug 1998	A
5795584	Totakura et al.	Aug 1998	A
5797911	Sherman et al.	Aug 1998	A
5800433	Benzel et al.	Sep 1998	A
5800435	Errico et al.	Sep 1998	A
5800547	Schaefer et al.	Sep 1998	A
5807403	Beyar et al.	Sep 1998	A
5810818	Errico et al.	Sep 1998	A
5810819	Errico et al.	Sep 1998	A
5817094	Errico et al.	Oct 1998	A
5833418	Shoji	Nov 1998	A
5836948	Zucherman et al.	Nov 1998	A
5842966	Markoll	Dec 1998	A
5846192	Teixido	Dec 1998	A
5860977	Zucherman et al.	Jan 1999	A
5863293	Richelsoph	Jan 1999	A
5865848	Baker	Feb 1999	A
5873878	Harms et al.	Feb 1999	A
5876402	Errico et al.	Mar 1999	A
5876404	Zucherman et al.	Mar 1999	A
5879350	Sherman et al.	Mar 1999	A
5879351	Viart	Mar 1999	A
5882298	Sharratt	Mar 1999	A
5882350	Ralph et al.	Mar 1999	A
5882351	Fox	Mar 1999	A
5884702	Yokley et al.	Mar 1999	A
5885286	Sherman et al.	Mar 1999	A
5888197	Mulac et al.	Mar 1999	A
5888222	Coates et al.	Mar 1999	A
5888224	Beckers et al.	Mar 1999	A
5888226	Rogozinski	Mar 1999	A
5890271	Bromley et al.	Apr 1999	A
5891145	Morrison et al.	Apr 1999	A
5893831	Koros et al.	Apr 1999	A
5899425	Corey, Jr. et al.	May 1999	A
5899904	Errico et al.	May 1999	A
5899905	Errico et al.	May 1999	A
5902231	Foley et al.	May 1999	A
5902233	Farley et al.	May 1999	A
5902304	Walker et al.	May 1999	A
5904683	Pohndorf et al.	May 1999	A
RE36221	Breard	Jun 1999	E
5908382	Koros et al.	Jun 1999	A
5910141	Morrison et al.	Jun 1999	A
5928139	Koros et al.	Jul 1999	A
5928231	Klein et al.	Jul 1999	A
5928233	Apfelbaum et al.	Jul 1999	A
5931777	Sava	Aug 1999	A
5938663	Petreto	Aug 1999	A
5941885	Jackson	Aug 1999	A
5944465	Janitzki	Aug 1999	A
5944658	Koros et al.	Aug 1999	A
5947967	Barker	Sep 1999	A
5947970	Schmelzeisen et al.	Sep 1999	A
5951553	Betz et al.	Sep 1999	A
5951558	Fiz	Sep 1999	A
5954722	Bono	Sep 1999	A
5954725	Sherman et al.	Sep 1999	A
5961516	Graf	Oct 1999	A
5961517	Biedermann et al.	Oct 1999	A
5961518	Errico et al.	Oct 1999	A
5964760	Richelsoph	Oct 1999	A
5964762	Biedermann et al.	Oct 1999	A
5964763	Incavo et al.	Oct 1999	A
5967970	Cowan et al.	Oct 1999	A
5967972	Santilli et al.	Oct 1999	A
5971987	Huxel et al.	Oct 1999	A
5976135	Sherman et al.	Nov 1999	A
5976140	Haas	Nov 1999	A
5976146	Ogawa et al.	Nov 1999	A
5976186	Bao et al.	Nov 1999	A
5980522	Koros et al.	Nov 1999	A
5984865	Farley et al.	Nov 1999	A
5984923	Breard	Nov 1999	A
5984967	Zdeblick et al.	Nov 1999	A
5993385	Johnston et al.	Nov 1999	A
5993449	Schlaepfer et al.	Nov 1999	A
5997539	Errico et al.	Dec 1999	A
6001098	Metz-Stavenhagen et al.	Dec 1999	A
6001130	Bryan et al.	Dec 1999	A
6004326	Castro et al.	Dec 1999	A
6004349	Jackson	Dec 1999	A
6010503	Richelsoph et al.	Jan 2000	A
6010692	Goldberg et al.	Jan 2000	A
6016727	Morgan	Jan 2000	A
6017342	Rinner	Jan 2000	A
6017344	Errico et al.	Jan 2000	A
6019759	Rogozinski	Feb 2000	A
6019792	Cauthen	Feb 2000	A
6022350	Ganem	Feb 2000	A
6022376	Assell et al.	Feb 2000	A
6030388	Yoshimi et al.	Feb 2000	A
6033170	Gold	Mar 2000	A
6033406	Mathews	Mar 2000	A
6033436	Steinke et al.	Mar 2000	A
6039740	Olerud	Mar 2000	A
6039761	Li et al.	Mar 2000	A
D422705	Koros et al.	Apr 2000	S
6045555	Smith et al.	Apr 2000	A
6045579	Hochshuler et al.	Apr 2000	A
6048302	Markoll	Apr 2000	A
6048342	Zucherman et al.	Apr 2000	A
6048343	Mathis et al.	Apr 2000	A
6050997	Mullane	Apr 2000	A
6053917	Sherman et al.	Apr 2000	A
6059785	Schavan et al.	May 2000	A
6059786	Jackson	May 2000	A
6063089	Errico et al.	May 2000	A
6063090	Schlaepfer	May 2000	A
6066174	Farris	May 2000	A
6066175	Henderson et al.	May 2000	A
6068630	Zucherman et al.	May 2000	A
6071310	Picha et al.	Jun 2000	A
6074343	Nathanson et al.	Jun 2000	A
6074390	Zucherman et al.	Jun 2000	A
6074391	Metz-Stavenhagen et al.	Jun 2000	A
6077262	Schlaeper et al.	Jun 2000	A
6080193	Hochshuler et al.	Jun 2000	A
6083224	Gertzbein et al.	Jul 2000	A
6083225	Winslow et al.	Jul 2000	A
6083624	Hiura	Jul 2000	A
6086588	Ameil et al.	Jul 2000	A
6086589	Kuslich et al.	Jul 2000	A
6086613	Camino et al.	Jul 2000	A
6090110	Metz-Stavenhagen	Jul 2000	A
6090111	Nichols	Jul 2000	A
6090113	Le et al.	Jul 2000	A
6093205	McLeod et al.	Jul 2000	A
6096060	Fitts et al.	Aug 2000	A
6099528	Saurat	Aug 2000	A
6099531	Bonutti	Aug 2000	A
6102912	Cazin et al.	Aug 2000	A
6102913	Jackson	Aug 2000	A
6110172	Jackson	Aug 2000	A
6110173	Thomas, Jr.	Aug 2000	A
6111164	Rainey et al.	Aug 2000	A
6113599	Landsberger	Sep 2000	A
6113601	Tatar	Sep 2000	A
6113638	Williams et al.	Sep 2000	A
6117135	Schlaepfer	Sep 2000	A
6117137	Halm et al.	Sep 2000	A
6119631	Markoll	Sep 2000	A
6120502	Michelson	Sep 2000	A
6123706	Lange	Sep 2000	A
6123707	Wagner	Sep 2000	A
6126689	Brett	Oct 2000	A
6132370	Furnish et al.	Oct 2000	A
6132430	Wagner	Oct 2000	A
6132431	Nilsson et al.	Oct 2000	A
6132432	Richelsoph	Oct 2000	A
6132434	Sherman et al.	Oct 2000	A
6132464	Martin	Oct 2000	A
6136000	Louis et al.	Oct 2000	A
6136002	Shih et al.	Oct 2000	A
6139316	Sachdeva et al.	Oct 2000	A
6139493	Koros et al.	Oct 2000	A
6139549	Keller	Oct 2000	A
6143032	Schafer et al.	Nov 2000	A
6146044	Calvet	Nov 2000	A
6146383	Studer et al.	Nov 2000	A
6146422	Lawson	Nov 2000	A
6149650	Michelson	Nov 2000	A
6152927	Farris et al.	Nov 2000	A
6156037	LeHuec et al.	Dec 2000	A
6159210	Voor	Dec 2000	A
6159211	Boriani et al.	Dec 2000	A
6159215	Urbahns et al.	Dec 2000	A
6159244	Suddaby	Dec 2000	A
6162252	Kuras et al.	Dec 2000	A
6174311	Branch et al.	Jan 2001	B1
6176882	Biedermann et al.	Jan 2001	B1
6179838	Fiz	Jan 2001	B1
6179873	Zientek	Jan 2001	B1
6179874	Cauthen	Jan 2001	B1
6183472	Lutz	Feb 2001	B1
6183473	Ashman	Feb 2001	B1
6186005	Leidl	Feb 2001	B1
6186718	Fogard	Feb 2001	B1
6187005	Brace et al.	Feb 2001	B1
6193720	Yuan et al.	Feb 2001	B1
6193721	Michelson	Feb 2001	B1
6193757	Foley et al.	Feb 2001	B1
6197033	Haid, Jr. et al.	Mar 2001	B1
6200322	Branch et al.	Mar 2001	B1
6206826	Mathews et al.	Mar 2001	B1
6206879	Marnay et al.	Mar 2001	B1
6206922	Zdeblick et al.	Mar 2001	B1
6206923	Boyd et al.	Mar 2001	B1
D440311	Michelson	Apr 2001	S
6210376	Grayson	Apr 2001	B1
6210412	Michelson	Apr 2001	B1
6210413	Justis et al.	Apr 2001	B1
6214005	Benzel et al.	Apr 2001	B1
6214012	Karpman et al.	Apr 2001	B1
6221077	Rinner et al.	Apr 2001	B1
RE37161	Michelson	May 2001	E
6224545	Cocchia et al.	May 2001	B1
6224595	Michelson	May 2001	B1
6224596	Jackson	May 2001	B1
6224598	Jackson	May 2001	B1
6224602	Hayes	May 2001	B1
6224607	Michelson	May 2001	B1
6226548	Foley et al.	May 2001	B1
6228022	Friesem et al.	May 2001	B1
6228085	Theken et al.	May 2001	B1
6231575	Krag	May 2001	B1
6234705	Troxell	May 2001	B1
6235028	Brumfield et al.	May 2001	B1
6235034	Bray	May 2001	B1
6235726	Burns et al.	May 2001	B1
6238396	Lombardo	May 2001	B1
6241729	Estes et al.	Jun 2001	B1
6241730	Alby	Jun 2001	B1
6241769	Nicholson et al.	Jun 2001	B1
6241770	Michelson	Jun 2001	B1
6245072	Zdeblick et al.	Jun 2001	B1
6245108	Biscup	Jun 2001	B1
6248104	Chopin et al.	Jun 2001	B1
6248105	Schläpfer et al.	Jun 2001	B1
6248106	Ferree	Jun 2001	B1
6248107	Foley et al.	Jun 2001	B1
6248110	Reiley et al.	Jun 2001	B1
6250984	Jin et al.	Jun 2001	B1
6251112	Jackson	Jun 2001	B1
6251140	Marino et al.	Jun 2001	B1
6254146	Church	Jul 2001	B1
6254602	Justis	Jul 2001	B1
6254603	Gertzbein et al.	Jul 2001	B1
6258089	Campbell et al.	Jul 2001	B1
6258125	Paul et al.	Jul 2001	B1
6261287	Metz-Stavenhagen	Jul 2001	B1
6261291	Talaber et al.	Jul 2001	B1
6264656	Michelson	Jul 2001	B1
6267764	Elberg	Jul 2001	B1
6267765	Taylor et al.	Jul 2001	B1
6270498	Michelson	Aug 2001	B1
6273888	Justis	Aug 2001	B1
6273889	Richelsoph	Aug 2001	B1
6277122	McGahan et al.	Aug 2001	B1
6277149	Boyle et al.	Aug 2001	B1
6280442	Barker et al.	Aug 2001	B1
6280445	Morrison et al.	Aug 2001	B1
D448081	Koros et al.	Sep 2001	S
6283967	Troxell et al.	Sep 2001	B1
6287308	Betz et al.	Sep 2001	B1
6287309	Baccelli et al.	Sep 2001	B1
6287311	Sherman et al.	Sep 2001	B1
6290703	Ganem	Sep 2001	B1
6293949	Justis et al.	Sep 2001	B1
6294202	Burns et al.	Sep 2001	B1
D449692	Michelson	Oct 2001	S
6296642	Morrison et al.	Oct 2001	B1
6296643	Hopf et al.	Oct 2001	B1
6296664	Middleton	Oct 2001	B1
6299613	Ogilvie et al.	Oct 2001	B1
6302843	Lees et al.	Oct 2001	B1
6302888	Mellinger et al.	Oct 2001	B1
6302914	Michelson	Oct 2001	B1
6304178	Hayashida	Oct 2001	B1
6306136	Baccelli	Oct 2001	B1
6306137	Troxell	Oct 2001	B2
6306170	Ray	Oct 2001	B2
6309391	Crandall et al.	Oct 2001	B1
6312431	Asfora	Nov 2001	B1
6315564	Levisman	Nov 2001	B1
6315779	Morrison et al.	Nov 2001	B1
6317957	Gregor et al.	Nov 2001	B1
6319002	Pond	Nov 2001	B1
6319257	Carignan et al.	Nov 2001	B1
6322500	Sikora et al.	Nov 2001	B1
RE37479	Kuslich	Dec 2001	E
6331179	Freid et al.	Dec 2001	B1
6332882	Zucherman et al.	Dec 2001	B1
6340345	Lees et al.	Jan 2002	B1
6342074	Simpson	Jan 2002	B1
6344057	Rabbe et al.	Feb 2002	B1
6348058	Melkent et al.	Feb 2002	B1
6348071	Steffee et al.	Feb 2002	B1
6350283	Michelson	Feb 2002	B1
6355038	Pisharodi	Mar 2002	B1
6355039	Troussel et al.	Mar 2002	B1
6355040	Richelsoph et al.	Mar 2002	B1
6360750	Gerber et al.	Mar 2002	B1
6361258	Heesch	Mar 2002	B1
RE37665	Ralph	Apr 2002	E
6364880	Michelson	Apr 2002	B1
6364881	Apgar et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6364883	Santilli	Apr 2002	B1
6368320	Le et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6368321	Jackson	Apr 2002	B1
6368350	Erickson et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6371957	Amrein et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6371987	Weiland et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6371988	Pafford et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6375655	Zdeblick et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6375681	Truscott	Apr 2002	B1
6379355	Zucherman et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6379357	Bernstein et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6387130	Stone et al.	May 2002	B1
6389391	Terauchi	May 2002	B1
6395031	Foley et al.	May 2002	B1
6395035	Bresina et al.	May 2002	B2
6398783	Michelson	Jun 2002	B1
6402749	Ashman	Jun 2002	B1
6402750	Atkinson et al.	Jun 2002	B1
6402751	Hoeck et al.	Jun 2002	B1
6402752	Schaffler-Wachter et al.	Jun 2002	B2
6402756	Ralph et al.	Jun 2002	B1
6402757	Moore, III et al.	Jun 2002	B1
6402785	Zdeblick et al.	Jun 2002	B1
6406478	Kuo	Jun 2002	B1
6409765	Bianchi et al.	Jun 2002	B1
6412999	Pierpont	Jul 2002	B1
6413258	Bernhardt, Jr.	Jul 2002	B1
6413259	Lyons et al.	Jul 2002	B1
6413278	Marchosky	Jul 2002	B1
6416465	Brau	Jul 2002	B2
6416515	Wagner	Jul 2002	B1
6419676	Zucherman et al.	Jul 2002	B1
6419677	Zucherman et al.	Jul 2002	B2
6419703	Fallin et al.	Jul 2002	B1
6419704	Ferree	Jul 2002	B1
6419706	Graf	Jul 2002	B1
6423063	Bonutti	Jul 2002	B1
6423095	Van et al.	Jul 2002	B1
6428542	Michelson	Aug 2002	B1
6428576	Haldimann	Aug 2002	B1
6432108	Burgess et al.	Aug 2002	B1
6432140	Lin	Aug 2002	B1
6440133	Beale et al.	Aug 2002	B1
6440137	Horvath et al.	Aug 2002	B1
6440139	Michelson	Aug 2002	B2
6440168	Cauthen	Aug 2002	B1
6440169	Elberg et al.	Aug 2002	B1
6440170	Jackson	Aug 2002	B1
6443956	Ray	Sep 2002	B1
6447440	Markoll	Sep 2002	B1
6447443	Keogh et al.	Sep 2002	B1
6447547	Michelson	Sep 2002	B1
6447548	Ralph et al.	Sep 2002	B1
6451019	Zucherman et al.	Sep 2002	B1
6451020	Zucherman et al.	Sep 2002	B1
6451021	Ralph et al.	Sep 2002	B1
6454769	Wagner et al.	Sep 2002	B2
6454771	Michelson	Sep 2002	B1
6454773	Sherman et al.	Sep 2002	B1
6458159	Thalgott	Oct 2002	B1
6461358	Faccioli et al.	Oct 2002	B1
6461359	Tribus et al.	Oct 2002	B1
6468310	Ralph et al.	Oct 2002	B1
6471703	Ashman	Oct 2002	B1
6471704	Gertzbein et al.	Oct 2002	B2
6471705	Biedermann et al.	Oct 2002	B1
6471724	Zdeblick et al.	Oct 2002	B2
6475218	Gournay et al.	Nov 2002	B2
6478796	Zucherman et al.	Nov 2002	B2
6478798	Howland	Nov 2002	B1
6478800	Fraser et al.	Nov 2002	B1
6478801	Ralph et al.	Nov 2002	B1
6482234	Weber et al.	Nov 2002	B1
6485491	Farris et al.	Nov 2002	B1
6485492	Halm et al.	Nov 2002	B1
6485494	Haider	Nov 2002	B1
6485517	Michelson	Nov 2002	B1
6485518	Cornwall et al.	Nov 2002	B1
6488681	Martin et al.	Dec 2002	B2
6497726	Carter et al.	Dec 2002	B1
6500205	Michelson	Dec 2002	B1
6503250	Paul	Jan 2003	B2
6508818	Steiner et al.	Jan 2003	B2
6508839	Lambrecht et al.	Jan 2003	B1
6511484	Torode et al.	Jan 2003	B2
6514256	Zucherman et al.	Feb 2003	B2
6514260	Zdeblick et al.	Feb 2003	B1
6517580	Ramadan et al.	Feb 2003	B1
6520962	Taylor et al.	Feb 2003	B1
6520967	Cauthen	Feb 2003	B1
6520996	Manasas et al.	Feb 2003	B1
6521223	Calias et al.	Feb 2003	B1
6524233	Markoll	Feb 2003	B2
6524238	Velikaris et al.	Feb 2003	B2
6524312	Landry et al.	Feb 2003	B2
6524315	Selvitelli et al.	Feb 2003	B1
6527773	Lin et al.	Mar 2003	B1
6527803	Crozet et al.	Mar 2003	B1
6527804	Gauchet et al.	Mar 2003	B1
6527806	Ralph et al.	Mar 2003	B2
6530929	Justis et al.	Mar 2003	B1
6531146	Calhoun et al.	Mar 2003	B2
6533786	Needham et al.	Mar 2003	B1
6537276	Metz-Stavenhagen	Mar 2003	B2
6537279	Michelson	Mar 2003	B1
6538262	Crespi et al.	Mar 2003	B1
6539826	Oesterle et al.	Apr 2003	B2
6540749	Schafer et al.	Apr 2003	B2
6540785	Gill et al.	Apr 2003	B1
6547790	Harkey et al.	Apr 2003	B2
6547795	Schneiderman	Apr 2003	B2
6551242	Furnish et al.	Apr 2003	B1
6551320	Lieberman	Apr 2003	B2
6551322	Lieberman	Apr 2003	B1
6551323	Doubler et al.	Apr 2003	B2
6554831	Rivard et al.	Apr 2003	B1
6554832	Shluzas	Apr 2003	B2
6554834	Crozet et al.	Apr 2003	B1
6554863	Paul et al.	Apr 2003	B2
6558386	Cragg	May 2003	B1
6558387	Errico et al.	May 2003	B2
6558390	Cragg	May 2003	B2
6558423	Michelson	May 2003	B1
6558424	Thalgott	May 2003	B2
6562038	Morrison	May 2003	B1
6562040	Wagner	May 2003	B1
6562046	Sasso	May 2003	B2
6562074	Gerbec et al.	May 2003	B2
6565565	Yuan et al.	May 2003	B1
6565567	Haider	May 2003	B1
6565571	Jackowski et al.	May 2003	B1
6565605	Goble et al.	May 2003	B2
6569168	Lin	May 2003	B2
6572618	Morrison	Jun 2003	B1
6575899	Foley et al.	Jun 2003	B1
6575981	Boyd et al.	Jun 2003	B1
6576016	Hochshuler et al.	Jun 2003	B1
6579291	Keith et al.	Jun 2003	B1
6579319	Goble et al.	Jun 2003	B2
6582431	Ray	Jun 2003	B1
6582433	Yun	Jun 2003	B2
6582436	Schlapfer et al.	Jun 2003	B2
6582466	Gauchet	Jun 2003	B1
6585740	Schlapfer et al.	Jul 2003	B2
6589243	Viart et al.	Jul 2003	B1
6592585	Lee et al.	Jul 2003	B2
6592624	Fraser et al.	Jul 2003	B1
6595992	Wagner et al.	Jul 2003	B1
6595993	Donno et al.	Jul 2003	B2
6595995	Zdeblick et al.	Jul 2003	B2
6599240	Puchovsky et al.	Jul 2003	B2
6599290	Bailey et al.	Jul 2003	B2
6599292	Ray	Jul 2003	B1
6599294	Fuss et al.	Jul 2003	B2
6599295	Tornier et al.	Jul 2003	B1
6599320	Kuslich et al.	Jul 2003	B1
6599321	Hyde et al.	Jul 2003	B2
6602254	Gertzbein et al.	Aug 2003	B2
6602255	Campbell et al.	Aug 2003	B1
6602256	Hayes	Aug 2003	B1
6602257	Thramann	Aug 2003	B1
6605089	Michelson	Aug 2003	B1
6607530	Carl et al.	Aug 2003	B1
6607558	Kuras	Aug 2003	B2
6610063	Kumar et al.	Aug 2003	B2
6610089	Liu et al.	Aug 2003	B1
6610093	Pisharodi	Aug 2003	B1
6613050	Wagner et al.	Sep 2003	B1
6613089	Estes et al.	Sep 2003	B1
6613091	Zdeblick et al.	Sep 2003	B1
6613278	Mills et al.	Sep 2003	B1
6616664	Walulik et al.	Sep 2003	B2
6616665	Grafton et al.	Sep 2003	B2
6616667	Steiger et al.	Sep 2003	B1
6616669	Ogilvie et al.	Sep 2003	B2
6616695	Crozet et al.	Sep 2003	B1
6620163	Michelson	Sep 2003	B1
6622344	Lu	Sep 2003	B1
6623485	Doubler et al.	Sep 2003	B2
6626347	Ng	Sep 2003	B2
6626904	Jammet et al.	Sep 2003	B1
6626906	Young	Sep 2003	B1
6626907	Campbell et al.	Sep 2003	B2
6626908	Cooper et al.	Sep 2003	B2
6635059	Randall et al.	Oct 2003	B2
6635060	Hanson et al.	Oct 2003	B2
6635086	Lin	Oct 2003	B2
6635087	Angelucci et al.	Oct 2003	B2
6638276	Sharkey et al.	Oct 2003	B2
6638310	Lin et al.	Oct 2003	B2
6641583	Shluzas et al.	Nov 2003	B2
6641585	Sato et al.	Nov 2003	B2
6641586	Varieur	Nov 2003	B2
6641614	Wagner et al.	Nov 2003	B1
6645206	Zdeblick et al.	Nov 2003	B1
6645207	Dixon et al.	Nov 2003	B2
6645208	Apfelbaum et al.	Nov 2003	B2
6645249	Ralph et al.	Nov 2003	B2
6648885	Friesem	Nov 2003	B1
6648887	Ashman	Nov 2003	B2
6648888	Shluzas	Nov 2003	B1
6648891	Kim	Nov 2003	B2
6648894	Abdelgany et al.	Nov 2003	B2
6648895	Burkus et al.	Nov 2003	B2
6648917	Gerbec et al.	Nov 2003	B2
6652525	Assaker et al.	Nov 2003	B1
6652526	Arafiles	Nov 2003	B1
6652533	O'Neil	Nov 2003	B2
6652584	Michelson	Nov 2003	B2
6652586	Hunter et al.	Nov 2003	B2
6652765	Beaty	Nov 2003	B1
6652818	Mills et al.	Nov 2003	B1
6656179	Schaefer et al.	Dec 2003	B1
6656181	Dixon et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6656224	Middleton	Dec 2003	B2
6660004	Barker et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6660006	Markworth et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6663631	Kuntz	Dec 2003	B2
6663632	Frigg	Dec 2003	B1
6663635	Frigg et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6663642	Beyar et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6665555	Henderson et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6666612	Lorigny et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6666866	Martz et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6666867	Ralph et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6666890	Michelson	Dec 2003	B2
6666891	Boehm et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6668688	Zhao et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6669700	Farris et al.	Dec 2003	B1
6669730	Ralph et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6673073	Schaefer	Jan 2004	B1
6673113	Ralph et al.	Jan 2004	B2
6673362	Calhoun et al.	Jan 2004	B2
6675805	Graether	Jan 2004	B1
6676661	Martin et al.	Jan 2004	B1
6676703	Biscup	Jan 2004	B2
6679833	Smith et al.	Jan 2004	B2
6679883	Hawkes et al.	Jan 2004	B2
6679887	Nicholson et al.	Jan 2004	B2
6679915	Cauthen	Jan 2004	B1
6682529	Stahurski	Jan 2004	B2
6682530	Dixon et al.	Jan 2004	B2
6682533	Dinsdale et al.	Jan 2004	B1
6682562	Viart et al.	Jan 2004	B2
6683690	Tobias	Jan 2004	B1
6685705	Taylor	Feb 2004	B1
6689133	Morrison et al.	Feb 2004	B2
6689134	Ralph et al.	Feb 2004	B2
6692495	Zacouto	Feb 2004	B1
6695842	Zucherman et al.	Feb 2004	B2
6695843	Biedermann et al.	Feb 2004	B2
6695846	Richelsoph et al.	Feb 2004	B2
6695851	Zdeblick et al.	Feb 2004	B2
6699246	Zucherman et al.	Mar 2004	B2
6699247	Zucherman et al.	Mar 2004	B2
6699249	Schlapfer et al.	Mar 2004	B2
6702814	Walulik et al.	Mar 2004	B2
6706045	Lin et al.	Mar 2004	B2
6706067	Shimp et al.	Mar 2004	B2
6706068	Ferree	Mar 2004	B2
6706070	Wagner et al.	Mar 2004	B1
6706922	Wolff et al.	Mar 2004	B2
6709389	Farascioni	Mar 2004	B2
6709458	Michelson	Mar 2004	B2
6709461	O'Neil et al.	Mar 2004	B2
6712795	Cohen	Mar 2004	B1
6712818	Michelson	Mar 2004	B1
6712819	Zucherman et al.	Mar 2004	B2
6712852	Chung et al.	Mar 2004	B1
6716212	Pickens	Apr 2004	B1
6716213	Shitoto	Apr 2004	B2
6716214	Jackson	Apr 2004	B1
6716247	Michelson	Apr 2004	B2
6719794	Gerber et al.	Apr 2004	B2
6719795	Cornwall et al.	Apr 2004	B1
6723043	Kleeman et al.	Apr 2004	B2
6723096	Dorchak et al.	Apr 2004	B1
6723100	Biedermann et al.	Apr 2004	B2
6723126	Berry	Apr 2004	B1
6723127	Ralph et al.	Apr 2004	B2
6723128	Uk	Apr 2004	B2
6726685	To et al.	Apr 2004	B2
6726687	Jackson	Apr 2004	B2
6726720	Ross et al.	Apr 2004	B2
6730093	Saint	May 2004	B2
6730126	Boehm et al.	May 2004	B2
6730127	Michelson	May 2004	B2
6733444	Phillips	May 2004	B2
6733496	Sharkey et al.	May 2004	B2
6733502	Altarac et al.	May 2004	B2
6733531	Trieu	May 2004	B1
6733534	Sherman	May 2004	B2
6733535	Michelson	May 2004	B2
6736816	Ritland	May 2004	B2
6736817	Troxell et al.	May 2004	B2
6736820	Biedermann et al.	May 2004	B2
6739068	Rinner	May 2004	B1
6740086	Richelsoph	May 2004	B2
6740087	Knox	May 2004	B2
6740090	Cragg et al.	May 2004	B1
6740118	Eisermann et al.	May 2004	B2
6743231	Gray et al.	Jun 2004	B1
6743255	Ferree	Jun 2004	B2
6743256	Mason	Jun 2004	B2
6743257	Castro	Jun 2004	B2
6746449	Jones et al.	Jun 2004	B2
6746454	Winterbottom et al.	Jun 2004	B2
6749613	Conchy et al.	Jun 2004	B1
6749614	Teitelbaum et al.	Jun 2004	B2
6749635	Bryan	Jun 2004	B1
6749636	Michelson	Jun 2004	B2
6752832	Neumann	Jun 2004	B2
6755829	Bono et al.	Jun 2004	B1
6755830	Minfelde et al.	Jun 2004	B2
6755833	Paul et al.	Jun 2004	B1
6755835	Schultheiss et al.	Jun 2004	B2
6755836	Lewis	Jun 2004	B1
6755841	Fraser et al.	Jun 2004	B2
6758861	Ralph et al.	Jul 2004	B2
6761719	Justis et al.	Jul 2004	B2
6761720	Senegas	Jul 2004	B1
6761721	Burgess et al.	Jul 2004	B2
6761723	Buttermann et al.	Jul 2004	B2
6761738	Boyd	Jul 2004	B1
6764515	Ralph et al.	Jul 2004	B2
6767351	Orbay et al.	Jul 2004	B2
6767367	Michelson	Jul 2004	B1
6770074	Michelson	Aug 2004	B2
6770075	Howland	Aug 2004	B2
6770096	Bolger et al.	Aug 2004	B2
6778861	Liebrecht et al.	Aug 2004	B1
6780186	Errico et al.	Aug 2004	B2
6780192	McKay et al.	Aug 2004	B2
6783527	Drewry et al.	Aug 2004	B2
6783547	Castro	Aug 2004	B2
6790209	Beale et al.	Sep 2004	B2
6790210	Cragg et al.	Sep 2004	B1
6793658	LeHuec et al.	Sep 2004	B2
6802844	Ferree	Oct 2004	B2
6805697	Helm et al.	Oct 2004	B1
6805713	Carter et al.	Oct 2004	B1
6805714	Sutcliffe	Oct 2004	B2
6808493	Bookwalter et al.	Oct 2004	B1
6808537	Michelson	Oct 2004	B2
6811567	Reiley	Nov 2004	B2
6814737	Cauthen	Nov 2004	B2
6821277	Teitelbaum	Nov 2004	B2
6824565	Muhanna et al.	Nov 2004	B2
6827719	Ralph et al.	Dec 2004	B2
6827722	Schoenefeld	Dec 2004	B1
6830570	Frey et al.	Dec 2004	B1
6830571	Lenke et al.	Dec 2004	B2
6830589	Erickson	Dec 2004	B2
6832997	Uchida et al.	Dec 2004	B2
6832999	Ueyama et al.	Dec 2004	B2
6835196	Biedermann et al.	Dec 2004	B2
6835206	Jackson	Dec 2004	B2
6837884	Woloszko	Jan 2005	B2
6837889	Shluzas	Jan 2005	B2
6840940	Ralph et al.	Jan 2005	B2
6843791	Serhan	Jan 2005	B2
6849076	Blunn et al.	Feb 2005	B2
6849093	Michelson	Feb 2005	B2
6852127	Varga et al.	Feb 2005	B2
6852128	Lange	Feb 2005	B2
6852129	Gerbec et al.	Feb 2005	B2
6855147	Harrington et al.	Feb 2005	B2
6857343	Easterbrooks et al.	Feb 2005	B1
6858030	Martin et al.	Feb 2005	B2
6858031	Morrison et al.	Feb 2005	B2
6860850	Phillips et al.	Mar 2005	B2
6863673	Gerbec et al.	Mar 2005	B2
6869398	Obenchain et al.	Mar 2005	B2
6869432	Schlapfer et al.	Mar 2005	B2
6869433	Glascott	Mar 2005	B2
6872208	McBride et al.	Mar 2005	B1
6875211	Nichols et al.	Apr 2005	B2
6881228	Zdeblick et al.	Apr 2005	B2
6884241	Bertranou et al.	Apr 2005	B2
6884242	LeHuec et al.	Apr 2005	B2
6884243	Sellers	Apr 2005	B2
6885243	Burstein et al.	Apr 2005	B2
D505205	Freid	May 2005	S
6887242	Doubler et al.	May 2005	B2
6890355	Michelson	May 2005	B2
6893444	Orbay	May 2005	B2
6896675	Leung et al.	May 2005	B2
6896676	Zubok et al.	May 2005	B2
6896677	Lin	May 2005	B1
6896680	Michelson	May 2005	B2
6899714	Vaughan	May 2005	B2
6899716	Cragg	May 2005	B2
6902566	Zucherman et al.	Jun 2005	B2
6902580	Fallin et al.	Jun 2005	B2
6911045	Shimp	Jun 2005	B2
6916320	Michelson	Jul 2005	B2
6916340	Metzger et al.	Jul 2005	B2
6918910	Smith et al.	Jul 2005	B2
6918911	Biedermann et al.	Jul 2005	B2
6921403	Cragg et al.	Jul 2005	B2
6923811	Carl et al.	Aug 2005	B1
6923830	Michelson	Aug 2005	B2
6926658	Farnan	Aug 2005	B2
6926737	Jackson	Aug 2005	B2
6929606	Ritland	Aug 2005	B2
6929640	Underwood et al.	Aug 2005	B1
6932817	Baynham et al.	Aug 2005	B2
6932820	Osman	Aug 2005	B2
6936071	Marnay et al.	Aug 2005	B1
6945933	Branch et al.	Sep 2005	B2
6945972	Frigg et al.	Sep 2005	B2
6945973	Bray	Sep 2005	B2
6945975	Dalton	Sep 2005	B2
6947967	Ferris et al.	Sep 2005	B2
6949100	Venturini	Sep 2005	B1
6949105	Bryan et al.	Sep 2005	B2
6951538	Ritland	Oct 2005	B2
6951561	Warren et al.	Oct 2005	B2
6953462	Lieberman	Oct 2005	B2
6953477	Berry	Oct 2005	B2
6955677	Dahners	Oct 2005	B2
6958065	Ueyama et al.	Oct 2005	B2
6964664	Freid et al.	Nov 2005	B2
6964665	Thomas et al.	Nov 2005	B2
6964666	Jackson	Nov 2005	B2
6964667	Shaolian et al.	Nov 2005	B2
6964687	Bernard et al.	Nov 2005	B1
6966910	Ritland	Nov 2005	B2
6966929	Mitchell	Nov 2005	B2
6972019	Michelson	Dec 2005	B2
6972035	Michelson	Dec 2005	B2
6974460	Carbone et al.	Dec 2005	B2
6979334	Dalton	Dec 2005	B2
6980862	Fredricks et al.	Dec 2005	B2
6981973	McKinley	Jan 2006	B2
6981975	Michelson	Jan 2006	B2
6984234	Bray	Jan 2006	B2
6984245	McGahan et al.	Jan 2006	B2
6986771	Paul et al.	Jan 2006	B2
6986772	Michelson	Jan 2006	B2
6989011	Paul et al.	Jan 2006	B2
6989044	Zhang et al.	Jan 2006	B2
6991632	Ritland	Jan 2006	B2
6991654	Foley	Jan 2006	B2
6994688	Brauckman et al.	Feb 2006	B2
6997941	Sharkey et al.	Feb 2006	B2
7001385	Bonutti	Feb 2006	B2
7001432	Keller et al.	Feb 2006	B2
7004947	Shluzas et al.	Feb 2006	B2
RE39035	Finn	Mar 2006	E
7008422	Foley et al.	Mar 2006	B2
7008424	Teitelbaum	Mar 2006	B2
7008426	Paul	Mar 2006	B2
7008453	Michelson	Mar 2006	B1
7011619	Lewis et al.	Mar 2006	B1
7011658	Young	Mar 2006	B2
7011660	Sherman et al.	Mar 2006	B2
7014608	Larson et al.	Mar 2006	B2
7014633	Cragg	Mar 2006	B2
7018378	Biedermann et al.	Mar 2006	B2
7018379	Drewry et al.	Mar 2006	B2
7018412	Ferreira et al.	Mar 2006	B2
7018415	McKay	Mar 2006	B1
7018416	Hanson et al.	Mar 2006	B2
7022122	Amrein et al.	Apr 2006	B2
7025716	Meloul et al.	Apr 2006	B1
7025787	Bryan et al.	Apr 2006	B2
7029472	Fortin	Apr 2006	B1
7029475	Panjabi	Apr 2006	B2
7033362	McGahan et al.	Apr 2006	B2
RE39089	Ralph	May 2006	E
7037339	Houfburg	May 2006	B2
7041135	Michelson	May 2006	B2
7041136	Goble et al.	May 2006	B2
7044971	Suddaby	May 2006	B2
7048736	Robinson et al.	May 2006	B2
7052497	Sherman et al.	May 2006	B2
7056321	Pagliuca et al.	Jun 2006	B2
7056344	Huppert et al.	Jun 2006	B2
7060066	Zhao et al.	Jun 2006	B2
7060097	Fraser et al.	Jun 2006	B2
7063702	Michelson	Jun 2006	B2
7066062	Flesher	Jun 2006	B2
7066937	Shluzas	Jun 2006	B2
7066961	Michelson	Jun 2006	B2
7070598	Lim et al.	Jul 2006	B2
7074237	Goble et al.	Jul 2006	B2
7081116	Carly	Jul 2006	B1
7083621	Shaolian et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7083622	Simonson	Aug 2006	B2
7083625	Berry	Aug 2006	B2
7083649	Zucherman et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7087057	Konieczynski et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7087058	Cragg	Aug 2006	B2
7087083	Pasquet et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7090674	Doubler et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7090679	Saint et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7090680	Bonati et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7094242	Ralph et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7094258	Lambrecht et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7097648	Globerman et al.	Aug 2006	B1
7101375	Zucherman et al.	Sep 2006	B2
7101399	Errico et al.	Sep 2006	B2
7105024	Richelsoph	Sep 2006	B2
7108698	Robbins et al.	Sep 2006	B2
7112206	Michelson	Sep 2006	B2
7118576	Gitis et al.	Oct 2006	B2
7118579	Michelson	Oct 2006	B2
7118580	Beyersdorff et al.	Oct 2006	B1
7118598	Michelson	Oct 2006	B2
7121755	Schlapfer et al.	Oct 2006	B2
7122629	Bejanin et al.	Oct 2006	B2
7125410	Freudiger	Oct 2006	B2
7125425	Simonton et al.	Oct 2006	B2
7125426	Moumene et al.	Oct 2006	B2
7128743	Metz-Stavenhagen	Oct 2006	B2
7128760	Michelson	Oct 2006	B2
7128761	Kuras et al.	Oct 2006	B2
7137985	Jahng	Nov 2006	B2
7137986	Troxell et al.	Nov 2006	B2
7141051	Janowski et al.	Nov 2006	B2
7144396	Shluzas	Dec 2006	B2
7144397	Lambrecht et al.	Dec 2006	B2
7147599	Phillips et al.	Dec 2006	B2
7150714	Myles	Dec 2006	B2
7153281	Holmes	Dec 2006	B2
7153325	Kim et al.	Dec 2006	B2
7156806	Dobrovolny	Jan 2007	B2
7160300	Jackson	Jan 2007	B2
7163538	Altarac et al.	Jan 2007	B2
7163539	Abdelgany et al.	Jan 2007	B2
7163558	Senegas et al.	Jan 2007	B2
7163561	Michelson	Jan 2007	B2
7166073	Ritland	Jan 2007	B2
7166107	Anderson	Jan 2007	B2
7166108	Mazda et al.	Jan 2007	B2
7166121	Reiley et al.	Jan 2007	B2
7169183	Liu et al.	Jan 2007	B2
7179261	Sicvol et al.	Feb 2007	B2
7182729	Abdelgany et al.	Feb 2007	B2
7186255	Baynham et al.	Mar 2007	B2
7188626	Foley et al.	Mar 2007	B2
7198644	Schultz et al.	Apr 2007	B2
7201751	Zucherman et al.	Apr 2007	B2
7204851	Trieu et al.	Apr 2007	B2
7204852	Marnay et al.	Apr 2007	B2
7204853	Gordon et al.	Apr 2007	B2
7207949	Miles et al.	Apr 2007	B2
7207991	Michelson	Apr 2007	B2
7207992	Ritland	Apr 2007	B2
7211085	Michelson	May 2007	B2
7211086	Biedermann et al.	May 2007	B2
7211087	Young	May 2007	B2
7211112	Baynham et al.	May 2007	B2
7214186	Ritland	May 2007	B2
7214227	Colleran et al.	May 2007	B2
7217291	Zucherman et al.	May 2007	B2
7223268	Biedermann	May 2007	B2
7223289	Trieu et al.	May 2007	B2
7227477	Ye	Jun 2007	B2
7229441	Trieu et al.	Jun 2007	B2
7232441	Altarac et al.	Jun 2007	B2
7232463	Falahee	Jun 2007	B2
7232464	Mathieu et al.	Jun 2007	B2
7235048	Rein et al.	Jun 2007	B2
7235105	Jackson	Jun 2007	B2
7241297	Shaolian et al.	Jul 2007	B2
7250052	Landry et al.	Jul 2007	B2
7252673	Lim	Aug 2007	B2
7264621	Coates et al.	Sep 2007	B2
7270665	Morrison et al.	Sep 2007	B2
7273496	Mitchell	Sep 2007	B2
7276081	Coates et al.	Oct 2007	B1
7276082	Zdeblick et al.	Oct 2007	B2
7282063	Cohen et al.	Oct 2007	B2
7282064	Chin	Oct 2007	B2
7282065	Kirschman et al.	Oct 2007	B2
7285121	Braun et al.	Oct 2007	B2
7291149	Michelson	Nov 2007	B1
7291151	Alvarez et al.	Nov 2007	B2
7291152	Abdou	Nov 2007	B2
7291153	Glascott	Nov 2007	B2
7294128	Alleyne et al.	Nov 2007	B2
7294129	Hawkins et al.	Nov 2007	B2
7300441	Haid et al.	Nov 2007	B2
7303563	Poyner et al.	Dec 2007	B2
7306603	Boehm et al.	Dec 2007	B2
7306604	Carli	Dec 2007	B2
7306606	Sasing	Dec 2007	B2
7306628	Zucherman et al.	Dec 2007	B2
7309338	Cragg	Dec 2007	B2
7311734	Hoeck et al.	Dec 2007	B2
7314467	Howland	Jan 2008	B2
7316684	Baccelli et al.	Jan 2008	B1
7316714	Gordon et al.	Jan 2008	B2
7318817	Hamada	Jan 2008	B2
7318840	McKay	Jan 2008	B2
7322979	Crandall et al.	Jan 2008	B2
7326216	Bertagnoli et al.	Feb 2008	B2
7329258	Studer	Feb 2008	B2
7331961	Abdou	Feb 2008	B2
7331995	Eisermann et al.	Feb 2008	B2
7335201	Doubler et al.	Feb 2008	B2
7335202	Matthis et al.	Feb 2008	B2
7335203	Winslow et al.	Feb 2008	B2
7338490	Ogilvie et al.	Mar 2008	B2
7338491	Baker et al.	Mar 2008	B2
7338527	Blatt et al.	Mar 2008	B2
7341587	Molz et al.	Mar 2008	B2
7347874	Disilvestro	Mar 2008	B2
7361179	Rousseau et al.	Apr 2008	B2
7361196	Fallin et al.	Apr 2008	B2
7374534	Dalton	May 2008	B2
7377921	Studer et al.	May 2008	B2
7377942	Berry	May 2008	B2
7396328	Penenberg	Jul 2008	B2
7396360	Lieberman	Jul 2008	B2
7410501	Michelson	Aug 2008	B2
7419505	Fleischmann et al.	Sep 2008	B2
7431735	Liu et al.	Oct 2008	B2
7435262	Michelson	Oct 2008	B2
7442209	Michelson	Oct 2008	B2
7445635	Fallin et al.	Nov 2008	B2
7445637	Taylor	Nov 2008	B2
7455639	Ritland	Nov 2008	B2
7455685	Justis	Nov 2008	B2
7465306	Pond, Jr. et al.	Dec 2008	B2
7473223	Fetzer et al.	Jan 2009	B2
7473276	Aebi et al.	Jan 2009	B2
7476228	Abdou	Jan 2009	B2
7476238	Panjabi	Jan 2009	B2
7479160	Branch et al.	Jan 2009	B2
7485132	McBride et al.	Feb 2009	B1
7491205	Michelson	Feb 2009	B1
7491208	Pond et al.	Feb 2009	B2
7494508	Zeegers et al.	Feb 2009	B2
7497859	Zucherman et al.	Mar 2009	B2
7503918	Baccelli et al.	Mar 2009	B2
7503933	Michelson	Mar 2009	B2
7520888	Trieu	Apr 2009	B2
7527640	Ziolo et al.	May 2009	B2
7534265	Boyd et al.	May 2009	B1
7537565	Bass	May 2009	B2
7537616	Branch et al.	May 2009	B1
7540882	Michelson	Jun 2009	B2
7547308	Bertagnoli et al.	Jun 2009	B2
7547325	Biedermann et al.	Jun 2009	B2
7556639	Rothman et al.	Jul 2009	B2
7559930	Allard et al.	Jul 2009	B2
7559942	Paul et al.	Jul 2009	B2
7563274	Justis et al.	Jul 2009	B2
7563283	Kwak et al.	Jul 2009	B2
7566345	Fallin et al.	Jul 2009	B1
7569014	Bass et al.	Aug 2009	B2
7572276	Lim et al.	Aug 2009	B2
7575580	Lim et al.	Aug 2009	B2
7575587	Rezach et al.	Aug 2009	B2
7578820	Moore et al.	Aug 2009	B2
7578849	Trieu	Aug 2009	B2
7582058	Miles et al.	Sep 2009	B1
7582107	Trail et al.	Sep 2009	B2
7585316	Trieu	Sep 2009	B2
7588537	Bass	Sep 2009	B2
7588579	Mommaerts et al.	Sep 2009	B2
7588589	Falahee	Sep 2009	B2
7588593	Aferzon	Sep 2009	B2
7591839	Biedermann et al.	Sep 2009	B2
7591851	Winslow et al.	Sep 2009	B2
7594919	Peterman	Sep 2009	B2
7594931	Louis et al.	Sep 2009	B2
7594932	Aferzon et al.	Sep 2009	B2
7597694	Lim et al.	Oct 2009	B2
7601166	Biedermann et al.	Oct 2009	B2
7601170	Winslow et al.	Oct 2009	B2
7604643	Ciccone et al.	Oct 2009	B2
7604654	Fallin et al.	Oct 2009	B2
7611518	Walder et al.	Nov 2009	B2
7618423	Valentine et al.	Nov 2009	B1
7618443	Abdou et al.	Nov 2009	B2
7618455	Goble et al.	Nov 2009	B2
7618456	Mathieu et al.	Nov 2009	B2
7621912	Harms et al.	Nov 2009	B2
7621939	Zucherman et al.	Nov 2009	B2
7621940	Harms et al.	Nov 2009	B2
7621942	Piehl	Nov 2009	B2
7621953	Braddock, Jr. et al.	Nov 2009	B2
7621955	Goble et al.	Nov 2009	B2
7621957	Errico et al.	Nov 2009	B2
7625379	Puno et al.	Dec 2009	B2
7625380	Drewry et al.	Dec 2009	B2
7625393	Fallin et al.	Dec 2009	B2
7625396	Jackson	Dec 2009	B2
7628799	Richelsoph et al.	Dec 2009	B2
7632292	Sengupta et al.	Dec 2009	B2
7635366	Abdou et al.	Dec 2009	B2
7635371	McGahan et al.	Dec 2009	B2
7641673	Le et al.	Jan 2010	B2
7641690	Abdou et al.	Jan 2010	B2
7641693	Gutlin et al.	Jan 2010	B2
7645281	Marik	Jan 2010	B2
7651515	Mack et al.	Jan 2010	B2
7654954	Phillips et al.	Feb 2010	B1
7655026	Justis et al.	Feb 2010	B2
7655027	Michelson	Feb 2010	B2
7655028	Kirschman et al.	Feb 2010	B2
7655042	Foley et al.	Feb 2010	B2
7658739	Shluzas	Feb 2010	B2
7658752	Labrom et al.	Feb 2010	B2
7658766	Melkent et al.	Feb 2010	B2
7682375	Ritland	Mar 2010	B2
7682396	Beaurain et al.	Mar 2010	B2
7686809	Triplett et al.	Mar 2010	B2
7691057	Miles et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7691129	Felix	Apr 2010	B2
7695496	Labrom et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7695498	Ritland	Apr 2010	B2
7695514	Kwak et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7695516	Zeegers	Apr 2010	B2
7695517	Benzel et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7704271	Abdou et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7708743	Anderson et al.	May 2010	B2
7708765	Carl et al.	May 2010	B2
7722618	Estes et al.	May 2010	B2
7727233	Blackwell et al.	Jun 2010	B2
7727280	McLuen	Jun 2010	B2
7738968	Bleich	Jun 2010	B2
7744635	Sweeney et al.	Jun 2010	B2
7749231	Bonvallet et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7749252	Zucherman et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7749269	Peterman et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7749270	Peterman	Jul 2010	B2
7749274	Razian	Jul 2010	B2
7753844	Sharratt et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7753937	Chervitz et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7753938	Aschmann et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7753958	Gordon et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7758274	Paul	Jul 2010	B2
7758501	Frasier et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7758644	Trieu et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7758645	Studer et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7758648	Castleman et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7763074	Altarac et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7763078	Peterman et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7766918	Allard et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7771432	Schwab et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7771473	Thramann	Aug 2010	B2
7771475	Michelson	Aug 2010	B2
7776049	Curran et al.	Aug 2010	B1
7776067	Jackson	Aug 2010	B2
7776090	Winslow et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7780670	Bonutti	Aug 2010	B2
7780732	Abernathie et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7789914	Michelson	Sep 2010	B2
7794501	Edie et al.	Sep 2010	B2
7799053	Haid et al.	Sep 2010	B2
7799081	McKinley	Sep 2010	B2
7806911	Peckham	Oct 2010	B2
7806913	Fanger et al.	Oct 2010	B2
7811326	Braddock, Jr. et al.	Oct 2010	B2
7815683	Melkent et al.	Oct 2010	B2
7819801	Miles et al.	Oct 2010	B2
7819903	Fraser et al.	Oct 2010	B2
7824445	Biro et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7828807	LeHuec et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7828847	Abdou et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7837688	Boyer et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7837714	Drewry et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7837732	Zucherman et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7837734	Zucherman et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7842074	Abdou	Nov 2010	B2
7846186	Taylor	Dec 2010	B2
7846207	Lechmann et al.	Dec 2010	B2
7850608	Hamada	Dec 2010	B2
7850731	Brittan et al.	Dec 2010	B2
7850732	Heinz	Dec 2010	B2
7850733	Baynham et al.	Dec 2010	B2
7854752	Colleran et al.	Dec 2010	B2
7857818	Trieu et al.	Dec 2010	B2
7857833	Abdou et al.	Dec 2010	B2
7871426	Chin et al.	Jan 2011	B2
7875034	Josse et al.	Jan 2011	B2
7875076	Mathieu et al.	Jan 2011	B2
7875078	Wysocki et al.	Jan 2011	B2
7879074	Kwak et al.	Feb 2011	B2
7883532	Biscup et al.	Feb 2011	B2
7883542	Zipnick et al.	Feb 2011	B2
7887591	Aebi et al.	Feb 2011	B2
7892173	Miles et al.	Feb 2011	B2
7892261	Bonutti	Feb 2011	B2
7892286	Michelson et al.	Feb 2011	B2
7901409	Canaveral et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7901458	DeRidder et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7905840	Pimenta et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7905886	Curran et al.	Mar 2011	B1
7909829	Patel et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7909848	Patel et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7909870	Kraus	Mar 2011	B2
7909871	Abdou et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7914558	Landry et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7918792	Drzyzga et al.	Apr 2011	B2
7922658	Cohen et al.	Apr 2011	B2
7922745	Hestad et al.	Apr 2011	B2
7922750	Trautwein et al.	Apr 2011	B2
7927337	Keller	Apr 2011	B2
7931589	Cohen et al.	Apr 2011	B2
7931674	Zucherman et al.	Apr 2011	B2
7935134	Reglos et al.	May 2011	B2
7935147	Wales	May 2011	B2
7935149	Michelson	May 2011	B2
7938848	Sweeney	May 2011	B2
7946982	Hamada	May 2011	B2
7951198	Sucec et al.	May 2011	B2
7955390	Fallin et al.	Jun 2011	B2
7955392	Dewey et al.	Jun 2011	B2
7959564	Ritland	Jun 2011	B2
7959677	Landry et al.	Jun 2011	B2
7972363	Moskowitz et al.	Jul 2011	B2
7976566	Michelson	Jul 2011	B2
7981031	Frasier et al.	Jul 2011	B2
7985258	Zdeblick et al.	Jul 2011	B2
7988699	Martz et al.	Aug 2011	B2
8002802	Abdou et al.	Aug 2011	B2
8002833	Fabris et al.	Aug 2011	B2
8002842	Ronk	Aug 2011	B2
8012207	Kim	Sep 2011	B2
8021393	Seifert et al.	Sep 2011	B2
8021401	Carl et al.	Sep 2011	B2
8021429	Viker	Sep 2011	B2
8025680	Hayes et al.	Sep 2011	B2
8025697	Abdelgany et al.	Sep 2011	B2
8034109	Zwirkoski	Oct 2011	B2
8038716	Duggal et al.	Oct 2011	B2
8043334	Fisher et al.	Oct 2011	B2
8043343	Miller et al.	Oct 2011	B2
8043376	Falahee	Oct 2011	B2
8043380	Park et al.	Oct 2011	B1
8048120	Fallin et al.	Nov 2011	B1
8062299	McGahan et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8062336	Triplett et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8062337	Bruneau et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8066710	Estes et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8066714	Shipp et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8066741	Fallin et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8066742	Anderson et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8066749	Winslow et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8070749	Stern	Dec 2011	B2
8070816	Taylor et al.	Dec 2011	B2
8075593	Hess	Dec 2011	B2
8075618	Trieu et al.	Dec 2011	B2
8075621	Michelson	Dec 2011	B2
8080046	Suddaby	Dec 2011	B2
8083798	Allard et al.	Dec 2011	B2
8097018	Malandain et al.	Jan 2012	B2
8100828	Frey et al.	Jan 2012	B2
8105358	Phan	Jan 2012	B2
8114131	Kohm et al.	Feb 2012	B2
8123807	Kim	Feb 2012	B2
8128659	Ginsberg et al.	Mar 2012	B2
8128664	Pasquet	Mar 2012	B2
8137284	Miles et al.	Mar 2012	B2
8142479	Hess	Mar 2012	B2
8157840	Zucherman et al.	Apr 2012	B2
8163026	Gray	Apr 2012	B2
8167887	McLean	May 2012	B2
8167908	Ely et al.	May 2012	B2
8167915	Ferree et al.	May 2012	B2
8167946	Michelson	May 2012	B2
8167949	Tyber et al.	May 2012	B2
8172855	Abdou	May 2012	B2
8182423	Miles et al.	May 2012	B2
8192358	Leahy	Jun 2012	B2
8197514	Maas et al.	Jun 2012	B2
8197522	Park et al.	Jun 2012	B2
8206420	Patel et al.	Jun 2012	B2
8216312	Gray	Jul 2012	B2
8226690	Altarac et al.	Jul 2012	B2
8231623	Jordan	Jul 2012	B1
8241330	Lamborne et al.	Aug 2012	B2
8241359	Davis et al.	Aug 2012	B2
8241362	Voorhies	Aug 2012	B2
8251997	Michelson	Aug 2012	B2
8268004	Castleman et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8277489	Saidha et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8287569	Powell	Oct 2012	B1
8303629	Abdou	Nov 2012	B1
8303660	Abdou	Nov 2012	B1
8308804	Krueger	Nov 2012	B2
8343046	Miles et al.	Jan 2013	B2
8343190	Mueller et al.	Jan 2013	B1
8349012	McKay	Jan 2013	B2
8353826	Weiman et al.	Jan 2013	B2
8361108	Gold et al.	Jan 2013	B2
8382801	Lamborne et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8388660	Abdou	Mar 2013	B1
8388687	Gimbel et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8397522	Springer et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8403959	Doellinger	Mar 2013	B2
8419738	Smisson, III et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8419772	Thompson et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8425602	Guyer et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8435268	Thompson et al.	May 2013	B2
8435269	Woolley et al.	May 2013	B2
8439953	Mitchell et al.	May 2013	B2
8454621	Deridder et al.	Jun 2013	B2
8454661	Rathbun et al.	Jun 2013	B2
8454694	Armstrong et al.	Jun 2013	B2
8465547	Melkent et al.	Jun 2013	B2
RE44380	De et al.	Jul 2013	E
8475497	Grizzard	Jul 2013	B2
8480712	Samuel et al.	Jul 2013	B1
8480747	Melkent et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8486147	De et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8491471	Deshmukh et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8506629	Weiland	Aug 2013	B2
8512343	Dziedzic et al.	Aug 2013	B2
8529611	Champagne et al.	Sep 2013	B2
8562650	Dace	Oct 2013	B2
8574267	Linares	Nov 2013	B2
8603143	Robinson	Dec 2013	B2
8623088	Tohmeh et al.	Jan 2014	B1
8636655	Childs	Jan 2014	B1
8636772	Schmierer et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8657855	Zhang	Feb 2014	B2
8663331	McClellan, III et al.	Mar 2014	B2
8685065	Taber et al.	Apr 2014	B1
8685093	Anderson	Apr 2014	B2
8690917	Suh et al.	Apr 2014	B2
8690950	Refai et al.	Apr 2014	B2
8696709	Dinville et al.	Apr 2014	B2
8702756	Reimels	Apr 2014	B2
8721686	Gordon et al.	May 2014	B2
8721689	Butler et al.	May 2014	B2
8771318	Triplett et al.	Jul 2014	B2
8771360	Jimenez et al.	Jul 2014	B2
8795335	Abdou et al.	Aug 2014	B1
8795375	Malberg	Aug 2014	B2
8827900	Pimenta	Sep 2014	B1
8828055	Blain et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8828056	Buss et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8828061	Scrantz et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8845728	Abdou	Sep 2014	B1
8876904	Pimenta et al.	Nov 2014	B2
8900137	Lovell et al.	Dec 2014	B1
8906092	Abdou	Dec 2014	B2
8911441	Dace et al.	Dec 2014	B2
8940019	Gordon et al.	Jan 2015	B2
8940051	Gimbel et al.	Jan 2015	B2
8940052	Lechmann et al.	Jan 2015	B2
8956415	Cowan	Feb 2015	B2
8974381	Lovell et al.	Mar 2015	B1
8998905	Marik et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9005248	Taber et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9011538	Allard et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9044280	Arambula et al.	Jun 2015	B1
9113853	Casey et al.	Aug 2015	B1
9179903	Cianfrani et al.	Nov 2015	B2
9198767	Abdou	Dec 2015	B2
9211147	Gordon et al.	Dec 2015	B2
9247968	Taber et al.	Feb 2016	B2
9265526	Abdou	Feb 2016	B1
9308099	Triplett et al.	Apr 2016	B2
9320506	Bertagnoli et al.	Apr 2016	B2
9345464	Abdou et al.	May 2016	B2
9364338	Malberg	Jun 2016	B2
9408596	Blain	Aug 2016	B2
9408717	Perrow et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9445918	Lin et al.	Sep 2016	B1
9451940	Spann	Sep 2016	B2
9486328	Jimenez et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9622795	Reitblat et al.	Apr 2017	B2
9655505	Gharib et al.	May 2017	B1
9687356	Spangler et al.	Jun 2017	B1
9687357	Bannigan et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9730737	Baynham et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9730802	Harvey	Aug 2017	B1
9795367	Lee et al.	Oct 2017	B1
9795370	O'Connell et al.	Oct 2017	B2
RE46647	Messerli et al.	Dec 2017	E
10166018	Hunt et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10426450	Vogel et al.	Oct 2019	B2
20010001129	McKay et al.	May 2001	A1
20010012938	Zucherman et al.	Aug 2001	A1
20010021850	Zucherman et al.	Sep 2001	A1
20010031965	Zucherman et al.	Oct 2001	A1
20010039452	Zucherman et al.	Nov 2001	A1
20010047172	Foley et al.	Nov 2001	A1
20010053914	Landry et al.	Dec 2001	A1
20010056219	Brauckman et al.	Dec 2001	A1
20020016595	Michelson	Feb 2002	A1
20020019626	Sharkey et al.	Feb 2002	A1
20020019637	Frey et al.	Feb 2002	A1
20020026101	Bookwalter et al.	Feb 2002	A1
20020032484	Hyde et al.	Mar 2002	A1
20020045899	Errico et al.	Apr 2002	A1
20020045904	Fuss et al.	Apr 2002	A1
20020045945	Liu et al.	Apr 2002	A1
20020049394	Roy et al.	Apr 2002	A1
20020049444	Knox	Apr 2002	A1
20020049446	Harkey et al.	Apr 2002	A1
20020055738	Lieberman	May 2002	A1
20020055741	Schlapfer et al.	May 2002	A1
20020058944	Michelson	May 2002	A1
20020065558	Varga et al.	May 2002	A1
20020077530	Velikaris et al.	Jun 2002	A1
20020082602	Biedermann et al.	Jun 2002	A1
20020082700	Bianchi et al.	Jun 2002	A1
20020099386	Beger et al.	Jul 2002	A1
20020111628	Ralph et al.	Aug 2002	A1
20020120268	Berger et al.	Aug 2002	A1
20020128713	Ferree	Sep 2002	A1
20020138146	Jackson	Sep 2002	A1
20020143328	Shluzas et al.	Oct 2002	A1
20020143332	Lin et al.	Oct 2002	A1
20020143341	Biedermann et al.	Oct 2002	A1
20020147449	Yun	Oct 2002	A1
20020161368	Foley et al.	Oct 2002	A1
20020165550	Frey et al.	Nov 2002	A1
20020165612	Gerber et al.	Nov 2002	A1
20020169450	Lange	Nov 2002	A1
20020169453	Berger	Nov 2002	A1
20020183748	Martin et al.	Dec 2002	A1
20020183755	Michelson	Dec 2002	A1
20020183761	Johnson et al.	Dec 2002	A1
20020183848	Ray et al.	Dec 2002	A1
20020188296	Michelson	Dec 2002	A1
20030000350	Zhao et al.	Jan 2003	A1
20030004572	Goble et al.	Jan 2003	A1
20030014068	Bonutti et al.	Jan 2003	A1
20030014123	Copf et al.	Jan 2003	A1
20030018389	Castro et al.	Jan 2003	A1
20030023240	Amrein et al.	Jan 2003	A1
20030023243	Biedermann et al.	Jan 2003	A1
20030023305	McKay	Jan 2003	A1
20030023306	Liu et al.	Jan 2003	A1
20030023308	Leroux et al.	Jan 2003	A1
20030028251	Mathews	Feb 2003	A1
20030040746	Mitchell et al.	Feb 2003	A1
20030040798	Michelson	Feb 2003	A1
20030045878	Petit et al.	Mar 2003	A1
20030045935	Angelucci et al.	Mar 2003	A1
20030055430	Kim	Mar 2003	A1
20030060826	Foley et al.	Mar 2003	A1
20030065330	Zucherman et al.	Apr 2003	A1
20030065395	Ralph et al.	Apr 2003	A1
20030065396	Michelson	Apr 2003	A1
20030073997	Doubler et al.	Apr 2003	A1
20030074001	Apfelbaum et al.	Apr 2003	A1
20030074005	Roth et al.	Apr 2003	A1
20030078583	Biedermann et al.	Apr 2003	A1
20030078662	Ralph et al.	Apr 2003	A1
20030078664	Ralph et al.	Apr 2003	A1
20030083747	Winterbottom et al.	May 2003	A1
20030088251	Braun et al.	May 2003	A1
20030093153	Banick et al.	May 2003	A1
20030094812	Balsells	May 2003	A1
20030100896	Biedermann et al.	May 2003	A1
20030105460	Crandall et al.	Jun 2003	A1
20030109880	Shirado et al.	Jun 2003	A1
20030114852	Biedermann et al.	Jun 2003	A1
20030125741	Biedermann et al.	Jul 2003	A1
20030125742	Yuan et al.	Jul 2003	A1
20030139813	Messerli et al.	Jul 2003	A1
20030149341	Clifton	Aug 2003	A1
20030149431	Varieur	Aug 2003	A1
20030149432	Frigg et al.	Aug 2003	A1
20030149484	Michelson	Aug 2003	A1
20030153911	Shluzas	Aug 2003	A1
20030153913	Altarac et al.	Aug 2003	A1
20030163133	Altarac et al.	Aug 2003	A1
20030163199	Boehm et al.	Aug 2003	A1
20030167058	Shluzas	Sep 2003	A1
20030171749	Le et al.	Sep 2003	A1
20030171751	Ritland	Sep 2003	A1
20030176862	Taylor et al.	Sep 2003	A1
20030176864	Ueyama et al.	Sep 2003	A1
20030176923	Keller et al.	Sep 2003	A1
20030181975	Ishii et al.	Sep 2003	A1
20030187436	Bolger et al.	Oct 2003	A1
20030187510	Hyde	Oct 2003	A1
20030191470	Ritland	Oct 2003	A1
20030195518	Cragg	Oct 2003	A1
20030195633	Hyde	Oct 2003	A1
20030199873	Richelsoph	Oct 2003	A1
20030199981	Ferree	Oct 2003	A1
20030208202	Falahee	Nov 2003	A1
20030208203	Lim et al.	Nov 2003	A1
20030208204	Bailey et al.	Nov 2003	A1
20030208273	Eisermann et al.	Nov 2003	A1
20030212398	Jackson	Nov 2003	A1
20030216735	Altarac et al.	Nov 2003	A1
20030216736	Robinson et al.	Nov 2003	A1
20030217809	Morishige	Nov 2003	A1
20030220642	Freudiger	Nov 2003	A1
20030220643	Ferree	Nov 2003	A1
20030225408	Nichols et al.	Dec 2003	A1
20030229347	Sherman et al.	Dec 2003	A1
20030233136	Williams et al.	Dec 2003	A1
20030236472	Van et al.	Dec 2003	A1
20030236572	Bertram	Dec 2003	A1
20040002708	Ritland	Jan 2004	A1
20040006342	Altarac et al.	Jan 2004	A1
20040006391	Reiley	Jan 2004	A1
20040010253	Morrison	Jan 2004	A1
20040012938	Sylvester et al.	Jan 2004	A1
20040018228	Fischell et al.	Jan 2004	A1
20040019263	Jutras et al.	Jan 2004	A1
20040030338	Paul	Feb 2004	A1
20040030346	Frey et al.	Feb 2004	A1
20040039387	Gause et al.	Feb 2004	A1
20040044412	Lambrecht et al.	Mar 2004	A1
20040049189	Le et al.	Mar 2004	A1
20040049190	Biedermann et al.	Mar 2004	A1
20040049271	Biedermann et al.	Mar 2004	A1
20040049280	Cauthen	Mar 2004	A1
20040054412	Gerbec et al.	Mar 2004	A1
20040059318	Zhang et al.	Mar 2004	A1
20040068261	Fourcault et al.	Apr 2004	A1
20040068318	Coates et al.	Apr 2004	A1
20040073215	Carli	Apr 2004	A1
20040073216	Lieberman	Apr 2004	A1
20040078079	Foley	Apr 2004	A1
20040078082	Lange	Apr 2004	A1
20040087947	Lim et al.	May 2004	A1
20040087948	Suddaby	May 2004	A1
20040087949	Bono et al.	May 2004	A1
20040087952	Borgstrom et al.	May 2004	A1
20040092930	Petit et al.	May 2004	A1
20040092933	Shaolian et al.	May 2004	A1
20040092934	Howland	May 2004	A1
20040093083	Branch et al.	May 2004	A1
20040097933	Lourdel et al.	May 2004	A1
20040097935	Richelsoph et al.	May 2004	A1
20040097940	Paul	May 2004	A1
20040098129	Lin	May 2004	A1
20040102780	West et al.	May 2004	A1
20040106927	Ruffner et al.	Jun 2004	A1
20040106995	Le et al.	Jun 2004	A1
20040106996	Liu et al.	Jun 2004	A1
20040111136	Sharkey et al.	Jun 2004	A1
20040111141	Brabec et al.	Jun 2004	A1
20040116929	Barker et al.	Jun 2004	A1
20040122518	Rhoda	Jun 2004	A1
20040127963	Uchida et al.	Jul 2004	A1
20040127990	Bartish et al.	Jul 2004	A1
20040127994	Kast et al.	Jul 2004	A1
20040133207	Abdou	Jul 2004	A1
20040138662	Landry et al.	Jul 2004	A1
20040138671	Zander et al.	Jul 2004	A1
20040143264	McAfee	Jul 2004	A1
20040143265	Landry et al.	Jul 2004	A1
20040143270	Zucherman et al.	Jul 2004	A1
20040143332	Krueger et al.	Jul 2004	A1
20040147928	Landry et al.	Jul 2004	A1
20040147929	Biedermann et al.	Jul 2004	A1
20040153065	Lim	Aug 2004	A1
20040153070	Barker et al.	Aug 2004	A1
20040158247	Sitiso et al.	Aug 2004	A1
20040158254	Eisermann	Aug 2004	A1
20040162558	Hegde et al.	Aug 2004	A1
20040162560	Raynor et al.	Aug 2004	A1
20040167520	Zucherman et al.	Aug 2004	A1
20040167625	Beyar et al.	Aug 2004	A1
20040167626	Geremakis et al.	Aug 2004	A1
20040172022	Landry et al.	Sep 2004	A1
20040172025	Drewry et al.	Sep 2004	A1
20040172134	Berry	Sep 2004	A1
20040176766	Shluzas	Sep 2004	A1
20040181226	Michelson	Sep 2004	A1
20040181285	Simonson	Sep 2004	A1
20040186473	Cournoyer et al.	Sep 2004	A1
20040186572	Lange et al.	Sep 2004	A1
20040193151	To et al.	Sep 2004	A1
20040195089	O'Brien	Oct 2004	A1
20040204712	Kolb et al.	Oct 2004	A1
20040204713	Abdou	Oct 2004	A1
20040210216	Farris	Oct 2004	A1
20040215190	Nguyen et al.	Oct 2004	A1
20040220567	Eisermann et al.	Nov 2004	A1
20040220670	Eisermann et al.	Nov 2004	A1
20040220671	Ralph et al.	Nov 2004	A1
20040225289	Biedermann et al.	Nov 2004	A1
20040225291	Schwammberger et al.	Nov 2004	A1
20040225364	Richelsoph et al.	Nov 2004	A1
20040225365	Eisermann et al.	Nov 2004	A1
20040225366	Eisermann et al.	Nov 2004	A1
20040230309	DiMauro et al.	Nov 2004	A1
20040236327	Paul et al.	Nov 2004	A1
20040236328	Paul et al.	Nov 2004	A1
20040236329	Panjabi	Nov 2004	A1
20040236330	Purcell et al.	Nov 2004	A1
20040236333	Lin	Nov 2004	A1
20040236425	Huang	Nov 2004	A1
20040243240	Beaurain et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040249377	Kaes et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040249379	Winslow et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040249380	Glascott	Dec 2004	A1
20040249461	Ferree	Dec 2004	A1
20040254574	Morrison et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040254575	Obenchain et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040260283	Wu et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040260291	Jensen	Dec 2004	A1
20040267264	Konieczynski et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040267369	Lyons et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20050004573	Abdou	Jan 2005	A1
20050010227	Paul	Jan 2005	A1
20050010291	Stinson et al.	Jan 2005	A1
20050010301	Disilvestro et al.	Jan 2005	A1
20050012506	Yudahira	Jan 2005	A1
20050021029	Trieu et al.	Jan 2005	A1
20050021031	Foley et al.	Jan 2005	A1
20050021040	Bertagnoli	Jan 2005	A1
20050021041	Michelson	Jan 2005	A1
20050027296	Thramann et al.	Feb 2005	A1
20050027360	Webb et al.	Feb 2005	A1
20050033296	Bono et al.	Feb 2005	A1
20050033298	Hawkes et al.	Feb 2005	A1
20050033431	Gordon et al.	Feb 2005	A1
20050033432	Gordon et al.	Feb 2005	A1
20050033434	Berry	Feb 2005	A1
20050038432	Shaolian et al.	Feb 2005	A1
20050038511	Martz et al.	Feb 2005	A1
20050043800	Paul et al.	Feb 2005	A1
20050043802	Eisermann et al.	Feb 2005	A1
20050049705	Hale et al.	Mar 2005	A1
20050049708	Atkinson et al.	Mar 2005	A1
20050055026	Biedermann et al.	Mar 2005	A1
20050055031	Lim	Mar 2005	A1
20050065514	Studer	Mar 2005	A1
20050065515	Jahng	Mar 2005	A1
20050065516	Jahng	Mar 2005	A1
20050065517	Chin et al.	Mar 2005	A1
20050069701	Watanabe et al.	Mar 2005	A1
20050070899	Doubler et al.	Mar 2005	A1
20050070901	David	Mar 2005	A1
20050071007	Malek	Mar 2005	A1
20050075636	Gotzen	Apr 2005	A1
20050080320	Lee et al.	Apr 2005	A1
20050080415	Keyer et al.	Apr 2005	A1
20050085812	Sherman et al.	Apr 2005	A1
20050085813	Spitler et al.	Apr 2005	A1
20050085815	Harms et al.	Apr 2005	A1
20050085816	Michelson	Apr 2005	A1
20050085909	Eisermann	Apr 2005	A1
20050096652	Burton	May 2005	A1
20050096653	Doubler et al.	May 2005	A1
20050096654	Lin	May 2005	A1
20050096745	Andre et al.	May 2005	A1
20050107788	Beaurain et al.	May 2005	A1
20050113830	Rezach et al.	May 2005	A1
20050113833	Davison	May 2005	A1
20050113927	Malek	May 2005	A1
20050113928	Cragg et al.	May 2005	A1
20050119663	Keyer et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050119747	Fabris et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050119748	Reiley et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050124991	Jahng	Jun 2005	A1
20050125061	Zucherman et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050125066	McAfee	Jun 2005	A1
20050126576	Ferree	Jun 2005	A1
20050131404	Mazda et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050131406	Reiley et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050131407	Sicvol et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050131409	Chervitz et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050131413	O'Driscoll et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050131420	Techiera et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050131421	Anderson et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050137597	Butler et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050137604	Assell et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050143737	Pafford et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050143822	Paul	Jun 2005	A1
20050143823	Boyd et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050149020	Jahng	Jul 2005	A1
20050149023	Ritland	Jul 2005	A1
20050149188	Cook et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050149196	Zucherman et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050154389	Selover et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050154390	Biedermann et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050154391	Doherty et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050154461	Humphreys et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050159750	Doherty	Jul 2005	A1
20050159756	Ray	Jul 2005	A1
20050159813	Molz et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050159815	Kamimura et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050165396	Fortin et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050165398	Reiley	Jul 2005	A1
20050165400	Fernandez et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050165487	Muhanna et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050171540	Lim et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050171541	Boehm et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050171543	Timm et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050171608	Peterman et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050171609	Humphreys et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050171610	Humphreys et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050177156	Timm et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050177157	Jahng	Aug 2005	A1
20050177163	Abdou et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050177164	Walters et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050177166	Timm et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050177167	Muckter et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050177209	Leung et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050177210	Leung et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050177211	Leung et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050177240	Blain	Aug 2005	A1
20050182401	Timm et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050182404	Lauryssen et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050187548	Butler et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050187555	Biedermann et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050187628	Michelson	Aug 2005	A1
20050192571	Abdelgany	Sep 2005	A1
20050192577	Mosca et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050192580	Dalton	Sep 2005	A1
20050192589	Raymond et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050192671	Bao et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050197660	Haid et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050197702	Coppes et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050203511	Wilson-MacDonald et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050203512	Hawkins et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050203513	Jahng et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050203514	Jahng et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050203516	Biedermann et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050203517	Jahng et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050203518	Biedermann et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050203519	Harms et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050203533	Ferguson et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050203604	Brabec et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050203624	Serhan et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050209694	Loeb	Sep 2005	A1
20050215999	Birkmeyer et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050216001	David	Sep 2005	A1
20050216003	Biedermann et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050216083	Michelson	Sep 2005	A1
20050222682	Link et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050222683	Berry	Oct 2005	A1
20050228376	Boomer et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050228377	Chao et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050228395	Auxepaules et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050228400	Chao et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050228501	Miller et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050234449	Aferzon	Oct 2005	A1
20050234450	Barker et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050234451	Markworth	Oct 2005	A1
20050234452	Malandain	Oct 2005	A1
20050234453	Shaolian et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050234454	Chin	Oct 2005	A1
20050234456	Malandain	Oct 2005	A1
20050234555	Sutton et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050240181	Boomer et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050240183	Vaughan	Oct 2005	A1
20050240265	Kuiper et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050240273	Khandkar et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050245928	Colleran et al.	Nov 2005	A1
20050245930	Timm et al.	Nov 2005	A1
20050251137	Ball	Nov 2005	A1
20050251139	Roh	Nov 2005	A1
20050251140	Shaolian et al.	Nov 2005	A1
20050251141	Frigg et al.	Nov 2005	A1
20050251258	Jackson	Nov 2005	A1
20050256576	Moskowitz et al.	Nov 2005	A1
20050256578	Blatt et al.	Nov 2005	A1
20050260058	Cassagne, III	Nov 2005	A1
20050261685	Fortin et al.	Nov 2005	A1
20050261687	Garamszegi et al.	Nov 2005	A1
20050261768	Trieu	Nov 2005	A1
20050267470	McBride	Dec 2005	A1
20050267471	Biedermann et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050267474	Dalton	Dec 2005	A1
20050267477	Jackson	Dec 2005	A1
20050267579	Reiley et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050267580	Suddaby	Dec 2005	A1
20050273099	Baccelli et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050273101	Schumacher	Dec 2005	A1
20050273120	Abdou et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050273171	Gordon et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050277919	Slivka et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050277921	Eisermann et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050277922	Trieu et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050277923	Sweeney	Dec 2005	A1
20050277924	Roychowdhury	Dec 2005	A1
20050277925	Mujwid	Dec 2005	A1
20050277927	Guenther et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050277928	Boschert	Dec 2005	A1
20050277931	Sweeney et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050277934	Vardiman	Dec 2005	A1
20050278026	Gordon et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050283152	Lindemann et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050283153	Poyner et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050283157	Coates et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050283236	Razian	Dec 2005	A1
20050283238	Reiley	Dec 2005	A1
20050283241	Keller et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050283244	Gordon et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050283245	Gordon et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050288669	Abdou et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050288670	Panjabi et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050288671	Yuan et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050288672	Ferree	Dec 2005	A1
20050288673	Catbagan et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20060004357	Lee et al.	Jan 2006	A1
20060004359	Kramer et al.	Jan 2006	A1
20060004360	Kramer et al.	Jan 2006	A1
20060004363	Brockmeyer et al.	Jan 2006	A1
20060004367	Alamin	Jan 2006	A1
20060004453	Bartish et al.	Jan 2006	A1
20060009767	Kiester et al.	Jan 2006	A1
20060009768	Ritland	Jan 2006	A1
20060009769	Lieberman	Jan 2006	A1
20060009770	Speirs et al.	Jan 2006	A1
20060009775	Dec et al.	Jan 2006	A1
20060009780	Foley et al.	Jan 2006	A1
20060009846	Trieu et al.	Jan 2006	A1
20060015099	Cannon et al.	Jan 2006	A1
20060015104	Dalton	Jan 2006	A1
20060015181	Elberg	Jan 2006	A1
20060015183	Gilbert et al.	Jan 2006	A1
20060020342	Ferree et al.	Jan 2006	A1
20060024614	Williamson et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060025767	Khalili et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060025768	Iott et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060025770	Schlapfer et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060030839	Park et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060030850	Keegan et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060036240	Colleran et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060036242	Nilsson et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060036244	Spitler et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060036246	Carl et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060036250	Lange	Feb 2006	A1
20060036252	Baynham et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060036254	Lim	Feb 2006	A1
20060036255	Pond, Jr. et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060036256	Carl et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060036258	Zucherman et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060036259	Carl et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060036260	Runco et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060036323	Carl	Feb 2006	A1
20060036324	Sachs et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060041259	Paul et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060052780	Errico et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060052783	Dant et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060052784	Dant et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060052786	Dant et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060052870	Ferree	Mar 2006	A1
20060052872	Studer et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060058788	Hammer et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060058790	Carl et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060058791	Broman et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060058800	Ainsworth et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060058878	Michelson	Mar 2006	A1
20060064090	Park	Mar 2006	A1
20060064091	Ludwig et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060064092	Howland	Mar 2006	A1
20060064095	Senn et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060069390	Frigg et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060069436	Sutton et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060069438	Zucherman et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060074419	Taylor et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060074445	Gerber et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060074488	Abdou et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060079894	Colleran et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060079895	McLeer	Apr 2006	A1
20060079896	Kwak et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060079898	Ainsworth et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060079899	Ritland	Apr 2006	A1
20060079903	Wong	Apr 2006	A1
20060079905	Beyar et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060084844	Nehls	Apr 2006	A1
20060084976	Borgstrom et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060084977	Lieberman	Apr 2006	A1
20060084981	Shluzas	Apr 2006	A1
20060084982	Kim	Apr 2006	A1
20060084983	Kim	Apr 2006	A1
20060084984	Kim	Apr 2006	A1
20060084985	Kim	Apr 2006	A1
20060084986	Grinberg et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060084987	Kim	Apr 2006	A1
20060084988	Kim	Apr 2006	A1
20060084989	Dickinson et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060084991	Borgstrom et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060084993	Landry et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060084995	Biedermann et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060085069	Kim	Apr 2006	A1
20060085076	Krishna et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060088398	Lund	Apr 2006	A1
20060089643	Mujwid	Apr 2006	A1
20060089644	Felix	Apr 2006	A1
20060089646	Bonutti	Apr 2006	A1
20060089647	Culbert et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060089656	Allard et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060089718	Zucherman et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060095037	Jones et al.	May 2006	A1
20060106380	Colleran et al.	May 2006	A1
20060106381	Ferree et al.	May 2006	A1
20060106383	Biedermann et al.	May 2006	A1
20060106387	Fanger et al.	May 2006	A1
20060106395	Link et al.	May 2006	A1
20060106397	Lins et al.	May 2006	A1
20060111714	Foley	May 2006	A1
20060111715	Jackson	May 2006	A1
20060111728	Abdou et al.	May 2006	A1
20060116677	Burd et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060116768	Krueger et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060122597	Jones et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060122599	Drewry et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060122604	Gorhan et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060122607	Kolb et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060122625	Truckai et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060122701	Kiester	Jun 2006	A1
20060129147	Biedermann et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060129149	Iott et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060129239	Kwak et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060129244	Ensign	Jun 2006	A1
20060136060	Taylor	Jun 2006	A1
20060136062	Dinello et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060142758	Petit	Jun 2006	A1
20060142760	McDonnell	Jun 2006	A1
20060142761	Landry et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060142858	Colleran et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060149228	Schlapfer et al.	Jul 2006	A1
20060149229	Kwak et al.	Jul 2006	A1
20060149232	Sasing	Jul 2006	A1
20060149234	De	Jul 2006	A1
20060149238	Sherman et al.	Jul 2006	A1
20060149240	Jackson	Jul 2006	A1
20060149241	Richelsoph et al.	Jul 2006	A1
20060149244	Amrein et al.	Jul 2006	A1
20060149245	Sweeney	Jul 2006	A1
20060149278	Abdou	Jul 2006	A1
20060149284	McCormack et al.	Jul 2006	A1
20060149385	McKay	Jul 2006	A1
20060155277	Metz-Stavenhagen	Jul 2006	A1
20060155278	Warnick	Jul 2006	A1
20060155284	Doherty et al.	Jul 2006	A1
20060161152	Ensign et al.	Jul 2006	A1
20060161154	McAfee	Jul 2006	A1
20060167454	Ludwig et al.	Jul 2006	A1
20060167455	Clement et al.	Jul 2006	A1
20060173454	Spitler et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060173456	Hawkes et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060178746	Bartish et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060184112	Horn et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060184171	Biedermann et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060184180	Augostino et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060184247	Edidin et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060187562	Mounnarat et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060189983	Fallin et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060189984	Fallin et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060189985	Lewis	Aug 2006	A1
20060190082	Keller et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060195089	LeHuec et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060195090	Suddaby	Aug 2006	A1
20060195093	Jahng	Aug 2006	A1
20060195096	Lee et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060195098	Schumacher	Aug 2006	A1
20060195102	Malandain	Aug 2006	A1
20060195192	Gordon et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060200121	Mowery	Sep 2006	A1
20060200128	Mueller	Sep 2006	A1
20060200130	Hawkins et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060200131	Chao et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060200132	Chao et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060200135	Sherman et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060200138	Michelson et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060200139	Michelson et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060200149	Hoy et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060210494	Rabiei et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060212033	Rothman et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060212034	Triplett et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060217710	Abdou	Sep 2006	A1
20060217712	Mueller et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060217713	Serhan et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060217714	Serhan et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060217716	Baker et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060217719	Albert et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060217731	Gil et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060217809	Albert et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060224159	Anderson et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060229608	Foster et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060229609	Wang	Oct 2006	A1
20060229610	Piehl	Oct 2006	A1
20060229612	Rothman et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060229613	Timm et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060229614	Foley et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060229615	Abdou et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060229627	Hunt et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060229715	Istephanous et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060229729	Gordon et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060235387	Peterman	Oct 2006	A1
20060235389	Albert et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060235391	Sutterlin, III et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060235392	Hammer et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060235393	Bono et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060235403	Blain	Oct 2006	A1
20060235411	Blain et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060235414	Lim et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060235532	Meunier et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060241593	Sherman et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060241595	Molz et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060241599	Konieczynski et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060241600	Ensign et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060241601	Trautwein et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060241610	Lim et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060241614	Bruneau et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060241615	Melkent	Oct 2006	A1
20060241641	Albans et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060241761	Gately	Oct 2006	A1
20060241769	Gordon et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060241771	Gordon et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060247624	Banouskou et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060247630	Iott et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060247631	Ahn et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060247632	Winslow et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060247633	Winslow et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060247634	Warner et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060247635	Gordon et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060247636	Yuan et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060247637	Colleran et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060247640	Blackwell et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060247655	Francis et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060247679	Peterman	Nov 2006	A1
20060247772	McKay	Nov 2006	A1
20060247778	Ferree et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060247779	Gordon et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060247782	Molz et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060253198	Myint	Nov 2006	A1
20060253201	McLuen	Nov 2006	A1
20060264933	Baker et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060264934	Fallin et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060264935	White	Nov 2006	A1
20060264936	Partin et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060264937	White	Nov 2006	A1
20060264940	Hartmann	Nov 2006	A1
20060264942	Lim et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060264962	Chin et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060265077	Zwirkoski	Nov 2006	A1
20060269940	Li et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060271046	Kwak et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060276787	Zubok et al.	Dec 2006	A1
20060276789	Jackson	Dec 2006	A1
20060276791	Shluzas	Dec 2006	A1
20060276792	Ensign et al.	Dec 2006	A1
20060276793	Berry	Dec 2006	A1
20060276803	Salerni	Dec 2006	A1
20060276900	Carpenter	Dec 2006	A1
20060282074	Renaud et al.	Dec 2006	A1
20060282075	Labrom et al.	Dec 2006	A1
20060282076	Labrom et al.	Dec 2006	A1
20060282078	Labrom et al.	Dec 2006	A1
20060282079	Labrom et al.	Dec 2006	A1
20060287583	Mangiardi	Dec 2006	A1
20060293662	Boyer et al.	Dec 2006	A1
20070016218	Winslow et al.	Jan 2007	A1
20070016298	Recoules-Arche	Jan 2007	A1
20070021836	Doty	Jan 2007	A1
20070027542	Xu	Feb 2007	A1
20070032790	Aschmann et al.	Feb 2007	A1
20070039837	Hanina et al.	Feb 2007	A1
20070043356	Timm et al.	Feb 2007	A1
20070043442	Abernathie et al.	Feb 2007	A1
20070049935	Edidin et al.	Mar 2007	A1
20070050030	Kim	Mar 2007	A1
20070050032	Gittings et al.	Mar 2007	A1
20070055236	Hudgins et al.	Mar 2007	A1
20070055377	Hanson et al.	Mar 2007	A1
20070067035	Falahee	Mar 2007	A1
20070083266	Lang	Apr 2007	A1
20070090238	Justis	Apr 2007	A1
20070093817	Barrus et al.	Apr 2007	A1
20070093823	Booth et al.	Apr 2007	A1
20070093825	Ferree et al.	Apr 2007	A1
20070093828	Abdou et al.	Apr 2007	A1
20070093829	Abdou et al.	Apr 2007	A1
20070093901	Grotz et al.	Apr 2007	A1
20070100212	Pimenta	May 2007	A1
20070100340	Lange et al.	May 2007	A1
20070100341	Reglos et al.	May 2007	A1
20070106298	Carli et al.	May 2007	A1
20070106383	Abdou et al.	May 2007	A1
20070108383	Combes et al.	May 2007	A1
20070118121	Purcell et al.	May 2007	A1
20070118122	Butler et al.	May 2007	A1
20070118123	Strausbaugh et al.	May 2007	A1
20070118132	Culbert et al.	May 2007	A1
20070123867	Kirschman	May 2007	A1
20070123869	Chin et al.	May 2007	A1
20070123884	Abdou	May 2007	A1
20070129804	Bentley et al.	Jun 2007	A1
20070142916	Olson, Jr. et al.	Jun 2007	A1
20070149978	Shezifi et al.	Jun 2007	A1
20070151116	Malandain	Jul 2007	A1
20070161962	Edie et al.	Jul 2007	A1
20070161992	Kwak et al.	Jul 2007	A1
20070162000	Perkins	Jul 2007	A1
20070162001	Chin et al.	Jul 2007	A1
20070162005	Peterson et al.	Jul 2007	A1
20070162127	Peterman et al.	Jul 2007	A1
20070162133	Doubler et al.	Jul 2007	A1
20070162138	Heinz	Jul 2007	A1
20070167948	Abdou et al.	Jul 2007	A1
20070168036	Ainsworth et al.	Jul 2007	A1
20070173831	Abdou	Jul 2007	A1
20070173842	Abdou	Jul 2007	A1
20070179493	Kim	Aug 2007	A1
20070179500	Chin et al.	Aug 2007	A1
20070179614	Heinz et al.	Aug 2007	A1
20070185367	Abdou et al.	Aug 2007	A1
20070185376	Wilson et al.	Aug 2007	A1
20070185489	Abdou	Aug 2007	A1
20070191834	Bruneau et al.	Aug 2007	A1
20070191861	Allard et al.	Aug 2007	A1
20070191946	Heinz et al.	Aug 2007	A1
20070191951	Branch et al.	Aug 2007	A1
20070191958	Abdou et al.	Aug 2007	A1
20070198090	Abdou	Aug 2007	A1
20070208227	Smith et al.	Sep 2007	A1
20070213597	Wooster	Sep 2007	A1
20070213732	Khanna et al.	Sep 2007	A1
20070225724	Edmond et al.	Sep 2007	A1
20070225726	Dye et al.	Sep 2007	A1
20070225807	Phan et al.	Sep 2007	A1
20070225808	Warnick	Sep 2007	A1
20070225812	Gill	Sep 2007	A1
20070233074	Anderson et al.	Oct 2007	A1
20070233077	Khalili	Oct 2007	A1
20070233082	Chin et al.	Oct 2007	A1
20070233083	Abdou et al.	Oct 2007	A1
20070233084	Betz et al.	Oct 2007	A1
20070233088	Edmond	Oct 2007	A1
20070233089	DiPoto et al.	Oct 2007	A1
20070233118	McLain	Oct 2007	A1
20070233129	Bertagnoli et al.	Oct 2007	A1
20070233247	Schwab	Oct 2007	A1
20070233251	Abdou	Oct 2007	A1
20070255389	Oberti et al.	Nov 2007	A1
20070255415	Edie et al.	Nov 2007	A1
20070270812	Peckham	Nov 2007	A1
20070270813	Garamszegi	Nov 2007	A1
20070270824	Lim et al.	Nov 2007	A1
20070270827	Lim et al.	Nov 2007	A1
20070270838	Bruneau et al.	Nov 2007	A1
20070270840	Chin et al.	Nov 2007	A1
20070270874	Anderson	Nov 2007	A1
20070270963	Melkent et al.	Nov 2007	A1
20070270968	Baynham et al.	Nov 2007	A1
20070274772	Tiberghien et al.	Nov 2007	A1
20070276370	Altarac et al.	Nov 2007	A1
20070282448	Abdou	Dec 2007	A1
20070293949	Salerni et al.	Dec 2007	A1
20070299445	Shadduck et al.	Dec 2007	A1
20070299521	Glenn et al.	Dec 2007	A1
20080009880	Warnick et al.	Jan 2008	A1
20080015580	Chao	Jan 2008	A1
20080015597	Whipple	Jan 2008	A1
20080015698	Marino et al.	Jan 2008	A1
20080021466	Shadduck et al.	Jan 2008	A1
20080021559	Thramann	Jan 2008	A1
20080027432	Strauss et al.	Jan 2008	A1
20080027438	Abdou et al.	Jan 2008	A1
20080027458	Aikins et al.	Jan 2008	A1
20080027544	Melkent	Jan 2008	A1
20080027545	Zucherman et al.	Jan 2008	A1
20080027550	Link et al.	Jan 2008	A1
20080039837	Gambale	Feb 2008	A1
20080039843	Abdou	Feb 2008	A1
20080045963	Abdou et al.	Feb 2008	A1
20080045968	Yu et al.	Feb 2008	A1
20080045983	To et al.	Feb 2008	A1
20080051783	Null et al.	Feb 2008	A1
20080051896	Suddaby	Feb 2008	A1
20080058810	Abdou	Mar 2008	A1
20080065219	Dye	Mar 2008	A1
20080065222	Hamada	Mar 2008	A1
20080081951	Frasier et al.	Apr 2008	A1
20080086080	Mastri et al.	Apr 2008	A1
20080091211	Gately	Apr 2008	A1
20080108993	Bennett et al.	May 2008	A1
20080114401	Liu et al.	May 2008	A1
20080114455	Lange et al.	May 2008	A1
20080119853	Felt et al.	May 2008	A1
20080119935	Alvarez	May 2008	A1
20080125813	Erickson et al.	May 2008	A1
20080125865	Abdelgany et al.	May 2008	A1
20080126813	Kawakami	May 2008	A1
20080132951	Reiley et al.	Jun 2008	A1
20080133012	McGuckin et al.	Jun 2008	A1
20080133014	Gately et al.	Jun 2008	A1
20080133016	Heinz	Jun 2008	A1
20080133017	Beyar et al.	Jun 2008	A1
20080139879	Olson et al.	Jun 2008	A1
20080140085	Gately et al.	Jun 2008	A1
20080140125	Mitchell et al.	Jun 2008	A1
20080140204	Heinz	Jun 2008	A1
20080140207	Olmos et al.	Jun 2008	A1
20080147123	Schermerhorn	Jun 2008	A1
20080147190	Dewey et al.	Jun 2008	A1
20080154308	Sherman et al.	Jun 2008	A1
20080154374	Labrom	Jun 2008	A1
20080161818	Kloss et al.	Jul 2008	A1
20080161821	Heinz	Jul 2008	A1
20080161853	Arnold et al.	Jul 2008	A1
20080161856	Liu et al.	Jul 2008	A1
20080167655	Wang et al.	Jul 2008	A1
20080167657	Greenhalgh	Jul 2008	A1
20080177271	Yeh	Jul 2008	A1
20080177298	Zucherman et al.	Jul 2008	A1
20080177306	Lamborne et al.	Jul 2008	A1
20080177312	Perez-Cruet et al.	Jul 2008	A1
20080177326	Thompson	Jul 2008	A1
20080177391	Mitchell et al.	Jul 2008	A1
20080183204	Greenhalgh et al.	Jul 2008	A1
20080183209	Robinson et al.	Jul 2008	A1
20080183211	Lamborne et al.	Jul 2008	A1
20080183218	Mueller et al.	Jul 2008	A1
20080188898	Jackson	Aug 2008	A1
20080188941	Grotz	Aug 2008	A1
20080195152	Altarac et al.	Aug 2008	A1
20080234735	Joshi	Sep 2008	A1
20080243185	Felix et al.	Oct 2008	A1
20080243186	Abdou	Oct 2008	A1
20080243188	Walder et al.	Oct 2008	A1
20080243189	Purcell et al.	Oct 2008	A1
20080249628	Altarac et al.	Oct 2008	A1
20080262318	Gorek et al.	Oct 2008	A1
20080262554	Hayes et al.	Oct 2008	A1
20080269904	Voorhies	Oct 2008	A1
20080281346	Greenhalgh et al.	Nov 2008	A1
20080281358	Abdou et al.	Nov 2008	A1
20080281359	Abdou et al.	Nov 2008	A1
20080288073	Renganath et al.	Nov 2008	A1
20080294199	Kohm et al.	Nov 2008	A1
20080294200	Kohm et al.	Nov 2008	A1
20080300598	Barreiro et al.	Dec 2008	A1
20080300685	Carls et al.	Dec 2008	A1
20080300686	Khoo	Dec 2008	A1
20080306601	Dreyfuss	Dec 2008	A1
20080312655	Kirschman et al.	Dec 2008	A1
20080312692	Brennan et al.	Dec 2008	A1
20080312741	Lee et al.	Dec 2008	A1
20080312743	Vila et al.	Dec 2008	A1
20080319487	Fielding et al.	Dec 2008	A1
20080319549	Greenhalgh et al.	Dec 2008	A1
20090012566	Fauth	Jan 2009	A1
20090012623	Sack et al.	Jan 2009	A1
20090024166	Carl et al.	Jan 2009	A1
20090024217	Levy et al.	Jan 2009	A1
20090030423	Puno	Jan 2009	A1
20090030457	Janowski et al.	Jan 2009	A1
20090030465	Altarac et al.	Jan 2009	A1
20090030519	Falahee	Jan 2009	A1
20090030520	Biedermann et al.	Jan 2009	A1
20090036746	Blackwell et al.	Feb 2009	A1
20090036927	Vestgaarden	Feb 2009	A1
20090036929	Reglos et al.	Feb 2009	A1
20090036988	Peckham	Feb 2009	A1
20090048668	Wilson et al.	Feb 2009	A1
20090054931	Metz-Stavenhagen	Feb 2009	A1
20090062869	Claverie et al.	Mar 2009	A1
20090062915	Kohm et al.	Mar 2009	A1
20090062918	Wang et al.	Mar 2009	A1
20090062920	Tauber	Mar 2009	A1
20090076333	Bjork	Mar 2009	A1
20090076516	Lowry et al.	Mar 2009	A1
20090076615	Duggal et al.	Mar 2009	A1
20090082808	Butler et al.	Mar 2009	A1
20090082813	Long et al.	Mar 2009	A1
20090093884	Bass	Apr 2009	A1
20090099601	Aferzon et al.	Apr 2009	A1
20090105547	Vayser et al.	Apr 2009	A1
20090105761	Robie	Apr 2009	A1
20090105768	Cragg et al.	Apr 2009	A1
20090105773	Lange et al.	Apr 2009	A1
20090105830	Jones et al.	Apr 2009	A1
20090105831	Jones et al.	Apr 2009	A1
20090118766	Park et al.	May 2009	A1
20090118771	Gonzalez-Hernandez	May 2009	A1
20090124861	Fetzer	May 2009	A1
20090125062	Arnin	May 2009	A1
20090125071	Skinlo et al.	May 2009	A1
20090132054	Zeegers	May 2009	A1
20090143859	McClellan, III et al.	Jun 2009	A1
20090149956	Greenhalgh et al.	Jun 2009	A1
20090149959	Conner et al.	Jun 2009	A1
20090157186	Magerl	Jun 2009	A1
20090157188	Zeegers	Jun 2009	A1
20090163920	Hochschuler et al.	Jun 2009	A1
20090163957	St. Clair et al.	Jun 2009	A1
20090163961	Kirschman	Jun 2009	A1
20090164020	Janowski et al.	Jun 2009	A1
20090171394	Abdou	Jul 2009	A1
20090182429	Humphreys et al.	Jul 2009	A1
20090182430	Tyber et al.	Jul 2009	A1
20090186333	Mills et al.	Jul 2009	A1
20090187249	Osman	Jul 2009	A1
20090192613	Wing et al.	Jul 2009	A1
20090192615	Tyber et al.	Jul 2009	A1
20090198211	Thorne, Jr. et al.	Aug 2009	A1
20090198277	Gordon et al.	Aug 2009	A1
20090204151	Bracken	Aug 2009	A1
20090204154	Kiester	Aug 2009	A1
20090204218	Richelsoph	Aug 2009	A1
20090204219	Beaurain et al.	Aug 2009	A1
20090210007	Levy et al.	Aug 2009	A1
20090210015	Cermak et al.	Aug 2009	A1
20090210062	Thalgott et al.	Aug 2009	A1
20090216234	Farr	Aug 2009	A1
20090216241	Dinville	Aug 2009	A1
20090222046	Gorek	Sep 2009	A1
20090222092	Davis et al.	Sep 2009	A1
20090222100	Cipoletti et al.	Sep 2009	A1
20090227845	Lo et al.	Sep 2009	A1
20090228045	Hayes et al.	Sep 2009	A1
20090228108	Keller	Sep 2009	A1
20090228110	McClintock	Sep 2009	A1
20090234364	Crook	Sep 2009	A1
20090234455	Moskowitz et al.	Sep 2009	A1
20090240334	Richelsoph	Sep 2009	A1
20090240335	Arcenio et al.	Sep 2009	A1
20090247819	Wilson et al.	Oct 2009	A1
20090248078	Dant	Oct 2009	A1
20090248089	Jacofsky et al.	Oct 2009	A1
20090254125	Predick	Oct 2009	A1
20090259257	Prevost	Oct 2009	A1
20090265007	Colleran	Oct 2009	A1
20090270918	Attia et al.	Oct 2009	A1
20090270989	Conner et al.	Oct 2009	A1
20090270990	Louis et al.	Oct 2009	A1
20090281628	Oglaza et al.	Nov 2009	A1
20090290316	Kariya	Nov 2009	A1
20090292361	Lopez	Nov 2009	A1
20090299478	Carls et al.	Dec 2009	A1
20090326538	Sennett et al.	Dec 2009	A1
20090326581	Galley et al.	Dec 2009	A1
20090326584	Slivka et al.	Dec 2009	A1
20100004664	Boyajian et al.	Jan 2010	A1
20100009929	Cheng et al.	Jan 2010	A1
20100016897	Le et al.	Jan 2010	A1
20100016906	Abdou	Jan 2010	A1
20100023061	Randol et al.	Jan 2010	A1
20100023064	Brunger et al.	Jan 2010	A1
20100036423	Hayes et al.	Feb 2010	A1
20100036495	Daum et al.	Feb 2010	A1
20100042149	Chao et al.	Feb 2010	A1
20100049324	Valdevit et al.	Feb 2010	A1
20100069929	Abdou	Mar 2010	A1
20100069962	Harms et al.	Mar 2010	A1
20100069965	Abdou	Mar 2010	A1
20100070041	Peterman et al.	Mar 2010	A1
20100076448	Abdou	Mar 2010	A1
20100082109	Greenhalgh et al.	Apr 2010	A1
20100087858	Abdou	Apr 2010	A1
20100087869	Abdou	Apr 2010	A1
20100087878	Abdou	Apr 2010	A1
20100087923	Abdou	Apr 2010	A1
20100094422	Hansell et al.	Apr 2010	A1
20100100137	Justis et al.	Apr 2010	A1
20100106250	Abdou	Apr 2010	A1
20100121384	Abdou	May 2010	A1
20100130827	Pimenta et al.	May 2010	A1
20100152778	Saint et al.	Jun 2010	A1
20100174315	Scodary et al.	Jul 2010	A1
20100179657	Greenhalgh et al.	Jul 2010	A1
20100185291	Jimenez et al.	Jul 2010	A1
20100191336	Greenhalgh	Jul 2010	A1
20100191337	Zamani et al.	Jul 2010	A1
20100204795	Greenhalgh	Aug 2010	A1
20100211101	Blackwell et al.	Aug 2010	A1
20100211176	Greenhalgh	Aug 2010	A1
20100211177	Abdou	Aug 2010	A1
20100217382	Chau et al.	Aug 2010	A1
20100222644	Sebastian et al.	Sep 2010	A1
20100222816	Gabelberger et al.	Sep 2010	A1
20100222884	Greenhalgh et al.	Sep 2010	A1
20100234889	Hess	Sep 2010	A1
20100234952	Peterman	Sep 2010	A1
20100241168	Franck et al.	Sep 2010	A1
20100249933	Trieu	Sep 2010	A1
20100256759	Hansell et al.	Oct 2010	A1
20100256760	Hansell	Oct 2010	A1
20100262245	Alfaro et al.	Oct 2010	A1
20100262248	Sournac et al.	Oct 2010	A1
20100268281	Abdou	Oct 2010	A1
20100280622	McKinley	Nov 2010	A1
20100286483	Bettuchi et al.	Nov 2010	A1
20100286779	Thibodeau	Nov 2010	A1
20100286780	Dryer et al.	Nov 2010	A1
20100292796	Greenhalgh et al.	Nov 2010	A1
20100305705	Butler et al.	Dec 2010	A1
20100312282	Abdou	Dec 2010	A1
20100312347	Arramon et al.	Dec 2010	A1
20100318128	Abdou	Dec 2010	A1
20100331883	Schmitz	Dec 2010	A1
20100331887	Jackson et al.	Dec 2010	A1
20100331889	Abdou	Dec 2010	A1
20100331981	Mohammed	Dec 2010	A1
20100331985	Gordon et al.	Dec 2010	A1
20110004248	Abdou	Jan 2011	A1
20110009969	Puno	Jan 2011	A1
20110009970	Puno	Jan 2011	A1
20110022090	Gordon et al.	Jan 2011	A1
20110029083	Hynes et al.	Feb 2011	A1
20110029085	Hynes et al.	Feb 2011	A1
20110035011	Cain	Feb 2011	A1
20110046679	Chow et al.	Feb 2011	A1
20110046740	Chen et al.	Feb 2011	A1
20110054531	Lamborne et al.	Mar 2011	A1
20110060366	Heim et al.	Mar 2011	A1
20110066186	Boyer, II et al.	Mar 2011	A1
20110082551	Kraus	Apr 2011	A1
20110082553	Abdou	Apr 2011	A1
20110093074	Glerum et al.	Apr 2011	A1
20110098749	Boomer et al.	Apr 2011	A1
20110106163	Hochschuler et al.	May 2011	A1
20110106259	Lindenmann et al.	May 2011	A1
20110118552	Fischvogt	May 2011	A1
20110125266	Rodgers et al.	May 2011	A1
20110130793	Woolley et al.	Jun 2011	A1
20110137353	Buttermann	Jun 2011	A1
20110144692	Saladin et al.	Jun 2011	A1
20110166600	Lamborne et al.	Jul 2011	A1
20110172720	Metcalf, Jr. et al.	Jul 2011	A1
20110172772	Abdou	Jul 2011	A1
20110184471	Foley	Jul 2011	A1
20110190825	Thalgott et al.	Aug 2011	A1
20110196492	Lambrecht et al.	Aug 2011	A1
20110213465	Landry et al.	Sep 2011	A1
20110224497	Weiman et al.	Sep 2011	A1
20110238181	Trieu	Sep 2011	A1
20110251693	Barreiro et al.	Oct 2011	A1
20110264218	Asaad	Oct 2011	A1
20110264228	Johnson et al.	Oct 2011	A1
20110276099	Champagne et al.	Nov 2011	A1
20110276142	Niemiec et al.	Nov 2011	A1
20110282459	McClellan, III et al.	Nov 2011	A1
20110288588	Chin et al.	Nov 2011	A1
20110288594	Woolley et al.	Nov 2011	A1
20110288644	Gray et al.	Nov 2011	A1
20110288645	Braddock, Jr. et al.	Nov 2011	A1
20110301710	Mather et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20110301712	Palmatier et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20110307011	Moskowitz et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20110307012	Mir et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20110319995	Voellmicke et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20120010472	Spann	Jan 2012	A1
20120010658	Kirschman	Jan 2012	A1
20120016481	Zwirkoski	Jan 2012	A1
20120029565	Seifert et al.	Feb 2012	A1
20120029639	Blackwell et al.	Feb 2012	A1
20120035424	Schulte	Feb 2012	A1
20120041272	Dietze, Jr. et al.	Feb 2012	A1
20120071980	Purcell et al.	Mar 2012	A1
20120078301	Hess	Mar 2012	A1
20120089184	Yeh	Apr 2012	A1
20120095512	Nihalani	Apr 2012	A1
20120101528	Souza et al.	Apr 2012	A1
20120136442	Kleiner	May 2012	A1
20120150229	Hess	Jun 2012	A1
20120150302	Gray	Jun 2012	A1
20120158060	Abrahams	Jun 2012	A1
20120158140	Miller et al.	Jun 2012	A1
20120158150	Siegal	Jun 2012	A1
20120179260	Nottingham	Jul 2012	A1
20120185045	Morris et al.	Jul 2012	A1
20120190933	Kleyman	Jul 2012	A1
20120191135	Abdou	Jul 2012	A1
20120197297	Bootwala et al.	Aug 2012	A1
20120197401	Duncan et al.	Aug 2012	A1
20120197402	Blackwell et al.	Aug 2012	A1
20120203279	Walters et al.	Aug 2012	A1
20120209271	Cohen et al.	Aug 2012	A1
20120209383	Tsuang et al.	Aug 2012	A1
20120215316	Mohr et al.	Aug 2012	A1
20120221049	Blain et al.	Aug 2012	A1
20120226313	Dace	Sep 2012	A1
20120232592	Massoudi	Sep 2012	A1
20120232658	Morgenstern et al.	Sep 2012	A1
20120238825	Smith	Sep 2012	A1
20120245425	Okoniewski	Sep 2012	A1
20120245431	Baudouin et al.	Sep 2012	A1
20120245432	Karpowicz et al.	Sep 2012	A1
20120245704	Childs et al.	Sep 2012	A1
20120253393	Fiorella	Oct 2012	A1
20120253396	Stern et al.	Oct 2012	A1
20120259416	Blackwell et al.	Oct 2012	A1
20120265021	Nottmeier	Oct 2012	A1
20120271119	White	Oct 2012	A1
20120277864	Brodke et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120283521	Smith et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120290017	Haidukewych	Nov 2012	A1
20120290096	Messerli	Nov 2012	A1
20120296171	Lovell et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120296377	Ferree et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20130018467	Suh	Jan 2013	A1
20130023933	Haas	Jan 2013	A1
20130023937	Biedermann et al.	Jan 2013	A1
20130030467	Karas et al.	Jan 2013	A1
20130030469	Karas et al.	Jan 2013	A1
20130030470	Karas et al.	Jan 2013	A1
20130041471	Siegal et al.	Feb 2013	A1
20130053896	Voyadzis	Feb 2013	A1
20130060284	Abdou	Mar 2013	A1
20130066374	Galley et al.	Mar 2013	A1
20130079883	Butler et al.	Mar 2013	A1
20130090691	Zhang et al.	Apr 2013	A1
20130103088	Karahalios et al.	Apr 2013	A1
20130103089	Gordon et al.	Apr 2013	A1
20130123849	Abdou	May 2013	A1
20130131738	Powell et al.	May 2013	A1
20130144339	Choi et al.	Jun 2013	A1
20130144340	Sheffer et al.	Jun 2013	A1
20130150886	Altarac et al.	Jun 2013	A1
20130150970	Thaiyananthan	Jun 2013	A1
20130158359	Predick et al.	Jun 2013	A1
20130165982	Ek et al.	Jun 2013	A1
20130172932	Altarac et al.	Jul 2013	A1
20130172933	Altarac et al.	Jul 2013	A1
20130172934	Walker et al.	Jul 2013	A1
20130184752	Binder	Jul 2013	A1
20130184758	Karim	Jul 2013	A1
20130190573	Smith	Jul 2013	A1
20130190575	Mast et al.	Jul 2013	A1
20130204091	Menendez et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130218166	Elmore	Aug 2013	A1
20130226240	Abdou	Aug 2013	A1
20130245383	Friedrich et al.	Sep 2013	A1
20130253585	Garcia et al.	Sep 2013	A1
20130253586	Rathbun et al.	Sep 2013	A1
20130261401	Hawkins et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130261666	Gundanna	Oct 2013	A1
20130274883	McLuen et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130274884	Matsumoto et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130296939	Perkins	Nov 2013	A1
20130296940	Northcutt et al.	Nov 2013	A1
20130310942	Abdou	Nov 2013	A1
20130325128	Perloff et al.	Dec 2013	A1
20140005484	Charles	Jan 2014	A1
20140031874	Kucharzyk et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140058512	Petersheim	Feb 2014	A1
20140081331	Zappacosta et al.	Mar 2014	A1
20140107783	Abdou	Apr 2014	A1
20140114137	Reglos et al.	Apr 2014	A1
20140114138	Fedorov et al.	Apr 2014	A1
20140114139	Ziolo et al.	Apr 2014	A1
20140135584	Lee et al.	May 2014	A1
20140148652	Weiman	May 2014	A1
20140148856	Ibarra et al.	May 2014	A1
20140155939	Sugawara	Jun 2014	A1
20140172002	Predick	Jun 2014	A1
20140172105	Frasier	Jun 2014	A1
20140172107	Thirugnanasambandam et al.	Jun 2014	A1
20140188223	Jensen et al.	Jul 2014	A1
20140188233	Mutchler et al.	Jul 2014	A1
20140249631	Weiman	Sep 2014	A1
20140277143	Zappacosta	Sep 2014	A1
20140277490	Perloff et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140277499	Ainsworth et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140277502	Schiffman et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140288480	Zimmerman et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140309741	Ganter et al.	Oct 2014	A1
20140336471	Pfabe et al.	Nov 2014	A1
20140343608	Whiton et al.	Nov 2014	A1
20140350347	Karpowicz et al.	Nov 2014	A1
20140379032	Hennard	Dec 2014	A1
20140379086	Elahinia et al.	Dec 2014	A1
20150018829	Woodburn, Sr. et al.	Jan 2015	A1
20150057755	Suddaby et al.	Feb 2015	A1
20150094814	Emerick et al.	Apr 2015	A1
20150202053	Willis et al.	Jul 2015	A1
20150305785	Taber	Oct 2015	A1
20150313585	Abidin et al.	Nov 2015	A1
20150313650	Taber et al.	Nov 2015	A1
20150351738	Perrow	Dec 2015	A1
20150359640	Taber et al.	Dec 2015	A1
20160000419	Weisshaupt et al.	Jan 2016	A1
20160030030	Bass	Feb 2016	A1
20160045333	Baynham	Feb 2016	A1
20160081681	Waugh et al.	Mar 2016	A1
20160089247	Nichols et al.	Mar 2016	A1
20160213443	Lueck et al.	Jul 2016	A1
20160270772	Beale	Sep 2016	A1
20160287236	Garcia-Bengochea	Oct 2016	A1
20160310294	McConnell et al.	Oct 2016	A1
20160317323	Cho et al.	Nov 2016	A1
20160317324	Cho et al.	Nov 2016	A1
20160354210	Tran	Dec 2016	A1
20160361177	Biedermann et al.	Dec 2016	A1
20170007226	Fehling	Jan 2017	A1
20170014117	Capote	Jan 2017	A1
20170042527	Farley et al.	Feb 2017	A1
20170056194	Biedermann et al.	Mar 2017	A1
20170065269	Thommen et al.	Mar 2017	A1
20170112635	Ty et al.	Apr 2017	A1
20170143325	Lynn et al.	May 2017	A1
20170172759	Kukkar et al.	Jun 2017	A1
20170172760	Loebl et al.	Jun 2017	A1
20170231613	Casey et al.	Aug 2017	A1
20170340451	McCormack et al.	Nov 2017	A1
20180021149	Boehm et al.	Jan 2018	A1
20180085105	Kim	Mar 2018	A1
20180206834	Villamil et al.	Jul 2018	A1
20180235724	Nowatschin et al.	Aug 2018	A1
20180249992	Truckey	Sep 2018	A1
20180256363	Moon	Sep 2018	A1
20180289506	Kim et al.	Oct 2018	A1
20180303624	Shoshtaev	Oct 2018	A1
20180310927	Garcia-Bengochea et al.	Nov 2018	A1
20180333061	Pracyk et al.	Nov 2018	A1
20180344481	Garcia-Bengochea	Dec 2018	A1
20180360621	Moon	Dec 2018	A1
20190192312	Ullrich, Jr. et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190209154	Richter et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190216450	Bjork et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190216453	Predick et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190307439	Chhit et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190321022	Karpowicz et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20200085530	Sauer	Mar 2020	A1
20200113713	LaMarca et al.	Apr 2020	A1

Foreign Referenced Citations (240)

Number	Date	Country
3114872	Oct 1982	DE
3741493	Jun 1989	DE
29911422	Aug 1999	DE
10035182	Feb 2002	DE
20320454	Oct 2004	DE
10323363	Dec 2004	DE
0077159	Apr 1983	EP
0274713	Jul 1988	EP
0301489	Feb 1989	EP
0317972	May 1989	EP
0333990	Sep 1989	EP
0356112	Feb 1990	EP
0418387	Mar 1991	EP
0512529	Nov 1992	EP
0560141	Sep 1993	EP
0566810	Oct 1993	EP
0611116	Aug 1994	EP
0614649	Sep 1994	EP
0637439	Feb 1995	EP
0697200	Feb 1996	EP
0611116	Jul 1996	EP
0566810	Aug 1996	EP
0747025	Dec 1996	EP
0951879	Oct 1999	EP
0955021	Nov 1999	EP
0965313	Dec 1999	EP
1180348	Feb 2002	EP
1192910	Apr 2002	EP
1222903	Jul 2002	EP
1254640	Nov 2002	EP
1287795	Mar 2003	EP
1442715	Aug 2004	EP
1504733	Feb 2005	EP
1374808	Dec 2005	EP
1758511	Mar 2007	EP
1848352	Oct 2007	EP
1872731	Jan 2008	EP
1942816	Jul 2008	EP
1942838	Jul 2008	EP
1980222	Oct 2008	EP
1389978	Jan 2009	EP
2032086	Mar 2009	EP
2101691	Sep 2009	EP
2113228	Nov 2009	EP
2327375	Jun 2011	EP
2340788	Jul 2011	EP
2363080	Sep 2011	EP
2131790	Oct 2012	EP
3111896	Jan 2017	EP
1037262	Sep 1953	FR
2124815	Sep 1972	FR
2632516	Dec 1989	FR
2659226	Sep 1991	FR
2703239	Oct 1994	FR
2703580	Oct 1994	FR
2723841	Mar 1996	FR
2724108	Mar 1996	FR
2730159	Aug 1996	FR
2733413	Oct 1996	FR
2747034	Oct 1997	FR
2781359	Jan 2000	FR
2787021	Jun 2000	FR
2788958	Aug 2000	FR
2806614	Sep 2001	FR
2808995	Nov 2001	FR
2813782	Mar 2002	FR
2824261	Nov 2002	FR
2827156	Jan 2003	FR
2831796	May 2003	FR
2846550	May 2004	FR
2856271	Dec 2004	FR
2861582	May 2005	FR
2865629	Aug 2005	FR
2879436	Jun 2006	FR
2880795	Jul 2006	FR
2887762	Jan 2007	FR
2891135	Mar 2007	FR
2893838	Jun 2007	FR
2897259	Aug 2007	FR
2902639	Dec 2007	FR
2916956	Dec 2008	FR
2930718	Nov 2009	FR
780652	Aug 1957	GB
2178323	Feb 1987	GB
H02261446	Oct 1990	JP
H0998983	Apr 1997	JP
WO-9000037	Jan 1990	WO
WO-9107931	Jun 1991	WO
WO-9301771	Feb 1993	WO
WO-9307823	Apr 1993	WO
WO-9314721	Aug 1993	WO
WO-9404100	Mar 1994	WO
WO-9420048	Sep 1994	WO
WO-9508306	Mar 1995	WO
WO-9510240	Apr 1995	WO
WO-9515133	Jun 1995	WO
WO-9525474	Sep 1995	WO
WO-9715248	May 1997	WO
WO-9723174	Jul 1997	WO
WO-9730666	Aug 1997	WO
WO-9737620	Oct 1997	WO
WO-9801091	Jan 1998	WO
WO-9817209	Apr 1998	WO
WO-9855052	Dec 1998	WO
WO-9900065	Jan 1999	WO
WO-9904718	Feb 1999	WO
WO-9909914	Mar 1999	WO
WO-9921500	May 1999	WO
WO-9921502	May 1999	WO
WO-9933405	Jul 1999	WO
WO-9938463	Aug 1999	WO
WO-9953871	Oct 1999	WO
WO-9956653	Nov 1999	WO
WO-9956675	Nov 1999	WO
WO-9956676	Nov 1999	WO
WO-9963914	Dec 1999	WO
WO-9965412	Dec 1999	WO
WO-9966864	Dec 1999	WO
WO-0015125	Mar 2000	WO
WO-0018312	Apr 2000	WO
WO-0023015	Apr 2000	WO
WO-0024325	May 2000	WO
WO-0024327	May 2000	WO
WO-0053127	Sep 2000	WO
WO-0064362	Nov 2000	WO
WO-0072770	Dec 2000	WO
WO-0074606	Dec 2000	WO
WO-0078238	Dec 2000	WO
WO-0101874	Jan 2001	WO
WO-0103592	Jan 2001	WO
WO-0106940	Feb 2001	WO
WO-0119295	Mar 2001	WO
WO-0126566	Apr 2001	WO
WO-0128465	Apr 2001	WO
WO-0141680	Jun 2001	WO
WO-0143620	Jun 2001	WO
WO-0145577	Jun 2001	WO
WO-0160270	Aug 2001	WO
WO-0162191	Aug 2001	WO
WO-0170141	Sep 2001	WO
WO-0187194	Nov 2001	WO
WO-0211633	Feb 2002	WO
WO-0213732	Feb 2002	WO
WO-0228299	Apr 2002	WO
WO-0230307	Apr 2002	WO
WO-02051326	Jul 2002	WO
WO-02058599	Aug 2002	WO
WO-02058600	Aug 2002	WO
WO-02071960	Sep 2002	WO
WO-02076315	Oct 2002	WO
WO-02080788	Oct 2002	WO
WO-02089701	Nov 2002	WO
WO-03005939	Jan 2003	WO
WO-03007829	Jan 2003	WO
WO-03015646	Feb 2003	WO
WO-03024298	Mar 2003	WO
WO-03026522	Apr 2003	WO
WO-03032850	Apr 2003	WO
WO-03032851	Apr 2003	WO
WO-03037200	May 2003	WO
WO-03039400	May 2003	WO
WO-03045262	Jun 2003	WO
WO-03049629	Jun 2003	WO
WO-03051212	Jun 2003	WO
WO-03059212	Jul 2003	WO
WO-03075803	Sep 2003	WO
WO-03075804	Sep 2003	WO
WO-2004016217	Feb 2004	WO
WO-2004032726	Apr 2004	WO
WO-2004034935	Apr 2004	WO
WO-2004039283	May 2004	WO
WO-2004039291	May 2004	WO
WO-2004041129	May 2004	WO
WO-2004049915	Jun 2004	WO
WO-2004062482	Jul 2004	WO
WO-2004084774	Oct 2004	WO
WO-2004093702	Nov 2004	WO
WO-2004105577	Dec 2004	WO
WO-2005007040	Jan 2005	WO
WO-2005009262	Feb 2005	WO
WO-2005011522	Feb 2005	WO
WO-2005020829	Mar 2005	WO
WO-2005044119	May 2005	WO
WO-2005046534	May 2005	WO
WO-2005051243	Jun 2005	WO
WO-2005074839	Aug 2005	WO
WO-2005077288	Aug 2005	WO
WO-2005104996	Nov 2005	WO
WO-2005117728	Dec 2005	WO
WO-2005122922	Dec 2005	WO
WO-2006016384	Feb 2006	WO
WO-2006041963	Apr 2006	WO
WO-2006042335	Apr 2006	WO
WO-2006045089	Apr 2006	WO
WO-2006047587	May 2006	WO
WO-2006058221	Jun 2006	WO
WO-2006062960	Jun 2006	WO
WO-2006086241	Aug 2006	WO
WO-2006089292	Aug 2006	WO
WO-2006096756	Sep 2006	WO
WO-2006106268	Oct 2006	WO
WO-2006110578	Oct 2006	WO
WO-2006120505	Nov 2006	WO
WO-2006130460	Dec 2006	WO
WO-2006136760	Dec 2006	WO
WO-2007000634	Jan 2007	WO
WO-2007000654	Jan 2007	WO
WO-2007034310	Mar 2007	WO
WO-2007038475	Apr 2007	WO
WO-2007041648	Apr 2007	WO
WO-2007044705	Apr 2007	WO
WO-2007044836	Apr 2007	WO
WO-2007056516	May 2007	WO
WO-2007059207	May 2007	WO
WO-2007063398	Jun 2007	WO
WO-2007078978	Jul 2007	WO
WO-2007087535	Aug 2007	WO
WO-2007089975	Aug 2007	WO
WO-2007093900	Aug 2007	WO
WO-2007095333	Aug 2007	WO
WO-2007106573	Sep 2007	WO
WO-2007075843	Dec 2007	WO
WO-2007140382	Dec 2007	WO
WO-2008013960	Jan 2008	WO
WO-2008021319	Feb 2008	WO
WO-2008024373	Feb 2008	WO
WO-2008067452	Jun 2008	WO
WO-2008073447	Jun 2008	WO
WO-2008082836	Jul 2008	WO
WO-2008085521	Jul 2008	WO
WO-2008099277	Aug 2008	WO
WO-2008106140	Sep 2008	WO
WO-2008131084	Oct 2008	WO
WO-2008149223	Dec 2008	WO
WO-2009033100	Mar 2009	WO
WO-2009064787	May 2009	WO
WO-2009135208	Nov 2009	WO
WO-2009152126	Dec 2009	WO
WO-2010057980	May 2010	WO
WO-2013006830	Jan 2013	WO

Non-Patent Literature Citations (78)

Entry
Bridwell K. H., et al., “Decision Making Regarding Smith-Petersen vs. Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy vs. Vertebral Column Resection for Spinal Deformity,” Spine, 2006, vol. 31(19S), pp. S171-S178.
Denis, F., “The Three Column Spine and its Significance in the Classification of Acute Thoracolumbar Spinal Injuries,” Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 1983, vol. 8 (8), pp. 817-831.
Hoshide R., et al., “Cadaveric Analysis of the Kambin's Triangle” Cureus, Feb. 2, 2016, vol. 8 (2).
Ozgur B.M., et al., “Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF): A Novel Surgical Technique for Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion,” Spine Journal, 2006, vol. 6 (4), pp. 435-443.
Santoni BG., et al., “Cortical Bone Trajectory for Lumbar Pedicle Screws” The Spine Journal, 2009, vol. 9 (5), pp. 366-373.
Willard, F. H., et al., “The Thoracolumbar Fascia: Anatomy, Function and Clinical Considerations.” Journal of Anatomy, 2012, vol. 221(6), pp. 507-536.
Abstract for French Patent Publication FR2781359, Published Jan. 28, 2000, entitled: “Osteosynthesis Frame for Spinal Surgery has Rod with Clamps to Hold Cross Bars with Anchor Screws”. Accession No. 9867555 (Derwent Information Ltd.).
Abstract for French Patent Publication FR2856271, Published Dec. 24, 2004, Osteo-Synthesis Vertebral Column Plate, has Connection Head Integrated with Plate and Movable in Three Directions of Space So as to Adapt itself to Connection Rod, and Including Opening to Facilitate Introduction of Rod. Accession No. 14694557, (Derwent Information Ltd.).
Andersen T., et al., “Pain 5 years After Instrumented and Non-Instrumented Posterolateral Lumbar Spinal Fusion,” European Spine Journal, 2003, vol. 12 (4), pp. 393-399.
Asazuma T., et al., “Intersegmental Spinal Flexibility With Lumbosacral Instrumentation. An In Vitro Biomechanical Investigation,” Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 1990, vol. 15 (11), pp. 1153-1158.
Balderston R.A., et al., “Technique for Achievement and Maintenance of Reduction for Severe Spondylolisthesis Using Spinous Process Traction Wiring and External Fixation of the Pelvis,” Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 1985, vol. 10 (4), pp. 376-382.
Barbre C.J.,, “Devices for Targeting the Needle,” Neurosurgery Clinics of North America, 2009, vol. 20 (2), pp. 187-191.
Bendo J.A., et al., “Instrumented Posterior Arthrodesis of the Lumbar Spine in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus,” American Journal of Orthopedics (Belle Mead, NJ), 2000, vol. 29 (8), pp. 617-620.
Benz R.J., et al., “Current Techniques of Decompression of the Lumbar Spine,” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 2001, No. (384), pp. 75-81.
Bostman O., et al., “Posterior Spinal Fusion Using Internal Fixation with the Daab Plate,” Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica, 1984, vol. 55 (3), pp. 310-314.
Branch C.L., et al., “Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion with the Keystone Graft: Technique and Results,” Surgical Neurology, 1987, vol. 27 (5), pp. 449-454.
Chen W.J., et al., “Surgical Treatment of Adjacent Instability After Lumbar Spine Fusion,” Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 2001, vol. 26 (22), pp. E519-E524.
Chiba M., et al., “Short-Segment Pedicle Instrumentation. Biomechanical Analysis of Supplemental Hook Fixation,” Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 1996, vol. 21 (3), pp. 288-294.
Cobo S.J., et al., “Predictors of Outcome After Decompressive Lumbar Surgery and Instrumented Posterolateral Fusion,” European Spine Journal, 2010, vol. 19 (11), pp. 1841-1848.
Collins P., Carbon Multiwall Nanotubes: A High Performance Conductive Additive for Demanding Plastics Applications, Materials Integrity Management Symposium, Jun. 2004, Retrieved from the Internet URL :< http://hyperioncatalysis.com/PDFs/CMWNT.pdf>.
“Curve, The Ultimate Control and Information Center” from https://www.brainlab.com/surgery-products/overview-platform-products/curve-image-guided-surgery/, 8 pages, downloaded from the Internet Mar. 27, 2014.
Dar, et al., The Epiphyses Ring: A Long Forgotten Anatomical Structure with Significant Physiological Function (PA 1976). May 15, 2011; 36 (11): 850-6.
Dawson E.G., et al., “Intertransverse Process Lumbararthodesis with Autogenous Bone Graft,” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 1981, No. (154), pp. 90-96.
Deguchi M., et al., “Biomechanical Comparison of Spondylolysis Fixation Techniques,” Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 1999, vol. 24 (4), pp. 328-333.
Dove J., “Internal Fixation of the Lumbar Spine. The Hartshill Rectangle,” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 1986, No. (203), pp. 135-140.
Fischgrund J.S., et al., “1997 Volvo Award Winner in Clinical Studies. Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis with Spinal Stenosis: A Prospective, Randomized Study Comparing Decompressive Laminectomy and Arthrodesis with and without Spinal Instrumentation,” Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 1997, vol. 22 (24), pp. 2807-2812.
Freeman B.J., et al., “Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Combined with Instrumented Postero-Lateral Fusion: 5-year Results in 60 Patients,” European Spine Journal, 2000, vol. 9 (1), pp. 42-46.
Frogley M.D., et al., “Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanoparticle-Reinforced Elastomers,” Composites Science and Technology, 2003, vol. 63 (11), pp. 1647-1654.
Gibson J.N., et al., “Surgery for Degenerative Lumbar Spondylosis,” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2005, No. (4), pp. CD001352.
Gill G.G., “Long-Term Follow-Up Evaluation of a Few Patients with Spondylolisthesis Treated by Excision of the Loose Lamina with Decompression of the Nerve Roots without Spinal Fusion,” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 1984, No. (182), pp. 215-219.
Greenough C.G., et al., “Instrumented Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion. Results and Comparison with Anterior Interbody Fusion,” Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 1998, vol. 23 (4), pp. 479-486.
Gunzburg R., et al., “The Conservative Surgical Treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in the Elderly,” European Spine Journal, 2003, vol. 12 (Suppl. 2), pp. S176-S180.
Hajek P.D., et al., “Biomechanical Study of C1-C2 Posterior Arthrodesis Techniques,” Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 1993, vol. 18 (2), pp. 173-177.
Heggeness M.H., et al., “Translaminar Facet Joint Screw Fixation for Lumbar and Lumbosacral Fusion. A Clinical and Biomechanical Study,” Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 1991, vol. 16 (6 Suppl), pp. S266-S269.
Holland N.R., et al., “Intraoperative Electromyography During Thoracolumbar Spinal Surgery,” Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 1998, vol. 23 (17), pp. 1915-1922.
Katz J.N., et al., “Lumbar Laminectomy Alone or with Instrumented or Noninstrumented Arthrodesis in Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. Patient Selection, Costs, and Surgical Outcomes,” Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 1997, vol. 22 (10), pp. 1123-1131.
Kis A., et al., “Reinforcement of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Bundles by Intertube Bridging,” Nature Materials, 2004, vol. 3 (3), pp. 153-157.
Korkala O., et al., “Reduction and Fixation of Late Diagnosed Lower Ccervical Spine Dislocations Using the Daab Plate. A Report of Two Cases,” Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, 1984, vol. 103 (5), pp. 353-355.
Krag M.H., et al., “An Internal Fixator for Posterior Application to Short Segments of the Thoracic, Lumbar, or Lumbosacral Spine. Design and Testing,” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 1986, No. (203), pp. 75-98.
Lin P.M., et al., “Internal Decompression for Multiple Levels of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Technical Note,” Neurosurgery, 1982, vol. 11 (4), pp. 546-549.
Liquidmetal Technologies product page from http://liquidmetal.com/our-products/product-parts/, What we Sell, 5 pages, downloaded from the internet Mar. 27, 2014.
Lorenz M., et al., “A Comparison of Single-Level Fusions with and without Hardware,” Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 1991, vol. 16 (8 Suppl), pp. S455-S458.
Lowery G.L., “Orion Anterior Cervical Plate System” in: Spinal Instrumentation—Surgical Techniques, Kim D.H., et al., eds., Thieme Medical Publications (New York), 2005, pp. 116-122.
Luque E.R., “Segmental Spinal Instrumentation of the Lumbar Spine,” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 1986, No. (203), pp. 126-134.
Madan S., et al., “Outcome of Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Versus Posterolateral Fusion for Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis,” Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 2002, vol. 27 (14), pp. 1536-1542.
Madan S.S., et al., “Circumferential and Posterolateral Fusion for Lumbar Disc Disease,” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 2003, No. (409), pp. 114-123.
Marotta N., et al., “A Novel Minimally Invasive Presacral Approach and Instrumentation Technique for Anterior L5-S1 Intervertebral Discectomy and Fusion: Technical Description and Case Presentations,” Neurosurgical Focus, 2006, vol. 20 (1), pp. E9.
McInerney J., et al., “Frameless Stereotaxy of the Brain,” The Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine, 2000, vol. 67 (4), pp. 300-310.
Moskowitz A., “Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion,” Orthopedic Clinics of North America, 2002, vol. 33 (2), pp. 359-366.
Nardi P., et al., “Aperius PercLID Stand Alone Interspinous System for the Treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Stenosis: Experience on 152 Cases,” Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques, 2010, vol. 23 (3), pp. 203-207.
Neo M., et al., “Spinous Process Plate Fixation As a Salvage Operation for Failed Anterior Cervical Fusion. Technical Note,” Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, 2006, vol. 4 (1), pp. 78-81.
O'Leary P.F., et al., “Distraction Laminoplasty for Decompression of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis,” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 2001, No. (384), pp. 26-34.
Polly D.W., et al., “Surgical Treatment for the Painful Motion Segment: Matching Technology with the Indications: Posterior Lumbar Fusion,” Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 2005, vol. 30 (16 Suppl), pp. S44-S51.
Qian D., et al., “Mechanics of Carbon Nanotubes,” Applied Mechanics Reviews, 2002, vol. 55 (2), pp. 495-533.
Rapoff A.J., et al., “Biomechanical Comparison of Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Cages,” Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 1997, vol. 22 (20), pp. 2375-2379.
Rompe J.D., et al., “Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. Long-Term Results After Undercutting Decompression Compared with Decompressive Laminectomy Alone or with Instrumented Fusion,” Neurosurgical Review, 1999, vol. 22 (2-3), pp. 102-106.
Rousseau M.A., et al., “Predictors of Outcomes After Posterior Decompression and Fusion in Degenerative Spondylolisthesis,” European Spine Journal, 2005, vol. 14 (1), pp. 55-60.
Sasso R.C., et al., “Translaminar Facet Screw Fixation,” World Spine Journal, 2006, vol. 1 (1), pp. 34-39.
Sidhu K.S., et al., “Spinal Instrumentation in the Management of Degenerative Disorders of the Lumbar Spine,” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 1997, No. (335), pp. 39-53.
Smith M.D., et al., “A Biomechanical Analysis of Atlantoaxial Stabilization Methods Using a Bovine Model. C1/C2 Fixation Analysis,” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 1993, No. (290), pp. 285-295.
Stambough J.L., et al., “Instrumented One and Two Level Posterolateral Fusions with Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and Allograft: A Computed Tomography Study,” Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 2010, vol. 35 (1), pp. 124-129.
Stambough J.L., “Lumbosacral Instrumented Fusion: Analysis of 124 Consecutive Cases,” Journal of Spinal Disorders, 1999, vol. 12 (1), pp. 1-9.
Suzuki Y., “Shape Memory and Super-Elasticity Effects in NiTi Alloys,” Titanium-Zirconium, 1982, vol. 30 (4), pp. 185-192.
Swanson K.E., et al., “The Effects of an Interspinous Implant on Intervertebral Disc Pressures,” Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 2003, vol. 28 (1), pp. 26-32.
Thomsen K., et al., “1997 Volvo Award Winner in Clinical Studies. The Effect of Pedicle Screw Instrumentation on Functional Outcome and Fusion Rates in Posterolateral Lumbar Spinal Fusion: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Study,” Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 1997, vol. 22 (24), pp. 2813-2822.
Tseng Y.C., et al., “Monolithic Integration of Carbon Nanotube Devices with Silicon MOS Technology,” Nano Letters, 2004, vol. 4 (1), pp. 123-127.
Vaccaro, et al., Principles of Practice of Spine Surgery; Mosby Press, Philadelphia, PA; 2003.
Vamvanij V., et al., “Surgical Treatment of Internal Disc Disruption: An Outcome Study of Four Fusion Techniques,” Journal of Spinal Disorders, 1998, vol. 11 (5), pp. 375-382.
Voor M.J., et al., “Biomechanical Evaluation of Posterior and Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Techniques,” Journal of Spinal Disorders, 1998, vol. 11 (4), pp. 328-334.
Wang J.C., et al., “Comparison of CD HORIZON SPIRE Spinous Process Plate Stabilization and Pedicle Screw Fixation after Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion. Invited Submission from the Joint Section Meeting on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves, Mar. 2005,” Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, 2006, vol. 4 (2), pp. 132-136.
Wang J.C., et al., “SPIRE Spinous Process Stabilization Plate: Biomechanical Evaluation of a Novel Technology. Invited Submission from the Joint Section Meeting on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves, Mar. 2005,” Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, 2006, vol. 4 (2), pp. 160-164.
Webster T.J., et al., “Increased Osteoblast Adhesion on Nanophase Metals: Ti, Ti6Al4V, and CoCrMo,” Biomaterials, 2004, vol. 25 (19), pp. 4731-4739.
Wohns R.N.W., et al., Day Surgery for Anterior Cervical Microdiskectomy: Experience with 75 Cases, Jul. 11, 2002, pp. 1-3.
Wood M.J., et al., “Improving Accuracy and Reducing Radiation Exposure in Minimally Invasive Lumbar Interbody Fusion,” Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, 2010, vol. 12 (5), pp. 533-539.
Yang C.K., et al., “Binding energies and electronic Structures of Adsorbed Titanium Chains on Carbon Nanotubes,” Physical Review 66, 2002, 041403-1.
Yerby S., et al., “The Effect of Cutting Flute Design on the Insertion and Pullout Properties of Self-tapping Bone Screws,” Jul. 2, 2002, pp. 1-2.
“Flexural Pivot Bearings for Frictionless Applications” printout of web page as displayed from Feb. 10, 2010 accessed Sep. 16, 2019 via the Internet Wayback Machine. https://web.archive.org/web/20100210030115/http://www.flexpivots.com/.
Abstract for German Patent No. DE10035182. (Derwent Information Ltd.), publication date Feb. 7, 2002.

Provisional Applications (1)

	Number	Date	Country
	62284944	Oct 2015	US

Devices and methods for vertebral stabilization

Information

Patent Number

Date Filed

Date Issued

Inventors

Examiners

Agents

CPC

Field of Search

CPC

International Classifications

Term Extension