Illinois Patent of the Month – March 2024
Life Spine, Inc., a pioneering name in the field of orthopedic implants, has been granted a patent for a new orthopedic implant design set to improve the landscape of orthopedic surgery. Their latest orthopedic implant is designed to provide variable angle locking of bone screws, addressing several critical issues encountered in traditional plate and screw implants.
Traditional orthopedic implants often struggle to accommodate the unique anatomy of each patient while securely fixing the bone screws in place. Life Spine’s innovative solution tackles these challenges head-on, offering both variable angling and positional locking of bone screws relative to the plate.
At the heart of this invention is a meticulously crafted plate with bone screw pockets featuring conical sidewalls and annular slots. These design elements allow for the precise insertion of bone screws while providing the flexibility to adjust the angle as needed. Additionally, the plate includes strategically positioned lips and cutouts that securely grip the threading of the bone screw heads, preventing back out and ensuring stability.
To further enhance its functionality, the orthopedic implant incorporates an annular insert made of PEEK, a highly durable material known for its biocompatibility. The insert plays a pivotal role in locking the bone screws into position, thanks to its keyed configuration that meshes seamlessly with the screw pockets in the plate.
This three-component system comprising the orthopedic plate, annular insert, and variable angle locking screw offers unparalleled versatility and reliability in orthopedic surgery. Surgeons can now confidently address a wide range of bone issues in the spine, foot, hand, and other parts of the body with precision and ease.
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