DR. MICHAEL R ZINDRICK, M.D.
Medical Practice at Ogden Ave, Oak Brook, IL

2004009, May 13, 2004

Sep 27, 2002

10/260258

Michael Zindrick - Burr Ridge IL, US

A61B017/56

606/061000

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for securing grafts and fusing vertebrae within the spine following discectomy or vertebrectomy surgery. In one embodiment, a device for use after a discectomy comprises a plate having a curvature conforming to the natural anterior or lateral curvature of the cervical spine. The plate preferably has an inspection opening with a generally rectangular shape. The plate also has horizontally extending prongs disposed on opposite sides of the opening. A graft is inserted between the prongs. The upper end of the plate is secured to the vertebra above the removed disc and the lower end of the plate is secured to the vertebra below the removed disc. When the plate is secured to the spine, the prongs and graft extend into the space previously occupied by the removed disc. The graft is secured within the disc space by the prongs. The inspection opening in the implant facilitates visual observation by the implanting surgeon of the position of the graft relative to the adjacent vertebrae, and thus permits verification that the graft is secured in close physical contact with the vertebrae to ensure successful fusion. In another embodiment, a device for use after a vertebrectomy comprises a longer plate having a curvature conforming to the natural posterior curvature of the cervical spine with two inspection openings.

2005015, Jul 14, 2005

Oct 19, 2004

10/968586

Howard Wolek - Morris Plaine NJ, US
Franceso Larosa - Neptune NJ, US
Jeffrey Kozak - Houston TX, US
Mark Lorenz - Hinsdale IL, US
Michael Zindrick - Hinsdale IL, US

A61F002/44

623017110

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for vertebral body replacement and methods associated therewith. In one embodiment, a vertebral body replacement apparatus may be used to correct and stabilize the spine (e.g., the thoracolumbar spine (T1-L5)). In another embodiment, a vertebral body (e.g., a diseased and/or damaged vertebral body) that has been resected or excised (e.g., for the treatment of a tumor or trauma) may be replaced (with the height of the resected or excised vertebral body being substantially replaced and restored by the apparatus of the present invention).

2005018, Aug 25, 2005

Jan 7, 2005

11/031362

Howard Wolek - Morris Plains NJ, US
Francesco Larosa - Neptune NJ, US
Jeffrey Kozak - Houston TX, US
Mark Lorenz - Hinsdale IL, US
Michael Zindrick - Hinsdale IL, US

A61F002/44

623017110

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for vertebral body replacement and methods associated therewith. In one embodiment, a vertebral body replacement apparatus may be used to correct and stabilize the spine (e.g., the thoracolumbar spine (T1-L5)). In another embodiment, a vertebral body (e.g., a diseased and/or damaged vertebral body) that has been resected or excised (e.g., for the treatment of a tumor or trauma) may be replaced (with the height of the resected or excised vertebral body being substantially replaced and restored by the apparatus of the present invention).