Thomas Andrew Carls
Engineering at Riv Currents Dr, Memphis, TN

2010018, Jul 22, 2010

Jan 21, 2009

12/356743

Thomas Carls - Memphis TN, US
Joshua Simpson - Collierville TN, US
Jason John Eckhardt - Memphis TN, US

Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc - Warsaw IN

A61F 2/44

623 1711, 623 1712, 623 1716

An intervertebral prosthesis implantable within a disc space and disposed between upper and lower vertebral endplates is provided. The prosthesis comprises a plurality of prosthesis modules insertable into the disc space, wherein the modules have at least one set of complementarily-shaped and sized surfaces, and wherein at least one of the modules is expandable. The modules have surfaces configured to engage within the disc space in a manner such that the modules form an assembled prosthesis of a size substantially preventing it from being outwardly expelled from the disc space, and the modules have bearing surfaces slidably engageable with the endplates to permit articulation between upper and lower vertebral endplates. In one embodiment, the at least one expandable module of the intervertebral prosthesis expands by inflation. In another embodiment, the at least one expandable module expands by unfolding into its intended form.

5702464, Dec 30, 1997

Feb 20, 1996

8/603581

Jennifer J. Lackey - Memphis TN
Albert J. Pothier - Memphis TN
Thomas A. Carls - Memphis TN
Chris E. Johnson - Memphis TN
Scott Elliott - Memphis TN

Smith & Nephew Inc. - Memphis TN

A61F 230, A61F 238

623 20

A modular tibial trial prosthesis for attachment to a patient's surgically cut proximal tibia includes a tibial tray having proximal and distal surfaces, the distal surface to be fitted against the patient's surgically prepared proximal tibia during knee joint replacement surgery. The proximal surface of the tray accepts any one of a plurality of plastic liner inserts that fits the tray at the proximal tray surface with an interlocking connection. The liner inserts each have a distal surface for attachment to the tray and a proximal articulating surface that is receptive of a distal femoral articulating surface. The proximal articulating surface has concavely-shaped portions. The concavely-shaped portions of the liner inserts provide different articular geometries for selection by the user. A plurality of spacers of different thicknesses can be positioned in between a selected one of the plastic liner inserts and the tibial tray. Each spacer has proximal and distal surfaces.

5609642, Mar 11, 1997

Feb 15, 1995

8/389100

Chris E. Johnson - Memphis TN
Tim Vendrely - Memphis TN
Leo A. Whiteside - Bridgeton MO
Thomas A. Carls - Memphis TN
John Steele - Aurora CO
Khosrow Naraghian - Memphis TN

Smith & Nephew Richards Inc. - Memphis TN

A61F 238

623 20

The method of implanting a femoral and a tibial knee prosthesis and instruments for surgically implanting the femoral and tibial prosthesis component as disclosed. The method includes the formation of a plurality of surgical cuts on the patient's distal femur. A trial tibial prosthesis is then fitted to the surgically prepared distal femur. The trial prosthesis has a femoral articulating surface and a non-articulating surface that fits the patient's distal femur at the surgical cuts. A surgeon then forms a transverse cut on the patient's proximal tibia. The surgeon places a tibial trial prosthesis on the patient's proximal tibia, the trial prosthesis including a tibial trial stem that fits the patient's intramedullary canal, a tibial trial metallic tray or plate, and a plastic trial insert that fits the tibial tray or plate. The plastic insert includes a tibial articulating surface that can articulate with the femoral articulating surface. The respective articulating surfaces are placed in contact and the surgeon then moves the patient's knee through a full range of motion.

2011016, Jun 30, 2011

Mar 7, 2011

13/041523

Thomas A. Carls - Memphis TN, US
Eric C. Lange - Pleasanton CA, US
Christopher M. Patterson - Olive Branch MS, US

WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC. - Warsaw IN

A61B 17/88, A61B 17/86

606279, 606305

A locking device and method are provided for a bone stabilization system which includes a bone anchor, a coupling mechanism and a stabilization member, wherein the coupling mechanism couples the stabilization member to the bone anchor. The locking device includes a seating member and a posted member. The seating member is operatively associated with the coupling mechanism for securing the stabilization member within the coupling mechanism, and is configured with an opening therein. The posted member, which includes an interface member and a post extending therefrom, is configured for disposition between the seating member and the stabilization member with the post extending therefrom being received into the opening in the seating member when the seating member is employed to secure the stabilization member within the coupling mechanism. The post is sized to engage and facilitate control of the stabilization member as the seating member operatively engages the coupling mechanism.

2011010, May 5, 2011

Oct 30, 2009

12/609520

Anthony J. Melkent - Memphis TN, US
Thomas A. Carls - Memphis TN, US
Lindsey G. Waugh - Memphis TN, US

WARSAW ORTHROPEDIC, INC. - Warsaw IN

A61B 17/86, A61B 17/70

606246, 606309, 606312

The present invention is generally directed to a unique bone screw which, in one form, may be used to engage with and attach an implant to bone or bony tissue. In one embodiment, a bone screw includes an elongate shank extending along a longitudinal axis from an enlarged proximal head portion to a distal tip. The elongate shank includes a first portion having a first non-tapered, linear external profile and a second portion having a first tapered external profile that increases toward the proximal head portion. The second portion is positioned between the first portion and the head portion and terminates distally of the proximal head portion. In one form of this embodiment, the bone screw can be advanced through a passage of an implant such that an interference fit is provided between the bone screw and the implant.

2007019, Aug 16, 2007

Jan 31, 2006

11/343568

Thomas Carls - Memphis TN, US
Jonathan Dewey - Memphis TN, US

SDGI Holdings, Inc. - Wilmington DE

A61F 2/30

606061000

An in-series, dual locking mechanism device for securing at least one implant having a clamp, a locking mechanism and a bone fastener. The clamp is configured to include a channel for receiving the implant and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is structured to secure the implant within the clamp by applying a force in at least two locations that are configured to be adjacent and in-series relative to each other. The locking mechanism functions to reduce the resultant internal stresses realized by the implant that may lead to implant fracture or fatigue. The implant is generally continuous and is preferably rod shaped. The shape of the implant thereby allowing it to be utilized in various surgical procedural applications. The clamp is further configured for the attachment of a bone fastener. The bone fastener functioning to rigidly fix the clamp to the bone.

2008023, Sep 25, 2008

Feb 28, 2007

11/680401

Hai H. Trieu - Cordova TN, US
Thomas Carls - Memphis TN, US
Jonathan Dewey - Memphis TN, US

WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC. - Warsaw IN

A61B 17/70, A61B 17/58

606250, 606246

A bio-compatible stabilization system includes one or more inserters and a connector for traversing a space between one or more bony structures. The stabilization system is designed to reduce or eliminate stress shielding effects while functioning as a tension band. The connector includes an extendable member and an over-extension limiter that limits extension of the extendable member.

5676701, Oct 14, 1997

Jun 7, 1995

8/480762

Hansen A. Yuan - Fayetteville NY
Chih-I Lin - Diamond Bar CA
James A. Davidson - Germantown TN
Laura C. Small - Memphis TN
Thomas A. Carls - Memphis TN

Smith & Nephew, Inc. - Memphis TN

A61F 244

623 17

An artificial spinal disc for surgical placement between adjacent vertebrae including a first component for attaching to a first vertebrae, the first component having a concave recess, with the concave contoured surface having a circumference of 360. degree. A second component for attaching to a second vertebrae, the second component including a projection with a convex surface, the convex contoured surface having a circumference of 360. degree. The corresponding contoured surfaces shaped to allow an unrestricted rotational and a flexion/extension bending motion between the first and second components relative to a patient's normal spinal axis when in a standing position with the spine in a straightened position.

7862591, Jan 4, 2011

Nov 10, 2005

11/271018

Jonathan Dewey - Memphis TN, US
Thomas Carls - Memphis TN, US
Eric C. Lange - Collierville TN, US
Kent M. Anderson - Memphis TN, US
Matthew M. Morrison - Cordova TN, US
Aurelien Bruneau - Memphis TN, US
Jean Taylor - Cannes, FR

Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. - Warsaw IN

A61F 2/30

606248, 623 1716, 606246

An intervertebral prosthetic device and method for spinal stabilization, according to which a prosthetic device is implanted relative to two vertebrae and is positioned so that it makes a rigid connection with one of the vertebra and a non-rigid connection with the other vertebra.

8105357, Jan 31, 2012

Apr 28, 2006

11/414060

Aurelien Bruneau - Memphis TN, US
Kent M. Anderson - Memphis TN, US
Roy Lim - Memphis TN, US
Eric C. Lange - Collierville TN, US
Thomas Carls - Memphis TN, US
Hai H. Trieu - Cordova TN, US

Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. - Warsaw IN

A61B 17/70

606248, 606 90, 623 1711

An intervertebral process brace is disclosed and can include a frame that can support a first vertebral process and a second vertebral process. The intervertebral process brace can also include a first vertebral process support strap that can span a first portion of the frame. The first vertebral process support strap can engage the first vertebral process and bind the first vertebral process between the first vertebral process support strap and the first portion of the frame.