John D Dorchak

US Patent:

6582437, Jun 24, 2003

Filed:

Feb 22, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/790926

Inventors:

John D. Dorchak - Midland GA
John L. White - Bartlett TN

Assignee:

SDGI Holdings, Inc. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

A61B 1788

US Classification:

606 90, 606 57

Abstract:

Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion cages adapted for insertion into an unreamed disc space are provided to enhance load distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies and lateral stability of the spinal column. The fusion cages may be inserted after distracting the disc space with the distractor assembly. Instruments for preparing the disc space through the inserted fusion cages or for use with the distractor assembly are also provided.

US Patent:

6719760, Apr 13, 2004

Filed:

Jun 17, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/463299

Inventors:

John D. Dorchak - Midland GA
John L. White - Barltett TN
Bret M. Berry - Cordova TN

Assignee:

SDGI Holdings, Inc. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

A61B 1788

US Classification:

606 90, 606 57, 606 61

Abstract:

Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion cages adapted for insertion into an unreamed disc space are provided to enhance load distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies and lateral stability of the spinal column. The fusion cages may be inserted after distracting the disc space with the distractor assembly. Instruments for preparing the disc space through the inserted fusion cages or for use with the distractor assembly are also provided.

US Patent:

6723096, Apr 20, 2004

Filed:

Aug 28, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/649696

Inventors:

John D. Dorchak - Midland GA
J. Kenneth Burkus - Columbus GA
John L. White - Bartlett TN

Assignee:

SDGI Holdings, Inc. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

A61F 228

US Classification:

606 61, 623 1716, 606 73

Abstract:

Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion cages adapted for insertion into an unreamed disc space are provided to enhance load distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies and lateral stability of the spinal column. The fusion cages may be inserted after distracting the disc space with the distractor assembly. Instruments for preparing the disc space through the inserted fusion cages or for use with the distractor assembly are also provided.

US Patent:

7285135, Oct 23, 2007

Filed:

Feb 28, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/068423

Inventors:

William F. McKay - Memphis TN, US
John D. Dorchak - Midland GA, US

Assignee:

Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. - Warsaw IN

International Classification:

A61F 2/44

US Classification:

623 1716

Abstract:

An interbody osteogenic fusion device is provided that includes a rigid elongated central element and a pair of opposing bone engaging members. The device promotes fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae. In one aspect, a cylindrical end cap is coupled to one end of the central element. The opposing bone engaging members are configured to contact and support the adjacent vertebrae. The opposing bone engaging members are coupled at opposite sides of the central element and extend from the end cap to the other end of the central element. The central element, cylindrical end cap, and bone engaging members define opposite cavities for containing osteogenic material.

US Patent:

7316686, Jan 8, 2008

Filed:

Mar 4, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/793197

Inventors:

John D. Dorchak - Midland GA, US
J. Kenneth Burkus - Columbus GA, US
John L. White - Bartlett TN, US

Assignee:

Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. - Warsaw IN

International Classification:

A61F 2/28

US Classification:

606 61, 623 1716

Abstract:

Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion cages adapted for insertion into an unreamed disc space are provided to enhance load distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies and lateral stability of the spinal column. The fusion cages may be inserted after distracting the disc space with the distractor assembly. Instruments for preparing the disc space through the inserted fusion cages or for use with the distractor assembly are also provided.

US Patent:

7534265, May 19, 2009

Filed:

Apr 11, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/869813

Inventors:

Lawrence M. Boyd - Durham NC, US
J. Kenneth Burkus - Columbus GA, US
John D. Dorchak - Midland GA, US
Bradley T. Estes - Durham NC, US

Assignee:

Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. - Warsaw IN

International Classification:

A61F 2/44

US Classification:

623 1711

Abstract:

Intervertebral spacers, tools for implanting intervertebral spacers and methods of promoting fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae are provided. The spacers include an elongated body having a first end, a second end and an outer surface. Side walls connect the first and second ends. The elongated body also defines an interior cavity. The side wall defines an opening to the interior cavity in a side of the elongated body. At least one of the first and second ends has a discontinuity, such as a concave surface, for nesting with an adjacent spacer. The tools include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means includes a plate extendible from the housing. In one specific embodiment the plate defines a groove which is disposed around a fastener attached to the housing so that the plate is slideable relative to the housing.

US Patent:

8038714, Oct 18, 2011

Filed:

Mar 20, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/383191

Inventors:

Lawrence M. Boyd - Durham NC, US
J. Kenneth Burkus - Columbus GA, US
John D. Dorchak - Midland GA, US
Bradley T. Estes - Durham NC, US

Assignee:

Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. - Warsaw IN

International Classification:

A61F 2/44

US Classification:

623 1711

Abstract:

Intervertebral spacers and methods of promoting fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae are provided. The spacers include an elongated body having a first end, a second end and an outer surface. Side walls connect the first and second ends. The elongated body also defines an interior cavity. The side wall defines an opening to the interior cavity in a side of the elongated body. At least one of the first and second ends has a discontinuity, such as a concave surface, for nesting with an adjacent spacer. The methods of promoting fusion bone growth include utilizing the inventive spacers described herein.

US Patent:

8083744, Dec 27, 2011

Filed:

Jul 20, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/880398

Inventors:

John D. Dorchak - Midland GA, US
J. Kenneth Burkus - Columbus GA, US
John L. White - Bartlett TN, US

Assignee:

Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. - Warsaw IN

International Classification:

A61B 17/56

US Classification:

606 86A

Abstract:

Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion cages adapted for insertion into an unreamed disc space are provided to enhance load distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies and lateral stability of the spinal column. The fusion cages may be inserted after distracting the disc space with the distractor assembly. Instruments for preparing the disc space through the inserted fusion cages or for use with the distractor assembly are also provided.