US 12,268,420 B2
Spinal rod connecting components with active sensing capabilities
Newton H. Metcalf, Memphis, TN (US); Arjun Siby-Kurian, Memphis, TN (US); Mark C. Dace, Collierville, TN (US); and Steven C. Alley, Germantown, TN (US)
Assigned to WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC., Warsaw, IN (US)
Filed by Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc., Warsaw, IN (US)
Filed on Dec. 7, 2022, as Appl. No. 18/062,867.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/329,982, filed on Apr. 12, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0320760 A1, Oct. 12, 2023
Int. Cl. A61B 17/70 (2006.01); A61B 5/00 (2006.01); A61F 2/44 (2006.01); A61F 2/46 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 17/7032 (2013.01) [A61B 5/0031 (2013.01); A61B 5/4566 (2013.01); A61B 5/4851 (2013.01); A61B 5/686 (2013.01); A61B 2562/0261 (2013.01); A61F 2/44 (2013.01); A61F 2002/4666 (2013.01)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A load sensing spinal implant, comprising:
a receiver comprising a U-shaped cavity for supporting a longitudinal rod and set screw therein, the receiver including a lower cavity configured to couple to a pedicle screw;
a side portion integrally connected to the receiver and including a housing defining a sealed cavity for supporting a microelectronics assembly and a battery therein;
at least one antenna attached to an outside of the housing and being in electrical communication with the microelectronics assembly; and
at least one strain gauge configured to detect a localized force experienced by the receiver and being in electrical communication with the microelectronics assembly;
wherein the at least one antenna is configured to transmit information received from the at least one strain gauge to an external device,
wherein the receiver is connected to the side portion by an isolation beam, and
wherein the isolation beam further comprises an internal cylindrical cavity that extends through the isolation beam and into the cavity defined by the housing, the at least one strain gauge being disposed inside of the cylindrical cavity.