US 12,343,048 B2
Methods and apparatus for stabilizing bone
Jason Blain, Encinitas, CA (US)
Assigned to Spinal Elements, Inc., Carlsbad, CA (US)
Filed by Spinal Elements, Inc., Carlsbad, CA (US)
Filed on Aug. 18, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/820,690.
Application 14/256,532 is a division of application No. 13/033,791, filed on Feb. 24, 2011, granted, now 8,740,949, issued on Jun. 3, 2014.
Application 17/820,690 is a continuation of application No. 16/436,118, filed on Jun. 10, 2019, granted, now 11,464,551.
Application 16/436,118 is a continuation of application No. 15/726,775, filed on Oct. 6, 2017, granted, now 10,368,921, issued on Aug. 6, 2019.
Application 15/726,775 is a continuation of application No. 14/869,793, filed on Sep. 29, 2015, granted, now 9,808,294, issued on Nov. 7, 2017.
Application 14/869,793 is a continuation of application No. 14/256,532, filed on Apr. 18, 2014, granted, now 9,179,943, issued on Nov. 10, 2015.
Prior Publication US 2022/0401133 A1, Dec. 22, 2022
Int. Cl. A61B 17/70 (2006.01); A61B 17/82 (2006.01); A61B 17/84 (2006.01); A61B 17/88 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 17/7064 (2013.01) [A61B 17/82 (2013.01); A61B 17/842 (2013.01); A61B 17/7053 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus, comprising:
an elongate body comprising a proximal end portion, a first portion, a second portion, and a distal end portion, wherein the second portion comprises a gear rack; and
a fastening mechanism comprising a ratchet,
wherein the fastening mechanism is configured to receive the proximal end portion, the first portion, and at least a portion of the second portion to engage the ratchet with a gear of the gear rack,
wherein the fastening mechanism is separately formed from the elongate body; and
a drill configured to form a lumen in an articular process.