US 11096797

Here's a concise summary of US Patent 11096797:

Patent Number: US11096797B2

Title: Zero-profile expandable intervertebral spacer devices for distraction and spinal fusion and a universal tool for their placement and expansion

Assignee: Moskowitz Family LLC

Inventors: Ahmnon D. Moskowitz, Mosheh T. Moskowitz, Pablo A. Valdivia Y. Alvarado, Eric Sugalski, Nathan C. Moskowitz, David Schoon

Filing Date: September 30, 2019

Issue Date: August 24, 2021

Abstract: A unique, universal Zero-Profile Expandable Intervertebral Spacer (ZP-EIS) device for fusion and distraction throughout the entire spine is provided. This device can be inserted via various surgical approaches (anterior, anterolateral, lateral, far lateral, or posterior) depending on surgical need and preference. The patent discloses multiple ZP-EIS embodiments, each featuring unique mechanisms for calibrated expansion. Two of these embodiments incorporate bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screws, while five others do not. The patent also describes a universal tool for implanting these intervertebral devices and for their calibrated expansion.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes an expandable intervertebral fusion device designed for placement between vertebral bodies. It includes a top housing and a bottom housing that are movable relative to each other. The device is expanded by a rotation screw that causes a separation block to move horizontally, which in turn causes the top and bottom housings to separate vertically. The device also includes internal and external linkage arms connecting the housings and separation block, as well as bone cavities for fusion material.
• Claim 13: This claim outlines an expandable intervertebral fusion device that utilizes a worm drive mechanism. It features a top housing and a bottom housing that are translatable relative to each other. A worm drive is configured to engage a spur gear mount, which itself has internal threading to engage a threaded stud. The rotation of the worm drive controls the linear advancement of the threaded component, thereby expanding the device. The device also includes bone cavities for fusion material and indentations for a surgical tool.
• Claim 20: This claim describes a surgical tool for inserting and expanding an intervertebral device. The tool comprises a handle, a gripper with prongs designed to cooperate with the handle, and an Allen key. The prongs of the gripper are configured to mate with indentations on the intervertebral device to assist with grasping, insertion, and impaction. The Allen key is designed to rotate an adjustment screw within the intervertebral device to facilitate its expansion. The tool also includes a screw guide for directing self-drilling screws into vertebral bodies, particularly for devices with bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screws.

Litigation Status:
The assignee, Moskowitz Family LLC, is involved in litigation. A case titled "Moskowitz Family LLC v. Globus Medical, Inc." (Case 24-1696) was argued on May 4, 2026, before Panel A of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.