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Fusion implant and method of making sameRelated Patent Categories: Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members), Parts Thereof, Or Aids And Accessories Therefor, Implantable Prosthesis, BoneFusion implant and method of making same description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070276489, Fusion implant and method of making same. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The present application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/455,760 filed Jun. 5, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,252,685 entitled "FUSION IMPLANT AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME" which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND [0002] Implants for use in fusing adjacent bony structures facilitate fusion by maintaining the adjacent bony structures in a predetermined spaced relationship while bone grows between them. In some cases these implants are formed from body tissues. In forming an implant from body tissue, a source of tissue, such as a bone, is formed into pieces meeting the desired shape and strength requirements for a particular implant. In the case of bone, the requirements are often specified in terms of a minimum wall thickness, minimum load bearing capacity, and/or geometric size and shape. A portion of the source tissue, including pieces removed in forming implants, will fall short of the requirements to form an integral implant. Thus, it is often difficult to obtain a high yield from a particular source. SUMMARY [0003] The present invention provides an implant for use in fusing adjacent bony structures. [0004] In one aspect of the invention, an implant for use in fusing adjacent bony structures comprises at least one structural member combined with at least one flexible planar member to retain the at least one structural member to form the implant. [0005] In another aspect of the invention, a load bearing implant for use in fusing adjacent bony structures comprises a plurality of bone pieces and a flexible planar member containing the bone pieces to give a predetermined form to the implant. [0006] In another aspect of the invention, a load bearing implant for use in fusing adjacent bony structures comprises a plurality of bone pieces and a flexible planar member, the bone pieces and flexible planar member forming alternating layers. [0007] In another aspect of the invention, a load bearing implant for use in fusing adjacent bony structures comprises a plurality of layers comprising a flexible planar member and at least one structural member extending through at least two of the plurality of layers to affix the at least one structural member at a predetermined orientation within the layers. [0008] In another aspect of the invention, a load bearing implant for use in fusing adjacent bony structures comprises load bearing means for supporting said adjacent bony structure in spaced relationship and retaining means for retaining the load bearing means in a predetermined orientation. [0009] In another aspect of the invention, a method of treating a body to promote fusion of adjacent bony structures comprises the steps of providing a plurality of bone pieces; containing the plurality of bone pieces in a flexible planar member to form an implant having a predetermined form; and placing the implant between adjacent bony structures. [0010] In another aspect of the invention, a system for use in fusing adjacent bony structures comprises a plurality of bone pieces; at least one flexible planar member substantially retaining the plurality of bone pieces; and a fixation device attachable to the adjacent bony structures and having a structure to limit relative motion between the adjacent bony structures. [0011] In another aspect of the invention, an implant for use in fusing adjacent bony structures comprises at least one retaining member having a first load carrying capacity and at least one structural member having a second load carrying capacity greater than the first, the retaining member retaining the structural member in a predetermined orientation relative to the adjacent bony structures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] Various embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the appended drawings. These drawings depict only illustrative embodiments of the invention and are not to be considered limiting of its scope. [0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative implant according to the present invention with a portion of the outer member shown in broken line to reveal the inner structure of the embodiment. [0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an implant similar to that of FIG. 1 showing an alternative shape and hollow member. [0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an implant similar to that of FIG. 1 showing an alternative construction of stacked layers. [0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an implant like that of FIG. 1 showing an alternative construction of spirally rolled layers. [0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an implant like that of FIG. 4 showing another type of spirally rolled layer construction. [0018] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 5 prior to it being rolled. [0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an implant like that of FIG. 1 shown with an additional structural member. [0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an implant like that of FIG. 7 showing a folded layer construction. Continue reading about Fusion implant and method of making same... Full patent description for Fusion implant and method of making same Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Fusion implant and method of making same patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Fusion implant and method of making same or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Medical implant or device Next Patent Application: Artificial spinal disc implant Industry Class: Prosthesis (i.e., artificial body members), parts thereof, or aids and accessories therefor ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Fusion implant and method of making same patent info. 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