Expandable Fusion Devices for Enhanced Athletic Performance, Osteoporosis Treatment, Veterinary Medicine, Prosthetic Limb Functionality, and Craniofacial Defect Correction

Publication ID: 24-11857437_0002_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Expandable Fusion Devices for Enhanced Athletic Performance, Osteoporosis Treatment, Veterinary Medicine, Prosthetic Limb Functionality, and Craniofacial Defect Correction,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857437_0002_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857437_0002_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,437.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept relates to the application of expandable fusion devices in novel fields, including athletic performance enhancement, osteoporosis treatment, veterinary medicine, prosthetic limb functionality, and craniofacial defect correction, leveraging the core technology of the original patent to address unmet needs in these areas.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed an expandable fusion device for promoting intervertebral fusion. However, the limitations of this device were restricted to spinal fusion applications. The present inventive concept addresses the need for innovative solutions in various fields, where the expandable fusion device can be adapted to provide unique benefits, such as enhanced athletic performance, improved osteoporosis treatment outcomes, advanced veterinary medicine, enhanced prosthetic limb functionality, and effective craniofacial defect correction.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises an expandable fusion device, which can be implanted in various anatomical locations, such as bone tunnels, vertebral bodies, animal spines, residual limbs, or craniofacial bones. The device is designed to promote bone growth and fusion, thereby facilitating a faster recovery and return to athletic activity, reducing the risk of vertebral fractures, alleviating pain and improving mobility in animals, improving the comfort and mobility of amputees, and restoring normal craniofacial function and aesthetics. The device's expandable nature allows for a minimally invasive procedure, reducing tissue damage and promoting faster healing. The inventive concept also encompasses various mechanisms for expanding the device, such as tool engagement elements, sloped actuator assemblies, and bone growth inducing materials.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present inventive concept is novel and non-obvious in its application of the expandable fusion device to entirely new fields, including athletic performance enhancement, osteoporosis treatment, veterinary medicine, prosthetic limb functionality, and craniofacial defect correction. The inventive concept's value lies in its ability to adapt the core technology of the original patent to address unmet needs in these areas, providing innovative solutions that were not previously considered.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include variations in the device's material, shape, and size, depending on the specific application. For example, the device may be designed with a specialized coating for enhanced biocompatibility in veterinary medicine or with integrated sensors for monitoring athletic performance. Additionally, the device may be adapted for use in other fields, such as orthopedic trauma or dental reconstruction.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The present inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including sports medicine, orthopedic implants, veterinary medicine, prosthetics, and craniofacial reconstruction. The market for these applications is substantial, with a growing demand for innovative solutions that can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61F2/447
A A61 A61F2/442
A A61 A61F2/4425
A A61 A61F2/4465
A A61 A61F2/4611
A A61 A61F2002/2817
A A61 A61F2002/2835
A A61 A61F2002/3083
A A61 A61F2002/30266
A A61 A61F2002/30387
A A61 A61F2002/30397
A A61 A61F2002/30405
A A61 A61F2002/30411
A A61 A61F2002/30433
A A61 A61F2002/30471
A A61 A61F2002/30482
A A61 A61F2002/30484
A A61 A61F2002/30507
A A61 A61F2002/30517
A A61 A61F2002/30522
A A61 A61F2002/30523
A A61 A61F2002/30528
A A61 A61F2002/30555
A A61 A61F2002/30556
A A61 A61F2002/30558
A A61 A61F2002/30579
A A61 A61F2002/30593
A A61 A61F2002/30601
A A61 A61F2002/30607
A A61 A61F2002/30828
A A61 A61F2002/30841
A A61 A61F2002/30843
A A61 A61F2002/30904
A A61 A61F2002/443
A A61 A61F2310/00011
A A61 A61F2310/00017
A A61 A61F2310/00023
A A61 A61F2310/00179

Field of Art

Orthopedic medical devices, specifically expandable fusion implants for bone reconstruction and stabilization across multiple anatomical contexts, requiring expertise in biomechanical engineering, materials science, and surgical intervention techniques

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic device designer with advanced degrees, understanding of biomaterials, surgical procedures, and mechanical design principles for implantable medical devices, capable of adapting core technological concepts across different anatomical applications

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental expandable fusion device technology disclosed in US 11857437 represents a versatile platform that can be readily adapted to multiple anatomical contexts by applying standard engineering design principles and known biomedical techniques. The core mechanical expansion mechanism and bone fusion principles are fundamentally transferable across different anatomical regions with predictable modifications. The PTD demonstrates systematic application of the source patent's core technological concept through logical extrapolation of the device's inherent functional capabilities.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Expandable intervertebral fusion device with width and height actuators
PTD Variation
Adaptation of device for bone tunnel implantation in athletic injury recovery
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of applying orthopedic stabilization principles across different anatomical contexts, with predictable results of promoting bone healing and structural support
Source Patent Element
Sloped actuator assemblies enabling device expansion
PTD Variation
Modification of device geometry for craniofacial bone reconstruction
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable engineering design choice involving scaling and geometrical adaptation of established mechanical expansion principles to different anatomical regions
Source Patent Element
Tool engagement elements for device manipulation
PTD Variation
Integration of sensors for prosthetic limb functionality monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of augmenting medical devices with sensor technologies, representing a straightforward technological enhancement with predictable implementation
Source Patent Element
Bone growth inducing material incorporation
PTD Variation
Application of bone growth materials in veterinary and osteoporosis treatments
Obviousness Reasoning
Established biomedical technique of translating bone regeneration strategies across species and medical conditions using standardized biomaterial approaches
Source Patent Element
Minimally invasive implantation mechanism
PTD Variation
Expanded application to multiple anatomical intervention scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Recognized engineering approach of generalizing successful medical device technologies across different clinical domains with minimal substantive redesign
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US 11857437 and the comprehensive technical disclosure demonstrating systematic technological translation, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed variations obvious and lacking inventive distinctiveness. The published technical disclosure establishes prior art rendering obvious any patent claims attempting to monopolize the fundamental concept of expandable fusion device adaptation across diverse medical and performance enhancement contexts.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,437
TitleExpandable fusion device and method of installation thereof
Assignee(s)Globus Medical, Inc.