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

Original Patent Information

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