US20210015625A1 - Expandable intervertebral fusion implant - Google Patents
Expandable intervertebral fusion implant Download PDFInfo
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- US20210015625A1 US20210015625A1 US16/516,416 US201916516416A US2021015625A1 US 20210015625 A1 US20210015625 A1 US 20210015625A1 US 201916516416 A US201916516416 A US 201916516416A US 2021015625 A1 US2021015625 A1 US 2021015625A1
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/44—Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs
- A61F2/4455—Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs for the fusion of spinal bodies, e.g. intervertebral fusion of adjacent spinal bodies, e.g. fusion cages
- A61F2/447—Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs for the fusion of spinal bodies, e.g. intervertebral fusion of adjacent spinal bodies, e.g. fusion cages substantially parallelepipedal, e.g. having a rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/44—Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs
- A61F2/4455—Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs for the fusion of spinal bodies, e.g. intervertebral fusion of adjacent spinal bodies, e.g. fusion cages
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
- A61F2002/30108—Shapes
- A61F2002/30199—Three-dimensional shapes
- A61F2002/30261—Three-dimensional shapes parallelepipedal
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
- A61F2002/30316—The prosthesis having different structural features at different locations within the same prosthesis; Connections between prosthetic parts; Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
- A61F2002/30329—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
- A61F2002/30331—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements made by longitudinally pushing a protrusion into a complementarily-shaped recess, e.g. held by friction fit
- A61F2002/30362—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements made by longitudinally pushing a protrusion into a complementarily-shaped recess, e.g. held by friction fit with possibility of relative movement between the protrusion and the recess
- A61F2002/3037—Translation along the common longitudinal axis, e.g. piston
- A61F2002/30372—Translation along the common longitudinal axis, e.g. piston with additional means for limiting said translation
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
- A61F2002/30316—The prosthesis having different structural features at different locations within the same prosthesis; Connections between prosthetic parts; Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
- A61F2002/30329—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
- A61F2002/30383—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements made by laterally inserting a protrusion, e.g. a rib into a complementarily-shaped groove
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
- A61F2002/30316—The prosthesis having different structural features at different locations within the same prosthesis; Connections between prosthetic parts; Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
- A61F2002/30329—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
- A61F2002/30405—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements made by screwing complementary threads machined on the parts themselves
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
- A61F2002/30316—The prosthesis having different structural features at different locations within the same prosthesis; Connections between prosthetic parts; Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
- A61F2002/30329—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
- A61F2002/30476—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements locked by an additional locking mechanism
- A61F2002/30507—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements locked by an additional locking mechanism using a threaded locking member, e.g. a locking screw or a set screw
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
- A61F2002/30316—The prosthesis having different structural features at different locations within the same prosthesis; Connections between prosthetic parts; Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
- A61F2002/30535—Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
- A61F2002/30537—Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for adjustable
- A61F2002/3055—Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for adjustable for adjusting length
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
- A61F2002/30316—The prosthesis having different structural features at different locations within the same prosthesis; Connections between prosthetic parts; Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
- A61F2002/30535—Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
- A61F2002/30579—Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for with mechanically expandable devices, e.g. fixation devices
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
- A61F2002/30621—Features concerning the anatomical functioning or articulation of the prosthetic joint
- A61F2002/30622—Implant for fusing a joint or bone material
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Neurology (AREA)
- Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
- Cardiology (AREA)
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
- Transplantation (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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- Prostheses (AREA)
Abstract
An expandable intervertebral fusion implant capable of being expanded in three dimensions, said implant including an inferior component, including a plate, and a first wedge slidably connected to the plate, the first wedge having a first surface, and a superior component including a second wedge, the second wedge having a second surface, wherein the first surface is operatively arranged to engage the second surface to displace the superior component relative to the inferior component. The surfaces of the wedges may be angled and include a plurality of corrugations or steps which engage to allow the implant to expand and collapse.
Description
- The present disclosure relates to orthopedic surgery, and more particularly to an expandable and deployable intervertebral fusion implant capable of being placed within an intervertebral disc space and expanded in vertical and lateral dimensions.
- The spinal column, or backbone, is one of the most important parts of the body. It provides the main support, allowing us to stand upright, bend, and twist. As shown in
FIG. 1 , thirty three (33) individual bones interlock with each other to form the spinal column. The vertebrae are numbered and divided into regions. The cervical vertebrae C1-C7 form the neck, support the head and neck, and allow nodding and shaking of the head. The thoracic vertebrae T1-T12 join with the ribs to form the rib cage. The five lumbar vertebrae L1-L5 carry most of the weight of the upper body and provide a stable center of gravity when a person moves. Five vertebrae of the sacrum S and four of the coccyx C are fused. This comprises the back wall of the pelvis. Intervertebral discs are located between each of the mobile vertebra. Intervertebral discs comprise a thick outer layer with a crisscrossing fibrous structure annulus A that surrounds a soft gel-like center, the nucleus N. Discs function like shock-absorbing springs. The annulus pulls the vertebral bodies together against the elastic resistance of the gel-filled nucleus. When we bend, the nucleus acts like a ball bearing, allowing the vertebral bodies to roll over the incompressible gel. Each disc works in concert with two facet joints, forming a spinal motion segment. The biomechanical function of each pair of facet joints is to guide and limit the movement of the spinal motion segment. The surfaces of the joint are coated with cartilage that helps each joint move smoothly. Directly behind the discs, the ring-like vertebral bodies create a vertical tunnel called the spinal canal or neuro canal. The spinal cord and spinal nerves pass through the spinal canal, which protects them from injury. The spinal cord is the major column of nerve tissue that is connected to the brain and serves as an information super-highway between the brain and the body. The nerves in the spinal cord branch off to form pairs of nerve roots that travel through the small openings between the vertebrae and the intervertebral foramens. - Various medical conditions require a surgeon to repair, remove and/or replace the aforementioned discs. For example, in one surgical procedure, known as a discectomy (or diskectomy) with interbody fusion, the surgeon removes the nucleus of the disc and replaces it with an implant. As shown in
FIG. 2 , it may be necessary, for example, for the surgeon to remove the nucleus of the disc between the L3 and L4 vertebrae. Disc DL3-L4 is shown in an enlarged view inFIG. 3 . This figure also shows various anatomical structures of the spine, including facets F3A and F4A, facet joint FJ, spinous processes SP3 (not shown) and SP4, to transverse processes TP3A and TP4A, and intervertebral foramen IF.FIG. 4 is a top view of the section of the spinal column shown inFIG. 3 , with the L3 vertebra removed to expose annulus A and nucleus N of disc DL3-L4. Neural canal NC is also shown.FIG. 5 is an anterior perspective view of the section of the spinal column shown inFIG. 4 .FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the section of the spinal column shown inFIG. 5 , taken generally along line 6-6, but with vertebra L3 in place atop disc DL3-L4. - Of all animals possessing a backbone, human beings are the only creatures who remain upright for significant periods of time. From an evolutionary standpoint, this erect posture has conferred a number of strategic benefits, not the least of which is freeing the upper limbs for purposes other than locomotion. From an anthropologic standpoint, it is also evident that this unique evolutionary adaptation is a relatively recent change, and as such has not benefitted from natural selection as much as have backbones held in a horizontal attitude. As a result, the stresses acting upon the human backbone (or “vertebral column”), are unique in many senses, and result in a variety of problems or disease states that are peculiar to the human species.
- The human vertebral column is essentially a tower of bones held upright by fibrous bands called ligaments and contractile elements called muscles. There are seven bones in the neck or cervical region, twelve in the chest or thoracic region, five in the lower back or lumbar region, and five in the pelvic or sacral region, which are normally fused together to form the back part of the pelvis. This column of bones is critical for providing structural support for the entire body.
- Between the vertebral bones themselves exist soft tissue structures, i.e., discs, composed of fibrous tissue and cartilage that are compressible and act as shock absorbers for sudden downward forces on the upright column. The discs allow the bones to move independently of each other, as well. The repetitive forces which act on these intervertebral discs during repetitive activities of bending, lifting, and twisting cause them to break down or degenerate over time.
- Presumably, because of humans' upright posture their intervertebral discs have a high propensity to degenerate. Overt trauma or covert trauma, occurring in the course of repetitive activities, disproportionately affects the more highly mobile areas of the spine. Disruption of a disc's internal architecture leads to bulging, herniation, or protrusion of pieces of the disc and eventual disc space collapse. Resulting mechanical and even chemical irritation of surrounding neural elements (spinal cord and nerves) cause pain, attended by varying degrees of disability. In addition, loss of disc space height relaxes tension on the longitudinal spinal ligaments, thereby contributing to varying degrees of spinal instability.
- The time-honored method of addressing the issues of neural irritation and instability resulting from severe disc damage has largely focused on removal of the damaged disc and fusing the adjacent vertebral elements together. Removal of the disc relieves the mechanical and chemical irritation of neural elements, while osseous union (i.e., bone knitting) solves the problem of stability.
- While cancellous bone appears ideal to provide the biologic components necessary for osseous union to occur, it does not initially have the strength to resist the tremendous forces that may occur in the intervertebral disc space, nor does it have the capacity to adequately stabilize the spine until long term bony union occurs. For these reasons, many spinal surgeons have found that interbody fusion using bone alone has an unacceptably high rate of bone graft migration or even expulsion or nonunion due to structural failure of the bone or residual degrees of motion that retard or prohibit bony union. Intervertebral prosthesis in various forms have therefore been used to provide immediate stability and to protect and preserve an environment that fosters growth of the grafted bone such that a structurally significant bony fusion can occur.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,732 (Michelson), U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,761 (Pisharodi I), U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,122 (Kambin), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,463 (Godefroy et al.) disclose different prior art spinal implants. The implant disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,463 (Qin et al.) is hollow and tubular, with communicating windows in the top and bottom surfaces. External ribs, which may be serrated, stabilize the implant once it is inserted between the vertebrae. Kambin discloses an intervertebral cage that is expandable by a wedging mechanism. The degree of expansion is rather limited. Michelson and U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,762 (Pisharodi II) disclose shaft-type tools used for installing implants. The prior art devices do not enable one to achieve great ranges of implant height.
- Limitations of most present-day intervertebral implants are significant and revolve largely around the marked variation in the disc space height and shape that result from either biologic variability or pathologic change. For example, if a disc space is 20 mm in height, a circular implant bridging this gap requires a minimum diameter of 20 mm just to contact the end plate of the vertebral bone. Generally, end plate disruption must occur to allow a generous bony union, meaning that an additional 2-3 mm must be added on either side resulting in a final implant size of 24-26 mm. During implantation from an anterior approach (i.e., from the front of the body), excessive retraction (or pulling) is often required on the great blood vessels, which greatly enhances the risk of devastating complications such as vascular tears or thrombosis. On the other hand, during a posterior approach, large implant diameters may require excessive traction on neural elements for adequate placement, even if all posterior bony elements are removed. In some instances, an adequate implant size cannot be inserted posteriorly, particularly if there is a significant degree of distraction required to obtain stability by tautening the annular ligamentous band. Compromising on implant size risks sub-optimal stability or a loose implant, which has a greater risk of migration within, or expulsion from, the disc space. The alternative of excessively retracting neural elements to facilitate a posterior implant application results in a neuropraxia at best and permanent neural damage at worst.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,174,334 (Suddaby I) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,332,895 (Suddaby II) disclose expandable cages using a ratcheting mechanism in the perimeter to achieve expansion. The aforementioned Suddaby patents do not address issues requiring lateral expansion.
- Thus, there is a long-felt need for an expandable and deployable intervertebral fusion implant capable of being placed within an intervertebral disc space and expanded in vertical and lateral dimensions.
- According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided an expandable intervertebral fusion implant, comprising an inferior component, including a plate, and a first wedge slidably connected to the plate, the first wedge having a first surface, and a superior component including a second wedge, the second wedge having a second surface, wherein the first surface is operatively arranged to engage the second surface to displace the superior component relative to the inferior component.
- According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided an expandable intervertebral fusion implant, comprising an inferior component, including a first plate, a first wedge slidably connected to the first plate, the first wedge having a first surface, a second plate, a second wedge slidably connected to the second plate, the second wedge having a second surface, and at least one first cross-member connecting the first and second plates, and a superior component, including a first component including a third wedge, the third wedge having a third surface, a second component including a fourth wedge, the fourth wedge having a fourth surface, and at least one second cross-member connecting the first and second components, wherein the first and second surfaces are operatively arranged to engage the third and fourth surfaces, respectively, to displace the superior component relative to the inferior component.
- These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description of the disclosure, in view of the drawings and appended claims.
- Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is an anterior perspective view of a spinal column; -
FIG. 2 is an anterior perspective view of the lumbar section of the spinal column shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a lateral perspective view of two vertebrae, a disc, and related spinal anatomy; -
FIG. 4 is a top view of a section of the spinal column, taken generally along line 4-4 inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged anterior perspective view of the spinal column shown inFIG. 2 , except with the top vertebra and all other structure above the top vertebra removed; -
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the top and bottom vertebrae and disc, taken generally along line 6-6 inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an expandable intervertebral fusion implant, in a fully collapsed state; -
FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the expandable intervertebral fusion implant shown inFIG. 7 , in an expanded state; -
FIG. 9A is a rear elevational view of the expandable intervertebral fusion implant shown inFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9B is a side elevational view of the expandable intervertebral fusion implant shown inFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a tongue and groove connection taken generally along line 10-10 inFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a cross-member taken generally along line 11-11 inFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a plate in an expanded state; -
FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of an expandable intervertebral fusion implant, in a fully collapsed state; -
FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the expandable intervertebral fusion implant shown inFIG. 13 , in an expanded state; and, -
FIG. 15 is an anterior perspective view of a spinal column including the expandable intervertebral fusion implant shown inFIG. 7 . - At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects.
- Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.
- Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments. The assembly of the present disclosure could be driven by hydraulics, electronics, pneumatics, and/or springs.
- It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly,” “very nearly,” “about,” “approximately,” “around,” “bordering on,” “close to,” “essentially,” “in the neighborhood of,” “in the vicinity of,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby,” “close,” “adjacent,” “neighboring,” “immediate,” “adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term “approximately” is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.
- Adverting now to the figures, and as described previously,
FIGS. 1-6 depict various parts and sections of spinal anatomy. -
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110, in a fully collapsed state.FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110, in an expanded state.FIG. 9A is a rear elevational view of expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110.FIG. 9B is a side elevational view of expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110. Expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 generally comprisesinferior component 120 andsuperior component 160. The following description should be read in view ofFIGS. 7-9B . -
Inferior component 120 comprisesplate 122,plate 124, cross-member 126, cross-member 128,wedges 140A-B, andwedges 150A-B. In some embodiments,inferior component 120 comprisesonly plate 122,wedge 140A, andwedge 150A. -
Wedges plate 122. In some embodiments, and as shown in the figures,plate 122 comprisesrail 130, andwedges plate 122 is expandable, as will be discussed in greater detail below with respect toFIG. 12 . -
Wedge 140A comprisesgroove 142A andteeth 144A arranged on angledsurface 143A. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 7-12 ,wedge 140A decreases in height in direction D3 (i.e.,surface 143A slopes downward in direction D3).Groove 142A is operatively arranged to engagerail 130, as will be discussed in greater detail below with respect toFIG. 10 .Wedge 140A is arranged to displace relative toplate 122 in direction D3 and direction D4.Teeth 144A are operatively arranged to engageteeth 174A ofwedge 170A ofsuperior component 160 to expand expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 and lock it at a set height, as will be discussed in greater detail below. In some embodiments,teeth 144A are stairs arranged on angledsurface 143A, with each step of the stairs including a tread that is parallel to directions D3 and D4 and a riser that is arranged at an angle relative to directions D3 and D4. The arrangement ofteeth 144A as stairs allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to expand (i.e., by way of the engagement of the angled risers) and to at least partially lock or maintain at a certain height (i.e., by way of the engagement of the horizontal treads). The arrangement of theteeth 144A as stairs also allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to collapse. In some embodiments,teeth 144A are corrugations (i.e., ridges or grooves) arranged on angledsurface 143A.Wedge 140A further compriseshole 146A and lockingmember 147A. As shown, lockingmember 147A is a set screw which engages threadedhole 146A in order to fixedly securewedge 140A to rail 130, as will be discussed in greater detail below with respect toFIG. 10 . It should be appreciated that any means suitable for fixedly securingwedge 140A to plate 122 may be used (e.g., a clamp, crimping the wedge about the rail to fixedly secure it thereto, adhesives, bolts, rivets, welding, soldering, etc.), and that the present disclosure should not be limited to just the use of a set screw.Wedge 140A may further comprisehole 148A for securinginferior component 120 to an adjacent vertebra with, for example, a bone screw.Hole 148A is arranged at an angle relative to plate 122, for example, generally in direction D6, and does not interfere withgroove 142A orrail 130. -
Wedge 150A comprisesgroove 152A andteeth 154A arranged on angledsurface 153A. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 7-12 ,wedge 150A decreases in height in direction D4 (i.e.,surface 153A slopes downward in direction D4).Groove 152A is operatively arranged to engagerail 130, as will be discussed in greater detail below with respect toFIG. 10 .Wedge 150A is arranged to displace relative toplate 122 in direction D3 and direction D4.Teeth 154A are operatively arranged to engageteeth 184A ofwedge 180A ofsuperior component 160 to expand expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 and lock it at a set height, as will be discussed in greater detail below. In some embodiments,teeth 154A are stairs arranged on angledsurface 153A, with each step of the stairs including a tread that is parallel to directions D3 and D4 and a riser that is arranged at an angle relative to directions D3 and D4. The arrangement ofteeth 154A as stairs allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to expand (i.e., by way of the engagement of the angled risers) and to at least partially lock or maintain at a certain height (i.e., by way of the engagement of the horizontal treads). The arrangement of theteeth 154A as stairs also allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to collapse. In some embodiments,teeth 154A are corrugations (i.e., ridges or grooves) arranged on angledsurface 153A.Wedge 150A further compriseshole 156A and lockingmember 157A. As shown, lockingmember 157A is a set screw which engages threadedhole 156A in order to fixedly securewedge 150A to rail 130, as will be discussed in greater detail below with respect toFIG. 10 . It should be appreciated that any means suitable for fixedly securingwedge 150A to plate 122 may be used (e.g., a clamp, crimping the wedge about the rail to fixedly secure it thereto, adhesives, bolts, rivets, welding, soldering, etc.), and that the present disclosure should not be limited to just the use of a set screw.Wedge 150A may further comprisehole 158A for securinginferior component 120 to an adjacent vertebra with, for example, a bone screw.Hole 158A is arranged at an angle relative to plate 122, for example, generally in direction D6, and does not interfere withgroove 152A orrail 130. -
Wedges plate 124. In some embodiments, and as shown in the figures,plate 124 comprisesrail 132, andwedges plate 124 is expandable, as will be discussed in greater detail below with respect toFIG. 12 . -
Wedge 140B comprisesgroove 142B andteeth 144B arranged on angledsurface 143B. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 7-12 ,wedge 140B decreases in height in direction D4 (i.e.,surface 143B slopes downward in direction D3).Groove 142B is operatively arranged to engagerail 132, as will be discussed in greater detail below with respect toFIG. 10 .Wedge 140B is arranged to displace relative toplate 124 in direction D3 and direction D4.Teeth 144B are operatively arranged to engageteeth 174B ofwedge 170B ofsuperior component 160 to expand expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 and lock it at a set height, as will be discussed in greater detail below. In some embodiments,teeth 144B are stairs arranged on angledsurface 143B, with each step of the stairs including a tread that is parallel to directions D3 and D4 and a riser that is arranged at an angle relative to directions D3 and D4. The arrangement ofteeth 144B as stairs allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to expand (i.e., by way of the engagement of the angled risers) and to at least partially lock or maintain at a certain height (i.e., by way of the engagement of the horizontal treads). The arrangement of theteeth 144B as stairs also allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to collapse. In some embodiments,teeth 144B are corrugations (i.e., ridges or grooves) arranged on angledsurface 143B.Wedge 140B further compriseshole 146B and lockingmember 147B (seeFIG. 9A ). As shown, lockingmember 147B is a set screw which engages threadedhole 146B in order to fixedlysecure wedge 140B to rail 132, as will be discussed in greater detail below with respect toFIG. 10 . It should be appreciated that any means suitable for fixedly securingwedge 140B to plate 124 may be used (e.g., a clamp, crimping the wedge about the rail to fixedly secure it thereto, adhesives, bolts, rivets, welding, soldering, etc.), and that the present disclosure should not be limited to just the use of a set screw.Wedge 140B may further comprisehole 148B for securinginferior component 120 to an adjacent vertebra with, for example, a bone screw.Hole 148B is arranged at an angle relative to plate 124, for example, generally in direction D6, and does not interfere withgroove 142B orrail 132. -
Wedge 150B comprisesgroove 152B andteeth 154B arranged on angledsurface 153B. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 7-12 ,wedge 150B decreases in height in direction D3 (i.e.,surface 153A slopes downward in direction D4).Groove 152B is operatively arranged to engagerail 132, as will be discussed in greater detail below with respect toFIG. 10 .Wedge 150B is arranged to displace relative toplate 124 in direction D3 and direction D4.Teeth 154B are operatively arranged to engageteeth 184B ofwedge 180B ofsuperior component 160 to expand expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 and lock it at a set height, as will be discussed in greater detail below. In some embodiments,teeth 154B are stairs arranged on angledsurface 153B, with each step of the stairs including a tread that is parallel to directions D3 and D4 and a riser that is arranged at an angle relative to directions D3 and D4. The arrangement ofteeth 154B as stairs allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to expand (i.e., by way of the engagement of the angled risers) and to at least partially lock or maintain at a certain height (i.e., by way of the engagement of the horizontal treads). The arrangement of theteeth 154B as stairs also allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to collapse. In some embodiments,teeth 154B are corrugations (i.e., ridges or grooves) arranged on angledsurface 153B.Wedge 150B further compriseshole 156B and lockingmember 157B (seeFIG. 9A ). As shown, lockingmember 157B is a set screw which engages threadedhole 156B in order to fixedlysecure wedge 150B to rail 132, as will be discussed in greater detail below with respect toFIG. 10 . It should be appreciated that any means suitable for fixedly securingwedge 150B to plate 124 may be used (e.g., a clamp, crimping the wedge about the rail to fixedly secure it thereto, adhesives, bolts, rivets, welding, soldering, etc.), and that the present disclosure should not be limited to just the use of a set screw.Wedge 150B may further comprisehole 158B for securinginferior component 120 to an adjacent vertebra with, for example, a bone screw.Hole 158B is arranged at an angle relative to plate 124, for example, generally in direction D6, and does not interfere withgroove 152B orrail 132. -
Cross-members connect plate 124 toplate 122. In some embodiments, cross-members 126 and 128 are telescoping cross-members and allow for expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to be expanded and collapsed. For example, cross-members may comprise an inner rod displaceable (or slidable) within an outer rod.Plate 124 may be displaced relative toplate 122 in direction D1 to expand expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110, specificallyinferior component 120, and direction D2 to collapse expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110, specificallyinferior component 120.Cross-members plates cross-members plates plates inferior component 120 comprises one cross-member that connectsplates inferior component 120 does not comprise any cross-members. In some embodiments,inferior component 120 comprises one or morecross-members connecting plates cross-members plates cross-members plate 124 to plate 122 at a set distance. -
Superior component 160 comprisescomponent 162,component 164, cross-member 166, cross-member 168,wedges 170A-B, andwedges 180A-B. In some embodiments,superior component 160 comprisesonly component 162,wedge 170A, andwedge 180A. -
Wedges component 122.Wedge 170A compriseschannel 172A andteeth 174A arranged on angled surface 173A. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 9-12 ,wedge 170A decreases in height in direction D4 (i.e., surface 173A slopes downward in direction D4).Channel 172A is operatively arranged to engagerail 130 in a fully collapsed position, as is shown inFIG. 7 .Channel 172A allowssuperior component 160 to fully collapse with respect to inferior component 120 (i.e., such thatwedges wedges plates angled surface 143A to expandsuperior component 160 with respect toinferior component 120. Specifically, aswedge 140A is displaced in direction D3 relative to plate 122, angledsurface 143A engages angled surface 173A to displacesuperior component 160 in direction D5 relative toinferior component 120.Teeth 174A are operatively arranged to engageteeth 144A to locksuperior component 160 at a distance relative toinferior component 120. Specifically,teeth 174A engageteeth 144A to allowwedge 140A to displace in direction D3 relative to plate 122, and at the same time, if required, allowwedge 140A to displace in direction D4 relative toplate 122. Such arrangement allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to expand and collapse in a controlled fashion. In some embodiments,teeth 174A are stairs arranged on angled surface 173A, with each step of the stairs including a tread that is parallel to directions D3 and D4 and a riser that is arranged at an angle relative to directions D3 and D4. The arrangement ofteeth 174A as stairs allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to expand (i.e., by way of the engagement of the angled risers) and to at least partially lock or maintain at a certain height (i.e., by way of the engagement of the horizontal treads). The arrangement of theteeth 174A as stairs also allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to collapse. In some embodiments,teeth 174A are corrugations (i.e., ridges or grooves) arranged on angled surface 173A.Wedge 170A may further comprisehole 176A for securingsuperior component 160 to an adjacent vertebra with, for example, a bone screw.Hole 176A is arranged at an angle relative to plate 122, for example, generally in direction D5. -
Wedge 180A comprises channel 182A andteeth 184A arranged on angled surface 183A. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 9-12 ,wedge 180A decreases in height in direction D3 (i.e., surface 183A slopes downward in direction D3). Channel 182A is operatively arranged to engagerail 130 in a fully collapsed position, as is shown inFIG. 7 . Channel 182A allowssuperior component 160 to fully collapse with respect to inferior component 120 (i.e., such thatwedges wedges plates angled surface 153A to expandsuperior component 160 with respect toinferior component 120. Specifically, aswedge 150A is displaced in direction D4 relative to plate 122, angledsurface 153A engages angled surface 183A to displacesuperior component 160 in direction D5 relative toinferior component 120.Teeth 184A are operatively arranged to engageteeth 154A to locksuperior component 160 at a distance relative toinferior component 120. Specifically,teeth 184A engageteeth 154A to allowwedge 150A to displace in direction D4 relative to plate 122, and at the same time, if required, allowwedge 150A to displace in direction D3 relative toplate 122. Such arrangement allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to expand and collapse in a controlled fashion. In some embodiments,teeth 184A are stairs arranged on angled surface 183A, with each step of the stairs including a tread that is parallel to directions D3 and D4 and a riser that is arranged at an angle relative to directions D3 and D4. The arrangement ofteeth 184A as stairs allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to expand (i.e., by way of the engagement of the angled risers) and to at least partially lock or maintain at a certain height (i.e., by way of the engagement of the horizontal treads). The arrangement of theteeth 184A as stairs also allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to collapse. In some embodiments,teeth 184A are corrugations (i.e., ridges or grooves) arranged on angled surface 183A.Wedge 180A may further comprisehole 186A for securingsuperior component 160 to an adjacent vertebra with, for example, a bone screw.Hole 186A is arranged at an angle relative to plate 122, for example, generally in direction D5. -
Wedge 170B comprises channel 172B andteeth 174B arranged on angledsurface 173B. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 7-12 ,wedge 170B decreases in height in direction D3 (i.e.,surface 173B slopes downward in direction D3). Channel 172B is operatively arranged to engagerail 132 in a fully collapsed position, as is shown inFIG. 7 . Channel 172B allowssuperior component 160 to fully collapse with respect to inferior component 120 (i.e., such thatwedges wedges plates Angled surface 173B is operatively arranged to engageangled surface 143B to expandsuperior component 160 with respect toinferior component 120. Specifically, aswedge 140B is displaced in direction D4 relative to plate 124, angledsurface 143B engages angledsurface 173B to displacesuperior component 160 in direction D5 relative toinferior component 120.Teeth 174B are operatively arranged to engageteeth 144B to locksuperior component 160 at a distance relative toinferior component 120. Specifically,teeth 174B engageteeth 144B to allowwedge 140B to displace in direction D4 relative to plate 122, and at the same time, if required, allowwedge 140B to displace in direction D3 relative toplate 124. Such arrangement allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to expand and collapse in a controlled fashion. In some embodiments,teeth 174B are stairs arranged on angledsurface 173B, with each step of the stairs including a tread that is parallel to directions D3 and D4 and a riser that is arranged at an angle relative to directions D3 and D4. The arrangement ofteeth 174B as stairs allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to expand (i.e., by way of the engagement of the angled risers) and to at least partially lock or maintain at a certain height (i.e., by way of the engagement of the horizontal treads). The arrangement of theteeth 174B as stairs also allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to collapse. In some embodiments,teeth 174B are corrugations (i.e., ridges or grooves) arranged on angledsurface 173B.Wedge 170B may further comprisehole 176B for securingsuperior component 160 to an adjacent vertebra with, for example, a bone screw.Hole 176B is arranged at an angle relative to plate 124, for example, generally in direction D5. -
Wedge 180B compriseschannel 182B andteeth 184B arranged on angledsurface 183B. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 7-12 ,wedge 180B decreases in height in direction D4 (i.e.,surface 183B slopes downward in direction D4).Channel 182B is operatively arranged to engagerail 132 in a fully collapsed position, as is shown inFIG. 7 .Channel 182B allowssuperior component 160 to fully collapse with respect to inferior component 120 (i.e., such thatwedges wedges plates Angled surface 183B is operatively arranged to engageangled surface 153B to expandsuperior component 160 with respect toinferior component 120. Specifically, aswedge 150B is displaced in direction D3 relative to plate 124, angledsurface 153B engages angledsurface 183B to displacesuperior component 160 in direction D5 relative toinferior component 120.Teeth 184B are operatively arranged to engageteeth 154B to locksuperior component 160 at a distance relative toinferior component 120. Specifically,teeth 184B engageteeth 154B to allowwedge 150B to displace in direction D3 relative to plate 124, and at the same time, if required, allowwedge 150B from displacing in direction D4 relative toplate 124. Such arrangement allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to expand and collapse in a controlled fashion. In some embodiments,teeth 184B are stairs arranged on angledsurface 183B, with each step of the stairs including a tread that is parallel to directions D3 and D4 and a riser that is arranged at an angle relative to directions D3 and D4. The arrangement ofteeth 184B as stairs allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to expand (i.e., by way of the engagement of the angled risers) and to at least partially lock or maintain at a certain height (i.e., by way of the engagement of the horizontal treads). The arrangement of theteeth 184B as stairs also allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to collapse. In some embodiments,teeth 184B are corrugations (i.e., ridges or grooves) arranged on angledsurface 183B.Wedge 180B may further comprisehole 186B for securingsuperior component 160 to an adjacent vertebra with, for example, a bone screw.Hole 186B is arranged at an angle relative to plate 124, for example, generally in direction D5. -
Cross-members connect component 164 tocomponent 162. In some embodiments, cross-members 166 and 168 are telescoping cross-members and allow for expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 to be expanded and collapsed. For example, cross-members may comprise an inner rod displaceable (or slidable) within an outer rod.Component 164 may be displaced relative tocomponent 162 in direction D1 to expand expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110, specificallysuperior component 160, and direction D2 to collapse expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110, specificallysuperior component 160.Cross-members components cross-members components components superior component 160 comprises one cross-member that connectscomponents superior component 160 does not comprise any cross-members. In some embodiments,superior component 160 comprises one or morecross-members connecting components FIG. 11 . It should be appreciated that although the drawings depictcross-members components component 164 tocomponent 162 at a set distance. -
FIG. 9B is a side elevational view of expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 in a fully collapsed state as shown inFIG. 7 .Cross-members cross-members 126 and 166 (not shown inFIG. 9B ) are telescoping such that expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110 is expandable in the anterior-posterior directions (i.e., directions D1 and D2).Cross-member 168 comprisesinner rod 168A arranged to threadably engageouter rod 168B.Cross-member 168 may comprise threading operatively arranged to expand and contract expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110, and lockinner rod 168A andouter rod 168B at a set length. The threadable engagement ofinner rod 168A andouter rod 168B will be discussed in greater detail below.Cross-member 128 comprisesinner rod 128A arranged to slidingly engageouter rod 128B.Cross-member 128 may further comprise threading or a plurality of pins arranged to lockinner rod 128A andouter rod 128B at a set length.Cross-members cross-members inner rod 126A arranged to slidingly engageouter rod 126B, and may further comprise threading or a plurality of pins arranged to lockinner rod 126A andouter rod 126B at a set length.Cross-member 166 comprisesinner rod 166A arranged to slidingly engageouter rod 166B, and may further comprise threading or a plurality of pins arranged to lockinner rod 166A andouter rod 166B at a set length (as is discussed in greater detail with respect toFIG. 11 below). - Also shown in
FIG. 9B arerails plates Grooves wedges rails grooves wedges rails FIG. 10B ). Furthermore, in the fully collapsed position,channels wedges rails wedges rails -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a tongue and groove connection taken generally along line 10-10 inFIG. 7 .Groove 152A ofwedge 150A generally compriseschannel 90, opening 92, and sides 94 and 96.Rail 130 ofplate 122 comprisesrunner 80.Groove 152A is arranged to encloserunner 80, such thatwedge 150A andplate 122 are slidably connected. It should be appreciated thatwedge 140A andwedges wedge 150A with respect to engagement withrespective rails groove 142A ofwedge 140A slidably engagesrunner 80 ofrail 130. Similarly,grooves wedges rail 132. - Also shown in
FIG. 10 is locking member orscrew 157A arranged inhole 156A and engaged withrail 130.FIG. 10 showswedge 150A in a locked position relative torail 130. Specifically,screw 157A has been tightened withinhole 156A (i.e.,screw 157A is displaced in direction D1) such thatscrew 157A abuts againstrunner 80. The frictional force betweenscrew 157A andrunner 80 prevents displacement ofwedge 150A with respect toplate 122. Whenscrew 157A is loosened withinhole 156A (i.e.,screw 157A is displaced in direction D2) such thatscrew 157A no longer abuts againstrunner 80,wedge 150A is again displaceable relative toplate 122. It should be appreciated that locking member or screw 147A and locking members or screws 147B and 157B are arranged to engagerails plate 122 is expandable and comprises an extension which engageshole 123B, which will be discussed in greater detail with respect toFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view ofcross-member 166 taken generally along line 11-11 inFIG. 8 . As previously discussed, cross-member 166 comprisesinner rod 166A arranged to displaceably (e.g., threadably) engageouter rod 166B. In the embodiment shown,inner rod 166A comprisesouter threading 102 andouter rod 166B comprisesinner threading 104.Outer threading 102 engagesinner threading 104 to expand and contract expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110. For example, asinner rod 166A is rotated in a first circumferential direction,outer rod 166B displaces relative toinner rod 166A in direction D1, thereby expanding expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110. Asinner rod 166A is rotated in a second circumferential direction,outer rod 166B displaces relative toinner rod 166A in direction D2, thereby contracting or collapsing expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110. Similarly, asouter rod 166B is rotated in a first circumferential direction,inner rod 166A displaces relative toouter rod 166B in direction D2, thereby expanding expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110. Asouter rod 166B is rotated in a second circumferential direction,inner rod 166A displaces relative toouter rod 166B in direction D1, thereby contracting or collapsing expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110. As such, in some embodiments, one ofinner rod 166A andouter rod 166B is fixedly secured tosuperior component 160, and the other is rotatably secured to superior component 160 (i.e.,inner rod 166A must be able to be rotated relative to theouter rod 166B or vice versa). In some embodiments, at least one ofinner rod 166A andouter rod 166B is rotatably secured tosuperior component 160 orinferior component 120. This similar locking mechanism (i.e., threading) may be used oncross-members -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view ofplate 122, in an expanded state. It should be appreciated thatplate 124, andplates 222 and 224 (discussed below), may comprise a substantially similar or the same design asplate 122 as described inFIG. 12 . In the embodiment shown,plate 122 comprisessection 122A,section 122B, andrail 130.Section 122B is operatively arranged to displace relative tosection 122B in direction D4 to expandplate 122, and in direction D3 to collapseplate 122. In some embodiments,section 122A comprisesextension 123A which slidably engageshole 123B ofsection 122B. One ofsections section 122B compriseshole 106 and screw 108 (e.g., a set screw), which is operatively arranged to engageextension 123A to locksection 122B at a set distance fromsection 122A. It should be appreciated thatplate 122 may use any known expansion mechanism or means for expansion. It should further be appreciated thatplate 122 may use any known locking mechanism to locksection 122B at a set distance fromsection 122A. - In some embodiments,
components components components FIG. 12 ). -
FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of expandableintervertebral fusion implant 210, in a fully collapsed state.FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of expandableintervertebral fusion implant 210, in an expanded state. Expandableintervertebral fusion implant 210 generally comprisesinferior component 220 andsuperior component 260. The following description should be read in view ofFIGS. 13-14 . -
Inferior component 220 comprisesplate 222,plate 224, cross-member 226, cross-member 228,wedges 240A-B, andwedges 250A-B. In some embodiments,inferior component 220 comprisesonly plate 222,wedge 240A, andwedge 250A. -
Wedges plate 222. In some embodiments, and as shown in the figures,plate 222 comprisesrail 230, andwedges plate 222 is expandable, as was discussed above with respect toFIG. 12 . -
Wedge 240A comprisesgroove 242A andteeth 244A arranged on angledsurface 243A. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 13-14 ,wedge 240A decreases in height in direction D4 (i.e.,surface 243A slopes downward in direction D4).Groove 242A is operatively arranged to engagerail 230.Wedge 240A is arranged to displace relative toplate 222 in direction D3 and direction D4.Teeth 244A are operatively arranged to engageteeth 274A ofwedge 270A ofsuperior component 260 to expand expandableintervertebral fusion implant 210 and lock it at a set height, as will be discussed in greater detail below.Wedge 240A further compriseshole 246A and lockingmember 247A. As shown, lockingmember 247A is a set screw which engages threadedhole 246A in order to fixedly securewedge 240A to rail 230. It should be appreciated that any means suitable for fixedly securingwedge 240A to plate 222 may be used (e.g., a clamp, crimping the wedge about the rail to fixedly secure it thereto, adhesives, bolts, rivets, welding, soldering, etc.), and that the present disclosure should not be limited to just the use of a set screw. -
Wedge 250A comprises groove 252A andteeth 254A arranged on angledsurface 253A. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 13-14 ,wedge 250A decreases in height in direction D3 (i.e.,surface 253A slopes downward in direction D3). Groove 252A is operatively arranged to engagerail 230.Wedge 250A is arranged to displace relative toplate 222 in direction D3 and direction D4.Teeth 254A are operatively arranged to engageteeth 284A ofwedge 280A ofsuperior component 260 to expand expandableintervertebral fusion implant 210 and lock it at a set height, as will be discussed in greater detail below. Wedge 245A further compriseshole 256A and lockingmember 257A. As shown, lockingmember 257A is a set screw which engages threadedhole 256A in order to fixedly securewedge 250A to rail 230. It should be appreciated that any means suitable for fixedly securingwedge 250A to plate 222 may be used (e.g., a clamp, crimping the wedge about the rail to fixedly secure it thereto, adhesives, bolts, rivets, welding, soldering, etc.), and that the present disclosure should not be limited to just the use of a set screw.Plate 222 may further comprisehole 248A for securinginferior component 220 to an adjacent vertebra with, for example, a bone screw.Hole 248A is arranged at an angle relative to plate 222, for example, generally in direction D6, and does not interfere withrail 230. -
Wedges plate 224. In some embodiments, and as shown in the figures,plate 224 comprisesrail 232, andwedges plate 224 is expandable, as was discussed above with respect toFIG. 12 . -
Wedge 240B comprisesgroove 242B andteeth 244B arranged on angledsurface 243B. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 13-14 ,wedge 240B decreases in height in direction D3 (i.e.,surface 243B slopes downward in direction D3).Groove 242B is operatively arranged to engagerail 232.Wedge 240B is arranged to displace relative toplate 224 in direction D3 and direction D4.Teeth 244B are operatively arranged to engage teeth 274B ofwedge 270B ofsuperior component 260 to expand expandableintervertebral fusion implant 210 and lock it at a set height, as will be discussed in greater detail below.Wedge 240B further comprises hole 246B and locking member 247B (not shown). Locking member 247B is a set screw which engages threaded hole 246B in order to fixedlysecure wedge 240B to rail 230. It should be appreciated that any means suitable for fixedly securingwedge 240B to plate 222 may be used (e.g., a clamp, crimping the wedge about the rail to fixedly secure it thereto, adhesives, bolts, rivets, welding, soldering, etc.), and that the present disclosure should not be limited to just the use of a set screw. -
Wedge 250B comprisesgroove 252B andteeth 254B arranged on angledsurface 253B. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 13-14 ,wedge 250B decreases in height in direction - D4 (i.e.,
surface 253B slopes downward in direction D4).Groove 252B is operatively arranged to engagerail 232.Wedge 250B is arranged to displace relative toplate 222 in direction D3 and direction D4.Teeth 254B are operatively arranged to engageteeth 284B ofwedge 280B ofsuperior component 260 to expand expandableintervertebral fusion implant 210 and lock it at a set height, as will be discussed in greater detail below. Wedge 245B further comprises hole 256B and locking member 257B (not shown). Locking member 257B is a set screw which engages threaded hole 256B in order to fixedlysecure wedge 250B to rail 232. It should be appreciated that any means suitable for fixedly securingwedge 250B to plate 222 may be used (e.g., a clamp, crimping the wedge about the rail to fixedly secure it thereto, adhesives, bolts, rivets, welding, soldering, etc.), and that the present disclosure should not be limited to just the use of a set screw.Plate 222 may further comprisehole 248B for securinginferior component 220 to an adjacent vertebra with, for example, a bone screw.Hole 248B is arranged at an angle relative to plate 222, for example, generally in direction D6, and does not interfere withrail 232. -
Cross-members connect plate 224 toplate 222. In some embodiments, cross-members 226 and 228 are telescoping cross-members and allow for expandableintervertebral fusion implant 210 to be expanded and collapsed. For example, cross-members may comprise an inner rod slidable within an outer rod.Plate 224 may be displaced relative toplate 222 in direction D1 to expand expandableintervertebral fusion implant 210, specificallyinferior component 220, and direction D2 to collapse expandableintervertebral fusion implant 210, specificallyinferior component 220.Cross-members plates cross-members plates plates inferior component 220 comprises one cross-member that connectsplates inferior component 220 does not comprise any cross-members. In some embodiments,inferior component 220 comprises one or morecross-members connecting plates cross-members plates cross-members plate 224 to plate 222 at a set distance.Cross-members FIG. 11 . -
Superior component 260 comprisescomponent 262,component 264, cross-member 266, cross-member 268,wedges 270A-B, andwedges 280A-B. In some embodiments,superior component 260 comprisesonly component 262,wedge 270A, andwedge 280A. -
Wedges component 222.Wedge 270A comprises channel 272A andteeth 274A arranged on angledsurface 273A. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 13-14 ,wedge 270A decreases in height in direction D3 (i.e.,surface 273A slopes downward in direction D3). Channel 272A is operatively arranged to engagerail 230 in a fully collapsed position, as is shown inFIG. 13 . Channel 272A allowssuperior component 260 to fully collapse with respect to inferior component 220 (i.e., such thatwedges wedges plates Angled surface 273A is operatively arranged to engageangled surface 243A to expandsuperior component 260 with respect toinferior component 220. Specifically, aswedge 240A is displaced in direction D4 relative to plate 222, angledsurface 243A engages angledsurface 273A to displacesuperior component 260 in direction D5 relative toinferior component 220.Teeth 274A are operatively arranged to engageteeth 244A to locksuperior component 260 at a distance relative toinferior component 220. Specifically,teeth 274A engageteeth 244A to allowwedge 240A to displace in direction D4 relative to plate 222, and at the same time, if required, allowwedge 240A to displace in direction D3 relative toplate 222. Such arrangement allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 210 to expand and collapse in a controlled fashion. -
Wedge 280A compriseschannel 282A andteeth 284A arranged on angledsurface 283A. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 13-14 ,wedge 280A decreases in height in direction D4 (i.e.,surface 283A slopes downward in direction D4).Channel 282A is operatively arranged to engagerail 230 in a fully collapsed position, as is shown inFIG. 13 .Channel 282A allowssuperior component 260 to fully collapse with respect to inferior component 220 (i.e., such thatwedges wedges plates Angled surface 283A is operatively arranged to engageangled surface 253A to expandsuperior component 260 with respect toinferior component 220. Specifically, aswedge 250A is displaced in direction D3 relative to plate 222, angledsurface 253A engages angledsurface 283A to displacesuperior component 260 in direction D5 relative toinferior component 220.Teeth 284A are operatively arranged to engageteeth 254A to locksuperior component 260 at a distance relative toinferior component 220. Specifically,teeth 284A engageteeth 254A to allowwedge 250A to displace in direction D3 relative to plate 222, and at the same time, if required, allowwedge 250A to displace in direction D4 relative toplate 222. Such arrangement allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 210 to expand and collapse in a controlled fashion.Component 262 may further comprisehole 276A for securingsuperior component 260 to an adjacent vertebra with, for example, a bone screw.Hole 276A is arranged at an angle relative to plate 222, for example, generally in direction D5. -
Wedges component 224.Wedge 270B comprises channel 272B and teeth 274B arranged on angledsurface 273B. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 13-14 ,wedge 270B decreases in height in direction D4 (i.e.,surface 273B slopes downward in direction D4). Channel 272B is operatively arranged to engagerail 232 in a fully collapsed position, as is shown inFIG. 13 . Channel 272B allowssuperior component 260 to fully collapse with respect to inferior component 220 (i.e., such thatwedges wedges plates Angled surface 273B is operatively arranged to engageangled surface 243B to expandsuperior component 260 with respect toinferior component 220. Specifically, aswedge 240B is displaced in direction D3 relative to plate 222, angledsurface 243B engages angledsurface 273B to displacesuperior component 260 in direction D5 relative toinferior component 220. Teeth 274B are operatively arranged to engageteeth 244B to locksuperior component 260 at a distance relative toinferior component 220. Specifically, teeth 274B engageteeth 244B to allowwedge 240B to displace in direction D3 relative to plate 222, and at the same time, if required, allowwedge 240B to displace in direction D4 relative toplate 222. Such arrangement allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 210 to expand and collapse in a controlled fashion. -
Wedge 280B comprises channel 282B andteeth 284B arranged on angledsurface 283B. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 13-14 ,wedge 280B decreases in height in direction D3 (i.e.,surface 283B slopes downward in direction D3). Channel 282B is operatively arranged to engagerail 232 in a fully collapsed position, as is shown inFIG. 13 . Channel 282B allowssuperior component 260 to fully collapse with respect to inferior component 220 (i.e., such thatwedges wedges plates Angled surface 283B is operatively arranged to engageangled surface 253B to expandsuperior component 260 with respect toinferior component 220. Specifically, aswedge 250B is displaced in direction D4 relative to plate 224, angledsurface 253B engages angledsurface 283B to displacesuperior component 260 in direction D5 relative toinferior component 220.Teeth 284B are operatively arranged to engageteeth 254B to locksuperior component 260 at a distance relative toinferior component 220. Specifically,teeth 284B engageteeth 254B to allowwedge 250B to displace in direction D4 relative to plate 222, and at the same time, if required, allowwedge 250B to displace in direction D3 relative toplate 222. Such arrangement allows expandableintervertebral fusion implant 210 to expand and collapse in a controlled fashion.Component 262 may further comprisehole 276A for securingsuperior component 260 to an adjacent vertebra with, for example, a bone screw.Hole 276A is arranged at an angle relative to plate 222, for example, generally in direction D5. -
Cross-members connect component 264 tocomponent 262. In some embodiments, cross-members 266 and 268 are telescoping cross-members and allow for expandableintervertebral fusion implant 210 to be expanded and collapsed. For example, cross-members may comprise an inner rod displaceable (or slidable) within an outer rod.Component 264 may be displaced relative tocomponent 262 in direction D1 to expand expandableintervertebral fusion implant 210, specificallysuperior component 260, and direction D2 to collapse expandableintervertebral fusion implant 210, specificallysuperior component 260.Cross-members components cross-members components components superior component 260 comprises one cross-member that connectscomponents superior component 260 does not comprise any cross-members. In some embodiments,superior component 260 comprises one or morecross-members connecting components cross-members components component 264 tocomponent 262 at a set distance. In some embodiments, cross-members 266 and 268 may include an inner rod and an outer rod, and may also include locking pins. In some embodiments, cross-members 266 and 268 comprise an inner rod threadably engaged with an outer rod, as discussed above with respect toFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 15 is an anterior perspective view of a spinal column including expandableintervertebral fusion implant 110. Expandableintervertebral implant 110 is inserted into the spinal column between, for example, the L3 and L4 vertebrae, or where disc DL3-L4 should be. Expandableintervertebral implant 110 is then vertically expanded until the desired height is reached. Expandableintervertebral implant 110 may be expanded in the anterior-posterior directions (i.e., directions D1 and D2) prior to insertion, or after insertion, as previously discussed (i.e., along telescoping cross-members). Expandableintervertebral implant 110 is then filled with fusion material and left in situ. - It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure above and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
-
- 10 Spinal column
- 12 Ligament
- C1-C7 Cervical vertebrae
- T1-T12 Thoracic vertebrae
- L1-L5 Lumbar vertebrae
- S Sacrum
- C Coccyx
- DL1-L2 Disc
- DL2-L3 Disc
- DL3-L4 Disc
- DL4-L5 Disc
- F Facet
- FJ Facet joint
- SP Spinous process
- TP Transverse process
- IF Intervertebral foramen
- NC Neural canal
- A Annulus
- N Nucleus
- DH Disc space height
- 80 Runner
- 90 Channel
- 92 Opening
- 96 Side
- 96 Side
- 102 Threading
- 104 Threading
- 106 Hole
- 108 Screw
- 110 Expandable intervertebral fusion implant
- 120 Inferior component
- 122 Plate
- 122A Section
- 122B Section
- 123A Extension
- 123B Hole
- 124 Plate
- 126 Cross-member
- 126A Inner rod
- 126B Outer rod
- 128 Cross-member
- 128A Inner rod
- 128B Outer rod
- 130 Rail
- 132 Rail
- 140A Wedge
- 140B Wedge
- 142A Groove
- 142B Groove
- 143A Surface
- 143B Surface
- 144A Teeth
- 144B Teeth
- 146A Hole
- 146B Hole
- 147A Locking member (screw)
- 147B Locking member (screw)
- 148A Hole
- 148B Hole
- 150A Wedge
- 150B Wedge
- 152A Groove
- 152B Groove
- 153A Surface
- 153B Surface
- 154A Teeth
- 154B Teeth
- 156A Hole
- 156B Hole
- 157A Locking member (screw)
- 157B Locking member (screw)
- 158A Hole
- 158B Hole
- 160 Superior component
- 162 Component
- 164 Component
- 166 Cross-member
- 166A Inner rod
- 166B Outer rod
- 168 Cross-member
- 168A Inner rod
- 168B Outer rod
- 170A Wedge
- 170B Wedge
- 172A Channel
- 172B Channel
- 173A Surface
- 173B Surface
- 174A Teeth
- 174B Teeth
- 176A Hole
- 176B Hole
- 180A Wedge
- 180B Wedge
- 182A Channel
- 182B Channel
- 183A Surface
- 183B Surface
- 184A Teeth
- 184B Teeth
- 186A Hole
- 186B Hole
- 210 Expandable intervertebral fusion implant
- 220 Inferior component
- 222 Plate
- 224 Plate
- 226 Cross-member
- 226A Inner rod (not shown)
- 226B Outer rod (not shown)
- 228 Cross-member
- 228A Inner rod (not shown)
- 228B Outer rod (not shown)
- 230 Rail
- 232 Rail
- 240A Wedge
- 240B Wedge
- 242A Groove
- 242B Groove
- 243A Surface
- 243B Surface
- 244A Teeth
- 244B Teeth
- 246A Hole
- 246B Hole
- 247A Screw
- 247B Screw
- 248A Hole
- 248B Hole
- 250A Wedge
- 250B Wedge
- 252A Groove
- 252B Groove
- 253A Surface
- 253B Surface
- 254A Teeth
- 254B Teeth
- 256A Hole
- 256B Hole
- 257A Screw
- 257B Screw
- 260 Superior component
- 262 Component
- 264 Component
- 266 Cross-member
- 266A Inner rod (not shown)
- 266B Outer rod (not shown)
- 268 Cross-member
- 268A Inner rod (not shown)
- 268B Outer rod (not shown)
- 270A Wedge
- 270B Wedge
- 272A Channel
- 272B Channel
- 273A Surface
- 273B Surface
- 274A Teeth
- 274B Teeth
- 276A Hole
- 276B Hole
- 280A Wedge
- 280B Wedge
- 282A Channel
- 282B Channel
- 283A Surface
- 283B Surface
- 284A Teeth
- 284B Teeth
- D1 Direction
- D2 Direction
- D3 Direction
- D4 Direction
- D5 Direction
- D6 Direction
Claims (29)
1. An expandable intervertebral fusion implant, comprising:
an inferior component, including:
a plate; and,
a first wedge slidably connected to the plate, the first wedge including a first surface comprising a first plurality of teeth; and,
a superior component including a second wedge, the second wedge including a second surface comprising a second plurality of teeth;
wherein:
the first surface is operatively arranged to engage the second surface to displace the superior component relative to the inferior component;
the second plurality of teeth are operatively arranged to engage the first plurality of teeth to maintain the expandable intervertebral fusion implant at a height and in a fully expanded position; and,
in a fully collapsed position of the expandable intervertebral fusion implant, the first wedge and the second wedge are arranged entirely between the plate and the superior component.
2. (canceled)
3. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 1 , wherein the first plurality of teeth include a first plurality of stairs and the second plurality of teeth include a second plurality of stairs.
4. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 3 , wherein:
each step in the first plurality of stairs includes a first tread arranged parallel to the plate and a first riser arranged at a first angle relative to the plate; and,
each step in the second plurality of stairs includes a second tread arranged parallel to the first tread and a second riser arranged at a second angle relative to the plate.
5. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 4 , wherein the second riser is arranged parallel to the first riser.
6. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 1 , wherein the first wedge is operatively arranged to be locked to the plate.
7. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 6 , wherein the first wedge further comprises a screw operatively arranged to lock the first wedge with respect to the plate.
8. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 1 , wherein the plate comprises a rail, the first wedge being slidably engaged with the rail.
9. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 1 , wherein:
the inferior component further comprises a third wedge having a third surface; and,
the superior component further comprises a fourth wedge having a fourth surface;
wherein the third surface is operatively arranged to engage the fourth surface to displace the superior component relative to the inferior component.
10. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 9 , wherein the third wedge is displaceable relative to the first wedge.
11. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 9 , wherein the fourth wedge is fixedly securable to the second wedge.
12. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 9 , wherein as the first wedge is displaced in a first direction relative to the plate, the superior component is displaced in a second direction relative to the inferior component.
13. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 12 , wherein as the third wedge is displaced in a third direction relative to the plate, the third direction being opposite the first direction, the superior component is displaced in the second direction relative to the inferior component.
14. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 12 , wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.
15. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 1 , wherein the plate is expandable.
16. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 1 , wherein the superior component is expandable.
17. An expandable intervertebral fusion implant, comprising:
an inferior component, including:
a first plate;
a first wedge slidably connected to the first plate, the first wedge having a first surface;
a second plate;
a second wedge slidably connected to the second plate, the second wedge having a second surface; and,
at least one first cross-member connecting the first and second plates; and, a superior component, including:
a first component including a third wedge, the third wedge having a third surface;
a second component including a fourth wedge, the fourth wedge having a fourth surface; and,
at least one second cross-member connecting the first and second components; wherein:
the first and second surfaces are operatively arranged to engage the third and fourth surfaces, respectively, to displace the superior component relative to the inferior component; and,
in a fully collapsed position of the expandable intervertebral fusion implant, the first wedge and the third wedge are arranged entirely between the first plate and the first component.
18. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 17 , wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface comprises a first plurality of teeth and at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface comprises a second plurality of teeth, the second plurality of teeth operatively arranged to engage the first plurality of teeth to maintain the expandable intervertebral fusion implant at a height.
19. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 17 , wherein at least one of the first wedge and the second wedge is operatively arranged to be locked to the first and/or second plates, respectively.
20. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 17 , wherein the first plate comprises a first rail, the first wedge being slidably engaged with the first rail.
21. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 17 , wherein:
the inferior component further comprises:
a fifth wedge including a fifth surface, the fifth wedge slidably engaged with the first plate; and,
a sixth wedge including a sixth surface, the sixth wedge slidably engaged with the second plate; and,
the superior component further comprises:
a seventh wedge including a seventh surface, the seventh wedge connected to the first component; and,
an eighth wedge including an eighth surface, the eighth wedge connected to the second component;
wherein the fifth and sixth surfaces are operatively arranged to engage the seventh and eighth surfaces, respectively, to displace the superior component relative to the inferior component.
22. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 21 , wherein the first, second, fifth, and sixth wedges are displaceable relative to each other.
23. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 21 , wherein the third wedge is fixedly secured to the seventh wedge, and the fourth wedge is fixedly secured to the eighth wedge.
24. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 21 , wherein as the first wedge is displaced in a first direction relative to the first plate or the fifth wedge is displaced in a second direction, opposite the first direction, relative to the first plate, the superior component is displaced in a third direction relative to the inferior component.
25. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 24 , wherein as the second wedge is displaced in the first direction relative to the second plate or the sixth wedge is displaced in the second direction relative to the second plate, the superior component is displaced in the third direction.
26. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 24 , wherein the third direction is perpendicular to the first and second directions.
27. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 17 , wherein at least one of the first plate and the second plate is expandable.
28. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant as recited in claim 17 , wherein at least one of the first and second cross-members are telescoping.
29. An expandable intervertebral fusion implant, comprising:
an inferior component, including:
a plate; and,
a first wedge slidably connected to the plate, the first wedge having a first surface; and,
a superior component including a second wedge, the second wedge having a second surface;
wherein:
the first wedge is operatively arranged to displace in a first direction from a middle of the plate to an end of the plate and the first surface is operatively arranged to engage the second surface to displace the superior component in a second direction away from the inferior component, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; and,
in a fully collapsed position of the expandable intervertebral fusion implant, the first wedge and the second wedge are arranged between the plate and the superior component.
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US16/516,416 US10898346B1 (en) | 2019-07-19 | 2019-07-19 | Expandable intervertebral fusion implant |
PCT/US2020/040252 WO2021015931A1 (en) | 2019-07-19 | 2020-06-30 | Expandable intervertebral fusion implant |
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US16/516,416 US10898346B1 (en) | 2019-07-19 | 2019-07-19 | Expandable intervertebral fusion implant |
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US20210015625A1 true US20210015625A1 (en) | 2021-01-21 |
US10898346B1 US10898346B1 (en) | 2021-01-26 |
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