Expandable intervertebral fusion implants having hinged sidewalls

• US 20060167547A1
• Filed: 01/23/2006
• Published: 07/27/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/21/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Loubert Suddaby
• Original Assignee: Loubert Suddaby
• Inventors: Suddaby, Loubert
• Application Number:
  US11/337,074
• Publication Number:
  US 20060167547A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/17.110
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/446 having a circular or elliptical cross-section substantially parallel to the axis of the spine, e.g. cylinders or frustocones
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/2835 Bone graft implants for filling a bony defect or an endoprosthesis cavity, e.g. by synthetic material or biological material
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30471 connected by a hinged linkage mechanism, e.g. of the single-bar or multi-bar linkage type
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30515 using a locking wedge or block
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3055 for adjusting length
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30616 Sets comprising a plurality of prosthetic parts of different sizes or orientations
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30772 Apertures or holes, e.g. of circular cross section
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30841 Sharp anchoring protrusions for impaction into the bone, e.g. sharp pins, spikes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/448 comprising multiple adjacent spinal implants within the same intervertebral space or within the same vertebra, e.g. comprising two adjacent spinal implants
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0025 Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0091 connected by a hinged linkage mechanism, e.g. of the single-bar or multi-bar linkage type

Abstract

An expandable intervertebral implant includes two shell components connected by articulated side walls which allow for expansion of the components between intervertebral bodies. The implant is maintained at a desired height by placing an insert of a selected size between the articulated walls, to prevent the implant from collapsing.

Claims

1. An expandable intervertebral fusion implant comprising a pair of rectangular or semi cylindrical shells joined by at least two articulated side walls, each comprising at least two leaves which can hinge with respect to one another to allow the implant to be collapsed prior to implantation and then expanded once implanted.

2. The invention of claim 1, wherein the shells and the side walls are made of a material selected from the group consisting of titanium alloy, steel, nitinol, carbon fiber, PEEK, graphite or plastics, and combinations thereof.

3. The invention of claim 1, further comprising an insert sized for placement between the hinged side walls to limit maintain the implant in its expanded configuration.

4. The invention of claim 3, wherein the insert has finger portions adapted to hook over the side walls and prevent them from collapsing by folding in an outward direction.

5. An expandable intervertebral fusion implant kit comprising

a implant having a pair of shells joined by at least two articulated side walls, each side wall comprising at least two leaves which can hinge with respect to one another to allow the implant to be collapsed prior to implantation and then expanded once implanted, and

an assortment of inserts of different sizes, any of which can be placed within the implant, between the side walls, to maintain the implant at a desired height.