Expandable intervertebral spacers and methods of use
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An intervertebral spacer comprising:
- a first member including a first contact surface to contact an adjacent vertebral body and including a first cylinder formed therein;
a second member including a second contact surface and including a second cylinder that is insertable into the first cylinder, said first and second cylinders defining an expansion chamber;
a valve for introducing fluid or compressed gas into said expansion chamber to expand said intervertebral spacer;
a slot formed in said first member intersecting the first cylinder, said slot defining first and second clamping portions on opposing sides of said slot; and
a force generating member to apply a clamping force to said first and second clamping sections that is transmitted through the first and second clamping portions to the first cylinder to cause the first cylinder to contract around the second cylinder.
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Abstract
An intervertebral spacer is inserted between vertebral members in a compact configuration and expanded post-insertion to contact the adjacent vertebral members. The intervertebral spacer comprises a first member and a second member movable with respect to the first member between retracted and extended positions.
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Citations
36 Claims
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1. An intervertebral spacer comprising:
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a first member including a first contact surface to contact an adjacent vertebral body and including a first cylinder formed therein;
a second member including a second contact surface and including a second cylinder that is insertable into the first cylinder, said first and second cylinders defining an expansion chamber;
a valve for introducing fluid or compressed gas into said expansion chamber to expand said intervertebral spacer;
a slot formed in said first member intersecting the first cylinder, said slot defining first and second clamping portions on opposing sides of said slot; and
a force generating member to apply a clamping force to said first and second clamping sections that is transmitted through the first and second clamping portions to the first cylinder to cause the first cylinder to contract around the second cylinder. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of inserting an intervertebral spacer between two vertebral members, said method comprising:
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inserting an intervertebral spacer having first and second members into an intervertebral space, said first and second members of said intervertebral spacer being movable relative to one another between a retracted position and an extended position;
expanding the intervertebral spacer to a desired height by introducing fluid or compressed gas into a expansion chamber including an outer cylinder and inner cylinder; and
locking the inner and outer cylinders by applying a clamping force to the outer cylinder to cause the outer cylinder to clamp against the inner cylinder.
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- 14. The method of claim wherein 13 wherein the intervertebral spacer is inserted into said intervertebral space in a compact configuration and expanded in situ after insertion into said in vertebral space.
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17. An intervertebral spacer comprising:
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first and second members to contact adjacent vertebral bodies;
a fluid cylinder connected to said first and second members, said fluid cylinder including a outer cylinder connected to said first member and an inner cylinder connected to said second member; and
a clamping mechanism on said first member to lock said fluid cylinder in a fixed position, said clamp mechanism configured to cause the outer cylinder to contract and clamp against said inner cylinder. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. An intervertebral spacer comprising:
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first and second members to contact adjacent vertebral bodies;
a fluid cylinder connected to said first and second members, said fluid cylinder including a outer cylinder connected to said first member and an inner cylinder connected to said second member; and
a retaining mechanism preventing separation of said first and second members. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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Specification