EXPANDABLE INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT AND METHOD

• US 20070288092A1
• Filed: 02/02/2007
• Published: 12/13/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Nicholas Bambakidis
• Original Assignee: Nicholas Bambakidis
• Inventors: BAMBAKIDIS, Nicholas
• Application Number:
  US11/670,675
• Publication Number:
  US 20070288092A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/17.110
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0256 for the spine
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30744 End caps, e.g. for closing an endoprosthetic cavity
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/44 for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4465 having a circular or kidney shaped cross-section substantially perpendicular to the axis of the spine
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4611 of spinal prostheses
• 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 2002/30235 tubular, e.g. sleeves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30383 made by laterally inserting a protrusion, e.g. a rib into a complementarily-shaped groove
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30517 using a locking plate
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3052 unrestrained in only one direction, e.g. moving unidirectionally
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3055 for adjusting length
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30601 telescopic
• 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 2002/30879 Ribs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4622 having the shape of a forceps or a clamp
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4628 with linear motion along or rotating motion about an axis transverse to the instrument axis or to the implantation direction, e.g. clamping
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0025 Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0069 cylindrical

Abstract

Replaces anterior spinal column with an expandable lattice implant made of supportive material that includes use of fusion augmenting material. Allows ease of use while promoting both immediate spinal stability and eventual arthrodesis. May be utilized during anterior or retroperitoneal approaches to the spinal column, primarily addressing anterior spinal column pathology. May utilize fusion augmenting material of limited biomechanical strength compared to the strength of its rigid components. May be accompanied by additional anterior or posterior spinal instrumentation and fixation. Uses a pair of circular endplate discs that are distracted from each other by ribs of rigid support rods. Extension may be performed using an expansion tool once device is placed within intervertebral space. Hollow portions of device may be packed with bone or other materials to enhance eventual fusion. Shape of discs at each end may be manipulated prior to surgery to adapt to the specific spinal curvature desired.

Claims

1. An expandable intervertebral implant comprising:

a pair of endplate discs comprising a vertebral body contacting side and a cylindrical component contacting side;

a first and second cylindrical component configured to couple with one another wherein said first and said second cylindrical component when coupled with one another allow for an expanded position and a collapsed position;

a plurality of support rods coupled to said first and said second cylindrical component;

at least one strut configured to hold fusion augmenting material within said first and said second cylindrical component; and

,

said cylindrical component configured to couple with said pair of endplate discs and configured to expand toward opposing vertebral bodies.

2. The expandable intervertebral implant of the claim 1, wherein endplate disc comprises a plurality of teeth on said vertebral body contacting side.

3. The expandable intervertebral implant of the claim 1, wherein support rods comprise interdigitating teeth configured to allow for extension of said support rods.

4. The expandable intervertebral implant of the claim 1, wherein said expandable intervertebral implant is formed of one or more biocompatible materials.

5. The expandable intervertebral implant of claim 4, wherein said pair of endplate discs and said first and said second cylindrical component are formed of one or more rigid biocompatible materials selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, titanium, graphite, ceramic, plastics, and composites.

6. The expandable intervertebral implant of the claim 1, wherein said expandable intervertebral implant comprises interstices configured for placement of fusion augmenting material.

7. The expandable intervertebral implant of the claim 5, wherein said fusion augmenting material comprises a bone material.

8. The expandable intervertebral implant of the claim 1, wherein said intervertebral implant is configured for engagement with an external expansion tool.

9. The expandable intervertebral implant of the claim 1, wherein said pair of endplate discs are configured to provide lordotic or kyphotic curvature to a spinal column.

10. A method for manufacturing an expandable intervertebral implant comprising:

configuring a pair of endplate discs with vertebral body contacting sides for contact with opposing sides of intact vertebrae;

configuring a first and second cylindrical component to couple with one another wherein said first cylindrical component configured to fit inside said second cylindrical component wherein said first and said second cylindrical component are configured to couple with said pair of endplate discs;

configuring said first and said second cylindrical component to allow for insertion of an expansion tool;

configuring said first and said second cylindrical component to allow for a set expanded length; and

,

configuring said first and said second cylindrical component to allow for insertion of fusion augmenting material into interstices of said first and said second cylindrical component.

11. An expandable intervertebral implant comprising:

means for configuring a pair of endplate discs with vertebral body contacting sides for contact with opposing sides of intact vertebrae;

means for configuring a pair of endplate discs with vertebral body contacting sides for contact with opposing sides of intact vertebrae;

means for configuring a first and second cylindrical component to couple with one another wherein said first cylindrical component configured to fit inside said second cylindrical component wherein said first and said second cylindrical component are configured to couple with said pair of endplate discs;

means for configuring said first and said second cylindrical component to allow for insertion of an expansion tool;

means for configuring said first and said second cylindrical component to allow for a set expanded length; and

,

means for configuring said first and said second cylindrical component to allow for insertion of fusion augmenting material into interstices of said first and said second cylindrical component.