Minimally invasive spinal disc stabilizer and insertion tool
First Claim
1. An intervertebral implant comprising:
- an upper assembly comprising at least two elongate elements; and
a lower assembly comprising at least two elongate elements;
wherein the upper assembly is adapted to articulate relative to the lower assembly.
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Abstract
The invention relates to a spinal implant to be inserted between two vertebra to support and stabilize adjacent vertebra and allow for physiological motion. One embodiment of the implant includes an upper assembly and a lower assembly, where the assemblies are adapted to articulate relative to one another. This implant also includes elongate elements that are deployable between a closed position and an open position. Portions of the implant can interlock to form various shapes. The invention includes an implantable device to support the vertebrae, and a minimally invasive method for inserting and deploying the device within the intervertebral space.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. An intervertebral implant comprising:
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an upper assembly comprising at least two elongate elements; and
a lower assembly comprising at least two elongate elements;
wherein the upper assembly is adapted to articulate relative to the lower assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25)
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23. An intervertebral implant comprising:
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an upper assembly comprising at least one elongate element; and
a lower assembly comprising at least one elongate element interlocked with the upper assembly;
wherein the upper assembly is adapted to enable a limited range of motion between the interlocked elements.
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24. An intervertebral implant comprising:
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an upper assembly comprising at least two elements, the at least two elements configurable to vary a size of a vertebral contact surface area of the upper assembly; and
a lower assembly supporting the upper assembly, the lower assembly comprising at least two elements, the at least two elements configurable to vary a size of a vertebral contact surface of the lower assembly.
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26. An intervertebral implant comprising:
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an upper assembly; and
a lower assembly coupled to the upper assembly through mating articulation regions, wherein the articulation regions comprise expandable bearing surfaces.
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Specification